VICKERS MK6B's resto

[colin jones]

The centre section was quite bent and I certainly put a lot of pressure on the porta power to get it back to shape. I started with some 1.5" steel rod as a diagonal support but it just bent when I released the hydraulics so I had to use 75mm channel on edge. I think it will be there for a while. This hull is BOWER BIRD. It's still in quite good shape.
I should be able to get it back into shape tomorrow.

[colin jones]

The front of the second Vickers has now been straightened and new parts made.

[colin jones]

The hull was seriously out of shape but I have got it back to a very acceptable tolerance and everything is fitting back on. I have repaired a lot of serious cracks as well and it is not time to turn them both over and repair the floors.

[colin jones]

I took both Vickers out of my workshop, turned them upside down and they're back under cover. I'm getting the old floor off them and replacing with new.

[colin jones]

That's one floor off and one to go. There's a photo of some of the old floor just to show that it is only 3mm plate. Very thin for a tank but great for restoration.

[colin jones]

Interesting rear suspension system making use of the leaf springs. I don't know of any other armoured vehicle that uses this design. I am very glad I have the wheel station for both as I would never find anything like this around the place. However, I don't have the return roller brackets for the second one. They will be a little bit of a challenge to make too as they were cast.

[Lynn Eades]

Corten type floor going in Colin?

[David Dunlop]

Looks like, apart from the axle channels, the floor framework is in pretty good shape, for the most part just needing realignment.

That is a very interesting rear suspension system indeed. Can you tell yet if the leaf springs will need to be reworked, or any of the suspension arms require straightening? Wouldn't want to see you racing over bumpy ground later on and spilling your tea!

David