White M3A1 AOP Windshield and Door armour

[Big D]

Hey Andrew

I've confirmed what David has said in that the halftrack armour is different to the scout car.

Sorry to waste your time.

Thanks.

[Andrew]

No Prob, im going out to work on her today, so i wouldnt have gone outta my way. If you need anything else that may be the same, just ask

Andrew

Originally Posted by Big D

Hey Andrew

I've confirmed what David has said in that the halftrack armour is different to the scout car.

Sorry to waste your time.

Thanks.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Big D

I've confirmed what David has said in that the halftrack armour is different to the scout car.

I find that hard to believe, seeing the design and production of both the Scout Car and Half Track was done by White?!?

Whatever, ignore my remark as I am no specialist on this subject and cannot contribute with measurements etc.

H.

[Lynn Eades]

Hanno maybe the design was "improved" as there were a few years between the first production of each. Correct?

[motto (RIP)]

Ok Darryl, I've got the windshield armour out and still have all my fingers and toes so here are some measurements. More to follow as I work out exactly what you want.
All references are assuming the armour is standing upright on its lower edge.
This piece of armour is thicker than that used on most of the hull being 1/2 " thick or possibly a few thousandths of an inch less.
Basic dimensions are 13-1/4 " top to bottom.
62-7/8 " across the top.
60 " across lower edge.
Top edge is square. Lower edge is beveled at an angle of 55 degrees inclusive. i.e. 35 degrees from square with the 'chisel' edge on the front face.
Distance between view ports, from the nearest edge of one to the nearest edge of the other 32". View ports as stated are 8" X 3-1/2".
Wiper slots are 1/2" wide X 1" top to bottom. This puts the centre of the radius at 3/4" up from the lower edge of the visor as the top of the slot is radiused. (1/4" radii).
The wiper slot is also counter bored on the rear face with a square ended tool 7/8" diameter to a depth of .230". This is a circular counter bore only and uses the same centre point as the upper radius, the step is not milled down to the end of the slot.
Distance of wiper slots centre to centre is 34-1/2". They are NOT centred below the view ports.
More to come

David

[Big D]

Hi David

Wow! Thanks for that. That is great. I'll start putting a sketch together.

I managed to lay my hands on some plans for the windshield and door armour for the half track. Like you say they are different. The measurements you've given me for the windshield are close to the halftrack windshield. The halftrack windshield armour is a little wider at 63 29/32". The shape of the folding door armour is quite different though and is flat along the top whereas the scout car is sloping. From what I can see though the viewing ports look to be the same.

By the way - how heavy was that windshield armour? Would it be a one person job to fit or does it need two?

Thanks again.

Cheers.

[motto (RIP)]

Hi Darryl
This should just about complete the requirements for the windshield armour.
Upper edge of view ports are 5-3/4" below top edge of the plate.

A vertical line drawn through the centres of the bolt holes for the view port block guides measures as being 1-3/32" beyond each end of the view port opening.
Centres for these holes are 3-3/4" and 8" below the upper edge.

The three support strut hole centres are 11-1/4" below the top edge.
If a line is drawn through the centres of the three holes and carried on to the edges of the plate, the outer two hole centres are 5-1/8" in from either end. The third hole is NOT on centre,it is offset to the right. Its centre is 27-1/4" from the r/h edge and 33-1/4" from the l/h edge.
These holes are .515" diameter X .250 deep. Bottom of holes are flat, not pointed.

One person can carry the windshield armour but to install it on the vehicle it may be wise to have somebody assist, particularly if everything is already painted. I would suggest that the three hinges be secured to the visor first so as it could then be placed on the vehicle in the down position and maybe a ratchet strap put right around it to stop it sliding down the scuttle.

Tomorrow, if conditions allow, I will take some door armour measurements.

David

[motto (RIP)]

Hanno and Lynn

The differences between the White Scout Car and Half Track armour can probably be explained by differences in the mechanical components used on the two vehicles. Larger engine needed larger engine bay. Tracks instead of wheels on the rear may have dictated a wider hull. Length of track unit meant longer arches resulting in narrower front doors (about 6" from memory).

I would be fairly sure that's what it's about.

David

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by motto

The differences between the White Scout Car and Half Track armour can probably be explained by differences in the mechanical components used on the two vehicles. Larger engine needed larger engine bay. Tracks instead of wheels on the rear may have dictated a wider hull. Length of track unit meant longer arches resulting in narrower front doors (about 6" from memory).

I would be fairly sure that's what it's about.

David,

Thanks, sure makes sense. Looks can be deceiving! Just like the Chev and Ford CMP, they look they same - but the differences are actually quite significant.

Hanno

[Andrew]

I used an engine hoist to remove mine, used a strap thru gun/sight ports, removed it by myself that way, and will install it that way. BTW i removed and installed my doors the same

Originally Posted by motto

One person can carry the windshield armour but to install it on the vehicle it may be wise to have somebody assist, particularly if everything is already painted. I would suggest that the three hinges be secured to the visor first so as it could then be placed on the vehicle in the down position and maybe a ratchet strap put right around it to stop it sliding down the scuttle.


David

[Big D]

David,

Fantastic. That certainly covers the windshield armour nicely. Much appreciated. Just a thought; if you still have your armour off, is there any chance of you taking a picture of the wiper slots please? I am just trying to get my head around the counter boring on them.

I didn't get a chance to buy you a beer at Corowa last time but I sure owe you one now!

I'll certainly use some form of lifting or securing of the windshield armour when fitting like you and Andrew have said.

Thanks.