Early Bow Brace Rod

[Hijkenboy]

Does anyone have dimensions, and/or good photo's of the early Bow Brace Rod that holds the sides of the canvas canopy up? I mean the earlier rod version, not the later bar version that is commonly available.

I want to make new ones to back date my M151A1.

I have the early -10 manual that shows the assembly (that Ken shared scans of on here) but it's not helpful on the details of the rods themselves, particularly what I assume is a centre hinge for when the Bow is folded.

Thanks


Andrew

[Surveyor]

Unless someone beats me to it, I'll get some measurements and pics for you this evening.

[Mr. Recovery]

Here's a shot of half of one, can't get to the Bow right now! this half is about 18" to the pivot hole, best I can do right now.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/9xlx6nlgnhrds ... 4.jpg?dl=0

Dan.

[rickf]

I have a complete set and I am pretty sure I know where they are at for once but I am so tied up for the next two days that I can't even think about getting to them until Sunday at the earliest. And by then i will have forgotten all about it so if you have not gotten what you need by then be sure to send me a pm and I will look on Sunday and get some pictures.

[Surveyor]

Images spliced together so not to scale.
Middle picture is slightly off as I took it looking at a slight angle down to show the locking piece in better detail.

[Hijkenboy]

Thanks to all for the response and thanks very much Surveyor, that's exactly what I was looking for!


Andrew

[rickf]

I can't even come close to that kind of detail! I don't know if you have ever used those types of rods but if you have not and you are planning on it be aware that they had this lovely habit of unlatching and smacking you in the side of the head, top and all.

[m75]

Rick I think I still one or two scars from that happening.

[rickf]

THAT is why I have a set of originals, they are off of mine when I converted it to the later style and never looked back (or to the side to see if it was coming loose)! I will keep them and sell them with the vehicle so the new owner will have the original equipment but I will give him the fair warning.

[SturmTyger380]

I have those early ones but no top yet. So I see a field mod in my future. I am thinking a small worm type hose clamp to slip over and tighten down.

[Hijkenboy]

Thanks for the tips on clip security. As it's under the canvas flap, I reckon something can be done to avoid that problem without detracting from the appearance.

It's always a bit of a dilemma with Classic vehicles - originality or practicality but I'd like to get this vehicle back on the road looking like it's an original late 60's US M151A1 (even if it came back with me from KSA and was never actually in US service).


Andrew

[rickf]

KSA?

[Surveyor]

Edjumicated guess... Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

[Hijkenboy]

Yes, sorry, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

It was one of a batch of M151A1's supplied to them in 1967. As far as I can see it was straight off the Ford line and is identical to that supplied to the US Army, before and after that batch. It has it's own special data plate (that doesn't mention Ford, presumably for Israeli boycott reasons) I'll post a picture of it tonight.

Later, they also had AM General M151A2's (including the Ambulance variant).


Andrew

[rickf]

While I guess it is possible you have the remember that the data plates were installed by the military and are screwed on most of the units. Even if it was riveted changing it takes seconds. The Saudis would have taken off the US plate and put on their own. I think that in 1967 most, if not all, of the 151's were slated for Vietnam. Ken would have the best documentation as far as where they were designated to go.