Above 1200 Sq/FT Zeph's Quasi WWII Era Shop

[zepher11]

Also attended my first little MV show of the season today. Weather was cloudy and threatening rain which was nice. Last few days have been in the mid to upper 90's already! Just four vehicles and the copter at the local library for "the week of the kid" or something like that. Lots of, well, kids showed up.

This is my buddy Jack, with the gloves to the left, and his Korean war gun Jeep. My WC54 is just behind him. Jack's gun Jeep is an exact replica of the one he had in Korea. He was in some very bad situations during the war...both combat related and weather related...40 below stuff and almost not making it. He has two .30 cal live fire MG' that he displays. They are very nice guns and worth a lot of money. He is one of the nicest guys I have ever know and he presents a very nice display:

 

[ZRX61]

They just lost a 69yo guy locally with a '53 Jeep like that a few days ago. His brakes failed on a hill & he started rolling backwards. At some point he lost control & it flipped over. He was thrown clear but didn't make it.

 

[zepher11]

They just lost a 69yo guy locally with a '53 Jeep like that a few days ago. His brakes failed on a hill & he started rolling backwards. At some point he lost control & it flipped over. He was thrown clear but didn't make it.

I saw the photos of that incident yesterday. That is a real shame and very sad to see. I wonder if the hand brake failed as well... In a panic situation, however, sometimes one forgets that secondary system. Of course, maybe the M38 doesn't have a hand brake similar to the WWII Jeeps. I have never really looked at an M38 to see.

I hope they let the MV collector community know what the specific failure was if they can figure it out.

 

[zepher11]

Geez, I did all this work cleaning and welding the front motor mount only to find out today that it is bent. I didn't even notice it until I went to install it. Need to started over. Fortunately, I found another one out buried in the backyard, so just needs a clean up. It is arrow straight:

I also installed the regulator data plate. Looks really nice:

It was such a nice day with the clouds and a few rain drops and everything so green. The green only lasts a few weeks before everything turns brown, so I thought I would shoot a short video around the garage:

GARAGE VIDEO APRIL 2016

 

[RickP]

I hate when that happens! Oh well, at least you already had a spare motor mount and didn't have to wait to get started on it. Is the bent one salveable?

Nice video - I've seen your photos before, but there's nothing like a video to show off the entire garage, complete with your vehicles. Looks great!

 

[onemanarmy]

Thanks for the video. Looks like you have enough to stay busy.

That your M37 as well?

 

[BUGTHUG]

Love the video, I like the layout of your shop. Its hard to believe you have all that old metal in there and still have room to work on stuff.

 

[zepher11]

I hate when that happens! Oh well, at least you already had a spare motor mount and didn't have to wait to get started on it. Is the bent one salveable?

Nice video - I've seen your photos before, but there's nothing like a video to show off the entire garage, complete with your vehicles. Looks great!

Thank you. I think the mount could be straightened with a bit of effort. However, with all the gusseting and the way it is twisted, it would be difficult. If I didn't have the extra one, I would give it a go. I have one other half ton open cab truck that I will restore, and I have the complete engine with mount already with it, so I don't really need it now that I found this one.

 

[zepher11]

Thanks for the video. Looks like you have enough to stay busy.

That your M37 as well?

Thank you. No, no M37's. Strictly WWII vehicles only. My Korean War vet friend is 85 and he just bought a nice M37. It is still in Oregon, but he will be bringing it down eventually.

 

[zepher11]

Love the video, I like the layout of your shop. Its hard to believe you have all that old metal in there and still have room to work on stuff.

Thanks Herb. I know I am loving the room! I don't think I will every get over the thrill of dinking around out there. The video does give a nice perspective for sure.

 

[richtersrodz]

You Sir do OUTSTANDING work!!!

 

[zepher11]

You Sir do OUTSTANDING work!!!

Thank you!

 

[zepher11]

Installed the new data tag on the 12 volt generator. I think this was the hardest job so far on the command car. I don't know if those original rivets were hardened steel or what, but I broke three drill bits and I just couldn't get them to drill. Kept sharpening them, but that didn't help. Finally figured out how to get this beast in my drill press and still it was an ordeal. Anyway, done now:

Also, scored a cool vintage poster off of Craigslist today. I thought this would be a nice companion to the ambulance theme. Been getting into the medical stuff lately. Weird because I would be the last person that should be assisting with any first aid, etc... I have seen a lot of recruiting posters, but this one I had never seen so had to jump on it:

Also, I will be going to bomber camp June 1st. I have seen the camp advertised in the past, but it is $4,000 for two days. Well, one day I see them asking if anyone would be interested in bringing a WWII ambulance to the event and play medic. Well, I was Johnny on the spot and I get to go for free. They feed me and I get unlimited access to the bombers as well.

They are bringing both the B-17 (909) and the B-24 (Witchcraft) from the Collings Foundation. I have flown in Witchcraft. Can't wait to watch them fire the 50 cal MG's. The actually students go through the program like one would have during WWII. They eventually drop bombs...the whole drill. The best thing is that it is only about three and a half hours away. Usually cool things like this are a minimum ten hour drive for me. My wife thinks I'm a nut for wanting to go, but for basically free is too good to pass up.

Here is a link to the event:

http://www.collingsfoundation.org/event/2016-bomber-camp/

 

[B17E1943]

Also, I will be going to bomber camp June 1st. I have seen the camp advertised in the past, but it is $4,000 for two days. Well, one day I see them asking if anyone would be interested in bringing a WWII ambulance to the event and play medic. Well, I was Johnny on the spot and I get to go for free. They feed me and I get unlimited access to the bombers as well.

They are bringing both the B-17 (909) and the B-24 (Witchcraft) from the Collings Foundation. I have flown in Witchcraft. Can't wait to watch them fire the 50 cal MG's. The actually students go through the program like one would have during WWII. They eventually drop bombs...the whole drill. The best thing is that it is only about three and a half hours away. Usually cool things like this are a minimum ten hour drive for me. My wife thinks I'm a nut for wanting to go, but for basically free is too good to pass up.

Here is a link to the event:

http://www.collingsfoundation.org/event/2016-bomber-camp/

[/SIZE]

Lucky you!

 

[RickP]

Also, I will be going to bomber camp June 1st. I have seen the camp advertised in the past, but it is $4,000 for two days. Well, one day I see them asking if anyone would be interested in bringing a WWII ambulance to the event and play medic. Well, I was Johnny on the spot and I get to go for free. They feed me and I get unlimited access to the bombers as well.

That is too cool. I'll bet you will have an absolute blast! Owning your own WW2 ambulance sure does have its perks sometimes.

And I like the new poster too - it looks pretty unique to me.

 

[zepher11]

Lucky you!

Thanks Dave. Just getting to watch them take off and land is worth hanging around. Of course, if no one is looking my goal is to squeeze into the ball turret. At 6'2" it might be difficult, but I would give it a go!

That is too cool. I'll bet you will have an absolute blast! Owning your own WW2 ambulance sure does have its perks sometimes.

And I like the new poster too - it looks pretty unique to me.

I never thought it would, but it's almost like having an American Express card.

I found that the poster was issued in 1919 just after the war. I can imagine they needed a lot of help with care of the wounded after the war.

 

[Red Leader]

Can't believe I haven't posted in this thread yet! 5-star thread for sure!

I've been gone for a while so I've really been missing out. You've done great work and I especially appreciate your attention to detail and accuracy - which I believe serves as a historical data point for future generations to reference, especially in regard to WWII vehicles.

I saw the B-17 pictures and it reminded me of when Aluminum Overcast came through Centennial airport and we took the kids and checked it out. I've got a lot of pictures somewhere of that - I'll try to find them and dig them out and post them. They also had a bunch of great military and war vehicles as well.

Here is the Aluminum Overcast page - wish we could have done a flight. That is definitely on the bucket list! I think its cool that they keep these planes serviceable and flight-worthy so that future generations can check them out and get interested in them. Its one thing to see a picture, but when the kids see it up close, they realize how cool this old stuff is and then get interested in history. I work with kids so it is good to see kids getting interested in anything these days.

https://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/flight-experiences/aluminum-overcast-eaa-b-17-bomber-tour

 

[zepher11]

Can't believe I haven't posted in this thread yet! 5-star thread for sure!

I've been gone for a while so I've really been missing out. You've done great work and I especially appreciate your attention to detail and accuracy - which I believe serves as a historical data point for future generations to reference, especially in regard to WWII vehicles.

I saw the B-17 pictures and it reminded me of when Aluminum Overcast came through Centennial airport and we took the kids and checked it out. I've got a lot of pictures somewhere of that - I'll try to find them and dig them out and post them. They also had a bunch of great military and war vehicles as well.

Here is the Aluminum Overcast page - wish we could have done a flight. That is definitely on the bucket list! I think its cool that they keep these planes serviceable and flight-worthy so that future generations can check them out and get interested in them. Its one thing to see a picture, but when the kids see it up close, they realize how cool this old stuff is and then get interested in history. I work with kids so it is good to see kids getting interested in anything these days.

https://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/flight-experiences/aluminum-overcast-eaa-b-17-bomber-tour

Very cool! Aluminium Overcast was the first WWII bomber I flew on. Haven't seen it in our neck of the woods in many years. The Collings Foundation comes by every few years.

Yesterday I gave B-17 Pilot Lt. Kelley a ride in a local parade. At 94 he still really enjoys it:







Outstanding turn out and a beautiful day. Should be 90 degrees today. Very nice...

 

[USAFpj]

Marpat pants, Army truck and AF ball cap? Does your Mother dress you

Just kidding- that's the jealousy talking.

 

[dhammond]

First time seeing this thread, been MIA from the board for awhile but read it all from the start this weekend. Just incredible. Thank you for sharing the ride. I would literally work for you for free in my spare time if I lived in your area, great shop, great dog, great stories, great work.
Army 91-2001 so will always hold dear the history you are keeping alive. You are a fine caretaker sir.

 

[BUGTHUG]

Lt. Kelly IS BADASS!

 

[zepher11]

Marpat pants, Army truck and AF ball cap? Does your Mother dress you

Just kidding- that's the jealousy talking.

I'm spreading the cheer. Army/Air Force. Back in Kelley's day it was the Army Air Force. They're actually shorts. I don't think I have worn pants away from work in years. I wear shorts all year round. Drives my wife crazy. Those military shorts really hold up in the garage and one can beat the price.

 

[zepher11]

First time seeing this thread, been MIA from the board for awhile but read it all from the start this weekend. Just incredible. Thank you for sharing the ride. I would literally work for you for free in my spare time if I lived in your area, great shop, great dog, great stories, great work.
Army 91-2001 so will always hold dear the history you are keeping alive. You are a fine caretaker sir.

Thank you very much! And thank you for your service.

The comment about working for free brought a smile to my face.

 

[zepher11]

Lt. Kelly IS BADASS!

He's got it going on!

 

[zepher11]

I did get to sandblast a lot of parts yesterday. Actually doesn't look like much, but seemed like it while I was at it! Primed and painted everything this morning:

Installed a couple of the items on the command car engine. I had to knock out the oil tube and installed the military style tube:

I also hustled today to get things together as I will be heading down to the Tower Park military vehicle show on Wednesday. Then back on Friday afternoon as there is a large car show in our area which they limit to 2,000 or so cars. They have a huge cruise on Friday night and then the show Saturday. I will be taking the weapons carrier to both events.

 

[zepher11]

In looking for detail photos of Dodge WC military engines I ran across this photo of the Dodge Brothers cranking out Dodge WC engines for the war effort. In the foreground it appears to be a large crate full of water pump pulleys I think. Hard to tell. One can tell that these engines are equipped with 6 volt generators:

Wish I could stop by there and pick up a couple of engines all ready to go! Pretty neat to see them with the transmission attached as well as the clutch and brake pedals all ready to go. One thing this photo shows me is that the transmission was silver/grey like the engine and bell housing. I shot mine OD. I guess I can live with that.

 

[zepher11]

Since I have been looking around for Dodge flathead details, I thought I would post some photos of the most awesome flathead of all time...well, in my opinion. This is the Chrysler A57 Multibank engine. It was a quick solution for the war effort to power a Sherman tank variant. And with 5 six cylinder flatheads joined together with 30 cylinders, I think the phrase was coined: "I thought it was only hitting on 24 cylinders." Chrysler claimed that with 12 cylinders knocked out the engine could still power the tank. Overall, combined it had 470 hp:

My cherry picker will strain with one engine. Let alone five:

Somewhere in my photo stash, I have a photo taken during the war with a tank crew actually having removed the A57 in the field and working on it. Now that is impressive. Probably all done with a Crescent wrench, pliers and a screw driver.

 

[BUGTHUG]

lot of cast iron for only 470 ponies. That's less than 100hp per block?

 

[Vette60]

Wow. I am continued to be impressed with your builds - your attention to detail is fantastic...

The bomber camp is awesome! The reproduction Memphis Belle was in our neck of the woods two summers ago - I took the kids up and we lucked out and stood runway side as she was fired up and took off. It was absolutely fantastic!

Your Lt. Kelley reminds me of my Dad's friend Mr. Ziegler. Here's a link in our local paper....fantastic story about a great person...http://triblive.com/neighborhoods/yournorthhills/yournorthhillsmore/8038734-74/ziegler-war-camp

Keep up the great work!

Randy

 

[zepher11]

lot of cast iron for only 470 ponies. That's less than 100hp per block?

Not much HP that's for sure. My Dodge 230ci flatheads are rated at 92 HP. Lots of torque, but not much top end. I think 2500 rpm is the about the limit. They also ran the Continental R975 9 cylinder radial airplane engines in the Sherman tanks as well as the big Ford V8.

I would have liked to be a fly on the wall when someone came up with the idea. "Say, how about we take five of our flatheads and put them in a circle to make a tank engine." Crickets....?? Evidently not.

 

[zepher11]

Wow. I am continued to be impressed with your builds - your attention to detail is fantastic...

The bomber camp is awesome! The reproduction Memphis Belle was in our neck of the woods two summers ago - I took the kids up and we lucked out and stood runway side as she was fired up and took off. It was absolutely fantastic!

Your Lt. Kelley reminds me of my Dad's friend Mr. Ziegler. Here's a link in our local paper....fantastic story about a great person...http://triblive.com/neighborhoods/yournorthhills/yournorthhillsmore/8038734-74/ziegler-war-camp

Keep up the great work!

Randy

Thanks Randy. That is a great story and he was in the POW camp a long time.

Here is a link to Lt. Kelley's story on going down and in France and not becoming a POW. Very lucky:

http://www.91stbombgroup.com/91st_tales/01_1944_rescuedbythebravest.pdf

Kelley was in the 91st Bomb Group the same as the Memphis Belle. Kelley told me he had dinner with Robert Morgan, the pilot of the Memphis Belle, four or five times at different reunions. Morgan was amazing in the fact that after surviving the war in Europe, he flew another 26 missions over Japan in a B29...amazing set of attachments.

 

[BUGTHUG]

Its crazy to think that some of those hero's were in wars all the way up to Viet Nam?

 

[ZRX61]

There's a thread on one of the military vehicle websites about a guy rebuilding one of those multi bank engines. Lots of pics. Can't ****** remember where I saw it

 

[ZRX61]

Found it:

http://hmvf.co.uk/forumvb/showthread.php?10960-M4A4-restoration

 

[zepher11]

Its crazy to think that some of those hero's were in wars all the way up to Viet Nam?

It is amazing!

Found it:

http://hmvf.co.uk/forumvb/showthread.php?10960-M4A4-restoration

Oh yeah, I have been following that thread. That is actually where I first really realized what the multibank engine was. He hasn't updated since June 2013, however. It would be great to get an update. My restorations don't even come close to the magnitude that this restoration is all about. Totally impressive.

 

[Bears Fan]

Awesome! I love those vintage photos

 

[zepher11]

I found the hearty WWII GI's that took on the task of field repairing a multibank engine. I wonder if they finally got it back in there? They must have had a repair truck pull it:

 

[Crown]

They probably did. I saw a photo of a crew pulling a radial engine out of a Sherman tank, so this would not be a problem for them as well. You certainly gain respect for those guys, doing what they did under harsh conditions with the tools they had...

Love your thread BTW.
I'm a big fan of the WC12 and would like to have one eventually, though these are not so common.

 

[BUGTHUG]

I found the hearty WWII GI's that took on the task of field repairing a multibank engine. I wonder if they finally got it back in there? They must have had a repair truck pull it:

Those hero's look so damn cold, just can't image how much abuse they endured on a daily basis. And this was a do or die, 4shure

 

[Caleb Swartz]

Popular science ad from 1944





https://books.google.com/books?id=oiUDAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=twopage&q&f=true