[M29C Front Float Tank Repairs]

To give better access to the lower hull area for both cleaning and preservation, I decided to fit hand holes into the shelf.

[M29C Front Float Tank Repairs]

More repairs and test fitting of the Capstan Winch, surf shield and side panels

[M29C Front Float Tank Repairs]

I then had to painstakingly repair the overlapped edge of the upper tank

[M29C Front Float Tank Repairs]

I then further dismanted the tank to give me better access to the interior. Where metal was overlapped, there was rust and corrosion.

[M29C Front Float Tank Repairs]

I first decided to fabricate the lower section of the tank. I used zinc annealed mild steel sheet to give some resistance to corrosion

[M29C Front Float Tank Repairs]

Once I removed the lower skin of sheet metal the corrosion evident was a lot worse than I bargained for.

[M29C Front Float Tank Repairs]

What follows is the pictorial story showing 3 and 1/2 years of part time work to fully repair my front float tank. This tank was fitted to the Red Weasel my friend and I imported from Duluth Michigan in 2007. The corrosion and damage to the tank was typical of most flotation tanks found nowadays.

[Refurbishment of M29C 7333 Water pump]

4 hours ago, M29 said:

What was the paint color you used John? Looks really nice

Dan

Dan, the paint I used is an Australian made off the shelf paint that I don't think is available in the US of A. The photo above shows the paint shade as being grey but the pewter kilrust paint finish is more a blue grey. I have attached another photo of the same engine. You will see what I mean. I recently painted a GPA engine using VHT 'Ford Grey' engine enamel and it came out looking more grey than blue grey. https://www.vhtpaint.com/high-heat/vht-engine-enamel

 

[Suspension Thread Tap 11/16" - 11 NS]

When I reconditioned my weasel suspension, the job was made a lot easier by using an 11/16" - 11 NS Thread tap to clean all of the threads. I got mine off ebay.

[Rubber Track Pads]

I don't know anything about this photo showing a novel solution to the track pad problem. I saved it off the web years ago.

[Rear Hub Oil Seals]

Keep a watch to see if the final drive felt seals come onto the market. I got these from ebay years ago. I think they came from Patson's parts in Alaska????

[Rear Hub Oil Seals]

The next seal needed is the inner hub seal. Note: Knock out the old seal and Keep the OEM seal carrier. Fit the new seal into the new carrier paying particular attention to the orientation of the seal lips.

[Rear Hub Oil Seals]

When reconditioning your rear hub assembly, you will need these. First off the outer hub. The most popular seal to use is the Caterpillar seal but there is also an alternative is a National oil seal 365008 .  Please be aware that the width of this seal is only 6.35mm (1/4" inch). https://autoplicity.com/2379409-national-oil-seal

Federal Mogul National Oil Seals - Hub Seal Alternative.docx

[Weasel Colour Schemes]

Antarctic Weasel

[Weasel Colour Schemes]

US Navy weasel. Note the gloss paint finish and the dent in the bow.

[Weasel Colour Schemes]

Search and Rescue Weasel

[Weasel Colour Schemes]

Weasel on Iwo Jima

[Weasel Colour Schemes]

I have saved a number of photos that show the different colour schemes that weasels have been painted over the years. The first photo is a weasel used in Task Force Frost

[Dry element air cleaner]

That would be a great idea.

[Distributor angle drive support.]

Here is a modern equivalent of the gasket identified as item 'J' in the parts breakdown below.

[Dry element air cleaner]

I decided to run a dry element air cleaner in my weasel. There are numerous ways to convert the standard weasel oil bath air cleaner but this is how I did it.

The replacement air filter element part number is: Wix 42036 & Napa 2036 Air Filter

Bottom Plate - Dry Air Cleaner Mod.pdf Top Plate - Dry Air Cleaner Mod.pdf

[Track Apron Brace]

Invariably the four track apron braces are either rusted beyond repair or are simply missing altogether. Fortunately I had a corroded sample track apron brace and a drawing to make a new set.

Hopefully the photos and  information below will be of assistance.

953890 953891 - Brace track apron to hull.pdf Seamless tubing.pdf

[Weasel parts available for sale.]

Jesse, this is the only photo I have showing the area in question. So what you are saying is that the fan shroud or just the fan goes close to touching the universal joint.

[Refurbishment of M29C 7333 Water pump]

What I failed to mention was that the new replacement stainless steel shaft collar I made has an interference fit into the water pump housing. I am not relying on the Armstrong A12 epoxy to hold the collar in place. The epoxy is just there for added strength.

[Reproducing Track Bands]

Snake River 4 x 4 used to do these bands;

http://www.snakeriver4x4.com/forsale.php