Track guard hole placement U.C.

[Lynn Eades]

O.k. Thank you again. Now I need more info. I assume that the bin (drivers track guard) has a packer under it of the 4.5" x 20", which lets the bin sit up and over the angle iron and rivets that join the track guard to the hull side. Is it wood or metal and how thick is it please?
I dont understand the bit about the straps?

[Jordan Baker]

The front ammunition bins sit on a steel plate only. I believe it is 1/4” thick.

Your comment about not sure on the straps? The strap as found on the P37 map case fits the slot on the angled ammunition tray perfectly. A standard 1” wide blanket strap is too wide to fit.

[Michael R.]

Originally Posted by Lynn Eades

O.k. Thank you again. Now I need more info. I assume that the bin (drivers track guard) has a packer under it of the 4.5" x 20", which lets the bin sit up and over the angle iron and rivets that join the track guard to the hull side. Is it wood or metal and how thick is it please?
I dont understand the bit about the straps?

. . . that bin we are discussing has two compartments, the forward section has a hinged lid. That section was designed to hold tracer rounds.

The bin is open on the bottom but for three sections or ‘straps’ of steel that cross side to side with the six fasteners passing through, two per strap.

Both front compartment stowage bins mounted on the left and right track guards are mounted on separate metal plates. As Jordan sez: 1/4”. Unlike the deep wood packing strips found in the rear compartment under the large open top bin and kit locker.

[Lynn Eades]

For a complete, no details missing, no doubt left, answer, It often comes down to one person. I was going to cut a slab of 1/4" steel 4 1/2" wide by 20 inches long to go under the bin, but! there were too many more questions around that, so, rather than ask again, I was just going to hold off to see what I could learn.
Thank You Harle and Jordan, but most of all Michael, for giving up your time and going to the trouble to present the details, with the invaluable photos.
I now know what to do. This detail will no doubt help others and helps to preserve a snippet of history. I like that the bins have a "self cleaning" feature.

I now need to ask what thickness the packers are under the two rear compartment items (open top bin and the kit locker) This puts this info all in one place for those searching in future.