Rebuilding FAV #91

[signalcorps]

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Looking Good!
Really Good...

Thank You!

 

[signalcorps]

I got to spend a couple hours on the FAV yesterday. Installed plug wires and set the timing. Mounted coil and installed the airbox/filter assembly. It looks pretty good. All 10 shocks are installed now. Might start on the electrical or weapon mount next week. Not sure. It is getting there 1 hour at a time.

 

[signalcorps]

Engine/trans finished except for the muffler. Stock EMPI wont fit. Trying a different smaller muffler if it ever gets here. Started working on the top weapon mount. I made the first cuts to the 2x2 and 2x4 tubing. It turned out great. I also made a new cover for the center dash pod. The PO cut the original one out to installed a new multi switch panel to handle all the HID lights he installed. It was a off-road desert baja running in AZ and California before I bought it. I am not happy with the first try. Might try to build another.

 

[Mullaney]

Engine/trans finished except for the muffler. Stock EMPI wont fit. Trying a different smaller muffler if it ever gets here. Started working on the top weapon mount. I made the first cuts to the 2x2 and 2x4 tubing. It turned out great. I also made a new cover for the center dasd pod. The PO cut the original one out to installed a new multi switch panel to handle all the HID lights he installed. I am not happy with the first try. Might try to build another.

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So... What are you going to do with your FAV when you finish it?
Is your plan to drive it around town, or do you plan to run it on the beach?

I saw your discussion about selling your first to fix your house. Just wondering...

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[signalcorps]

I took it to several Steel Soldier events here in Central Florida. I drove my first one every where. It caused several 911 panic calls from people who saw the M2 50 cal (inside a cover) and I got pulled over by the police. They looked it over and called other units to come look at it and thanked me for restoring it and let me go. This one I am keeping until I am too old to drive it. I was sorry the day after I sold my first one.It had been in hundreds of military shows, events, parades, VFW nights and funerals. It escorted 2 Viet Nam Memorial Wall exhibits. It was on tv and in print. I miss it. Someday I will have to let it go, probably to pay for my funeral costs. But not yet.

 

[signalcorps]

A few more things done. Progress is slow with only a few hours each week being able to work on it. I finished the hard brake line and mounted the iconic head light guards. They look good. I started on the M151 MUTT wiring harness install. I will have to do several wiring mods to convert it from front engine to rear engine. I am having problems finding 3/8 x .550 dzus fasteners. A company in England has them but the shipping is 3 times more than the fasteners. Might have to change the springs and install 7/16 fasteners instead. I finished working on the dash. I had to fill in the extra hole that had a second head temp gauge in it. Mounted all the new gauges and switched. Looks ok now.

 

[Crapgame]

Did you just blank off the old engine protection system subpanel until reliable copies turn up?

 

[signalcorps]

yes. I was hoping someone at least made the plate. Either laser etched or sublimation.

 

[signalcorps]

started building the upper weapon mount. I'm not a great welder but it is ok. Still need to grind down the welds to make it look good.

 

[signalcorps]

I found something cool yesterday. I was going thru my attic and found a box a parts that came with my 1st FAV. I found an original starter with camo paint and it has a plate on it from Ft Lewis. I thought it was pretty cool. I had installed a new starter during the restoration and didnt even look at this one in the box of parts.

 

[signalcorps]

Started on the wiring harness. Got the headlights (hi/lo beam), tail lights, turn signals, from turn signals and running lights and horn done.