From: JaxInCalifornia@aol.com
Date: Mon Apr 01 2002 - 00:03:37 PST
Short answer: It's off my drawing board!
Long answer: What would a deuce (or 5 ton) look like if you pulled off the
body, then made some minor changes... uh, lets make that major changes...
like you moved the engine mid-frame, relocated the radiator off to the R/R
side, shortened the frame and removed the back axles.... then added 1/8 steel
plate box chassis to form the basis for what would appear as a slab sided
armored vehicle? Something like the old M113... but running on tires. I
wondered if something like that might be possible to build for a show
vehicle.
Well, that was the basic idea for the drawing that followed... I know, sounds
like a mechanics nightmare doesn't it? lol But, just for fun I just wanted
to visualize what such a project might look like if carried out to it's
logical conclusion. Unfortunately, I had to compress the end picture that
you saw. Had to make it fit on the web site and that kinda screwed up the
lines and made it look a bit rough. The original pic looks much better, lot
more detail and not so fuzzy... very realistic.
I actually used an M35 (pic only of course) and took it apart on the computer
and added the body. You can see the M35 front wheels, but for just looks I
also used the same front rim on the rear wheels.... gives it that armour
look, eh? lol This is one of the reasons a junked out 5 ton might make a
better foundation, since they aren't using the duels.
I've toyed with making something like this for a few years, but since I don't
have access to a shop anymore and helpers, I probably will just keep as one
of the drawing board projects... but I really think it would doable and a
real stunner at shows. I've done tougher and I believe this one could be
done on a budget too since most of the things are just cosmetic rearranging.
Probably the whole thing could come to life for under 5k... given the
reasonable cost of acquisition for a parts vehicle.
Aside from your labor, there really shouldn't be anything too costly, except
for a few odd bits, like the hatches and rear door assembly. Course if you
were adding 3/8 steel or better, it could get pricey in a hurry and then the
cost of modifying the suspension to handle the weight might make it all
impractical.
But, this project was just for show and to that extent it would impressive
enough with 1/8 steel...who would know, right? ; )
Ok.. who's going to be the first on your block to build one? lol
Jack
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