VICKERS MK6B's resto

[colin jones]

Mike, thanks for the info.
For those who have or are doing a carrier, I'm sure you know just how hard it is to get the suspension rods out in one piece. With all the carriers I've done, I think I'd be lucky to have got anymore than 10-20% out as they are generally so seized it's near impossible to move them even with heat. What I have found to be the easiest for me is to just cut the rod between the springs and at least get them out in good condition. The rod itself is only case hardened so it can be drilled just like mild steel. I went through with a 5/8 drill about half way each side. Just a tip if you do this, don't drill fast and use fluid because you might snap a drill inside. After I drill mine (8-10 mins each) I used my oxy/acc and just cut part way down. The air chisel got the rest out very easy and never damaged the ball part at all.

[colin jones]

All suspension parts are cleaned, blasted and ready for primer. I only have the last 3 bogies to get apart and the wheels get picked up on Saturday for some new rubber. It has taken be the last week to get all this done. It may not look like a lot of work but without drilling and using the oxy I'd be no where near finished. Big relief

[Dave lean]

Col' , I think you are obsessive compulsive.. Main Springs all lined up, Secondary Springs all lined up, Ball units all lined up, Vickers Tanks all lined up......

[colin jones]

Oh! I never noticed that

[Mike Cecil]

The medical profession might call it Obsessive Compulsive DISorder (OCD) .... but I am convinced that, in your and my case, Col, it is Obsessive Compulsive ORDER, and a good thing to have as a restorer, too!

Mike

[David Herbert]

I agree with Mike - OCO is a good thing, keeps things tidy and you can find things without hunting for them. looks very impressive too.

David

[Tony Smith]

And an excellent way to compare the condition of the items. Note that the Outer Springs all have a similar free length, while the Inner Springs have an assorted variety of free lengths, indicating that some some may have sagged or lost tension.

It might be worthwhile considering if some of those Inners should be replaced with new coils to ensure a level stance. If they are all the same rate, they will do their bit to share the load with the Outers. If an Inner has lost tension and is a lesser spring rate, it will lead to premature failure of the paired Outer which then needs to bear a heavier load at that suspension station.