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

[Big D]

The rest of the photos.

[David Dunlop]

Nice progress, Darryl.

With regards to the fuel bladders, I would be suspicious of any NOS stock manufactured prior to the existence of modern ethanol loaded fuels. They just might not be able to handle the ethanol without causing serious problems for you.

I personally like to go as original as possible, but sometimes ‘progress’ simply gets in the way. Might be worth a chat with a nearby military base to see what they are currently using for fuel bladders. Then see if they are made somewhere ‘locally’. The manufacturer just might be able to help you source the right materials, or make a set for you if you have patterns or originals they can work from.

David

[James P]

David, go tank in tank and save yourself a heap of grief that may, or may not, work as original with a bladder. Unless Clark Kent is looking at the vehicle and its fuel tank nobody will ever know (unless you tell them or they read it on MLU) that the tank is modded. Great work and I enjoy following the progress of a restoration(s) done right. I say restorations as the overall campaign of a detailed and large restoration such as yours is really umpteen small battles won to get it accomplished.

[Lynn Eades]

Darryl, If you wanted to go down the track of a fuel cell, talk to the guys who do race cars. price and size might shift you back to a tank in tank set up.
Genny should be Std. QMC part, with the 12 volt Dodges and Fords using these (Autolite) 60 amp generators. with varying end plates. (same as Scoutcar???)
Take both generator and voltage regulator to the auto electrician, together.

[Big D]

Hi David, James and Lynn,

Thanks for the replies. I have to say that after doing some more research, I have been leaning toward a stainless steel tank that will fit into the tank enclosure. That would ensure the correct 'look' while making it a practical solution. From what I've seen, others have had success doing it this way.

In saying that, I did have someone on another forum describe how he used the bladder enclosure itself as the tank. He removed the bladder, reapired the metalwork, sealed the ends, had a specialist coat the inside and refitted some of the ports from the bladder onto the metalwork of the enclosure. A bit of work, but another good solution with the correct look.

Lynn - the generator is a beast, and bigger and heavier than the scout car one. I have nearly got it apart and will look at the innards and see what I can do with it. I have a new mount and some parts for it. I'll take the generator and regulator to the Auto guys once I've gone as far as I can go with it.

[James P]

Hey Big D
Just a question ? Have you ever done any out reach within the M8 owners community and asked about what others have done regarding the tank/fuel/bladder issue ? I am sure that others have gone down the road you are on and come up with all kinds of creative solutions. G503 would be a good jumping off point to get connected (if you are not already).

[Big D]

Hi James,

Yes, I did ask around a few M8 folks who'd 'been there, done that' and the idea of getting a stainless steel tank made up to go in the enclosure was a common theme.

I have a similar restoration thread to this one going on g503 and a guy posted there about using modifying the existing enclosure to become the actual fuel tank.

All good food for thought!