My M2A1 "Die Hard" Halftrack

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gearhead
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Re: My M2A1 "Die Hard" Halftrack

Post by gearhead » Mon Jan 16, 2012 7:37 am

The steel brake line I but has a "copper" like coating on the outside for some corrosion protection.
I am sure Henrik would not use copper line as his work is at the top!
Keep posting photos!

Ed 8)
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Re: My M2A1 "Die Hard" Halftrack

Post by Viking27 » Mon Jan 16, 2012 12:49 pm

Ed is right. These are steel lines. I was not happy with the color in the beginning, but it has grown on me and they
are easy to work with. These new lines have better corrosion properties as Ed says.

Reg

Hinrik
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Re: My M2A1 "Die Hard" Halftrack

Post by Viking27 » Mon Jan 16, 2012 2:55 pm

Getting ready to overhaul the dash. Die Hard is early model with glass fuse circuit brakers. Old board was hopless, so got a NOS one
to replace it with. Original board at bottom of photo.

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One thing of interest, there is a small condenser, bolted on the inside of the dash close to the CB board,. It is not listed on the wiring diagram.
Where does it connect to, and where do I get a new one? Gary H?

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Reg

Hinrik
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Re: My M2A1 "Die Hard" Halftrack

Post by Viking27 » Mon Jan 16, 2012 3:12 pm

My instrument cluster was in poor shape, had rust on the dial etc. But good news was that the center decal was ok.
I tried fixing it without too much hassel. Used fine sandpaper and scotchbrite to sand down the damage.

Before

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Tried to use the satin chrome paint. Cae out ok, but looks better when dry,

After sanding:

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Used a simple spray can lid to protect decal:

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This was a bit of trail and error, but I think it came out ok. I only spent ca. 2 hours on the total rebuild.

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Re: My M2A1 "Die Hard" Halftrack

Post by Viking27 » Thu Apr 05, 2012 5:04 pm

I guess a small update might be in order.

Dash repaired and fitted. Ready for the gauges!

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NOS light switch with correct markings

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NOS panel dimmer switch

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Re: My M2A1 "Die Hard" Halftrack

Post by Viking27 » Thu Apr 05, 2012 5:06 pm

Wiring work in progress

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Re: My M2A1 "Die Hard" Halftrack

Post by Viking27 » Thu Apr 05, 2012 5:10 pm

Since I overhauled the engine, I did not like the paint on the starter, so I took a look at it.

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Good thing I did

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All parts cleaned and painted

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As per army regulations, all grease points should have red markings, so I painted that on service points

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Re: My M2A1 "Die Hard" Halftrack

Post by Viking27 » Thu Apr 05, 2012 5:12 pm

Wonder what this unmarked NOS package is....

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NOS starter solinoid switch still with nice cadmium plating

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Starter complete ready for installation

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Re: My M2A1 "Die Hard" Halftrack

Post by Viking27 » Thu Apr 05, 2012 5:16 pm

Conversion to roller model. Used a simple car jack to remove old gusset plates

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Then got "Valli" my expert welder friend to come in and fit the repro brackets to frame

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Re: My M2A1 "Die Hard" Halftrack

Post by Viking27 » Thu Apr 05, 2012 5:18 pm

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Much better then my welds!

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Test fitting of parts

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Once primed, cant hardly see this was welded on

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Re: My M2A1 "Die Hard" Halftrack

Post by Viking27 » Thu Apr 05, 2012 5:20 pm

Some NOS / arsenal refinished parts. Found the gun mounts in Holland. Only 250 Euros per mount with ammo box,
cheapest price I found

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Re: My M2A1 "Die Hard" Halftrack

Post by TopKick » Fri Apr 06, 2012 4:46 am

Outstanding! Keep up the great work. 8)
"Keep 'Em Rolling"
TopKick

"Until it's melted down and turned into something else, or blown to Smitherines, it's restorable"!

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Re: My M2A1 "Die Hard" Halftrack

Post by Kevin Lockwood » Fri Apr 06, 2012 5:18 am

Thanks for the update Hinrik.
Amazing work.
Kevin
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Re: My M2A1 "Die Hard" Halftrack

Post by Spec4Don » Fri Apr 06, 2012 6:27 am

Hinrik glad to see you back on the board, nice progress. the gauge set looks really good. :D

Don G.
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Re: My M2A1 "Die Hard" Halftrack

Post by Hammerhead » Fri Feb 08, 2013 5:45 pm

Henrik, beautiful work!! An inspiration to all of us budding halftrack restorers. Any new updates?
1943 White M-3 Halftrack, 1944 CCKW 353, 1945 MB, 1944 Bantam T3,
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