mackd Posted February 14, 2016 Posted February 14, 2016 It is a large building of high quality very interesting to follow.
Chariots of Fire Posted February 15, 2016 Author Posted February 15, 2016 The Continental engine is beginning to take shape. Details from just tubing, wire, bolt heads, hex rod and a few odds and ends from the parts box. The flex hose from the carb to the air cleaner is a section of fishing lure called a "wiggly worm". Very soft plastic material. Spark plug wires and some other wiring still to go but won't be added until after the engine is painted and ready to install. Fan belt pulleys are turned aluminum. Fan belts are small strips of a finger from a latex glove.
gino Posted February 16, 2016 Posted February 16, 2016 wow that is looking really cool . the engine is outstanding and I like the fan belt idea !
Tesla Posted February 16, 2016 Posted February 16, 2016 Excellent work on the engine and the "wiggly worm" flex hose looks great.
Chariots of Fire Posted February 16, 2016 Author Posted February 16, 2016 It finally caught up to me. Had to get some paint on the engine! Now it is more than just bits of plastic and wire.
Chariots of Fire Posted February 20, 2016 Author Posted February 20, 2016 (edited) Sometimes it seems as if things start to come together all at once. In this case the painted frame and finished tires and wheels get this project one step closer to the finish line. Still waiting on the 3D u-joints to come in so the drive train can be finished but now more work can begin on the cab, cleaning up the hood, developing hood and door hinges and making up the windshield. Why the red grill guard and red and silver wheels on an M-52? Remember that this was turned into a 5 Ton brush rig. There will be lots more red before this project is done. Edited February 20, 2016 by Chariots of Fire Expand description
Chariots of Fire Posted February 21, 2016 Author Posted February 21, 2016 Got more done today. The hood is hinged and so is the windshield. They are temporarily pinned but will be dressed up after paint is complete.
Superpeterbilt Posted February 21, 2016 Posted February 21, 2016 More top notch work Charles. This truck looks amazing.
redneckrigger Posted February 22, 2016 Posted February 22, 2016 I think you have NAILED it so far! The engine actually looks spot on. And while I do have a soft spot for the OD paint jobs on these trucks when original, I am glad it's going to be red. Firetrucks HAVE to be red................! (Says the guy whose FD has glow-in-the-dark yellow firetrucks!!!
Chariots of Fire Posted February 22, 2016 Author Posted February 22, 2016 I think you have NAILED it so far! The engine actually looks spot on. And while I do have a soft spot for the OD paint jobs on these trucks when original, I am glad it's going to be red. Firetrucks HAVE to be red................! (Says the guy whose FD has glow-in-the-dark yellow firetrucks!!! I learned a long time ago that if you leave them out in the sun long enough they will ripen!
Chariots of Fire Posted February 26, 2016 Author Posted February 26, 2016 Continuing work, I spent some time working on the dash board, taking information from the truck itself as well as from the TM for the M52. The resulting dash is painted red like on the truck that is being replicated. Additional decals have since been added and the switches were changed slightly. Also there is a small bank on switches to the left of the glove box. The two tee handles have also been replaced with ones that are slightly smaller and in a vertical position. Every little bit gets us closer to the end of the build.
Chariots of Fire Posted February 27, 2016 Author Posted February 27, 2016 Update on the dash board and some work on the cab doors today. Dash is about finished except for mounting a radio under it and a mike clipped to it. Doors are secured with butt hinges from MicroMark. Right now they are temporarily in place using a stainless rod. Much easier to thread through the small hinges than the actual pins. The hinges are held in place with superglue and real small nails that come with the hinge pak. Inside the door openings are those rounded steel plates that you sometimes see on military trucks when the doors are off. They also act as stops for the doors and will be a place for a simple tab to catch the door when it is closed. The tab will be attached to the future door handle.
redneckrigger Posted February 27, 2016 Posted February 27, 2016 Amazing......................looks like a real M52 being built!
gatorincebu Posted February 27, 2016 Posted February 27, 2016 Amazing......................looks like a real M52 being built! X's 2 I never drove any of them, ! Not in motor T . But rode many a mile in them facing inboard was a high pucker factor , whe going through some of the Villageson Route #1 up in I Corps. Be Well Gator
Chariots of Fire Posted February 29, 2016 Author Posted February 29, 2016 The doors are nearly complete. Just the door handles and window cranks to go. The dashboard is complete except for a couple of switches that I forgot. Couldn't resist trying the paint on the hood to see how it looks. Those are ALPS gold letters with black shading on the sides. Pretty soon the windshield will get some paint but I want to get the cab top done before that so I don't mess the paint up. Progress is beginning to show now.
gatorincebu Posted February 29, 2016 Posted February 29, 2016 What you done thus far looks really good.! Be Well Gator
Chariots of Fire Posted March 23, 2016 Author Posted March 23, 2016 Well, the Coleman is now back in the display case and finished! Now it's back to the M-52 with quite a bit finished since the last posting. The cab top is done and ready for permanent installation. The inside details of the cab are nearly complete with a few details like the radio, windshield latches and some other fire equipment still to go. The doors are now complete with interior panels, door handle and window crank. Clutch and brake pedals, gear shift, transfer lever, low range lever are in place. Seats are not original and mimmick the changes made in the actual truck. The cab roof is only in position and sits a bit high on the passenger side. But with a little persuasion and some super glue it will settle down where its supposed to be. Still to go are the hood sides and headlights. Other lights will be added to complete the fire theme.
Tesla Posted March 23, 2016 Posted March 23, 2016 A lot has been accomplished and as always, it looks terrific!
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