Patrick Tipton

Branchville, NJ, United States

Oct 19 at 08:42 AM

Thanks for the feedback Steven - love to hear that the videos are helping.  I too find it increasingly difficult to find people with experience with this old technology.....some of these "arts" are seemingly getting lost....This was one of the main reasons I started the channel...to try and capture this information so other enthusiasts can repair/restore/enjoy these vehicles and technology.  We are due for another virtual meetup.  We are going to schedule it for Nov 7.....around 8pm ET....try to join if you can and we can run through any issues you are having.  We usually get a small crowd, but there is always lots of experience and we all learn!Thanks again for your support Steven!

Reply

Posted

Oct 12 at 08:26 AM

I have continued to work on various WW2 radios.  I mostly went down this rabbit hole because the T24 Weasel came factory equipped with an extremely rare radio. Once you start paying attention, it is hard not to find them fascinating. 

This is part of a BC-659 chassis.  The reason everything looks golden is because the entire radio was "fungus/moisture proofed". The Signal Corps would paint these radios with varnish (that had arsenic mixed in) to keep them from molding up and failing in high humidity environments.  Not all WW2 radios are so treated. 

The varnish does a great job of protecting everything but you do have to be careful when you go to repair the radio because heating varnish/arsenic is not good for your health.

Thanks Jay - I was most happy that we didn't hurt anyone or anything....lots going on.  Sherman is another level! Hope you are doing well my friend!

Outing me!!!  The pulling the engine thing is a thing...but once you get over the fact that you need to pull the engine to change the points, you just do it.  We can get an engine out in about an hour.  It takes a couple hours to get everything back in, but.....the alternative is massive frustration, Dennis grabbing hammers...etc.Poor Maria!  My wife is a willing participant as camerawoman....not too much else!  Maybe we need to do a field trip to John's shop for the transmission pull and rebuild 🤣. We will put you front and center baby!

We are blessed my friend - you need to come over for a Tuesday and hang out.  As for the half-track, I get it! On our jeeps, we use them so much...including the 4wd, that they have become really reliable as the weak links have been fixed. The Weasel gets used a fair amount, but since it has not been restored, I know of many "weak" links.  It is one thing to get stuck in the field...another deep in the woods.  The half track is a beast.....I think the key is more use!  I think the wife needs to start taking it to the grocery store on her weekly grocery run!

Oct 07 at 11:46 AM

Cool!  Will send you an email.

You are 100% correct about that grip....I would bet someone had a 1911 in mind when designing the grip for the light.Sounds like you are on your way with the WC63 transmission.  I have not worked on one, so I am partially talking out of school.  The manuals are pretty good (TM 9-1808B)....I am thinking you will have no trouble inspecting and refurbishing/rebuilding as necessary.  I have rebuilt a bunch of T84's (jeeps & Weasels) but have not put up a good "how to" yet......sorry John!

We are going to get on these Scott!  Looking forward to repainting this black one and getting the correct labels/markings on it. 

Wow Mark - I am sorry to hear that you and Marsha were involved in a accident. Very thankful that you were not injured.  We did have a great time at Gilbert visiting and finding treasure.  We count our blessings that you guys are OK....❤️

Sep 29 at 07:37 AM

They are great....you have to stay on the maintenance and they are a pain to work on, but definitely a hoot and very capable machines!The yellow was likely from a power company or road company post war.  These old machines were used to check power lines, at ski resorts, in search and rescue functions etc....places where having a bright paint would make sense.  I am guessing your WC probably ended up in a county road department somewhere.  As for the skull.....🤣