My first multifuel?

[KN6KXR]

I've been following your thread with interest. You are doing very good work! I enjoy doing these things like you: making tools, cutting gaskets, taking the time to do it correctly. If we were neighbors we would have much to talk about over coffee or tea.

I'm also in the process of bringing home a '70 M543A2 in much better shape than yours but still very rough. It's in a place than cannot be towed and must be driven out (many corners, steep hills, narrow roads in mountains). I have it moving under it's own power after some engine work but the brakes they are not safe. So I must work in place in the dirt on not very level spots to fix them. I'm very envious of your nice flat patch of concrete some day I wish to have such a spot at my place!

Keep posting these details I'm behind you in the process and taking notes. It's looking very good!

 

[foxtrot]

 

[foxtrot]

All ten wheels are sandblasted and primed.
Rebuilt and reassembled both front wheel cylinders.

 

[bprzyw]

Keep up the good work FoxTrot! You’re doing great work and in record time!

 

[foxtrot]

I received the hub key, I plan to transform it for torque tightening.
The interior of the 10 wheels are painted.
The hubs and drum too.

 

[18operator]

You are definitely moving along on your project. Great work.

 

[foxtrot]

Next step.
With this drawing you will understand where I am coming from.
Back in the build.

 

[18operator]

A cradle for the cab?

 

[foxtrot]

A cradle for the cab?

Yes,
You read my thoughts.
I started the base, it will be finished tomorrow.
As usual, built with recycled iron.

 

[foxtrot]

I started to lighten the cabin by removing the doors, their weight and 76 lb each.

 

[foxtrot]

For those who love disassembly, this is the best.
The handbrake cable was severed.
A severe air leak!

 

[KN6KXR]

Ah I see you are having some of the same issues as I. I visited mine today in the woods and tried to get the brakes adjusted. I found broken shoes, lug nuts with thread coming off, cracked tires, etc.... At least I was able to load 5 tires and take them with me to do what you are up to: paint the rims and renew the bad ones. On the bright side now that I have the engine running the crane actually works and that really helped load the tires. It runs badly but it moves!

Being involved in the same type of restoration I'm very impressed by your work and highly interested in your project. When I can get it to arms reach and out of the mountains I hope to progress that looks like yours. I looked my number up it's a 1967 so just a few years younger. If you have questions or need pictures let me know I'll do what I can. Although mine appears to have had a rather hard life; it also appears to be mostly original so perhaps I can be helpful.

 

[foxtrot]

Very nice photos, thank you.

 

[foxtrot]

Today the cabin and the hood are detached, ready to be lifted.
First of all I will take care of the doors and the disassembled parts.

 

[foxtrot]

cutting and sheet metal on both doors, they are ready for painting.

 

[KN6KXR]

Curious how are you prepping for paint? It looks very nice are you taking it all down by hand or have a sand blast type setup?

 

[foxtrot]

Curious how are you prepping for paint? It looks very nice are you taking it all down by hand or have a sand blast type setup?

Very good question.
It's the first time I've worked on a hand truck, but don't sand blast the doors or the hood, they don't like it.
Risk of deformation.
I sanded with an 80 grit orbital then some 120 grit paper discs.
I would have liked to take pictures but the weather was terrible.

 

[foxtrot]

Tomorrow if all goes well, second layer of earth brown then green, black and the two stars.

 

[Mullaney]

Tomorrow if all goes well, second layer of earth brown then green, black and the two stars.

.
You are making good progress @foxtrot !
Looking sharp too...

 

[foxtrot]

I drew two stencils and painted the two 16" stars at the same time.