LP2 SAR Hull No 316 Restoration.

[Matt Stephenson]

Given the responses and interest in my previous post, I'm now considering having copies of the air intake duct work made using my originals as a template.

If anyone is interested, please pm me. I have no idea on price as yet....

[lynx42]

PM sent
Rick.

[Matt Stephenson]

Hi all,

I've made some slight progress with the carrier. With the engine and the gearbox now out of the hull this has given me the opportunity to start fixing the hole in the floor cut by its previous owner to allow easier access to the engine sump. Also, as a PTO was fitted to the gearbox at some time, the gear shift was moved across to the left side of the engine, so remedial work has begun to fix this mess too. I've also managed to finish all the tool locating points on the side of hull.

While out picking in the area recently, I have also made some interesting finds. I believe that tracks and ammo storage bins are from a M3 Grant/Lee, and some interesting looking tow points from a ???? If anyone can help ID, or if your interested in the M3 Grant/Lee parts please let me know. Enjoy the pics.

[colin jones]

Excellent work Matt, it always feels good to see progress. Looking at the track and the ammo holders there, I would assume that they are off a grant. Do you happen to know the dia of the ammo holes by chance.
Colin.

[Matt Stephenson]

Hi Colin,

No I don't know the diameter but fortunately the ammo racks aren't too far from home, so I should be able to get your answer soon.

[Matt Stephenson]

Progress on the restoration of my LP2 has been slow up until recently, but since taking some long overdue leave from work, and also having built up a fairly sizable bank of "nag-free" hours, I got in and got some much needed work done.

The engine and gearbox was removed from the hull in late March, exposing a decent size hole in the floor courtesy of a farmer and a gas-axe, all in order to facilitate the fitting of a PTO for a crude winch. This has been nearly completely rectified now, with only the welds to be ground down smooth. I also took the time to make up new bracket/mounting points for the floor in the front driver's/gunner's section as most of these were deteriorated beyond salvage, with most of the bolt hole having the snapped-off bolts still in situ.

As a South Australian Railways hull, there is a quite prominent and unusually shaped piece on the floor between the driver and gunner. This piece on mine had previously been cut and damaged during its former life, with about 2/3 of the original still in place. I debated for a while only replacing the missing section, but in the end decided to replace the entire piece. I think it will be well worth it in the end.... Also welded on the rear mud guards.... not much, I know, but one more thing off the to-do-list.

Finally, the ATO was kind enough to give me some of my hard earned back to me in the form of a tax return. On being told by the accountant how much I was getting back, I exclaimed to the Minister for Nagriculture that it was what I needed to get the carrier sandblasted and painted... Expecting the usual response, I was surprised to hear her say...."Sure, go for it." After picking my jaw back up off the ground and checking that she did say that, and I wasn't in some alternate reality, I am now working toward getting the hull ready so it can go away and come back Khaki green. I'm hoping to get it done in about 8 to 12 weeks when the weather warms up some more, and there isn't as much moisture about.

Progress pics attached.

[Rod Bellars (RIP)]

looks like a lot of hard work ,I may have met you at Corowa ? I left a card with mate of yours breath testing me a few months back lol when was chasing tank stuff up in NSW
anyway matt if you need carrier parts let me know took a few bits to corowa last march and will be there with more next year always searching for tank and artillery stuff currently doing up a m3 early lee made 5/42 and a staghound ex norforce . sent this just in case he did not give you card
regards
rod