Looking for help in making slantback from 2/4 door soft top

[RockHillWill]

Good morning, gentleman. I am doing my research on Govplanet and have searched every page on this forum and have learned a great deal from you guys already. My main concern at this point is the configuration at the 'C' pillar. I am looking for a picture of the 'C' pillar itself. Is it a stand alone shape or supported at each end? I am currently 75 years old and this is one of my remaining bucket list endeavors. I have a pretty well equipped shop, am 'decent' in using SolidWorks and have a good connection with a local water jet shop. I spent 25 years as a NASCAR car owner, Crew Chief, etc. and have restored a Model A that won the top National award, twice, but this is looming as quite a challenge. I am in amazement at what I have seen here on this forum, and hope you don't mind me getting involved.

In addition to the 'C' pillar picture(s), I have not been able to source the inside/under the roof frame that the turret mounts to. I have researched Ebay, etc. and have tried to gather a list of knowledgeable parts suppliers, but it seems like I might have not yet discovered all of them. I do not intend to 'use' the turret/gun unit, but want to do as accurate a build as possible out of respect for those that served.

[dilvoy]

You need to look at the parts TM for the slant back version you are interested in installing. It will have diagrams with an exploded view of the entire roof and support system for the turret bearing. All part numbers and NSN numbers will be there too, which will help in your search. On the first type of slant back, the c pillar is three main pieces. the side pieces with the bent tubes is actually part of the Sponsons or Cargo Shells. They are welded in place. The center part slides into and is bolted to the side pieces and has a piece of sheet metal that fares into the outer skin of the cargo shells.

[RockHillWill]

Thank you for your reply. I think I have figured out the 'early' type 'C' pillar, but I do not understand the TM 'number', Where can I look to find out what TM number that I need to acquire?

[RockHillWill]

I just looked at some of the info that I have acquired. Is TM 9-2310-280-24P what I can use?

If so, I believe that I am looking for the support assembly #12340334. If that is the correct number, how to I go about locating that part by using the part number?

[86humv]

I just looked at some of the info that I have acquired. Is TM 9-2310-280-24P what I can use?

If so, I believe that I am looking for the support assembly #12340334. If that is the correct number, how to I go about locating that part by using the part number?

Almost right
TM9-2320-280-24p

[dilvoy]

There is also TM 9-2320-280-20P Some are Army, some are USMC some are for SA models, the parts look the same, but have an extra layer of steel spot welded to the inside.

[Action]

Why not just buy a complete kit and bolt it on?? I think I have seen three different ones in the past week.

Jason

[RockHillWill]

I'd be happy to consider that approach, but have not seen these 'kits' that you mention.

[dilvoy]

Check out e bay. You might be lucky and find one close enough to pick up yourself, because shipping is not cheap anymore. Expect to pay $2,500 for any sort of distance and a cheap price for an original Slant Back Setup is at around $9,000. Prices fluctuate so you need to jump on a deal when you think it is good for your situation.

[lkgindy]

There is a "Kit" on eBay right now.
Item# 302429070329
Larry

[Kurt Lesser]

RockHillWill, the military TMs are actually quite simple to understand. The first part of the number, TM 9 tells you that this is a manual for a motor vehicle. The 2320 tells you that it is for a vehicle in the wheeled vehicle area as apposed to a tank or a road grader or a crane. The 280 number tells you that it is for the HMMWV series vehicles and the last digits -10, -20, -24, -34 tell you the level of the maintenance covered in that manual. The higher this number is the more in depth the maintenance level starting with the -10 which is a basic operators manual. Whenever a "P" is suffixed onto the number it designates a parts manual and again the higher the last 2 digits the more in depth the manual. For instance, a -20P will go down to a level with major assemblies and kits. The same TM number ending in -34P will show every nut and bolt in the assembly.

This is where it gets a little complicated because while a TM 9 2320 280 is for the vehicle, the TM 9 2320 287 breaks things down to specific vehicles like shelter carriers or an Avenger missile vehicle. Put a TB in place of the TM and this becomes a Technical Bulletin. TBs will describe things like how to install a radio set into a particular vehicle for instance.

If the number starts with MWO, this is a Maintenance Work Order describing an upgrade like the Airlift bumper or upgraded dual pull rear brake system.

Hope this helps,

Kurt

[RockHillWill]

Larry, I have made arrangement to purchase that 'kit'. I am planning to pick it up within a week. Thanks.

Kurt, thanks for your reply, It is getting easier to figure some of this stuff out now. Thanks for your help.

[lkgindy]

Best of luck with your project. I sent you a PM several days ago. If you need any pictures to help with your install just let me know.

Larry

[RockHillWill]

To those of you that took the time to PM me, I am most appreciative. I did not think to look for PM's and a overlooked them. Sorry!

I live near Charlotte N.C., in Rock Hill, S.C. and would be most appreciative of some help if anyone in that area is so inclined.

I believe the kit that I pouched is pretty inclusive, but that remains to be seen.

[Lionel]

Are you picking up your kit, or having it shipped? Im curious about any shipping wires you may have gotten. Thanks.