To mod or restore, that is the question.

[wgtactical]

If you've got the resources to find everything you need to put it back original, then that is always going to be the most popular option. I've done restorations as well as what I've become infamous for...Full Tilt Custom Among the most difficult projects I've ever done is correct restorations. I say "correct restorations" because of how loosely the word restoration has been interpreted over the years. Paint applied over rust, pits, dents, dirt and grease...boogered up welds, etc. is just a few observations I've made on recently restored projects. But at the end of the day it is all about what's important to you and what you'll be doing with it once it's finished. Personally I like the shock and awe factor my vehicles earns...everybody literally goes nuts when they see them and honestly, who wouldn't feel proud about that? Having that said, you are the one who will be footing the bill for whatever path you choose, so make sure the guy paying for it is happy and you wont go wrong Here is a small sample of what happens every time I take one of my vehicles out...of course your mileage may vary.

 

[Torisco]

Just stop! I already regret selling this 'Thing' (the greek meaning for 'Ontos')

Sorry...did not find anywhere in this thread where you sold the Ontos?

I believe this vehicle was also fondly referred to as the "Dragon" during its USMC service.

 

[Sikorsky502]

The work you've done on your m114's and your v100 is amazing. My real passion is to do a fully custom Halftrack with that kind of flavor. Want to fully enclose it in and have one of the hmmwv motorized turrets, MRAP front axle with new style tires, hmmwv front windshield with the bullet proof glass, the full works. In the mean time the ontos will be my project. Ine of the mods I will do is to give the Chrysler 361 a few more ponies and take it out mudding. When I get to the Halftrack project Id love to get some ideas and help from you WGTactical on it.

 

[FrankUSMC]

I have never heard of it being called a "Dragon" from any Marines. Every one I have talked to called it the Ontos.
One of the few, Frank USMC RET

 

[CBR Metalworks]

Sorry...did not find anywhere in this thread where you sold the Ontos?

I believe this vehicle was also fondly referred to as the "Dragon" during its USMC service.

Posts #3 and #4 kind of hint at it. It is still parked at my house.

In all my searching I have never seen/heard them referred to as a Dragon, but I can see why they would be, the flame the 106mm rifles throws is huge, and the percussion has been known to bust car windows.

 

[dmetalmiki]

Good luck with your project, What a fabulous vehicle to have and to restore however you complete it. Interesting pictures as well.

 

[Torisco]

Sorry...

The persons who owned the Ontos that I took the pictures of displayed it as a USMC Ontos Dragon. So, I made the mistake of assuming that the USMC had nicknamed it the Dragon.

 

[Another Ahab]

Posts #3 and #4 kind of hint at it. It is still parked at my house.

In all my searching I have never seen/heard them referred to as a Dragon, but I can see why they would be, the flame the 106mm rifles throws is huge, and the percussion has been known to bust car windows.

You fire live rounds from the tubes?

 

[CBR Metalworks]

You fire live rounds from the tubes?

Well I haven't, but yes, the Ontos has 6 106mm recoilless rifles on top of it, I was reading somewhere (can't remember where) that during testing up in VA they busted a parking lot full of windows out of cars after shooting multiple tubes on the Ontos at once. I also saw a picture somewhere of a massive backblast flame it throws upon firing.

Here is a video that briefly shows it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0t-0l0Zv0I

 

[jdmcm]

The one nice thing I found in this thread is that even with different opinions, generally the mood is supportive, and in the end we are all pretty lucky to be able to pursue this hobby no matter what type of vehicle we have or how we go about restoring or modifying it

 

[FrankUSMC]

jdmcm
You are right. I am putting together a M38A1C jeep now, it is not going to be a complete restoration. The body on this jeep is not perfect. The M38A1C jeep is a M38A1 jeep with a 106mm recoilless rifle mounted on it. The old owner put in the middle of the dash a big boat type kill switch. I am having made (hope to pick it tomorrow), a data plate to mount below the kill switch the will say on the top of it "ARMING SWITCH", and below that "OFF ON". It will look like a switch to arm the cannon.
95% of the people looking at the jeep will think every thing is perfect......the other 5%, I will keep buying them beer till they think so also.
One of the few, Frank USMC RET

 

[Another Ahab]

Do You Believe

95% of the people looking at the jeep will think every thing is perfect......the other 5%, I will keep buying them beer till they think so also.
One of the few, Frank USMC RET

 

[Sikorsky502]

The 106mm is an interesting weapon. Are you going to put a live one on your jeep? I'd like to eventually have one operable 106 and one spotting rifle on the ontos, but that's a long ways away from happening. I know Brent Mullins has demilled 106's at his place in Texas.

 

[FrankUSMC]

I got mine from Brent Mullins, very happy with it!! It went back together very nicely. Plus, Brent is a former Marine! As far as firing, that is no biggy for me. I have over 2 hundred guns in the collection here, and I do not shoot any of them. I have always shot expert rifle and pistol while in the Marines and was on the base shooting team, but after I retired I became more of a collector than a shooter. My Bride has always said that if anything happened to me, she has the insurance policies and the "garage sell!".
One of the few, Frank USMC RET