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OK We have a M-41A2 with rubber chevrons worn flush to the cleats/grousers. Years of research reveals NOTHING available anywhere at any price. I submitted a worn sample to the leading construction vehicle shoe maker but they decline to enter production for a few hundred 'orphan' parts. They also estimated minimum $70 each ($10,000 per vehicle) unless we could guarantee thousands of shoes. We also considered sending them the old ones for rubber removal then remoulding with modern compounds. They declined for the same reasons plus environmental concers with burning out the old shoes.
There is a WORLD of difference between half-track bands and heavy molded blocks. As I pointed out in my letter, in order to remould any track blocks you first must remove the old rubber. Rubber compound formulation can be determined by the original or current Mil Spec. Please examine some used blocks and decide how to do it. There are many companies doing it but nobody wants to tool up for limited production. Your thoughts?
I am convinced that just playing a acetylene torch on the back of the shoe will melt/release the old rubber block, but may make a big stink. Heat needed to release rubber will be far below that which will damage the steel backing.I guess the time has come to do some genuine experimentation, since no contractor can seem to step up to do the job.
