Sexton 1891
 

Hello guys, my name is Allen Bryant. After almost six years of toiling away on my Sexton II SPG, I thought I would share some pictures. I bought this Sexton from Byron Morris with SECO in Augusta, Georgia in February of 2002 and it sat in my side yard untouched until March of 2010 when I began restoration. I am approximately 85% finished with the restoration now and I will post pictures of my project over the next few days and weeks.

Look forward to seeing your posts Allan, You can probably lend fellow member Ron Cheney some advice as he begins his Sexton restoration

John

Don't keep us waiting!!!

Disassembly
 

I started by removing the R975C4 engine and began disassembling it. As I took it apart I bagged and labeled every single piece which was extremely helpful during reassembly. I also took an extraordinary number of pictures throughout the process which were priceless.

Engine Assembly
 

Once I had cleaned, painted and replaced/rebuilt all worn parts I began the reassembly process. I used the rebuilding manual for the most part, but I also received some very valuable information from Jesse Browning who provided a lot of key information especially in wiring the magnetos to the correct cylinder.(The manual is not as clear as it could be in this area.)

Very nice work Allen!

Startup
 

I was able to start the engine in April 2012 and ran it on its test stand a total of four and half hours over two weekends. It started right up when I hit the starter button, but I did have to adjust the air idle lever on the front of the carb to get it to idle properly. I have post a video of the engine running on YouTube at the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qsJlBd8a9E

Thanks! Jesse.

After I finished the engine I began work on the chassis by removing the gun and everything that would unbolt. I did not however, separate the transmission and cross drive from the chassis or completely disassemble the suspension. Once I had removed all I could, I sand blasted the chassis inside and out. (On a side note, I did this in the summer and fall of 2012 which was one of the worst drought years in Oklahoma history, but it rained on me at least a little every time I sand blasted without fail. I still haven't figured that out. :confused)

More pictures.

And more pictures

Since I did not have the ability to move the chassis inside my shop I had to work on it outside. I constructed a sheet metal roof with tarp sides to protect the inside of the fighting and engine compartments while I painted them.

Engine Compartment and other items.

Finally, I had the chassis ready for the engine to be reinstalled and in March 2015, with the help of my brother I installed the engine and drove my Sexton for the first time. I was also able to park it in my shop which makes restoration on the rest of the vehicle much easier. I have posted videos of the startup and first drive on YouTube at the links below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9syFrrPF6s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5HwFY2HRjw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDkzF3sEwGQ

Great project, fantastic to see the first start and drive, most impressed!
Rich.

What a presentable job that is! Clean and sparkly! Almost a shame to hide it in the engine compartment.

Thanks Rich and Terry!

Very nice!

25 Pounder
 

When I received my Sexton from SECO it had the section of the barrel that had been cutoff and muzzle brake laying in the floor. I also received one complete set of breach ring parts (less the fire control parts) and about two thirds of a second set along with two breach blocks. When I put the barrel back together I had it sleeved with thick walled pipe and welded. I wanted to be able to have a propane cannon but have it look as original as possible so I had a replica breach ring constructed that would conceal the hardware that makes a propane cannon work.

More 25 Pounder pictures. Now I am just waiting on better weather and when I can get enough family and friends together to help me install the gun!

25 Pounder Main Gun Installed
 

Finally got the 25 Pounder Main Gun installed. Not completely finished yet but at least it looks like a Sexton again. I have posted links below of video of the installation and drive afterwards.


https://youtu.be/pEFnSmgIuic

https://youtu.be/_AqnCrpBO28