militant-nick

Thanks Paul

It is sad, when I'm up there next I'll see if the REO has changed at all and if I can find out who owns it, never know - might be for sale... Same with the Foden.

These two live at Airfield Industrial estate, Ashbourne and are in separate yards but across the road from each other. Included the civilian Foden because of this. Is the M35 sporting wrecking gear off a Diamond T?

Another few hours on the Militant today with my Dad; 1. Found handbrake travel from lever to connecting rod disappears at the fulcrum above the second axle in the chassis rail meaning very little if any braking effort - further investigation required. 2. Continued work with needle scaler & red oxide - never ending. Removed a plaque (below) on the crane body to find a patch of, possibly, original paint - does this look like NATO green or unfaded Olive Drab? This appears to be the only colour under the DBG right back to metal. 3. Inspection lamp arrived from eBay, just waiting on the Lucas two pin plug to finish it. 4. Found air valve behind fuel tank only held/hanging in place by the air pipes joining it, replaced missing bolts. 5. Found corroded & broken pipe near valve, removed for copy to be made.

...I thought lifting a modern DAF XF flywheel was bad enough, but 50 kg!

Thanks for the tip, I may try the chain to mud flap trick too then. Anyone know where to source shock absorbers for it?

Thanks Iain, interesting to know. You have a very smart truck there, recently painted? Will send pm ref manual

Didn't know the body had to be moved! Nice photos, think I've seen that on YouTube, didn't realise NI were grey managed to do a bit more to the bodywork today

Hello both, Jacked up front axle but found little bearing play. Nothing seems to foul the NSF wheel on full lock. A recent tight turn caused the same wheel to grab & rip off the rubber mud flap which I have re cut and will be fitted back. From a quick glance the bottom bushes on the NSF shock absorber are 50% perished so will replace that. Bump stops appear ok, will need further investigation. Bet that clutch removal was a marathon job?! What's the replacement clutch kit available these days? Manual says original was Borg & Beck - that Valeo now? Any photos of your wagons? Regards nick

Managed to get two thirds of the Militant inside yesterday and out of the rain to patch some of the cab floor, needle gun & red oxide part of the body and investigate knocking noise from NSF wheel. Moderators; please move if this should be in Restoration Blogs, thanks :-)

Hello all, Does anyone have one or know where I may find one please? i have the user handbook 22214 & service schedule 60608. thanks Nick

Thanks cosrec, will have a look today

Good Evening all, Does anyone know exactly how the electronic speedo is driven on the Mily? Have the wiring diagram but cannot see where, what or how it picks up? regards

No problem

Yes it is, Appeared very smart & complete when viewed earlier this year over Gainsborough way RadioMike. Milweb description spot on.

One I spotted at a local dealer

Karl has his up for sale pal :-D

...final few for today; work from this weekend to free off & lubricate the stabiliser legs and checking the crane electrics plus the new Beacon fitted last weekend. On the look out for the beacon cage (if it will fit over this Britax beacon at crica 6" wide & 9" tall). Also have parts awaiting fitment to include; lamp guard/steps, jerry can cage, welding cabinet & crane boom lamps. Will post more in the coming weeks. Thanks for viewing.

...A few more on the truck wash & operating the crane a week later.

Hello all,Some photos of the restoration of my Militant recovery, purchased from Andy near Horsham in October 2013, with help from my dad antjohnw.First some photos from the 6.5 hour drive back to Derby.Regards,Nick

Hello all, dark but photo shopped images of my first recovery of a 63 plate burnt out works vivaro van.

Thanks all & Happy New Year to you. Will start to upload images soon in the appropriate section. Regards, Nick

Hello all, My name is Nick and I am from South Derbyshire, UK. I recently purchased my first MV, that being a 1971 Militant MK3 recovery 87 ET 77 from a forum member on the south coast. I have been observing the forum for some time and am impressed with the depth of knowledge & experience. I am slowly restoring my Militant so I hope I can contribute to the site. Regards, Nick