This time last year we were just starting out on restoring the Bedford MW. Having built a new body out of wood, and enjoyed learning the new skills and challenge, we started looking for the next project. I've always liked the Mutt, and built 3 1/35 scale Mutts when I was younger. I saw some for sale in Malta and decided it was worth a look.
Looking on the intenet showed that most parts were easy to source. For some reason I decided not to bother going to look, but bought one based on a few emailed photos. I think this was probably a bad idea, as I was quite upset with myself when it arrived. I had a choice of 4 and on reflection I probably bought the worst one! Shipping from Malta was very quick and there were no problems. I collected it in late October.
First view of the vehicle after the trip from Malta...
The body is very very bad. I suspect this may be the most worst Mutt anyone has tried to restore. It has a lot of bodged repairs. The Maltese don't seem to know what they were doing, in a lot of places they have cut a new piece of steel and patched it in with filler. On top of this, everything was loose and all split pins had been replaced with bent nails!
Spot the bent nail...
In order to stop myself feeling too depressed I decided to crack on with the project. About 3 hours after unloading the Mutt I had the engine out. Mechanically they are very simple, and well thought out.
Going...
Going...
Gone!
With the engine out, we lifted the vehicle up to get a proper look at the underside. It's not a pretty sight! It has rusted in all the usual places, with the usual Maltese repairs. The front floors seem to have been replaced about 3 times! The support structures have been removed and replaced with box section.
The vehicle has certainly led a hard life in Malta. When it arrived all 4 drive shafts were removed. It turns out the front ones were removed from several of the Mutts in Malta, but the rear ones seem to have been removed for another reason....
Rear Diff bracket repair - Maltese stylee!
After removing the diff I discovered there are no teeth left on the pinion! (Not got a photo of this yet) This explains the lack of rear drive shafts as the diff was locked solid. I suspect it has been run with no oil in it.
We carried on stripping down the body, removing the wiring, pipes and anything which would un-bolt. The front axle assy came off easily, just 6 bolts hold it in place.
Front axle unit
The rear axle arms have been disassembled and are now ready for blast.
Rear axle arm
Currently the body is on its side in the garage. I am cutting out as much rust and filler as I can before sending it off for blasting. I have bought a large under body kit, which should take care of most of the damage, and a pair of front floors. Next on the shopping list are 2 new sides and a new rear panel, some front wing repair panels and a few other bits and pieces. I don't have a spot welder and I am only just learning how to mig weld, so this is going to be another steep learning curve!
A couple of new bits in place to see where they will go...
When not working on the vehicle I have been doing a bit of research. All data plates had been removed, except the BUDD plate under the bonnet. This is a useful plate to have though...
From this plate I have been able to discover that this is a Ford M151A2. It was built in March 1971. I even have a US Army number for it. This is the first bit of positive news as it means eventually it should be tax exempt. There are various numbers under the paint on the front bumper, under the Maltese green, so I may be able to find out even more about it.
This Mutt probably spent most of it's life in storage at the US Army base at Burton Wood. When this was closed in the early 90s a large number of Mutts were still in storage. These were given away to other armies, lots went to Mexico but a batch was sent to Malta. I'm pretty sure this is how mine came to be in Malta, which is why it survives and is un-cut like so many M151s. It's a shame the Maltese didn't look after it, and from the looks of it decided to park it in the sea!
That's it for part one. I'll post more photos as I get work carried out. Hopefully it'll be ready for blasting fairly soon, then the real work can begin....
Chris