VICKERS MK6B's resto

[RichardT10829]

Colin.

This may seem extreme..... but..... I will suggest it and run away...

can you not build up the corroded sections sufficiently to make a pattern to re cast a replacement ? I have no doubt this would be a very long process, but big hurdles have never stopped you in the past ?

looking at the corrosion product, it wreaks of dissimilar metal corrosion. I feel for you matey.

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by RichardT10829

can you not build up the corroded sections sufficiently to make a pattern to re cast a replacement ? I have no doubt this would be a very long process, but big hurdles have never stopped you in the past ?

looking at the corrosion product, it wreaks of dissimilar metal corrosion. I feel for you matey.

Richard,
As I mentioned to Colin recently, I believe the sump and its adaptor were made of a magnesium alloy called Elektron, which was very much in its infancy when this Vickers was built. It had a tendency to corrode in the early days, but later developments made it much more resistant to corrosion, just look at all the grey Ferguson TE20 tractors from the late 40's/early 50's that are still around, the gearbox casing was made of the same type of metal. It is very tricky to weld and need to be careful as it will burn. The fabricator that restored the hull of another of the Aussie Vickers MkVIa tanks brought back to England, had to build up the mantlet where it had crumbled away, it was a painstaking job, I think he was using TIG as I recall.
I don't think it was a case of dissimilar metals, but just an alloy susceptible to corrosion or breakdown.

[Snowy]

There was a restoration of a 100 year old Delage car engine where the block was scanned and a 3D master printed then cast (done right here in Oz, as well!):
http://www.enginelabs.com/news/video...otive-history/
I wonder if they could give you any advice.

[David Herbert]

Very interesting link Snowy. I didn't realise that you can 3D print a sand mould direct. Beautiful result but must have been expensive as all that high tech gear must be paid for by the work it produces.

David

[colin jones]

Thankyou all for your input. I have decided to go down the path of fabricating a new sump and riser. I think recasting would be very expensive and I feel quite confident in making the parts myself which I will do while the professional people do the head, block etc etc. On a good note however, I removed the oil pump from the crank case and pulled it apart. It is in great condition so I just cleaned the gears and blasted the housing and it will work like a new one which is not bad for 80 or so years old. The sump is 100% not useable as you can see and what you can't see is just as bad. At least I know what I have to do.

[colin jones]

The two brass sieves are good as is the 6 cross members that hold them in place. They will be used again.

[colin jones]

I managed to get the crankshaft out with no issues and it does look good and so does the block. I certainly does have sleeves so that is another thing in my favour.