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#Post#: 45716--------------------------------------------------
113-372 Series 2A 88"GS ex Provo
By: DennisM Date: August 16, 2016, 4:25 am
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This is the last in the series of ex-military vehicles that I
own and have restored since May 1999, or so I thought, more on
that later.
113-372 came on the scene back in early 2000, after I had
finished 112-501 I was looking for another to restore (I was mad
LOL)
anyway I had known of this vehicle as BLR-626 for more than 46
years, as it belonged to a local saw milling company, located in
Millfield NSW, here is an image of it sitting awaiting it's
rebirth
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/113-372%202001%20Millfield%20NSW_zpsrxdqzqad.jpg[/img]
it was for sale it wasn't for sale, so I looked a bit further
afield and found 112-587 @ Hilton Pollards @ Colo NSW, so I
bought it,
about 3 months into that job, my mate Graham D aka the 'Judge'
bought it for me, I had to fix it for MOT and he kept it for
me until I was ready to start on it, well it took almost 10
years before I got to picking it up, here are a few shots of
113-372
in a very sad state, it had stood for 8 years in a side street
in Morpeth where the judge lived
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/113-372%20002_zpslxveiqlk.jpg[/img]
here it is after removal of the H/top & spiders
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_0510_zpsfb0bboe9.jpg[/img]
and going onto the flat bed for express delivery to my place
about 22 miles away one Saturday early in Jan 2010
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_0514_zpsy0mrnjxw.jpg[/img]
as you can see the 'judge' had a few of Solihull's finest in his
yard, sadly most of them including one of mine went to scrap
about 2 years after that image was taken (more on that later).
I have 3 known in service images of 113-372 in Sth Vietnam
during 1967/69, all nice n clean in this image in downtown
Saigon
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/62128carter12x16_zpsc73spl1x.jpg[/img]
this image taken in the Cholon district during the 'TET'
offensive 1968
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/s68may10bdcholon_zpsxcr7ztwj.jpg[/img]
and this image taken by Stan Middleton on his return to Oz after
his 12 month tour Stan runs a website called 2AOD, it has
hundreds of images of Aussies in country, so if any of you
people reading this are into re-enacting have a look because the
images
were taken by the men who served, anyway back to the image Stan
took it the morning after a VC rocket attack on Tan Son Nhut
airbase, he was giving a bit of cheek to the 4 Provo's who had
to stay behind, note how dirty and un-kept 113-372 was compared
to the nice n clean shot in Saigon more on that later
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/3397564481_50eecf427b_o_zps1klngs28.jpg[/img]
Anyway jump forward 40+ years to 2010 and the long laborious
task ahead, the vehicle had been maintained mechanically during
it's
working life, but sadly the alloy body couldn't cope with heavy
machinery (bulldozer parts etc.,) it had multiple accidents
mostly on
the rear right hand side it was full of bog, the floor was like
the Himalayan mountain range, the tailgate was rubbish, anyway
here is
an image taken Sunday morning the day after it was delivered
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_0522_zpsuokh8qtw.jpg[/img]
the tub was set up on stands and the RHS side removed
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_0530_zpsrbiyn4ix.jpg[/img]
I had a replacement for it it was no big deal, just a lot of
work, the replacement had to be fitted before I could remove the
floor, at this point when removing the RHS it became clear to me
as to why the vehicle was being used on the airfield and looking
grotty, I discovered that it must have been
involved in an accident in Saigon, as the RHS had been removed
and replaced by a skilled tradesmen within RAEME he used
solid alloy rivets C'snk type and filed them in beautifully a
real trades person, I tipped me hat to him whoever he was,
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/Tub%20works%20001_zpsbi2w8ksj.jpg[/img]
the RHS of the tub had been fitted but not with all the rivets
etc., as I had to get the tailgate opening correct first,
so it was fit/move/adjust etc.,
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_0538%20-%20Copy_zpskq0m5e2m.jpg[/img]
and when it was right my T/A aka wife helped with re-riveting
the floor with 1/4" solid rivets damn noisey work LOL
the rivets sourced from the USA, note the 1/4" gutter screws
holding the stiffening ribs temporarily during the re-riveting
process
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/Solid%20aluminium%20rivets%20002_zpsaor1ihx5.jpg[/img]
but during this I had a mate extend the carport off the garage
and Anzac day was looming large (read less than a week) so this
task had to be completed before any work on 113-372
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_0623_zpsuoaeqoce.jpg[/img]
the job was managed thankfully.
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/Tub%20works%20002_zpsxj6c5ees.jpg[/img]
and when it was all done I etch primed n painted it gloss black
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_0826_zps8omvli3r.jpg[/img]
and found somewhere to store it on my small block not an easy
task at all.
The chassis was in reasonable nick and at that stage I couldn't
see anything wrong with it, but the bulkhead was destined to be
scrap
so I was on the lookout for a replacement, the RHS fuel tank was
missing, so we needed one of those as well, but not yet, the
strip down continued, during the strip down I found a few minor
issues
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_0524_zpshu8k4wec.jpg[/img]
engine out
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_0559_zpsiddktyyd.jpg[/img]
gearbox out with the new found issue
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/Gearbox%20mystery%20hole%20002_zpsz4m6vtrb.jpg[/img]
somewhere it lost the 'Bendix' spring off the starter motor, it
would have made a tremendous noise LOL
the G/box was fixed with a new housing and some small internal
parts, the T/case was OK.
Work continued on the chassis for some time the relay at the
front was a tad tired and stuck in it's hole, so I made a jig to
press it out
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/113-372%20progress%2020.3.10%20008_zpssaqj1nn4.jpg[/img]
it took 5 tons, but I heard a tearing type of sound, this was
the noise
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/113-372%20progress%2020.3.10%20009_zpssqinpc6k.jpg[/img]
just what I needed, more bloody work LOL, so I had a front
chassis section that I had stored in case I was able to get a
S2A 109
army service fire truck, but that didn't eventuate, and I had
used a section of it on my LRPV, so out with the gas axe
and get what I needed off it
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/113-372%20donor%20section_zpsxp1oi7gk.jpg[/img]
I had secured the front of the chassis so the replacement went
basically straight in no fuss and when it was up in my rotating
device it was fully welded.
During this I had to move gear around to make way for a Series 3
109 that I owned that was due to be dismantled because of no
storage anywhere, so home it came, all that was kept off it was
the engine/G/box/Salisbury diff, the remainder was either sold,
scrapped/given away, the engine was later rebuilt and used in my
LRPV
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_5955_zpstpqc1mdh.jpg[/img]
moving along as I have to as no-one else is going to do it for
me, the diff housing needed some work on the locating hole for
the center bolt of the springs, these were cleaned up and welded
etc,.
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_0610_zpsq5uykmju.jpg[/img]
it took some time doing all the sundry bits in the ordered
manner that I do my restorations, tagging bagging/storing things
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_0607_zpsmvduuqnv.jpg[/img]
cleaning/rebuilding/painting them ready to be installed when the
time arrives
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/113-372%20rebuild%20002_zpsiatgetlc.jpg[/img]
and the 4 drive flanges get this treatment, I machine a groove
to accept the O ring as fitted to S3 as well as the felt
axle oil seal, I hate oil leaks
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/113-372%20drive%20flange%20mod_zps0zhpne59.jpg[/img]
The chassis had been blasted etch primed and painted gloss
black, diffs fitted and back to a rolling chassis
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_0754_zpstctcpnag.jpg[/img]
brake pipes were next, they are fun to make
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/113-372%20Brake%20pipes%20fitted%20001_zps2asdb7ul.jpg[/img]
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/113-372%20Brake%20pipe%20fittings%20003_zps1t1edjuk.jpg[/img]
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/113-372%20Brake%20rear%20pipes%20fitted%20001_zpshvighmmn.jpg[/img]
The engine was taken to Modern mtrs in Dungog NSW to have to
rear main oil seal replaced
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_0827_zpsrzvln6zb.jpg[/img]
that's the only job I won't attempt, leave it to those who know
best.
The engine must have had an oversize plug fitted and as I
couldn't get one I made one on the lathe out of brass
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/113-372%20Core%20plug%20Brass%20003_zps7k8xvcxn.jpg[/img]
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/113-372%20Core%20plug%20Brass%20004_zpss2ykmbvf.jpg[/img]
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/113-372%20Core%20plug%20Brass%20006_zps7sxnvrvr.jpg[/img]
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/113-372%20Core%20plug%20Brass%20007_zpsk5hjv7a7.jpg[/img]
The block had been washed out fitted with brass plug, timing
case oil seal, sump & timing case gaskets as well and repainted
ready to go back in
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/New%20exhaust%20manifold_zpsmkxp1v16.jpg[/img]
note I use 4 x 4" 3/8"whit bolts with the heads turned down to
help ease the engine onto the gearbox, job done very quickly no
fuss
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/113-372%20engine%20insitu%20002_zpshgn3ltvz.jpg[/img]
I located a chap way up in the New England area who was a
mechanic and collected land Rovers for spare parts etc., he had
what I wanted
so off I went on my 400 mile round trip, it was worth it, I got
2 bulkheads
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_0933_zps881fi7lv.jpg[/img]
I kept the best one and sold the other to a chap in Tasmania,
the one I kept needed new foot wells, and we can't get them with
the indentations x 3 in them, and I don't have an English wheel,
so I thought about it and came up with this, just using
what I had available to me, one half of it
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_0959_zpsgzfyz6g8.jpg[/img]
the other bit
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_0960_zpsh6oxivwe.jpg[/img]
I used my home made press it took approx 1 ton to put the
indents in place
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_0962_zpsuntzshco.jpg[/img]
and the finished job being put in place permantley
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/RHS%20footwell%20002_zpsvssoka1c.jpg[/img]
not bad for a rank amatuer with no trade skills LOL
Work was progressing with the addition of the bulkhead back on
the chassis, wiring loom (Vinwire) fitted
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/No%2028%20Mystery%20wire%20-%20Copy_zpsbldau3wa.jpg[/img]
the instruments got an overhaul by specialists as well
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/113-372%20instruments_zps4sr7ybcm.jpg[/img]
lots of grit blasting of all small steel parts, all are etch
primed painted flat black on the reverse side (to help stop
electrolysis)
then painted in Deep Bronze Green, here is a small selection of
images
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/floor%20screws_zpsf5olwcjw.jpg[/img]
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/2BA%20dash%20screws%20001_zpsx3fibek8.jpg[/img]
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/2BA%20dash%20screws%20003_zpsx15kfgac.jpg[/img]
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/113-372%20sill%20rail%20nuts%20n%20bolts%20001_zpswqkjuvem.jpg[/img]
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/113-372%20items%20006_zps18qxcx0p.jpg[/img]
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/113-372%20items%20007_zpsrnm6zw68.jpg[/img]
did you see how I held them for painting ? durex tape, lots of
painting panels even the insides of them here is another
selection of images
the bonnet
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_1458_zpsqwpya5cx.jpg[/img]
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/DBG%20007_zpsnqyqasyz.jpg[/img]
anyway to cut this a little short as my internet is up the ????
here is a selection of images showing further progress towards
the end and we do get rainy lousey weather here at times
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/wet%20today_zpsicrpjlvt.jpg[/img]
Max the Sheltie (Blue Merle) posing
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/Temporary%20fit%204%20the%2025th%20001_zpsjyfu8zvt.jpg[/img]
here is a shot under the left wing showing the stiffening panel
that supported the siren
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_0509%20-%20Copy_zpswlrhxiqk.jpg[/img]
and from the top the shape of the base of the siren
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/Siren%20mount_zpsryonwmmy.jpg[/img]
and fitted up (temporarily)
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_5821_zpsfzv1o5ti.jpg[/img]
whilst I was in the New England area I grabbed a 10 gallon fuel
tank for the RHS as it didn't have one, that also meant it had
to be modified to accept the dipstick
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/113-372%20fuel%20tank%20007_zpshveceqq3.jpg[/img]
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/113-372%20fuel%20tank%20008_zpsmz754stl.jpg[/img]
and clean out the threads while your at it
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/113-372%20fuel%20tank%20009_zps7b1soodj.jpg[/img]
then paint it black
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/113-372%20fuel%20tank%20010_zps3rbymp0d.jpg[/img]
The exhaust system was ready to fit, but I had to make some
brackets as they are not available here in this country
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/making%20n%20fitting%20exhaust%20clamp%20003_zpshotprcav.jpg[/img]
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/making%20n%20fitting%20exhaust%20clamp%20004_zps8t9addmp.jpg[/img]
I now had to paint the rest of the tub, that was fairly straight
forward no issues, I wanted it ready for Anzac day 2012 and it
was
getting close, here are a selection of images showing it up to
the finished job
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_5928_zpsvzpejyij.jpg[/img]
the white disc (bridge weight plate) was painted white with a
red Kangaroo on it, to help it be easily indentified easily
by the Sth Vietnamese MP's as a MP vehicle, as they the
Vietnamese MP's White Mice as they were known had a bad habit
of shooting first then ask questions after
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/113-372%20items%20001_zpssljrfajt.jpg[/img]
The siren (original) would have been sourced by fair means or
foul from an American truck as it was a Federal, I bought mine
through a mate who lives in San Diego from an ebay seller who
wouldn't sell outside the states, I got to hear it via a phone
call from Dave, I couldn't
wait to get it, original was Red but I left this one Black
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_4192_zps2kbc5r7v.jpg[/img]
Along the way I had to deal with a couple of issues that
affected me even though I have been nursing for almost 50 years
my old mate the judge had a stroke and is now wheel chair bound
and in a Nursing home, much to his dislike
but he does get out with a mate to various shows, here he is
looking over 113-372 which sadly I can't get him into
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_1599_zpsr6koaa6t.jpg[/img]
and this young man severely disabled from birth with cerebral
palsy and other medical issues, I had him as a client in
one of my jobs, he was a pleasure to work with for the 7 years I
had him, he was 21 when he passed away R.I.P
[IMG]
HTML http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu319/DJM110/Provo%20113-372/IMG_5847_zpsjol25zph.jpg[/img]
and I thought that I had finished working on Land Rovers, I was
starting to enjoy a bit of freedom doing other things
when my mate Gordon told me he had lost all interest in his
Series 1 1955 86", it had a lot of money spent on it, including
full engine rebuild same with the transmission, he said it had
to go, I thought about it aannnnndd I bloody bought it, damn
fool just when you were starting to get over the past 15 years,
I took on another, well that's another story, cheers Dennis dgs
ps the link to 2 AOD if your interested
HTML https://www.flickr.com/photos/aodcurator/collections/72157623879764657/
a few clips
HTML https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsUD9U2XzaQ
HTML https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_N5uWYeAa8
#Post#: 45736--------------------------------------------------
Re: 113-372 Series 2A 88"GS ex Provo
By: hippydave Date: August 16, 2016, 1:05 pm
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Another great story Dennis.
#Post#: 45742--------------------------------------------------
Re: 113-372 Series 2A 88"GS ex Provo
By: Zuma Date: August 16, 2016, 4:15 pm
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Excellent work as always!
#Post#: 45743--------------------------------------------------
Re: 113-372 Series 2A 88"GS ex Provo
By: DennisM Date: August 16, 2016, 4:29 pm
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Thank you gent's, I'm still fixing typo mistakes from my useless
internet service yesterday LOL if the net played the game
instead of whatever it was doing, I would have added more images
and details but I was getting the tray bits (s**t's) with it
anyway I'm off to a compulsory CPR lecture this morning,cheers
Dennis dgs
ps hopefully this will be the last time I will have to attend,
I'll have to mix with the morning rush hour of traffic in
Newcastle gggrrr. FRSsml FRSsml
#Post#: 45763--------------------------------------------------
Re: 113-372 Series 2A 88"GS ex Provo
By: 94mharris Date: August 17, 2016, 4:30 am
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Great job! Looks amazing, love the siren as well :) Really
interesting reading how you went about with the restoration.
Hope to hear about the series 1 soon...,
#Post#: 45769--------------------------------------------------
Re: 113-372 Series 2A 88"GS ex Provo
By: Viamphie Date: August 17, 2016, 6:35 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Dennis. Thanks again for a great restoration post. Where do you
find the time and money?
If only I was half as talented and equipped as you I'd be a very
happy bunny. What a great sense of achievement to be able to
bring life back to these vehicles. It's like a trip back in
time.
Thanks again pal and keep up the great work.
#Post#: 45811--------------------------------------------------
Re: 113-372 Series 2A 88"GS ex Provo
By: Gossamer Date: August 17, 2016, 3:28 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Brilliant again. Dennis.
Viamphie, we need a unit!
#Post#: 45855--------------------------------------------------
Re: 113-372 Series 2A 88"GS ex Provo
By: DennisM Date: August 19, 2016, 3:41 am
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Thank you gent's for your kind words, but you had better believe
me when I say I have buggered/broken many things over the years
LOL FRSsml
cheers Dennis dgs
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