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

[Big D]

Hi Lynn and Rick,

Thanks for the replies.

Lynn - yes, that is a good idea on the cones. I made an attempt to get one out by welding a bead around it but it proved stubborn anyway, so will wait until after the blasting before I have another go. I have kept what was left of the gaskets and will make sure I use the same thickness.

Rick - yes, I found exactly the same thing with molasses. As you say, despite a bit of cleaning, there is certainly some junk left in the housings, so I think the media blasting will be the way to go.


There are a couple of broken brake line cover bolts in the top of the axle housing which I’ll remove and then tidy up the holes. I’ll also need to free up the drain/filler plugs, as these are all frozen in place. Once I have them sorted, I’ll drop the axle housings and diff assembly off to the blasters.