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M2A1 half track parking brake release button- sources for buttons?

clinto

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I need a button for the parking brake handle. There's a threaded rod, looks to be a 1/4" course thread. The button screws on to the top of that and you push down on it with your thumb when you want to release the brake. All this one has is a nut. I called Gary Hebding, who is the king of halftrack parts and no one repros the knob and all he could sell me is complete handles.

I don't need a complete handle, as mine is already sandblasted, painted and works.

Is there a source out there for generic knobs? A black one is completely fine.

This is what I have:

20171211_131618.jpg

And this is what I should have:

DSCN4568.JPGSNV18139.jpg



So I've got this 1942 M2A1 halftrack and I'm doing some work to it.

20171114_153245.jpg20171114_153459.jpg20171119_173618.jpg20171222_095731.jpg20171222_114832_001.jpg20171227_192136.jpg20171227_183440.jpg20171226_205957.jpg20171224_173913.jpg20171223_101740.jpg20171223_101728.jpg20171222_140348.jpg20171228_124312.jpg

Vehicle was restored about 10 years ago and has basically sat in a building since then. All the brake fluid drained out of it (I think it's the master cylinder) and none of the gauges or lights were hooked up when he did the resto. I think he got 90% done with it and just never got over that final hump. So I have to put new tracks on it (the old ones were so trashed they were undriveable) and while the tracks are off, now's the time to do wheel cylinders and axle seals.

So it's rebuild the rear hubs, rebuild the brakes, swap the tracks, paint the new sprockets because they came in black and some semi-gloss OD instead of WWII flat OD, get all the electricals to work, replace the battery and build a correct battery hold down, etc., etc.

For instance, this is what I have:

20171121_191218.jpg

and this is what I should have:

20170925_144600.jpg
 

NDT

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Suggest obtain McMaster Carr stock aluminum knurled thumbnut and turn it down to correct appearance.
 

rtk

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Have you looked at a M37 E Brake ? they look very similar . I might even have one in the storage trailer , between the COLD and SNOW might be a while till I can get to it , Happy New Year !!! :beer:
 

clinto

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Didn't even notice this initially, but both the transfer case levers are missing knobs. Range and front axle engagement. Look like the front axle is threaded, was the range originally threaded?

20171231_124019.jpg

Originals suppose to be pinned on to a smooth shaft
My release rod is threaded-has this been modified?

20171231_124141.jpg20171231_124023.jpg

Have you looked at a M37 E Brake ? they look very similar . I might even have one in the storage trailer , between the COLD and SNOW might be a while till I can get to it , Happy New Year !!! :beer:
No, I'll talk to a friend who has an M37 and send him some pics of what I have. Thanks
 

hndrsonj

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Clinto, I just looked at my M37. I'm not going to rip mine apart, but it does appear that it might work. I have a parts truck sitting here. Tomorrow I'll run out and try to remove it and get you a picture. How many do you need? I could get 2 plus whatever gene has in Provo...
 

clinto

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Range is threaded too, what's left of a knob is still there.
Ah, the part I'm looking at on the range lever is the steel insert from the plastic knob! Thanks
You can come take a look see at my m2a1 if you need help with it
Don't make that offer, I might come down there just to look at your M108A2 progress.
Clinto, I just looked at my M37. I'm not going to rip mine apart, but it does appear that it might work. I have a parts truck sitting here. Tomorrow I'll run out and try to remove it and get you a picture. How many do you need? I could get 2 plus whatever gene has in Provo...
Need both the transfer knobs (X2) and the parking brake push button, which I don't think your 37 will have.
 

rosco

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It seems like there was a lot of variation in emergency brake release mechanisms, even with in the same model vehicle. The knob above from the M37 doesn't look like mine, or others I've rebuilt. Same with the black shifting knobs - they ranged from small round, oval, to long straight ones, to everything in between. It depended on what you were supposed to do with the levers, & how often. Shift levers too. I always thought that if it was appropriate to the application, it was within specs. Problem today is, the crushers are taking their toll.
 
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