Huntsville Legion Bren Carrier - Update

[RichCam]

Hi All

At our local legion we have a parked Bren Carrier. It's a Mk II and according to the most reliable source for the Carrier's history it was parked about 15 years ago. A few years after that some vandalism took place, gauges broken, switches smashed. At that point it had a chain link fence installed around it and over the top. It's sat since then. My friend Richard and I have been given authorization to overhaul it. I've purchased the 3 manuals from Alex Blair (thanks Alex they arrived today!) and we have a heated space to work on it. Frankly I'm not too sure where we're going with this as funding is an issue. So I have a couple of questions.

1. as this carrier was driven into position what, aside from replacing the broken mainly electrical stuff should we consider before actually trying to start it? As a car restorer myself I think the typical stuff, replace all fluids, spark plugs, wires, belts, check compression, exhaust, brakes.

2. as this doesn't belong to us but the legion, as part of our cenotaph, does anyone know if there is any DND funding for cenotaph maintenance, up keep, repair etc we could apply for? It would be a different story if this belonged to us but it doesn't. We're considering a local funding push but if some federal money is available we'll certainly take it!

Once we get this carrier to the garage bay we'll have a better idea.

Any help, suggestions, sources for electrical parts would really be appreciated!

Here's to a new project!

Cameron

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Hi Cameron
Once you saw the manuals would you consider the restoration without them..???
I'm just doing another order for Superdave out in Onoway Alberta.
There will be lots of people jump in here with advise and posting as many pix as you can will get you all kinds of advice.
There are many great guys(And gals) here that can help you and some parts are available..Good to see you here.

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Originally posted by Alex Blair
Hi Cameron
Once you saw the manuals would you consider the restoration without them..???
I'm just doing another order for Superdave out in Onoway Alberta.
There will be lots of people jump in here with advise and posting as many pix as you can will get you all kinds of advice.
There are many great guys(And gals) here that can help you and some parts are available..Good to see you here.

Cameron.
And after Jordan Baker gets back from Alberta from helping Superdave put his carrier ,he'll come up and do your's....LOL

[chris vickery]

Hi Cameron

Welcome to the forum, a great source of info and assistance.

I am relocating to the Powassan area next month and would certainly be available to come to Huntsville to give you fellows a consultation and perhaps point you in the right direction.

BTW, I have restored a few mvs over the years, just ask anyone here....

[RichCam]

thanks a lot! Once we get it in the bay I'll pm you.

Cameron

[chris vickery]

Yes, Cameron, please do. I am always willing to help out fellow enthusiasts and support the Legion if I can.

-Chris

[RichCam]

To all,
I am working with Piper to restore our Huntsville based carrier. He is working on the engine and I am working on the instrument & electrical system. Does anyone out there have a simplistic schematic diagram for the instrument panel?
Also, does anyone out there know of the name of a gentleman on Buckslide Road, on Hwy. #35 near Hall's Lake that may have refurbished a Universal Carrier?

Thanks

[Barry Churcher]

You probably mean the Martin brothers.
Barry

[RichCam]

Barry, thanks for lead. Do you know their first names so I can give them a call before I drop by? I would like to know if they have any spare components available. Thanks,

[Barry Churcher]

Well it'd been a couple of days and I still can't remember their names. Sorry.
It's the age thing again. I have included a few photos of a NOS carrier dash for you. It is real hard to see where each wire goes. I would send you a full size (large) photo but it would take a month on my sloooow dial up.
Cheers,
Barry

[Barry Churcher]

Peter Simundson will remember their names. He remembers everything. Him and Gough.

Sorry for the duplicate photos.

[RichCam]

To all,
After a couple of months of engine work, we have had some success starting our 1942 MkII Hull# 23426. The fuel pump and carburetor were rebuilt, the cylinder heads removed, valves and cylinders cleaned, cylinder heads planed, re-installed, intake manifold cleaned, new gaskets, plugs, plug wires, distributor caps, rotor, starter rebuilt, new 6V battery. We have had tremendous difficulty starting the engine and it was only consistently running on 2 cylinders with 2 others firing occassionally. 4 others were getting fuel and spark but no combustion. Cold temperature compression was low, warm to hot compression was better so the decision was made to pull the engine out and pull out the pistons to inspect the cylinder rings. 2 were cracked, the remaining 6 had gaps that exceeded specifications. When the engine was running, we had a chance to put it in gear and spin the tracks. Clutch plates, transmission and brakes appear to be operational. Now, with replacement rings and new gaskets, we hope to re-assemble and install the engine over the next 3 weeks.
With regards to the SPARE Bren Carrier that was donated to the Huntsville Legion, the engine has found a good home in Alberta and the hull and its interior components will help another restorer get 2 more Mk1's operational in Ontario. Our small group decided that it was better that we sell the carrier components to the 2 individuals as they were both Canadian and able to come to my facility to retrieve the components and prepare the hull for transport. I was able to deliver the hull on the back of my truck while I was on my way to a Toronto lumber wholesaler.
Our Huntsville Legion carrier had a complete instrument panel. The glasses were vandalized 20 years ago and the moisture has rotted the faces and the gauges. I am checking out the possibility of getting them rebuilt. Since our restoration began, we have been able to pick up a NOS speedo and an oil pressure gauge. We are looking for a fuel, amp and oil temp gauges now.
Next week, I should have an answer from a Barrie area forklift company that is quoting the rebuild of the rubber on our road wheels. I need 5 of them re-rubberized.
That's it for now, I will attach pictures as soon as we have the engine running. Is there a Carrier's Anonymous support group out there? These things are addictive.

[RichardT10829]

www.lwdparts.com

CMP spares Dirk has all the NOS gauges you need.

I had offered to buy the carrier from the "get go" and had pals that could have collected it for me at least it has gone to assist the resurection of more carriers

[charlie fitton]

is part of Canada too, and I was first off the mark for the engine and tranni -
Jordan B was right in with his request too - what gives?

[Aidan]

My God, talk about leaving you guys in the dust. Aidan

[RichardT10829]

i feel like i have been strung along a bit here

[meduffer]

I'd be interested in knowing more about the outfit in Barrie who's giving you a quote on re skinning your road wheels. Thanks.
Mike Snetsinger
Whitby