'77 A2 - My first project

[Mr. Recovery]

Whiterabbit, sorry I missed you at the show, I was there on Sat; keep us posted on the Ga. show, perhaps I'll be able to make it up.

[Vzike]

I was pretty unhappy with the transmission noises on this MUTT, so I was hoping to score one at the show. Mr Murray (TNJ Murray) had a good looking one he said was rebuilt, but missing a couple experior parking brake parts. We got that one for a great price.
Weds, I pulled the engine out, swapped out the tranny, any put it all back. Having a lift and a cherry picker made it easy. I was able to do it on my own in one day.
Took B1 out for a few shake down runs, and NO GRINDING!!!! It's a very tight transmission. I'm a happy camper! Here are a couple pics:

[whiterabbit]

I saw those trannys and was tempted to grab one but my trailer was full and my wallet was empty.
I need to see if he's going to come to the Georgia rally in Oct!

[Vzike]

When I opened the tranny top the large gear on the top towards the back (1st gear I think) looked perfect, until I rotated it. The bottom looked pretty chewed up on the back side (the side with the synchro tapers. I was worried about it, but all the synchros looked new and he said it had all new seals. I decided to put in a more expensive 85/140 gear oil, checked all the bolts (a couple were only finger tight) and replaced a couple broken lock washers. I swapped out the parking brake parts from the tranny I was taking out, and slammed it in.
When I took it out for a shake down, it shifted very thight, but absolutely no grinding. the mutt still howls, but I think that's the rear end. I have two extra differentials. I rebuilt one of the newer differential that will go on the rear, and I'm in the process of rebuilding one of the older (875###) ones to put on the front. Once those are on, I'm going tear down the ones that come out, and rebuild those. I'm also going to rebuild the tranny that I take out. I know that one had some synchro issues, and leaky seals. I'll fix all that and I'm confident it will be a great back up.
If someone at TNJ Murray is rebuilding these transmissions, they did a good job on this one!

[Vzike]

Once I get my stencils on I'll take a final picture and close out this thread. In the mean time, anyone who wants to see the project slide show (50 pictures), go to this link:

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id= ... haring_eid

[SNOOPY]

As promised, more photos. Engine is running, but has a carb issue that needs to be resolved. Still has a few wiring issues, and I'll need to put 50 miles on it and change out the fluids, but this project is getting close. Almost ready to put on the road. We're close to getting it titled.






I plan to drive it up to the Mt Dora MVPA show in March. We may drive both this one and the Encore. Going out for a celebratory rum! Now I'm eyeballing an M37.

I just LOVE tan vehicles!

[Vzike]

The desert sand color is perfect for me here in South Florida. I served a lot of time training in hot climates, and I can tell you the Greens and cammos are dark and absorb a lot of heat. The desert sand is much cooler. Another advantage for me is that is shows issues and dirt more. This is important, since I live on an island and it really needs to have the salt mist/spray rinsed off weekly. Seeing a bit of dirt on it reminds me to wash it off.

[RCA827]

Nice A2 well done restoration love the tan paint , can I ask were you procured all your yellow bolts and hard wear for this project ?

[Vzike]

Thanks... I'm driving it and it is great.

All the yellow zinc fasteners were purchased at Florida Nut and Bolt, in Riviera Beach, FL. I purchased bulk, so if you send me a list of what you need, I'll make you a deal and ship them. Otherwise (and less the shipping, LOL), look up a nut and bolt company near you and visit. You can also look online at Grainger or McMaster Carr. Everything is available, American made, except some of the slotted machine screws. I found those online (do a google search under "Shop" for your item). They were imports.

[Fil Bonica]

Try Fastenal or Tractor Supply.

Fil Bomica

[RCA827]

Thank you Vzike and Fil, I wish someone had a overall yellow zink nut, bolt and washer kit that would replace all the bolts needed, or even a cosmetic kit for a full resto on a M151 - M151a2 ,this would be a great help to people restoring the vehicales. Searching for the right hardware and all the work involved is a real PITA when your trying not to spend money on unwanted stuff .I did find a kit on Ebay item #160973317612.. GRADE 8 FINE THREAD BOLT NUT & WASHER ASSORTMENT KIT 490 Pieces for $ US 74.99 + shipping ,But agine the question is am I purchasing what I need ??

[Fil Bonica]

Grade 8 fine thread might not be exactly what you want. Thrre are some fine thread needed but mostly specialty pieces like flange bolts and nuts for the suspension and other undercarriage assemblies :
If you have a buddy in ME ,NH or VT and there is a Tractor Supply nearby ask them tooad a box ofvgarious sizes and lengths of grade 8 coarse nus and bolts:
Its all priced by the pound and you can mix and match:
Have a four drawer cabinet just for hardware that came from there:
Saves a ton of time and money not going to the hardware store to pick up a few pieces a retail.

Hope tha this helps.

Fil Bonica

[SNOOPY]

Absolutely fabulous restoration!

[elmer]

Congratulations!!!
I have enjoyed a lot with your restauration.
I saw that you didn´t paint registration number on the hood and letters.
What stencils would you have choosen if you had painted?
elmer

[Vzike]

Elmer, this is a 1977 contract A2. During the 1970s, theArmy moved the registration numbers from the hood to the dashboard, reduced the size, and changed to all letters. The placement varies. I put mine under the hand grip. The registrations were unit specific.