MTH83 Posted February 7, 2018 Author Share Posted February 7, 2018 Been up at the farm today with the final bits back from the powder coaters, nearly time to start re-assembling the truck, thankfully I’ve got a second truck to remind me which way all the bits go back together!!! any info on the braking system would be much appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John ex RN Mech Posted March 1, 2018 Share Posted March 1, 2018 Hi All, Been reading the posts with interest, as I have today brought a FMW truck off ebay, which I intend to renovate So will undoubtedly be asking for help Going forward John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MTH83 Posted April 16, 2018 Author Share Posted April 16, 2018 On 01/03/2018 at 8:51 PM, John ex RN Mech said: Hi All, Been reading the posts with interest, as I have today brought a FMW truck off ebay, which I intend to renovate So will undoubtedly be asking for help Going forward John Happy Days John! I have been on a bit of a journey with parts - I've really struggled to find bits for the breaking system but we have now managed to work out which model of early transit the brakes are from: I think the front brakes on the truck are rear transit. I have no idea whats on the back yet but mine has a huge rear diff and drum brakes, some of the later models have an overrun breaking system on the back with cables etc. More than happy to help if you have any questions, lots of the other members have been really helpful too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John ex RN Mech Posted April 16, 2018 Share Posted April 16, 2018 I have started to find out some more on my truck it is a series 4, and it has a tipping body on the back, on the whole doesn't look to bad but need to get the engine running before I can do anymore on it as it was off loaded in the gateway of my field and have not anything to move it up to my garage Will keep you posted on progress Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprocket316 Posted February 18, 2019 Share Posted February 18, 2019 Recently started restoring an ex P & O FMW TT40, I think it's a 1985 model, usual issues of no foot brakes, dodgy electrics etc but engine is sound and it is mobile with care...and quick use of the handbrake ! I don't suppose for one minute that a manual (of sorts) for these machines exists anymore....but it would be handy if one did ! Thanks to Whiskers comments above, at least I now know the background to FMW, the electrics are now functioning, just waiting for the dodgy weather to move on, then I'll get it up on railway sleepers and have a proper rummage underneath. Engine is 2.5 litre diesel Transit, running gear I haven't got the foggiest until I get underneath, if it's anything like a Mercury tug it could be a selection of various makes. Any comments or advice most welcome. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rog8811 Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 I like that, very neat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprocket316 Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 (edited) As they say....beauty is in the eye of the beholder ! I only put it on here as the Forces did use this model in many locations, rare to see one these days though. Edited February 20, 2019 by sprocket316 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Farrant Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 2 hours ago, sprocket316 said: As they say....beauty is in the eye of the beholder ! I only put it on here as the forces did use this model in many locations, rare to see one these days though. Yes, I recognise this model of FMW, the army base I worked on had several from new. I well remember they had a Start Pilot pump and reservoir in the cab and there was no way the wretched Ford diesel would start, hot or cold without a pump of ether, they were all like that from new.. Used for collecting the rubbish and scrap metal in our workshops, and the Ordnance Depot used them for towing warehouse trailers around. regards, Richard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprocket316 Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 I've heard of the starting issues before, but must be lucky as I've had no starting issues at all, I don't know if the earlier models had a different engine to the Mk1 Transit in this one, I've yet to see any literature whatsoever concerning these models....as much as I've tried ! The only fact I've noticed is that they were taken over (if that's the correct word) by Electricar, who then produced what looks like an upgraded but very similar looking model. I also have a mid 60's Mercury tug (found in a hedge a couple of years ago) fitted with a Perkins 4.99, this will not start without the pre-heater....even on a warm day ! The main issue I've had with this one is obtaining the obsolete replacement tyres. Thanks for your interesting comments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radiomike7 Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 The Ford engine with the starting problem was the indirect injection York series available as a 2.4l 4 pot and 3.6l 6 pot for Transit and A series, it ran up to about 1984 before being replaced by the 2.5 DI with rotary fuel pump. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprocket316 Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 Many thanks for the information, facts like these are most helpful to know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radiomike7 Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 59 minutes ago, sprocket316 said: Many thanks for the information, facts like these are most helpful to know. I worked at Industrial Power Products in the 70's, a division of Ford based at Daventry, we supplied engines, gearboxes and axles to the aftermarket for use in various vehicles and industrial equipement. My favourite memory is replying to a letter from Princess Anne requesting an explanation to why the overdrive had failed on her Reliant Scimitar GTE for the fifth time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprocket316 Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 That's interesting, the manual FOMOCO gearbox in the 1965 Mercury tug I have is I'm led to believe the same type as utilised in the very early Transit. The 1985 FMW TT40 tug has a three speed auto, I don't yet know who that's by, ditto heavy duty rear axle, brakes etc....until I start delving ! Oh for a manual or a spec sheet to give me a head start. I wonder if Princess Anne ever considered a Reliant three wheeler as a replacement ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radiomike7 Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 Quite possibly, from 1959 or so Ford gearboxes were produced at the Halewood transmission plant on Merseyside, the auto will most probably be a Borg Warner from Letchworth. I assume you realise FoMoCo stood for Ford Motor Company, replacing the older EnFo or English Ford? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Farrant Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 If my memory serves me correctly, the FMW tugs that the army had, the engines were converted/prepared by Hendy, who I think were Ford dealers from Southampton area, which figures as FMW were in Dorset. We had to service them, but I cannot recollect any major work needed on them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radiomike7 Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 20 minutes ago, Richard Farrant said: If my memory serves me correctly, the FMW tugs that the army had, the engines were converted/prepared by Hendy, who I think were Ford dealers from Southampton area, which figures as FMW were in Dorset. We had to service them, but I cannot recollect any major work needed on them. Yes, Hendy Lennox were a big Ford IPP dealer at the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprocket316 Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 Many thanks gentlemen for these snippets of information, it's much appreciated. I was familiar with the FOMOCO meaning but had only heard of Borg Warner, I will watch out for any markings on the gearbox unit to confirm this. Thanks also to MTH83 for bringing the FMW name to light, apologies for jumping on to your thread, I was just surprised to see the FMW name....but knew both types of vehicles had been used by the military ! Once again, if anyone has a spec sheet or similar literature for a FMW TT40 tug, I would be only to glad to hear from you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayne Posted June 4, 2019 Share Posted June 4, 2019 Hi we have just brought a maty like yours its in great condition as its been in a museum since demob how is your project going ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John ex RN Mech Posted May 8, 2020 Share Posted May 8, 2020 Hi, I was chatting to Matt today, as my FMW has got one back wheel which won't turn, I did some exploring and it might help, I have a Series 4 with a tipping bed, the back axle is made by Hamworthy Transmission Division, I believe it is a Rigid Axle 1000 I looked online and found a workshop manual on the Winget website, which is free to download Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprocket316 Posted May 8, 2020 Share Posted May 8, 2020 Hi, thanks for that, I've often wondered about Hamworthy axles etc, I'll have look for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greengoat Posted April 17, 2023 Share Posted April 17, 2023 Hi I’m curios to know if you managed to get the FMW road registered as I’m in the process of buying one in need of restoration regards Lee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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