Army FAV Restoration

A place to post pics and descriptions of ongoing restoration projects

Moderators: rickf, raymond, Mr. Recovery

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Austringer
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Army FAV Restoration

Unread post by Austringer » April 25th, 2013, 4:30 pm

Wish I had taken a few more pics when i first started, but here are some more recent ones. Just finished up the driver's side suspension this past evening. I did not use the 106mm overload springs in the rear b/c I would not be putting the full weight of all the equipment, specifically ammo, in the rear.

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Atlanta, GA

1969 M706
1969 M106A2

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rickf
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Re: Army FAV Restoration

Unread post by rickf » April 25th, 2013, 7:47 pm

I still say those spacers were for the rear only. That front end is going to self destruct in 1000 miles. The travel is too far for the shock so it will pull the shock apart and the chain is way to tight. I realize there is no motor in there but the motor is only a couple hundred lbs.. The ball joints are maxed out all the time and will not work for long at that angle. All of the FAV's I have seen pictures of had the front and rear fenders cut and the tires were right in the front fenders. The rear was high but not the front. That chain will take that front control arm bushing right out from the pounding it will be taking. It is also going to ride like there are no springs at all in the front. JMHO, It's your vehicle.

Rick
1964 M151A1
1984 M1008
1967 M416
04/1952 M100
12/1952 M100- Departed
AN/TSQ-114A Trailblazer- Gone

lpcoating
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Re: Army FAV Restoration

Unread post by lpcoating » April 25th, 2013, 8:34 pm

I'm very new to the 151 scene. What is the deal with the chain? Limits the rebound of the front? If so, why? Was the wheel base wider for this truck? For stability? :?:
M151 Body Panels - http://www.m151bodypanels.com/

'68 A1 - Under full resto

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Austringer
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Re: Army FAV Restoration

Unread post by Austringer » April 25th, 2013, 11:18 pm

Everyone I've seen (in this configuration) has the spacer, overload spring and no shock. I'm really considering taking out the spacer and just going with the regular spring and overload spring. I'm wanting to stay as close to original as possible but at the same time, take into account that I'm not going to be carrying an extra 1000 lbs of items on it. I Think the total additional weight will be around 500, which is the "normal" max carry weight. The additional weight on the front will be about 150 extra lbs (front armor plate and radiator armour).


I did not put the overload springs on the rear and when it's fully unloaded, the yoke binds when the axle yoke is at 12 and 6 b/c of the angle.

Fun stuff.
Atlanta, GA

1969 M706
1969 M106A2

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rickf
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Re: Army FAV Restoration

Unread post by rickf » April 26th, 2013, 7:06 am

You HAVE to run the shocks or you will flip it in a heartbeat! Coil spring rebound is potent and after a good dip it will launch that corner right into the air and most likely break that chain or whatever is attached to it. Never underestimate the power in a coil spring. For the little bit of extra weight you are going to add I would go with the stock springs and if it sits too low then go to a spring shop with the vehicle and have them make you a set. Nobody but you will know the difference. :wink: That way you will get the look and retain the drivability.
1964 M151A1
1984 M1008
1967 M416
04/1952 M100
12/1952 M100- Departed
AN/TSQ-114A Trailblazer- Gone

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Austringer
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Re: Army FAV Restoration

Unread post by Austringer » April 30th, 2013, 2:02 pm

Update:
1. I left the spacers in the front springs and put the engine back in, along with the additional items that go on the front end. The chains are now fairly slack and I get about 3 inches of drop before they catch. I think this will work.
2. Shocks: With the on top, the shocks will not fit through the hole in the spacer. Last night, I did a little more research and measurments on the front shocks that were on the Mutt. I modified the shock by removing the outside of the metal cup/shielding that goes over the rubber piece on the top of the shock. I left the majority of the top to hold the rubber stop bumper in place. The shock now slid through the spacer and mounted up just like the factory install. Then using a fork lift, I pressed down the front bumper (over the frame rail) to get the majority of full compression of the front and the shock did not bind or touch the spacer. I also lifted the front off the ground to check the shock travel and clearence. It passed. The chains restricted the drop to just inside the full extension of the shock.

I think this will work. if not, I will go to the spring shop and have a set made up. I plan on test driving the jeep sometime in the next two weeks and will report back on handling.

I'll post pictures later today or tomorrow based on my free time.

BTW: the additional weight on the front, just from the added armour, brackets, spare tire and bins is about 200 to 250 lbs. this does not include the extra equipment that was carried as well. I did not count the additional weight from the cage, weapon mounts or weapons as they are more centered on the vehicle.
Atlanta, GA

1969 M706
1969 M106A2

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rickf
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Re: Army FAV Restoration

Unread post by rickf » April 30th, 2013, 7:56 pm

Those chains are going to drive you bonkers! Between the constant rattling and the slamming every time they hit the limit I figure you will change things before the summer is out.
1964 M151A1
1984 M1008
1967 M416
04/1952 M100
12/1952 M100- Departed
AN/TSQ-114A Trailblazer- Gone

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Austringer
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Re: Army FAV Restoration

Unread post by Austringer » April 30th, 2013, 11:05 pm

I won't be driving it that much, that's what my 62 M151 is for :-). It's mainly for shows and parades. Plus, no windshield means lots of bugs and wind rash in the south. my main thing is to try to keep it as accurate as possible.
Atlanta, GA

1969 M706
1969 M106A2

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rickf
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Re: Army FAV Restoration

Unread post by rickf » May 1st, 2013, 6:56 am

lpcoating wrote:I'm very new to the 151 scene. What is the deal with the chain? Limits the rebound of the front? If so, why? Was the wheel base wider for this truck? For stability? :?:
I didn't see your post before. The reason for the chains was to keep from overextending the suspension. The military said it was to prevent rollovers on the FAV's due to the extra rough treatment they got. In the racing world we used them to keep from yanking the shocks apart. The end result would be the same.
1964 M151A1
1984 M1008
1967 M416
04/1952 M100
12/1952 M100- Departed
AN/TSQ-114A Trailblazer- Gone

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Austringer
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Re: Army FAV Restoration

Unread post by Austringer » June 5th, 2013, 3:23 pm

A few more updates: Haven't had much time to work on the mutt the past few weeks but did get a few things done.

Correct seats:
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Fuel can holder bracket installed and rear stop light (original only had one, but I'm adding a 2nd one so I can have turn signals)

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Push start button reinstalled (right side) and headlight switch reinstalled (left)

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Rear Diff guard reinstalled

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Front skid plate installed (need to finish bolting to front bumper) still need to install middle (transmission skid plate)

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Atlanta, GA

1969 M706
1969 M106A2

LTDan
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Re: Army FAV Restoration

Unread post by LTDan » June 5th, 2013, 4:31 pm

Well done!

That's going to be a very special vehicle.

Question: The "loops" behind the seats... for ammunition? Or what?

What do you have planned for final paint and identification?

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LTDan
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RCA827
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Re: Army FAV Restoration

Unread post by RCA827 » June 5th, 2013, 11:28 pm

LTDan wrote:Well done!

That's going to be a very special vehicle.

Question: The "loops" behind the seats... for ammunition? Or what?

What do you have planned for final paint and identification?

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I would not want to be sitting in that rear seat when buddy opens up with that .50 :lol:

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rickf
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Re: Army FAV Restoration

Unread post by rickf » June 6th, 2013, 6:42 am

I wouldn't want to be in the front seat either.
1964 M151A1
1984 M1008
1967 M416
04/1952 M100
12/1952 M100- Departed
AN/TSQ-114A Trailblazer- Gone

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Austringer
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Re: Army FAV Restoration

Unread post by Austringer » June 6th, 2013, 2:02 pm

It will be a solid black, everything painted originally black CARC. The only markings on them were "J #" mine being J 4 on the center of the front ceramic armor plate and then on the rear box (can't rememb which side this sec b/c I'm not looking at my original pictures). No other markings. The letters where 2" white stencils.

The racks I believe were for M72 laws. they fit nicely inside.

Jason
Atlanta, GA

1969 M706
1969 M106A2

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Re: Army FAV Restoration

Unread post by maple_leaf_eh » July 21st, 2013, 10:36 pm

There is a fine line between authenticity and reckless. Let's be respectful to history, but acknowledge that we want to enjoy our retirements in one piece. I would be accurate for everything above the waterline, but complying with the collective wisdom for safety where it matters. So, shocks, springs and limiters as required for good road manners without compromising "first glance" inspections. No one will fault you for erring on the side of caution.

On another forum, we have just gone through the sad news of fellow restorer dying as a result of 3rd degree burns when his clothing caught fire while grinding. We have only one body and, despite reckless disregard for our mortality, one healthy life. Let's play safe here boys.
Last edited by maple_leaf_eh on September 7th, 2013, 9:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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