A Gun Jeep is Born

mrdibbles · Unread post by **mrdibbles** » February 13th, 2008, 4:14 pm

Hey Guys-
I installed the M-4 Pedestal and M142 Cradle this morning and took the A2 for a drive. Man it is going to take some getting used to having this sitting between me and the passenger seat. Looks cool though

The M60 is on order so soon enough this will be complete.

Regards,
Matt-

moose53 · Unread post by **moose53** » February 13th, 2008, 4:25 pm

that looks great matt! can't wait to see it with the M60 on it....

what sizes were the bolts you mounted the pedestal with? I still have to mount mine...

Jim

mrdibbles · Unread post by **mrdibbles** » February 13th, 2008, 4:54 pm

Thanks Moose! Here's what I used:
1.) To connect the two bottom braces (Between the seats) I used 3/8 by 1 1/2. Flat washers and lock washers on the bottoms.
2.) To connect the pedestal to the base pieces I used 3/8 by 1. Flat washers on top and lock washers on the bottom.
3.) To connect the rear bars to the pedestal I used 3/8 by 1 1/2. Flat and lock washers also used.
4.) To connect the rear feet to the tub I used 1/2 by 1 1/2. Flat and lock washers as well.

I got these at Home Depot in the Zinc Plated finish. Here's another tip... the areas you will be drilling are already marked for the pedestal. The area under the floor is reinforced and drilling it out can be difficult. I tried a regular metal bit and just burned it up. So I busted out my Irwin "Unibit" and the job was cake. These bits bore nice clean holes (see below). I highly recommend them:

moose53 · Unread post by **moose53** » February 13th, 2008, 5:59 pm

where is the floor marked? top side or underneath?

Jim

mrdibbles · Unread post by **mrdibbles** » February 13th, 2008, 6:07 pm

moose53 wrote:where is the floor marked? top side or underneath?

Jim

There are pre-drilled holes in the floor. They do not go through the metal but they are intended to make fitting a pedestal brainless. Look between the seats. On either side there are two small predrilled holes. Then in the rear, right by the area of the fender wells that punch in a bit to provide foot room, you'll see one on either side. These holes I am talking about are like they were drilled with a very small bit... like a 1/8. Immediately underneight these markers are the reinforcement braces. To drill through those is a pain... unless you have a very good 3/8 bit (or use the Unibits that I used). The Unibits made very short work of it.

Bill, Idaho · Unread post by **Bill, Idaho** » February 13th, 2008, 7:12 pm

Now THAT is one fine looking A2! It looks showroom quality.

I noticed that my computer screen is finally going after 3 years. The color tint adjustment must be going bad. I can't adjust the proper color to those pictures, the headlights appear to be yellow.
What's a new flat screen going to cost me?

moose53 · Unread post by **moose53** » February 13th, 2008, 7:18 pm

I dont think I have those holes on mine, unless maybe they got filled in with paint over time..... I didn't find holes or dimples or anything....

Jim

mrdibbles · Unread post by **mrdibbles** » February 13th, 2008, 7:25 pm

moose53 wrote:I dont think I have those holes on mine, unless maybe they got filled in with paint over time..... I didn't find holes or dimples or anything....

Jim

It's an A2 right? Stupid question... I know it is. Hmm... they should be there. Look undernieth and see if you have the supports. Inbetween the seats, right above the frame rails, there are two seperate "boxes" on either side. The same style "box" is used in the rear but obviously only one is located on each side. If it's an A2 they should absolutely be there. I bet the years of paint, especially if brushed on, are filling them. These predrilled holes aren't large or deep.

Here are pictures of the install:

One of these days I will get under this A2 again with a rattle can and touch up those pesky spots where you can see primer. For some reason a camera flash really makes that stuff look worse than it is. For those of us that know our old cars though... you should see the overspray seen on most classic domestic car undercarriages... so call this me trying to be "period correct"

moose53 · Unread post by **moose53** » February 13th, 2008, 7:50 pm

did you get your dummy ammo and stuff yet? gun cover? spare barrel bag? hehehe

Jim

mrdibbles · Unread post by **mrdibbles** » February 13th, 2008, 8:01 pm

moose53 wrote:did you get your dummy ammo and stuff yet? gun cover? spare barrel bag? hehehe

Jim

Nope... I will get a Gun Cover from Weebee when I get around to it. I need the other stuff though... got any sources?

moose53 · Unread post by **moose53** » February 13th, 2008, 8:38 pm

okay, I don't know how far you want to go with the accessories. Myself, I insist on completeness to the point of being stupid lol for example, my ammo cans will all be full and correct even though for display you only really need the one belt of ammo hehehe....anyways here goes.

First a little background info...
the M60 ammo cans held two nylon bandoleer type ammo packs. Each bandoleer held a cardboard box, which contained one 100 round belt of .308 ammo. The M60 under normal conditions would fire a belt through the gun, (100 rounds) and the gunner would switch barrels when he used the next belt. there were two belts in each can. The bandoleers were for use when hand carrying thw weapon, and would attach to the side of the m60, and had shoulder straps for carrying on foot so you didn't have to lug cans around on foot patrol. (and yes I know in actual combat you might not be as concerned about barrel changes etc.) A spare barrel in a carry case was issued with each M60, along with asbestos gloves and some tools.

Sources:
well this stuff is available all over, but the best I've found for good condition, relatively cheap stuff is as follows:

Omahas Surplus
http://www.omahas.com
M60 ammo box $4.95
M60 Spare Barrel Bag $19.50

Galati International
http://www.galatiinternational.com
.308 m60 belted dummy ammo, 100 rnd belt $23.95

Old Sarge's Drop Zone
http://www.oldsargesdropzone.com
m60 repack kit two bandoleers, two cardboards, 200 m60 links $10.00

The only thing I haven't found yet is the fender mounted racks to hold the ammo cans. They seem plentiful for .50 cal but not for .30...looked like square racks made from angle iron with straps to hold the cans in place.

Jim

mrdibbles · Unread post by **mrdibbles** » February 13th, 2008, 11:10 pm

Hey Jim-
I asked a friend about this and he said that he's only seen ammo can holders for the .30 on FAV's. Perhaps if they were fitted to M151 stockers they were motorpool designs? Sound's like a cool thing to fabricate though. I need to learn to weld.
Matt-
P.S. Thanks for the tips

Floyd · Unread post by **Floyd** » February 15th, 2008, 9:20 pm

Matt: I didn't think your jeep could look any better, once again I eat my words. It's hot!

Floyd

mrdibbles · Unread post by **mrdibbles** » February 15th, 2008, 9:23 pm

Thanks Floyd!!!

toptiger · Unread post by **toptiger** » February 16th, 2008, 12:55 pm

so, Matt, are gong to sell your newly installed lift? Or put a hole in the ceiling for the mount to pass though? Kiddding sort of, i guess, but there must be a quick disconnect, no?
sharp looking m151., thanks for posting