How To: Restoration of Ford M8 armoured car US Ordnance number 7373

[James P]

Big D, amazing work and dedication to doing it right with no cutting corners, total respect earned and given. Pock marks and bullet strikes, I have one bullet strike on a vehicle that there was no way in gods green earth I was going to restore out. If fact I took (and strongly suggest this) a page from the "Tank Overhaul" series where the Ferdinand at APG got restored and they painted the splash and strikes silver. My little bullet hole got silver POR15 brushed on which pretty much means it would be around on this earth longer then me and certainly makes it "pop". Looking at that struck turret front its just begging to be touched up, but that is 100% your call.

[David Dunlop]

Darryl. An interesting dilemma you have with the bullet holes on your turret. For what they are worth, my thoughts would be to totally fill and remove all penetrations, simply to protect the interior from exposure to unexpected weather/the elements, and sadly...stupid people. I would also do this where internal fittings need to be replaced.

If any of the impacts did not penetrate, but resulted in a spall of metal being punched off the interior wall, I would definitely leave those untouched. These would tell a huge story as to how those little bits of metal flying around the interior can be just as deadly to the crew as a complete penetration.

Lastly, on the exterior, I would probably remove some of the impacts where there were just too many, or it looked messy, interfered with kit installation, but keep some of the more interesting ones.

Enough said. It 's your toy. Enjoy!

David

[Big D]

Hi James and David

Thanks for the replies. You have all got me thinking again now. I will have another look at the turret and see if there are a couple of holes that I can keep there to keep it interesting without detracting too much from appearance etc.

I'll keep you posted.

[James P]

Big D
Thats fair, give it some thought and (fingers crossed) you save a couple holes and impacts on turret front that relate to the vehicles service and history. The absolute beauty of owning a MilVeh is it can look a little rough around the edges and have that "lived in" look going on. I feel it would not be disrespectful to your efforts and work invested nor to the vehicle leaving it a little shot up. One thing I think is goofy are owners who put those magnetic bullet holes on their vehicle..... but hey folks can feel free to do as they wish its their ride.

A vehicle is only "factory new"......................once, so you can take a little licence representing it how it would look in service.

[Big D]

Hi James,

Yes, that is a very good argument and you have me convinced now. I'll save a couple of the best ones!

[James P]

Good man, now I have to start talking you into taking a small modeling paint brush and some silver paint to make the strikes look like fresh, bright, hits on the metal.........it is only paint and easy to undo but adds something to the "the look".

[Big D]

Hi James

Hmm...nice idea. That would look good. Have you considered becoming a salesman? You have missed your calling!