G503 Halftrack Data DISCUSSION (serial numbers, etc.)

[Delano M16]

I am restoring a m15a1 half track frame serial number m15a1-776

Data plate 3-15-3carr motor multi gun m-16
Rebuilt by Bowen-McLaughlin


Engine serial number is 37120 rebuilt atB-m inc-sod date 7/28/52

It had a remnants of white stars, 10 bridge marking on front passenger fender and the name hand written "Moira" on the fold down armor panel

This is my first 1/2 track restoration and I am a novice can any one fill me any on my missing information? Such as manufacture date, what the registration number could be or how or if I could research any history on this half track

Thanks

[Joe DeMarco]

Delano

M15A1-776 would have been accepted at Autocar in October 1943.
It would have been assigned USA 40149493.
Since it was converted to M16 by B&M, you might be able to find the USA Registration Number stamped on the front bumper.

All examples of M15A1s noted so far have been equipped with rollers.

Aside from looking for tactical markings under the paint layers, I'm afraid there's not much you could do to track the history of that.

Joe

[Hammerhead]

Hello Gents,
Well we've been making excellent progress with the Halftrack restoration this Spring and Summer. I'll post a bunch of pictures soon. We took it down to the frame and have been working our way back up!

My question is I'm hoping someone on this forum can help with a good estimate of the correct Hood Number. The original Hood number was not under the paint. There was only a single thin layer of paint as the original steel had been sandblasted at some time. The bumper was butchered and had steel plates welded on so there was no Hood Number stamped on it anywhere that was original. The data plate was removed that had the ORD number. There was a small plate riveted where the main data plate would have been that said "Salina Engineer Repair Shop, Salina Kansas 1945". The Serial Number stamped into the frame is 282710 which I've been told puts it around Aug. 1943 and a M-16 when it left the White factory. That is just what I've been told so the accuracy is unknown.
So besides the Serial Number I have no other data. Anyone out there that can help with a reasonably accurate Hood Number? We hope to be doing the final painting and markings in August!
Thanks for any help!

[sly22]

Hello

Here are my future restoration project .

its chassis number is M37170 W I wish I found information on this model. year of production , half photo of this generation. ... Anything that would help me finally its restoration .

Thank you Best regards



sly

[Kevin Lockwood]

hammerhead:
I am afraid I cannot add much.
?1. Was this a winch model.
2. No number found on bumper. You might look at the bogie main casting near the upper return roller on the passenger side sometimes the number is stamped there.
3. Salina is a short 70ish miles from my shop.
4. 8/43 and M16 should be correct.
5. A good range for the hood number 4048900 - 4049900
All the best

[Kevin Lockwood]

Sly22:
How exactly is the serial number stamped into the frame?
M3-7170 W or M37170W I would guess the latter which would indicate a Diamond T M3 with winch.

[sly22]

hello

thank you for help it's write M3-7170 W

[Sprouse]

Found another one M16 Frame # 283602 Ord# ? Hood# ? Can you help fill in the blanks? He is using hood # 4049837 Seems a little off to me.

Thanks John
M2 - Mary Sue
M37

[Kevin Lockwood]

Sly22: Are you sure that the frame stamping has a dash between the 3 and 7? Also is there definitely a letter W stamped in the frame. NOt sure if I have seen a dash serial number with a W before.

John: I will add the M16 #283602. The hood number is "close" maybe 500 ish lower than would seem likely. White's random assignment of ord #s to a frame number makes this a possibile hood number. Anyway you could check the bumper for a stamping? I assume it's a winch model? Is it in Texas?

[Sprouse]

Its new home will be in St Louis Mo.

I cannot locate any #'s on bumper or rear casting. Lots of new paint so thats not gonna happen for a while. Wish someone would have looked before they painted it.

[Hammerhead]

Hi Kevin,
Thank you so much for this information. Yes, it is a winch model and the winch still works! The bumper was really bubba-upped so the stamping there was long lost to history. Thanks for the tip about the Bogie main casting-we'll be working on the halftrack this weekend so I'll get a chance to check that out. That would be so cool if it is there. If not, thank you so much for the range of possible legit Hood Numbers. I'll check on that casting this weekend!!

[Hired Goon]

I recently bought a 1943 Diamond T M3A1 halftrack that was previously owned by Peter Lee, known as "One Eyed Jack". I have enjoyed the track at events over the past several years and am thrilled to own it. It has been restored. The data plate indicates the serial number is M35381W and the Hood Number is 4039115S.

[url=http://s587.photobucket.com/user/MrSini ... u.jpg.html]

[Kevin Lockwood]

Any chance that the data plate gives us the ordnance number? That would help.
Thanks

[Hired Goon]

The data plate only lists the serial number not the ordinance number. The plate is very clean, maybe it is a reproduction. I understand Bob Rubino did the restoration and it looks great to me.

[tfscobie]

All done - Diamond T serial number M30967