Gun ring install

[KevinGaus]

I want to install my gun ring set up. Each kit seems to be different and done it’s own way, like what is used to install this system. Right now I’m just talking about the poles. Besides steel soldiers, where can I go to see the proper reinforcement brackets and bracing? Do I need reinforcement on the inside of the cab, Or just the outside with U-bolts? What keeps them from sliding down? Or does somebody have pictures of their install that I can go by? I got questions.

 

[fuzzytoaster]

You should have 3 poles for the M49 or M66 setup: 2 behind the cab and one front right near the exhaust. If the poles are a correct set they should be easily identifiable as to which goes where based on adapter plate and bolt holes. The cab reinforcement kit is encouraged (someone had kits for $50 a few years back -mkcoen I think), more so for the m66 due to the weight, but are mandatory if you plan to shoot anything heavy off the ring. The forces involved can twist and fracture the cab with repeated used. The u-bolts on the rear of the cab are enough to keep the rear posts in place. The correct u-bolts are flat on the inside allowing for more surface grip. I'll see if I can find any photos of my old airforce deuce with an M66 ring on it this evening.

 

[KevinGaus]

The big plate going across the back of the interior is more Involved than I thought. I think I got the impression from what you said was the clamping ability of the U bolts keep the poles from sliding down.

 

[KevinGaus]

I have the three poles a semi triangular bracket I’m just wondering how to attach the poles the truck.

 

[glcaines]

You need the cab reinforcement plate installed regardless of whether you intend to shoot or not. The M66 gun ring is very heavy. I have a reinforcement plate in my M35A3 and the cab still flexes quite a bit and moans and groans. Depending on the prior use of your poles, you may need to cut off the bottom of the front pole. I had to remove about 6 or so inches if I remember correctly. Otherwise the end of the pole impacts the right front fender. Also, when you install the gun ring, get help. Don't do what I did and try to do it yourself. Installing the gun ring is a real pain and somewhat dangerous. The front post needs to be pressed into the socket. I used forks on my John Deere 5520 tractor to press it home. The alternative is to hammer it in, but this can damage the post. Also, it is advantageous to be able to spin the gun ring to the proper orientation. This was difficult using the forks like I did. Also, the poles are held in position by small pieces of metal welded to the posts and these catch on the U-bolts. Be careful!

 

[KevinGaus]

You need the cab reinforcement plate installed regardless of whether you intend to shoot or not. The M66 gun ring is very heavy. I have a reinforcement plate in my M35A3 and the cab still flexes quite a bit and moans and groans. Depending on the prior use of your poles, you may need to cut off the bottom of the front pole. I had to remove about 6 or so inches if I remember correctly. Otherwise the end of the pole impacts the right front fender. Also, when you install the gun ring, get help. Don't do what I did and try to do it yourself. Installing the gun ring is a real pain and somewhat dangerous. The front post needs to be pressed into the socket. I used forks on my John Deere 5520 tractor to press it home. The alternative is to hammer it in, but this can damage the post. Also, it is advantageous to be able to spin the gun ring to the proper orientation. This was difficult using the forks like I did. Also, the poles are held in position by small pieces of metal welded to the posts and these catch on the U-bolts. Be careful!View attachment 805951View attachment 805952View attachment 805953View attachment 805954View attachment 805955View attachment 805956View attachment 805957

Cutting and pressing the front pole is new knowledge to me. Thank you sir.

 

[m715mike]

Have you read the thread that @Valence posted?

Valence's M66 Gun Ring

I suppose this is a "life goal" of mine (shooting a vehicle mounted gun). More specifically, my gun, from my vehicle (I mean, I'd prefer it to be a tank but this truck is costly enough). I've had my M35A2 for 5 years now and it used to have a gun ring installed when it was in service, but I...

www.steelsoldiers.com

 

[m715mike]

Besides steel soldiers, where can I go to see the proper reinforcement brackets and bracing?

Not besides Steel Soldiers.... Where on Steel Soldiers...

Check out the PDF file in this post >>

M66 ring mount TM

I've bought a truck with a stuck m66 ring that I would like to get unstuck. It was parked outside for a long time I believe. I also need the TM. The ring is mounted on the truck.

www.steelsoldiers.com

Fuzzy was right. @mkcoen was selling cab reinforcement plates. Although, the price had gone up a bit from $50 when I got one from him. He may still have some.

 

[mkcoen]

I do have 1 or 2 left, and yes the price has gone up ($150 plus shipping - since you're in TX we might be able to meet somewhere which would save the typical $75 shipping cost or do the "Steel Soldier Shuffle" if someone else is passing through). These are New-In-The-Box kits which include the reinforcement plate, brackets, hardware, and installation instructions.

 

[KevinGaus]

I do have 1 or 2 left, and yes the price has gone up ($150 plus shipping - since you're in TX we might be able to meet somewhere which would save the typical $75 shipping cost or do the "Steel Soldier Shuffle" if someone else is passing through). These are New-In-The-Box kits which include the reinforcement plate, brackets, hardware, and installation instructions.

Can you contact me? I’m interested in Understanding more about what you are selling. I’m in Texas

 

[mkcoen]

Call made.