fesm_ndt Posted March 13, 2013 Share Posted March 13, 2013 (edited) I think I need to visit a shrink as in my ongoing efforts to stimulate the European and UK economies I have gone and purchased this Acmat TPK4-20-SM3. The missus was very understanding and said that looks nice (not sure if this is a test!) Payment done and awaiting delivery to a mates workshop in the UK. Going to be a fairly slow thread, as first stage is to find/deliver the few missing body parts which are LH fuel tank (found), rear tailgate (found), front bumper jerry can holder (found), front bumper toolbox, rear canvas hoops and RH spare wheel mount. Chasing the body parts first as I am planning on doing the paint job during my next visit to the UK. After I acquire the missing bits I can look at the mechanical parts which were apparently all done 4 years ago so hopefully it should not be so painful. Not very easy to find information on these so much thanks to protacman for his thread, help and advice (http://hmvf.co.uk/forumvb/showthread.php?692-ACMAT-VLRA-4-20-SM&highlight=acmat). Also have found two French owners that are helpful, especially in improving my French speaking skills. Edited July 1, 2014 by fesm_ndt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fesm_ndt Posted March 16, 2013 Author Share Posted March 16, 2013 A few more piccies as waiting on it to be moved to a workshop close by Cambridge The 120L water tank The doors, left and right are completely different dimensions Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 All you'd get with a shrink is words. This will give you Occupational therapy and a chance to get out in the fresh air! :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fesm_ndt Posted March 16, 2013 Author Share Posted March 16, 2013 (edited) This will give you Occupational therapy and a chance to get out in the fresh air! :-D I can't wait to get to the UK to do the prep and paintjob but until I find the few missing bits and be scheduled for a work trip I will have to admire it via emails. Be spring so the weather will be pleasant instead of the smoldering heat out here (just spent a day out here sweating on my Ural). Also will have to find someone around Cambridge area that can make up a fairly decent replica of this rollcage Edited March 16, 2013 by fesm_ndt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gadget Posted March 25, 2013 Share Posted March 25, 2013 I can't wait to get to the UK to do the prep and paintjob but until I find the few missing bits and be scheduled for a work trip I will have to admire it via emails. Be spring so the weather will be pleasant instead of the smoldering heat out here (just spent a day out here sweating on my Ural). Also will have to find someone around Cambridge area that can make up a fairly decent replica of this rollcage [ATTACH=CONFIG]74063[/ATTACH] You have purchased a great truck.Do you know its history?You are looking for a spare wheel carrier i may be able to help.Kieran. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted March 25, 2013 Share Posted March 25, 2013 Bring some sun back as well! PLEASE!!! :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fesm_ndt Posted March 26, 2013 Author Share Posted March 26, 2013 You have purchased a great truck.Do you know its history?You are looking for a spare wheel carrier i may be able to help.Kieran. As not too many pictures around I figured out which one is which as there is a couple of different bits on this one that led me to the CHAD one. Yep my need to get and wish list so far is: 1. - Rear canvas hoops 2. - Rear roll bar 3. - Rear roll bar (prefer the type above and am currently scouring French junkyards. Most likely easier to find a UK fab shop) 4. - Spare wheel mount (RHS) 5. - Front bumper toolbox 6. - Spare wheel mount (RHS - prefer swing type if can get – I was told Acmat make a swing type) This is a wishlist 7. - PSP mounts and PSP 8. - front lights (later model again from French Junkyards) This is a wishlist 9. - external air filter and hose 10 - towing shackles x 4 11. - Wheel nuts x 5 12. - Rear canvas 13. - wheel rim x 1 I hate lists they always get longer Bring some sun back as well! PLEASE!!! :-D I'll try. I got sunburnt at legoland over the weekend, if that helps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fesm_ndt Posted March 27, 2013 Author Share Posted March 27, 2013 Ok late night questions that have popped into my mind With these pioneer racks I guess the axe is normal size. What about the shovel and pick, would these be standard Land Rover sized? Anyone know the thread size and height of the AMX antenna matching unit? I want to get an adaptor made up for it for a uhf antenna. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g0ozs Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 Mike The pioneer rack looks like the one on my SUMB and a British shovel fitted that, if it helps ? Can you get a closer photo of the label on the ATU - I know a couple of people in France who may be able to help with data given that Regards Iain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fesm_ndt Posted March 28, 2013 Author Share Posted March 28, 2013 Mike The pioneer rack looks like the one on my SUMB and a British shovel fitted that, if it helps ? Can you get a closer photo of the label on the ATU - I know a couple of people in France who may be able to help with data given that Regards Iain Cheers, for the shovel info as makes life easier knowing I can buy a Land Rover kit . These are apparently standard ww2 design. If fitted below the RHD the corners are re-shaped it seems for a better fit (I will fit elsewhere) The antenna base is I believe a standard MX-6707 Tunable HF Antenna Base that was the mainstay of American radio systems for years. I havent got a closer picture as yet as it is in the post to Cambridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fesm_ndt Posted April 2, 2013 Author Share Posted April 2, 2013 (edited) Managed to get the correct antenna from Israel and is enroute to the UK. Found a site that shows you how to tune the base to civilian UHF bands Lots of discussions going on with a second hand dealer in France. Edited April 2, 2013 by fesm_ndt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fesm_ndt Posted April 18, 2013 Author Share Posted April 18, 2013 The Acmat arrived in Cambridgeshire yesterday and my mechanic mate was saying on the phone “oooooohhhhhhh that’s big” Looking forward to seeing some pictures as also am getting closer to finding all the missing bits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rover8FFR Posted April 18, 2013 Share Posted April 18, 2013 Well done Mike. They are used extensively by 22 as a gun platform, as they don't bounce around like the pinkies with a 50cal in the back. I borrowed one once for an Army Cadet school recruitment drive in Hereford. They are an absolute 'Beast' in the flesh! It had the desired affect in the school entrance :wow: Keep us posted mate on progress........ And of course lots of photos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fesm_ndt Posted April 18, 2013 Author Share Posted April 18, 2013 (edited) yep I am hanging out for the photos to arrive....... my guys been too busy to send. I heard the Aussies trialled them for the same purpose also, not sure if used for in-service though Been making some inroads on my list of major bits I need 1. - Rear canvas & hoops (being negotiated out of France) 2. - Rear roll bar (found) 3. - Spare wheel mount (RHS) (found in the toolbox under the floor) 5. - Front bumper toolbox (being negotiated out of France) 6. - PSP mounts and PSP (being negotiated out of France) 7. - front lights (haven't managed to translate into French adequately as yet) 8. - external air filter and hose (haven't managed to translate into French adequately as yet) 9. - towing shackles x 4 (being negotiated out of France) 10. - wheel rim x 1 (looking) 11. - LHS fuel tank and guard (found) 12. - RHS fuel tank guard (being negotiated out of France) 13. - tailgate (found) 14. - front jerry can holder (found) and a host of other bits and pieces being negotiated via babelfish, hand signals and pictures :nut: Acmat the manufacturer will not assist in any fashion and are not interested in doing business with enthusiasts (contrary to what their website says about service). So dealing with some contacts provided by members of HMVF in France which is the only way. Edited April 18, 2013 by fesm_ndt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fesm_ndt Posted April 19, 2013 Author Share Posted April 19, 2013 ok got some as is delivery photos :cry: Looks like the front edge needs banging out A loud hailer speaker was mounted here, a bit odd is now missing but I was going to bin it anyway. I want to fit later model turn signals front and rear anyway. 4 of the tyres a very good The rear tray edge is a bit ropey. Most likely will cut 50mm off and weld a strip in Is this toolbox recognisable i.e. something MV related or is it scrap? The all important 'missing' spare wheel mount Non-standard step, soon to be scrap I need to find a new pair of these, so will be searching ebay in a sec Needs a good wash underneath Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fesm_ndt Posted April 19, 2013 Author Share Posted April 19, 2013 A few more A bit messy here going to be joy joy with the wire brush This has to go to the scrap bin as the LH fuel tank sits here More scrap that needs removing More to clean Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fesm_ndt Posted April 28, 2013 Author Share Posted April 28, 2013 Getting some idea of size The look for rust repairs continues Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eddy8men Posted April 28, 2013 Share Posted April 28, 2013 it's a real beast that's for sure, when will the work commence. rick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fesm_ndt Posted April 29, 2013 Author Share Posted April 29, 2013 it's a real beast that's for sure, when will the work commence. rick G'day Rick Most likely start in June as my mechanic mate is booked out fixing buzz boxes for MOT's. But the timing is good as I been finalizing parts that are missing from all over the place so hopefully by then all the bits will be enroute or already arrived. He most likely will have moved the toolbox by then also as he said something along the lines that its f''''' heavy. Thanks with the assist on that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gadget Posted April 29, 2013 Share Posted April 29, 2013 G'day Rick Most likely start in June as my mechanic mate is booked out fixing buzz boxes for MOT's. But the timing is good as I been finalizing parts that are missing from all over the place so hopefully by then all the bits will be enroute or already arrived. He most likely will have moved the toolbox by then also as he said something along the lines that its f''''' heavy. Thanks with the assist on that You made a comment about straightening out the front of wind .That is the shape of it Can you please pm your email I will sent you photos and info.Kieran Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fesm_ndt Posted June 6, 2013 Author Share Posted June 6, 2013 Well the saga of finding parts continues........ 1. - LHS fuel tank and guard (found & waiting for the courier to get organised) 2. - Tailgate (found & waiting for the courier to get organised) 3. - Rear roll bar (found & waiting for the courier to get organised) 4. - Front jerry can holder (found & waiting for the courier to get organised) 5. - Rear canvas & hoops (paid for and waiting for shipment from France) 6. - PSP mounts and PSP (paid for and waiting for shipment from France 7. - wheel rim x 1 (paid for and waiting for shipment from France) 8. - towing shackles x 4 (paid for and waiting for shipment from France) these were suprisingly expensive 9. - RHS fuel tank guard (paid for and waiting for shipment from France) 10. - Cab canvas (paid for and waiting for shipment from France) 11. - Tie rod ends (paid for and waiting for shipment from France) extemely expensive :wow: 12. - Numerous other bits and pieces (paid for and waiting for shipment from France) 2800.00eu 13. - front lights (Finalised a price from France, but still waiting on a shipping cost) 14. - Front bumper toolbox (Finalised a price from France, but still waiting on a shipping cost) 15. - external air filter and hoses (Finalised a price from France, but still waiting on a shipping cost) 16. - fuel sender (Finalised a price from France, but still waiting on a shipping cost) 17. - A few other bits that I can't recall what they are as it's all in French 2800.00eu Still negotiating a few other bits like an original heater, jack and these seats from a VLRA2 with integrated seatbelts that cost 800eu a piece :-( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fesm_ndt Posted June 12, 2013 Author Share Posted June 12, 2013 (edited) As there is not a lot of Acmat info around at the moment I thought I would post some pictures of some of the different bits I have tracked down to fit to mine (with various notes to suppliers). Basically bits to make the vehicle safer, more useable or bling I have purchased this type of short PSP. The French PSP has small holes drilled instead of full holes in places. The front bracket on this style will not fit on the Irish tray as the tray sides are lower with the canvas subsequently being fitted lower also. So I will need to fit 4 cone seats which are held on by wheel nuts and experiment a bit so the canvas still fits ok. I managed to get the under spare wheel step. I figured this would be useful to help get the wheel up when needed. The larger front lights off the 'slightly' later model as being larger they will be more visible Wing mounted aircleaner which is better suited for dusty environments 'aka' Australia. Edited July 14, 2013 by fesm_ndt poor English Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fesm_ndt Posted June 12, 2013 Author Share Posted June 12, 2013 I wanted to buy a VCT rear body, as I heard Acmat had a few used ones and when I added up the cost of parts above I figured why not. Unfortunately I could never get a price out of Acmat :-(, would of been nice for War and Peace and with the top down traversing Australia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enigma Posted June 12, 2013 Share Posted June 12, 2013 I wanted to buy a VCT rear body, as I heard Acmat had a few used ones and when I added up the cost of parts above I figured why not. Unfortunately I could never get a price out of Acmat :-(, would of been nice for War and Peace and with the top down traversing Australia [ATTACH=CONFIG]77890[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]77889[/ATTACH] I like the look of these, a bit like a Dodge Command Car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fesm_ndt Posted June 12, 2013 Author Share Posted June 12, 2013 (edited) Yes most the history of Acmat is supposedly an upgrade of the Dodge platform. What I find interesting about the VCT they are still rated to carry 6 tonnes, so although it looks like a big car, it is a truck. I guess the Dodge are around the same Edited July 14, 2013 by fesm_ndt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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