montie

Yes Sir! Please do! I couldn't agree more with Paul! Regards, Monty.

Hi berna2vm, With all the fuss about the Saracen 88 issue then, I also wrote to Ian Young at Military Machine International who sent me a complimentary copy of the January 2005 issue. In an article in this copy the fact was highlighted that quite a bit more Saracen 88's were built and that there is a lot of info still hiding out somewhere. I also manage to get hold of the article about the Saracen 88 in the July 2002 Military Machines International, of which the thinking at the time was, that only one existed. Cheers, Monty. PS. They still have the RR petrol engines, I haven't come accross any with another engine yet.

Hi Berna2vm, This was discussed from post 80 http://hmvf.co.uk/forumvb/showthread.php?16817-Saracen-Build-up/page8. It is similar (read identical) to the Saracen 88 of which there was supposedly only one prototype and was to be sold to an American buyer. With all the boo-haa, we eventually came to the conclusion that all South African Saracens are of the Saracen 88 variety with all changes implemented plus some others that weren't mentioned. Cheers, Monty.

Hi guys, I have seen this post from Joris and itched to give it a try. http://hmvf.co.uk/forumvb/showthread.php?11824-Youtube-videos-IN-A-POST!&highlight=upload+video Here goes. Something went wrong... Cheers, Monty.

PS. I am pussyfooting around "cleaning-up-the-threads" issue and finding all sorts of handy excuses not get down to it. Monty.

Hi guys, Reading about the show and the happenings around it, you seem to be one big family! Would have loved to be there, but sadly, there is no way. Do enjoy! I read somewhere that a Saracen can lose a wheel and still be driven. I had a little surprise with this theory, now thinking that it is only valid for the non-Saracen 88 versions. With the longer nose and the added weight like mine, the nose drops very, very low when the front wheel is removed and lowered back to ground. Very close to undriveable I think. Cheers, Monty.

Hi guys, This Saracen British Alvis numbering system is driving me up the creek. Is there ANYBODY that has an idea of how these vehicles were numbered????:nut::undecided::confused: 80BA50 Saracen APC Queens Own Yeomanry 80BA57 Saracen APC 82BA00 Saracen Mk 2 APC 82BA06 Saracen Mk 2 ACV FVRDE 1962 82BA07 Saracen Mk 2 ACV 82BA08 Saracen Mk 2 ACV 82BA22 Saracen Mk 2 Ambulance 82BA60 Saracen APC converted to ACV 82BA62 Saracen Mk 2 ACV 82BA68 Saracen Mk 2 ACV 82BA78 Saracen APC 82BA85 Saracen Mk 5 APC fitted with Anti RPG Mesh Ludgershall 82BA87 Saracen Mk 2 ACV 82BA90 Saracen Mk 5 Ambulance 82BA96 Saracen Mk 5 ACV 83BA06 Saracen Mk 2 ACV 83BA19 Saracen FV611 Ambulance 1 of only 12 produced 83BA41 Saracen Mk 5 APC 83BA49 Saracen Mk 1 APC Royal Engineers Bomb Disposal 83BA57 Saracen Mk 2 ACV 83BA61 Saracen Mk 2 APC 83BA84 Saracen APC I was looking for the number of a South African Saracen, 80BA46. It should be amongst this mix. How did they (Alvis) do it that the 88 versions were made in between others and everybody once thought there only was one(?) prototype? Looking at this attachment, it is a mess, ie. it is in no particular order, Mk 5, then mk2, then ACP for example. But then, maybe it's only me. Cheers, Monty.

Jippeee!!! Got my substitute tap today, will tackle those threads tomorrow morning. Regards.

Hi guys, I took some pics of the numbering in my Saracen, maybe it will shed some light. This the number above the rear door stating "Alv 721" This is also the number on the identification plate This is the number on the port hatch, I buy the theory of "near side" Two snaps, quality sucks! This is the number on the starboard side which will be the "Off side". Definitely from another vehicle as it is different. The Alv 721 must then refer to some number in the Alvis factory, probably a production number as this is also a Mark 2 (read early), on the other plate it states Saracen Mark 3 SA, probably with the mods (longer nose, hinged snout, etc.) Hopes it helps a little. Cheers, Monty.

Hi Deryck, Fortunately the plug is fine, its the threads in the lower arm where the pin fits, thats has sustained the damage. I have now been to an engineering company, they will turn up a substitute tapfrom tool steel for me with which I can clean up the thread. No waiting, no importing or related schlep. Cheers, Monty.

A hammer should have fallen on my head, it is an Alvis part number alright, therefore this could not have been modded! Would still be interesting if somebody had a description. We will have to wait for Richard.

Thanks Clive, I appreciate!

Clive, after calling in younger eyes, that reads "FV11826F". Monty.

Hi Oily, I thought you were at the show as well, just spectating maybe?! It is definitely the way I am going to go, I only need to secure the bolt. Thanks for the advice. Have you seen my querie about the steering? (Duh.... I only now saw your post. Thanks.) Monty. PS. I see one can upload videos, I thought of making one of starting the Saracen and uploading that. I will look for the link that was posted about uploading.

Hi Andy, I appreciate your concern, it will be such a waste if it is not correct! I measured again and again. The measurement is also supported by the digital vernier at 30mm. The closest imperial equivalent is 1 and 3/16" and is off by just more than 0.4mm. These South African Saracens were rebuilt/renovated/upgraded twice as far as I know. A lot of (read all) fasteners I thusfar worked with were metric, so it could have been specified at the order placement stage (unlikely, South Africa was a British colony at the time and was using imperial measurements untill the early sixties) I will need to get hold of such a bolt. Such taps exists, albeit expensive, so such bolts should also exist!

Hi guys, Here are some pics of the damaged threads after washing them down. I will have to clean them up, there is no quick and easy on this one! I will look at the bolt option first and then at the £70 job if all else fails. Now for the next question, how strong is the power steering, will the wheels turn while the engine is running and the vehicle stationary? (Stupid question, I presume) If it does, easily or does it take some force? I will look through the manual(s) that I have for anything. I remember Oily had some hydraulic hassles some time ago. Regards, Monty.

"Endo crescimus!" And so we grow! Thanks, you are setting a good example yourself! Regards, Monty.

Lucky fellow indeed!

Thanks again, Clive, I am shocked, I expected it to be pricey but I will explore other means, maybe a wash and a good wipe and inspection with a magnifying glass could help. Cheers, Monty.

Only a little bit of info on the Stalwart on page 26 http://hmvf.co.uk/forumvb/showthread.php?16817-Saracen-Build-up/page18 Good luck!

Even here nothing shows up! http://hmvf.co.uk/forumvb/showthread.php?16817-Saracen-Build-up/page18 53MS31 Chieftain Mk 7 ARRV Iran 53MS37 Chieftain Mk 7 ARRV Iran 56MS06 GKN Sankey MCV 80 Trials Prototype Warrior 56MS09 Chieftain 900 Bovington Tank Museum 1995 72MS81 Stalwart Mk 1 Budge 72MS86 Stalwart Mk 1 Budge Good luck! Monty.

Price is out of my league too!!!:shocked: http://www.metric-tools.com/catalog/item/4020626/7973712.htm

Clive, I did check it out, the pitch required is 1.25 and unfortunately theirs is 1.5. So close and yet so far! These guys have got it http://www.nikopas.com/thr3.htm , I will find out if I can buy 1 off and the price. (Eish, they are in India!) Thanks, Monty.

Thanks Clive, you are a great help! I will check them out now. Cheers, Monty.

It can be split for repairs but I dont know how the drive is transferred. Never opened one yet! Richard can probably help. Monty.