VICKERS MK6B's resto

[colin jones]

There is a aluminium angle frame that is riveted to the floor and is in need of repair. It is made from 32x32x5mm angle and I do not believe that they don't make that size here in Aus any more. The nearest I can get is 40x40x6 🤨 I guess I will have to use it and machine it down to the size I want. At least it's aluminium and I can accept 6mm thick

[clarkray]

Hi Colin,I have just retired after sixty years in the machining and fabricating business(36 years on my own).I also have rebuilt dodges, ford t16 carrier and even built a tank on a carrier frame.I believe myself to be pretty decent worker.But you have put me to shame!I can only wish to be half as good as yourself!Congratulations!

[Lynn Eades]

Colin, I had the same trouble with steel angle here and had the edges water / lazer cut to size. (water is better because I didn't have to straighten it) I don't know what people do in other parts of the world, Riveted carriers have approx. 7mm side armour. Here I can only buy 6mm or 8mm plate. Maybe in Australia and other larger countries you have more choice? Everything is a compromise, but the small variations you have to make will be of little consequence. Mechanically minded people, like us, will be in awe of what you have done.

[colin jones]

Clarkray, Thank you🙂 but I'm sure my work puts no one to shame. I would most certainly think that most restorers here could do the same if not considerably better when the different challenges arise. I have had many on this project mainly because the Vickers are just so rare and they deserve to be preserved. There's not many examples out there to compare against
Thank you also Lynn.🙂 As far as the angle is concerned, it too is just another time consuming necessary thing to do. It is not my job to redesign although I could make some things easier but I do enjoy replicating 80+ year old designs.
I had a goal today of completing the basket inserts I started last night.

[colin jones]

This is the second time I made most of these parts as I never listened to my own advise (Measure twice and cut once) and how I hate making mistakes Anyway I just quickly recut and got back on track. I don't know at this stage what goes in here but one of the baskets still had the original small door in it. How lucky am I.

[Mike Cecil]

Commander's G&T cabinet?

Mike

[colin jones]

Thanks Mike
I have completed another 4 units which are for the wireless battery storage. They also sit directly in front of the turret stays.

[colin jones]

And the finished product.