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

[Petr Brezina]

Nice job!

[motto]

Darryl, The pinion installation appears to be the same as on the Studebaker US6. I have some spare yokes should you need one.
As regards removal, I would definitely recommend applying a puller to the yoke then supporting one side of the parallel section of the yoke with a steel block whilst striking the opposite side with a heavy hammer. So as not to bruise the yoke place a flat steel bar against the side you are striking. Support it well and strike it hard. If at first nothing happens rotate the yoke 90 degrees and try again. I've never known this method to fail to release a tapered fitting.

Dave

[lynx42]

Hi Darryl,
Anything here of interest for you?

https://www.troostwijkauctions.com/u...23047-3814012/

Regards Rick.

[Big D]

Hi Petr,

Thanks for the kudos!


Hi Dave,

Thanks for the advice. I did try striking the yoke from behind while I had the puller on it. Admittedly, I did not have a steel block supporting the other side so I will give that another go.


Hi Rick,

Thanks, yes, I have been in touch with the person who has these items for sale at BAIV. I'm just awaiting details of exactly what is included but it does look interesting. I have a container coming from Belgium next month so the timing may be spot on...

[Big D]

Hi all,

A few more pictures of further progress on the hull today. We are getting there. The panel joints on the sponsons will just need a bit of fibreglass to really smooth them out.

Once all the plates are in place, the original welding beads will be replicated to give it the proper finish.

A question - the steel channel that was welded into place at the top of the sponsons and runs the length of the upper part of the sponson (you can see the outline where it was cut away); does this serve any other purpose apart from structural support? I wondered if cabling went through this channel but the welder who cut it out said there were no holes in either end.

Can anyone confirm please?

[Big D]

More pictures.

[Big D]

Hi all,

This is starting to look like an M8 now. With the exception of some tidying up here and there, the hull repair is basically done. It came out really well and I'm glad we chose to do it this way.

Most of the welding work was done using a stick welder. The main exterior welds on the sponsons look very similar to the original welds and will just need a dab on the odd spot to really finish them off.