Pee Jay

Now we've just about got the turret turning I'm having trouble find the right position in order to open the engine covers (they foul the turret). Turret is near the 9 o'clock position. Does anyone know what position the turret has to be in to open the engine covers? - I'm trying the refit the T support piece on the rear deck. Thanks Chieftain rear deck.pdf

FYI - REME got the turret moving by applying a strop to the barrel and towing round. This was enough to free up the rust and can now use the hand traverse (though v stiff and hard work!)

Found the manual - there is no mention of a turret lock. Suspect the turret might be rusted in position

Hi, Need to traverse Chieftain turret in order to get access to rear deck. Have managed to get inside and found the manual turret traverse (vehicle doesnt run) - but the handle doesnt move. Is there some additional trick needed or likely turret mechanism seized in some way? Any ideas please Thanks

Thanks for the feedback chaps. Sadly tyres are the state where inflation on hold - especially for vehicles with split rims. I think they are all immobile now so tricky to stop flat spots. Maybe we can jack and rotate a wheel at a time if transmission allows. I'd like to get most weight off but leave tyres in contact (for stability and aesthetics) and then hopefully a low pressure safe fill will be ok. I've only recently managed to get the Saracen open and no obvious structural ribs visible without removing floor I suspect. I'd like to avoid wooden sleepers as expensive and will rot, concrete blocks have potential though suspect expensive for anything suitable structural. Currently thinking of using commercial underpinning jacks or even scaffold jacks as they are rated for 4 or 6 ton and relatively cheap. Foam filling probably a good idea though probably too cash strapped.

Hi all - just started some volunteering at a military museum. We have a few wheeled vehicles that have been sat outside for many years and tyres in particular are suffering. Considering fabricating some stands to reduce weight on tyres (the vehicles are static displays). Initially for Saracen, Saladin, Ferret, Pig. Is there any info on safe jacking/support points? The Saracen/Saladin/Ferret have flat underside - but I'm not sure how strong. Could I use stands here as long as load is spread width of underside? Any suggestions for general tyre protection (e.g. coating to stop UV damage, cracking etc)? Thanks in advance