Restoration of Hull 731- Carrier, MG (Aust) Mortar Carrying

[Darrin Wright]

More progress pics of painting.
I used 4.5Lt of etch primer, bit worried that I might run out, so I thinned it down slightly to extend it that little bit further.

Also while painting the main PRV or check valve into the tank on my air compressor failed and drained the tank slowly, so the electric motor driving the compressor had to cut in and cycle more often.

I eventually finished at around 1500h, so approx 4 hrs to paint.

The pic of the RHR of the hull clearly depicts the base plate brackets, hand rail and also the footman loops for the straps to stow the ammunition tubes into place.

[colin jones]

Looks excellent Darrin and what a great hull too. I gather your air scoop is welded in.

[Paul Dutton]

Originally Posted by Darrin Wright

More progress pics of painting.
I used 4.5Lt of etch primer, bit worried that I might run out, so I thinned it down slightly to extend it that little bit further.

Also while painting the main PRV or check valve into the tank on my air compressor failed and drained the tank slowly, so the electric motor driving the compressor had to cut in and cycle more often.

I eventually finished at around 1500h, so approx 4 hrs to paint.


The pic of the RHR of the hull clearly depicts the base plate brackets, hand rail and also the footman loops for the straps to stow the ammunition tubes into place.

Nice going there mate! Beautiful hull and project.
Second pic, is that an Aussie hard at work....??
And the colour, is that Aussie laid back blue....??

[Dale Jordan]

Really nice Darrin , it must have been hard to go to work knowing all that bare metal was just waiting for some paint , anyway she is done now and what a nice looking hull well done . The carrier hull looked so small on the back of the truck ...keep us posted on progress . Dale

[Darrin Wright]

Mid week started painting a little bit of green in to the critical parts that require other work and where I will not be able to get to later.
The green is close to what I want but not 100% right, so just using it as a base coat.

[Darrin Wright]

After painting both sides of the tow eye/mount and a test fitting with the rear armour cover in place, the tow eye was welding back in.

The front water bottle bracket was removed due to rust, so after having a new bracket fabricated by Simon Allen (0402 220 367 if you require one) and painting both sides, it was time to put it back in. After measuring to ensure it was in the right spot it was welded in. Once in, cleaned up the welds and a little bit of undercoat and green ready for painting later.

[Darrin Wright]

After painting several coats of green in the engine bay where the tube axle goes, it was time to put into place the engine bay divider plate that I had measured and lazer cut.
It is possible to have the plate in and then fit the fuel change over linkage rod, but I decided to fit the linkage first and then weld the engine bay divider plate in over it. Later I will get the bolts and brackets fitted to secure the linkage so that it does not fall out.

Also started welding in the metal brackets/guards that protect the brake rods running to the rear of the hull.

[Darrin Wright]

During the week spent time tapping the threaded blocks that secure/locate the brass blocks that mount the gear change mechanism in the engine bay.
Slow going as it was close to the floor and had to use a 6" shifter.