T16 restoration starts in earnest

[Jordan Baker]

Andrew,

Your making good prgress. When I got into mine I first throught "oh geez, what I have done now" But then I just started doing one piece at a time. Sure it looks like nothing was being accomplished, but after a couple of months I'd have a pile of small stuff done. Then after 6 months or so I'd put the stuff all on and I'd amaze myself at what I had done. 7yrs later I think Im down to having enough fingers (thumbs included) on both hands to account for whats left to do or get(minus the tools).

And youve found one of the best communities for these vehicles anywhere in the world.

[andrew honychurch]

Thanks for the words of encouragement. Having restored a few MVs over the years when I was younger and had fewer other things going on in my life I am keen to get this done and finished rather than let it hang around in bits. The worst job in my view is the welding and fabrication of the missing or damaged tin work, largely because it falls outside of my area of capability and therefore I need to rely upon others, which is not only very frustrating if they drag their feet but also expensive. Pretty much everything else I can do for myself. I am also rather frustrated by the difficulty in getting parts for this. I realise we are now nearly 70 years after these carriers were produced but I have never had the problems getting parts for other vehicles as I am for this one! Back in the 90's there was a superb chap in the Uk called Chris Wilikinson who I am sad to say, as a very good friend of mine, has now departed this world. I used to get NOS items from him for my Stuart, Daimler Armoured Car, Half Track that we can only dream about today. Frustratingly he had a load of T16 parts most of which went into the smelting pot when he moved from his long time storage yard. Where have all the T16 parts gone?

[andrew honychurch]

Whilst the hull is away being repaired I have now started on the suspension units and wheels. With the help of David Gordon, who has provided me with much insight I have now stripped all the wheels of theire internal bearings and races in order to have them sandblasted and am just attempting to remove the suspension springs. The TM refers to a special spring compressor. Effectively it looks like a 6 inch tube with a bolt that fixes to the end of the spring centre shaft. Then I assume one turn a nut on the end of the tube and this draws the rod upwards compressing the spring in the process. Does anyone have one of these? Can anyone tell me or even better draw me a diagram of how it is constructed so that i can make one? The thread on the end of the spring centre shaft is 3/4 UNF for what its worth. Not sure whether this is the same on Universals as it is on my T16. As always any help much appreciated.

EDIT the coil spring compressors I have in place in the photo wont work as they dont compress the spring enough to get the bottom of the rod out of its housing, hence the need for the special tool, although the other TM refers to be able to use the track jack doing the same job, it occurs to me that the spring would be compressed only on one side with the track jack unless one could use two, and I dont think there will be enough clearance for that. As I dont, as yet have a track jack its slighly academic!

[SDT16]

I'll photograph the one I made. It worked really well. It is quite simple but you will need a small welder.

Stand By!

SD

[SDT16]

Ok, Here Ya Go!

Piece of pipe. About 12"
Threaded rod with 2 nuts. Must be longer than the pipe.
Large washer
1 nut with threads matching Suspension Rod. You will have to round the outside down to enable it to slide inside the pipe.

Weld rounded nut to one end of rod. Install washer and adjusting nut onto rod. Weld another nut on opposite end. The tube will slide over rounded nut end.

Keep in mind to make your lengths of the pipe and the threaded rod long enough to enable enough compression, as well as, enough room to release all spring tension once it is out of its socket.

Also!!!... When you are releasing the spring tension. Be sure you have a wrench on the rod so that you do not prematurely unscrew the tool from the suspension rod!!!!! And always KEEP Clear of both ends incase your welds break!!! I'm sure those springs could send things Flying!!!

Hope this Helps!

[andrew honychurch]

Fantastic. thats really helpful and I am most grateful. I have been thinking about this today, and that exactly the design I came up with . ( I would say that wouldnt i?)

I managed to pick up a track jack today and it is not safe for the job. Basically the fingers dont grip well enough and the jaws can swivel so it constantly twists. You are quite correct that the spring tension is enormous and I think you could brain yourself or take a finger off in a sprice.

I need to go get some pip, I recokon on 1 5/8 O/D which will sit in the recess where the nut normally sits and sit nice and square. Then I can wind the spring up to my hearts content. Thats the job for the weekend.

What i also reckoned was that it one thing getting these springs off but getting them back on will be pretty tricky so having a nice square pull with this puller will make the job safer and easier.

I really appreciate your help

thx Andrew

[andrew honychurch]

I had quite a good day today, and managed to find a full set of tools for the T16 and one or two other bits and bobs. Quite made my day to be honest