Mk1* carrier axle bellows... Are they mandatory for show use ?
 

As per the title folks, mine are Kaput, and before I embark on either making some more, or buying some, are they mandatory ? How much crud gets in there without them on ?


Just it's going to delay getting the thing back on its wheels.

Richard, assuming you are talking about the fabricated leather ones, on the alloy end of the brake bisector, and not the ones that seal the back of the hull, then yes, I'd say they are absolutely essential.
If you want your brakes to work, you need to protect the inner workings of the bisectors.(actuators)

if you mean the bellows that cover the sliding axle rollers then I wouldn't worry about it too much as I don't have them fitted on mine and I haven't had any issues, however having said that my carrier was a bit of a lash up ! done quickly so I could display it as soon as poss. if I had more time I would do it properly so there you have it, if you are in a hurry then leave them off, if there's no rush then do it right first time. just so long as it's ready for it's debut at next years war and peace :D

rick

Yes will be ready.. Just need to find out how much it's going to cripple me to get it there. That's my problem..... Between now and then I also need to persuade Shaun to paint his carrier 1943 Sicily style, and wear his desert 5th div kit ;)

Does anyone know where I can get the leather bellows ? Lynn it's the sliding axle I was referring to. I have replaced the ones on the brakes.

if you mean this,we let them do and fits fine

Yes matey those are the items I need :-)

Theres a place in Liverpool that make stitch n glued bellows I have used in the past. called FLEXICON!
Not FLEXICON INDUSTRIAL tho, they are different company!!!

Richard, I would do it once and properly. If the old photos of Beltring were anything to go by. There is no grease nipple into the rollers and pins (poor design?) the grease fitting just allows grease to fall onto the roller and (hopefully to seep some oil in) The ingress of dirt is going to eventually make steering difficult. you have gone to a great effort so far. Why not do it properly?
I think Roy was saying he had them made. Maybe you can buy some?
Just my thoughts on the subject.
BTW some time back, I did a thread on Carrier soft parts.

Roy can you advise where you got your bellows from ?

gaitors
 

Hi Rich, I would say they are mandatory. I had a set made from two NOS originals I had. I need two more sets so if you like I can get a third set made, the guy is a bit slow so may take a few weeks.

let me know if this helps.

Kevin.

p.s. One think to note from the remains of ones I have removed, the wire that holds them on is four pieces of wire twisted at the corners, not one continuous piece.

hey richard

we give some pics.dimensions from the cross tube and the 2 pieces bracket and a piece from the old one wich was from the carrier to our guy that make normaly seats from ww2 vehicles for us.
so if you know any guy in your near,they can made them.

p.s. One think to note from the remains of ones I have removed, the wire that holds them on is four pieces of wire twisted at the corners, not one continuous piece.

i can confirm that kevin,that is the one and only correct procedure to fit the gaitor right.otherwise it will not tighten enough..

kev i could do with a set of bellows as well mate. cheers

Far too complicated these UCs :blink:

Kev stick me down for a pair of gaiters, can you email me a quote for the work though first, just in case it's out of my budget at the moment

The four pieces of wire is so that each side sits flat. If you run a single strand around the corner it bulges outand the boot doesn't sit tight.
It can be (and was done) done with a single long piece of wire, if you run some past each corner so as to form a loop that you can tighten by twisting at each corner. Does that make sense? A bit of practice will help.

The four pieces of wire is so that each side sits flat. If you run a single strand around the corner it bulges out and the boot doesn't sit tight.
It can be (and was) done with a single long piece of wire. If you run some past each corner so as to form a loop that you can tighten by twisting at each corner, it will sit flat. Does that make sense? A bit of practice will help.
I'd use 1/16" dia. tie wire (malleable) That's what I have removed.

Richard, ben, and rick, I have the original nos one to the Upholstry guy today, he will give us a price in a couple of days.





Kevin.

Cheers Kev :cheers:

Kevin, Put me down for a set as well...
Jim Burrill

Hi Jim, ok will do. Even if I can't get to my carrier due to obvious reasons!.

Careless, one small lapse in concentration and that happens.

Bef
 

Ben, This was a BEF position overrun so yours would of been caught also!, hopefully next year?.

Kevin.

:) fingers crossed. As long as they don't paint a cross on the side and start using it......

Silly soldier left his Bren in the "top cover" position on the pintle mount, I presume the jerry's had air support during the attack... He better be dead or captured or his sgt will write him up for leaving his weapon behind.

I am also in for a set,

Hendrik from Holland

I just got some leather,cut some square pieces,cut square holes in them and took them to the upholstery shop. The guy sewed them up in about 5 min. and they work perfectly.The expensive part was finding leather.I think the sewing was $20 .

will see what Kevins quote is from the chap... i may have sourced some NOS ones so will decide once i see the price :)

Could I get 2 sets if possible please- they are the same as LP2 carriers I believe, and if there is a batch getting done.......

Rob

gaitors.
 

Gents, That's 11 sets required! :eek:, will call the guy again.

kevin.