How To: Restoration of Ford M8 armoured car US Ordnance number 7373

[Big D]

Hi all,
In between waiting on news on the hull and getting my scout car parts sandblasted and painted, I did some work on the instrument panel.

I think with the likely manufacture date of this M8, it should have the early instrument panel which is what I have.

I had two pretty rough instrument panels and their switches and gauges to work with along with some new gauges that came with the package.

I am not set on the paint shade that I have used for the panel colour but it will do until I narrow that down later on. I worked off some NOS parts that I had which I gave to the paint supplier but I am not totally convinced after seeing it on the instrument panel.

A question on the circuit breakers. I know nothing about these. Are they lit when operating at all? What is the original colour? These ones had several coats of paint on them which I have cleaned up so am wondering whether I can touch them up with some original coloured paint to freshen them up.

I still need an ammeter and a headlight switch. Neither was recoverable from the instrument panels I had. Is the headlight switch the same as the jeep one? It looks very similar.

I’ll also need to find some sort of cover for the instrument lights.

[Lynn Eades]

Darryl, think Jeep, Dodge, GMC for panel lights and a light switch.
Are the circuit breakers a metal box with just two terminals?
they are usually bi metal (they vibrate open and closed depending on the "over"current draw) I have never seen one that lights up (which just means I haven't seen one like yours) This type are fairly common and are available in different load ratings 10 amp, 20 amp, 30 amp etc.

Or are those them at the top of your panel with reset buttons?

Great project you have there!

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by Big D

....

I still need an ammeter and a headlight switch. Neither was recoverable from the instrument panels I had. Is the headlight switch the same as the jeep one? It looks very similar.

I’ll also need to find some sort of cover for the instrument lights.

With my vast and profound knowledge of MB 1/4 tons (acquired in one morning), I'd say yes that does look like a Jeep light switch. Check the rating before getting carried away.

This is where an illustrated parts manual and a few more from contemporary USGI vehicles would come in handy. Instead of relying on the ignorance of strangers (ie - me!), the references will show which parts are common across the spectrum. One of the wonders of the US logistics system is how it firmly harnessed as much of the US industrial base as it could, and using command economic measures achieved greatness. Most Americans can't agree on issues; so to work together so successfully is a real marvel.

[Big D]

Hi Lynn and Terry,

Thanks for the replies.

Terry - I have parts manuals for both the jeep and the M8 so I will get them out soon and do some comparisons. They appear the same but I'll check part numbers and ratings etc.

Lynn - yes, it should be a fun project. Lots to do which I am looking forward to. I've attached a couple of pictures of one of the circuit breakers. Yes - the are pictured at the top of the panel. The three of them are screwed together on a plate which is bolted to the instrument panel.

I don't know whether they light up - they just had that appearance to me but I could be way off with that. They appear to function when I check them with a multimeter but I guess until they are connected I can't be sure. I was really just looking to tidy them up with some fresh paint. Pictures on the net suggest they are a reddish colour with a white painted centre.

[Lynn Eades]

Darryl, google Klixon (A jeep has two of them, without the button)
It looks like the white bit in the end of the red button is the amperage.

[Big D]

Morning Lynn,

You are onto it. Yes, that is it. Mystery solved. At least I know the colour they should be.

I will tidy these ones up and see if they operate alright. If not, I'll get three brand spanking new ones with the nice white numbering!

[Big D]

Hi all,

I am a bit behind here in progress reports. We are looking at next month to get the hull into the workshop and get it set up ready for welding back together. In the meantime, I’ve been working on a few time fillers to keep me busy.

A tidy up of the sighting scope and steering wheel. Not my greatest effort on the steering wheel but it will do.

[Big D]

I am rebuilding the traverse mechanism with some new bearings and some fresh paint. Just awaiting a new hand wheel cover and shifter button coming from Brent Mullins.

I've also stripped down the brake slave cylinders and done a tidy up on some of the brake parts I have. Still lots to do on these.