Restoration of a M38A1-CDN3 106mm recoilless rifle Jeep

[Martin Dauphinais]

So, what could be the best way to save these seat belts? I think I will just clean them in a washing machine. We'll see the final result!

They are a bit stiff… I do not know if it's because of the sun or the dirt. I was very surprise to find two different and complete seat belts. They are the black ones. If the originals are not good enough, I will swap them with the black ones.

What would you do with these belts?

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by Martin Dauphinais

So, what could be the best way to save these seat belts? I think I will just clean them in a washing machine. We'll see the final result!

...

What would you do with these belts?

Several members of MLU are now single because of creative thinking like you demonstrated. Use a scrub brush, soapy water and a sink, not the family laundry equipment. Besides, the buckle will scratch the expensive enamel that keeps the tub from rusting.

A few years ago on one of the gun forums, the topic of cleaning packing grease off Chinese rifles came up. The conversation was to put the oily wooden stock in the dishwasher to remove the gunk and oils. Someone started reading halfway through and put his rifle in the dishwasher. To his credit, he shared his shame with the internet. Don't be THAT guy.

[rob love]

Seatbelts have a certain lifespan. A good inspector would reject most of those belts simply because they don't have their labels on them, and if they did, the age should also get the vehicle marked off as unsafe. That said, most safety inspections are on a flat rate, with little time to spare, so the inspectors may not go that far.

You can buy replacement seatbelts online for between $10 to $20 each.

[jim fraser (RIP)]

hi martin.the 106 jeep you posted pictures is the jeep that i am going to part out.jason ginn ran the serial no of this jeep.its really rough shape.its the same jeep as in the pictures.regards jim.613 623 6156.

[Martin Dauphinais]

What are the best batteries I can buy for this Jeep? Does it worth paying for high quality battery or normal quality is fair enough?

If you could have some details about the battery you guys are using, it could help me a lot to find the good ones!

Thanks,

[chris vickery]

Martin

I will get you the number from my batteries. They are standard Interstate brand and fit the battery box nicely.

Chris

[Martin Dauphinais]

Thank you Chris, much appreciated!

[maple_leaf_eh]

Agreed Interstate are good to deal with (my place to go in uniform and save 20-30%).

A google search says Group 51R for the M151, which I think is the same as the M38A1s. Centre ports to top up the fluid, and both posts on the front corners. There is a dog-bone connector between the two batteries.

More Googling:

If you are not bothered about originality, then go for two good-quality 12V auto batteries with "round-post" terminals. The original batteries are rated at 45-amp-hours.

Just make sure that the positive terminal (+) of the battery is in the bottom right-hand corner of the battery and the negative terminal (-) of the battery is in the bottom left-hand corner of the battery.This is known as Terminal Placement (pole position) O.

Whatever you buy, make sure that the size of the battery does not exceed the following:-

Length - 10 and a 1/4 inches 260 mm
Width - 5 and 5/16 inches 135 mm
Height - 9 inches (to top of terminal lugs) 230 mm

For the USA, there is a very similar civilian battery which is a "22NF", which was used on the Triumph TR-7 (78-82).

NAPA battery 5022NF measures:-
Length - 9 and 1/2 inches 241 mm
Width - 5 and 1/2 inches 140 mm
Height - 9 and 1/16 inches 245 mm
As you can see, the height of this 5022NF is slightly taller than the original battery, so you may have to use a foam insulator for the battery-box lid.

NAPA also sells a battery for the 1993 Honda Civic Del Sol (5051R)
NAPA battery 5051R measures:-
Length - 9 and 5/16 inches 237 mm
Width - 4 and 15/16 inches 126 mm
Height - 8 and 11/16 inches 221 mm