restoration Mk1 Militant Tanker

[Zero-Five-Two]

Did get a couple of runs in awkward places, and a little overspray on a bit, but they will polish out.  It was one of my better jobs

[Zero-Five-Two]

Few pics of her unmasked. Well pleased with the job

[Gordon_M]

Very nice.  It will look great when the rest matches, and I'd be surprised if the original paintwork didn't have the odd run too.

[Zero-Five-Two]

Selection of photos of the other goings on recently, as well as painting the cab.

First off Diesel Security.  I have this paranoia that some nefarious little Creature will stuff something in the tank while I am at a show.  I have heard several stories of this happening to people with disasterous results on the way home.

This is the original design with fairly easy access to the filler

And this is the modified version.  I adjusted the door ages ago, but have now extended the front plate, so only way to get to the filler is to open the locker door. Now it's painted green, it looks original too.  Wont stop the determined diesel thief, but does make it a good deal less accessible.

Had to manufacture a mounting plate for the rear number plate, as the original had long since rotted away

 First off, make a plywood template, and cut out the tin plate to fit

Cut wire and fit to inside of folded edge

 Tap over to roll in and paint in primer

Cut out hole for light unit and have a trial fit of number plate.  Obviously this is the Military reg and for show use only.

Civilian number plate for traveling home just fits over the top.  Note the wing nuts holding it in place

 Close up of wingnut fitting.

Last bit, fit light unit and paint DBG.

Speaking of DBG, checked out the cab this morning, still looks impressive, paint has hardened off well, but I don't like the rust marks in the front bumper so I think that will get a bit of reworking.  But not this weekend.  I didn't fancy getting into too much work today as I'm away on holiday for the next two weeks, so just had a bit of a trial on cleaning the tank, see what works best.

Used a mixture of sanding discs and wire cup brush on the grinder.  Having been extolling the virtues of Silverline brushes on another thread, I can't say the same for their sanding discs.  I started using 80 grit, but the abrasive bit separates from the velcrove backing, before it has sanded very much.

Quick visit to local paint shop and picked up some 40 grit mirka discs which worked much better.  Still took a couple of hours to get this it cleaned off.

Couple of coats of Bondaprimer finished the job.  Took most of the day to get this far, and that tank is going to take some time to get it all cleaned off.  Nice job for the coming winter months

 

 

 

Edited September 14, 2019 by Zero-Five-Two
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[Highland_laddie]

As always Great fabrication work.  

At this stage the only disappointment I have is that I won't be able to come and  see this at a show near me 😞

[Truck257]

On 9/10/2019 at 9:33 AM, Zero-Five-Two said:

Few pics of her unmasked. Well pleased with the job

Ahaaaa I see your green Militant and raise you a yellow one my good sir 

 

Edited September 15, 2019 by Truck257

[Zero-Five-Two]

Yellow looks stunning, but DBG still takes it.  We'll blow them away at Newark next year

[john1950]

Are you going to take the timber tractor as well?

[Zero-Five-Two]

1 hour ago, john1950 said:

Are you going to take the timber tractor as well?

Absolutely.  Had hoped to do it this year, but Tanker wasn't ready.  Hoping to get a Militant convoy 

[john1950]

Keep us advised of the dates please

[Citroman]

Looks great, i like the bronze green colour.

[david1212]

Your DBG cab paint really does look good. Having to do it outside too - you were so lucky with both the weather and not being disturbed until touch / debris proof dry.

[Zero-Five-Two]

Started the marathon tank cleaning operation today.  Started with the off side.  First up remove the hose pods from the back end of the tank.  Bit of a voyage of discovery this as we haven't even opened the end caps yet.  I know there is hoses in one of the left hand pods as the cover is bent and you can see in.

Large quantities of WD 40 and a bit of heat on a couple of the bolts and the contents are revealed.

A lot of spiders who weren't impressed at being disturbed, and a pair of hoses.

Removing the actual pods took a little bit of thought.  As usual there was no one about when you could do with another pair of hands.  Fortunately I used to be a Boy Scout, so out with a bit if string, tie pods together, and lower down the side to the floor

 

Once on the deck, the tubes were separated from the end caps, which, incidently are made of solid brass.  Tubes are plain steel and the ends haven't fared too well.

 Then fire up the sander and the wire brushes

Six finger numbing hours, and half a box of 40 grit discs, later and the off side looks like this, then half a tin of Bondaprimer goes on in 2 coats to keep any further tin worm at bay

One days work and half a side is done, a good few days still to come

And we are 4 hoses to the good, 3 have end caps as well

Edited October 5, 2019 by Zero-Five-Two
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[DarrenH]

fantastic work, really coming together as the green spreads

[Zero-Five-Two]

Biggest disadvantage of having to keep your MV out doors is you are governed by the weather for any work doing.  This weekend has definitely been a case of rain stopped play.  Damp and miserable on both Saturday and today. 

So, it is good to have a wet weather programme up your sleeve for such occasions.  Progress can still be made in the home workshop.

Spare wheel carrier has been an on going project for a while now, bit here, bit there, so on with the next bit.

Main frame was in reasonable condition, all be it well rusty, and this was cleaned up and painted some time ago.  The side panels are the last bit to do.  It was blatently obvious when they were removed from the tanker that they were definitely BER as the Army calls it.  Beyond Economic Repair.

Even more so once removed from the frame.  Only answer replace with new.

The two new panels have been in stock for a while now, cut by a colleague at the local engineering firm.  Their guillotine does a much better straight line cut than I can do with my grinder.  So this weekend was a prime opportunity to crack on and get them finished.  Weld new panel on to the angle iron frame, then have a trial fit to see if the necessary holes line up.

Finally, clean up the scabby welding, apply the usual coatings of primer and we are ready for the next round of DBG prior to refitting

Second job.  There should be 2 storage bins that fit behind the seats in the cab.  Useful bins, but they do make access to the batteries difficult, and I understand it was the habit of many units to remove them.  Both trays were missing from the Tanker, but the empty mounting bolt holes were evident 

Apparently they consist of a metal frame with a wooden box sitting in it. A few people remember the trays, but no one I've spoke to can ever remember seeing the wooden crates being used.  The parts book lists them as Tray times 2, and Crate times 2.  Both listed as local manufacture, with no dimensions or clues to their make up.

My Timber Tractor had the trays fitted, but I removed the passengers side one to provide space for the all important beer cooler, and the drivers side was heavily modified to become a battery box, so no help there.

On a recent trip to the North, I called in on my friend and fellow forum member Simon Daymond, while there I took many photos and measurements of one of his collection of Militants that still has trays fitted.

Easy to see from these pictures why they get dumped in favour of getting to the batteries. Anyway, working from these pictures and the various measurements I've managed to put these together.

I think I've used a slightly thinner gauge of steel than the original, but they seem strong enough.  Bit of carpentry coming up next for the 2 crates. No real idea of what they should look like,  but then, if nobody can remember seeing any in service, they can't tell me I've done them wrong.   However, we are out with the Timber Tractor this coming weekend on the Sprat and Winkle Run, Sevenoaks to Hastings. So the crates will have to wait for the next rainy day 

[attleej]

Rob,

My recollection is that they were steel boxes.  I certainly do not remember any wooden boxes in that role on any mil vehs of the time.  My recollection was of a 'union' type lock in the top middle of the side facing forwards.

John

[Zero-Five-Two]

Wait for the next rainy day, said I.  Hmmm!!  didn't have to wait long for one.  Weathers been absolute pants round here lately.  Managed one day of decent work since the last post at the beginning of October.

Got the Near Side of the tank in Primer.

 

Found another 4 hoses in the tubes too.

Rest of the time has been in the home workshop.  On with the tool boxes.  Parts book has very little information, just says "Local Manufacture, as Required" Where I served, in Engineer Units, that would have probably meant a demand to the carpenters shop, and one of the lads would knock up something tidy that would do the job.

With that in mind, take a big sheet of plywood and off we go.  Now I'm not a carpenter, although there could be something lurking in my genes. My maternal Grandfather was a skilled cabinet maker.  His service during WW2 was as a "Protected Trade" He spent part of his time shoring up bombed out buildings, after members of the Luftwaffe who hadn't quite made it to London carried out their nasty habit of unloading their cargo over the North Kent Coast.  The rest of his time was making boxes for the poor unfortunates who didn't survive these random deliveries. Soon as I pick up a piece of wood, I always feel he is looking down his nose at my amateur efforts.

 

Plenty of clamps and glue

 

After much sand papering, and a bit of filler in the gaps, time for a test fit in the cage

 

Can't get wood primer in DBG, so had to start with a coat of white

 

DBG top coat though.  Quite pleased with the final look, not bad for a non carpenter. Obviously not much of a painter either, spot the bit I missed on the smaller passengers side cage 

As you can see in the background, a few other bits got a coat of green at the same time, including the sides of the spare wheel carrier and these

Front and rear Number Plate holders

And the Oil Can Carrier

A couple of dry days would be good now so I can get this lot fitted

 

Edited November 26, 2019 by Zero-Five-Two
Spelling

[Tamber]

Those boxes are looking quite smart!

[Zero-Five-Two]

Happy New Year to One and All.  Thought we were well overdue an update on tanker progress.  Been grabbing every spare minute recently for more tanker work, but what with that and visiting the in laws over Xmas, then New Year Parties etc, haven't had chance to post any pictures or anything.

First off, finally got to the other end of the tank cleaning marathon, it's all cleaned off and in red oxide

Having done the top of the off side, moved onto the rear then the near side.

Easier to paint the lower half with the rear wheel arches removed

 

 

That said they ain't half flimsy when removed.  More so after all the brackets have been taken off.  There's more than a few holes that will need attention later.

Then repeat the operation for the near side

Last bit is the top underneath the wooden catwalk, which itself is completely rotten and a bit unsafe to walk on.  Still I managed to balance on it while I freed off all the dipsticks and lids.  Previously we had only had one opened.  But after a couple of hours of fiddling and a gallon of WD40 got them all up and freed off

 

As you can see from the near side view above, I've had the pump house door off for straightening, new hinges and a lock repair.

I think I've cornered the fleebay market for fire extinguishers and brackets lately, they seem to be fitted everywhere and most were missing.

On the inside of the door there is a plate with all the operating instructions, but it didn't look too healthy

A pleasant evening was later spent over a beer or two, some fine wet an' dry and a big pot of Brasso.

Comes up like this

 

[Zero-Five-Two]

Part two.

To clean round the back of the tank, the rear walkway, ladder and fire extinguisher holders had to come off.  But given the state of them there was work to be done here too

 

Back in the home workshop, the ladder got first attention, not only is it bent halfway up, the bottom end is rotten 

So cut it all out, get some new tube and weld in. refit all the brackets and paint up

Fire ex holders were a bit more involved

Broken clamps and not a lot of base left.  First attempt didn't go well, tried welding in new side pieces, but it wouldn't stand up straight

Good thing about working with steel is, if you make a pigs of something, you can just grind it off and start again.  Try doing that with a piece of wood!!

Second go, make a new base first then weld top half to it

Proof of the pudding, Try a fire extinguisher in it

Sorted.  Same again for the second one, then paint up

In the queue for the next round of DBG

Up to date now with todays efforts.  Team game, fitting the spare wheel carrier back on

Base plates on to the chassis first, bit awkward getting nuts on behind those air valves.

Side frames next, heavy and difficult to line up.  you would like to stand on the cover plate in the middle but it's only tin sheet and certainly wont take a thirteen stone bloke standing on it. Son Stuart here trying to line up the last bolt hole

Top frame next, holds it all straight while you tighten everything up.

Main arm goes on last.

Far too heavy to lift and hold up while fitting, but easy with an engine crane

Needed a couple of swipes with a big hammer to slot it in, but once in place all was good

Fit and adjust the brake mechanism and the winding rope

Then see if it rolls up like it should.  Got the rope twisted the first time, but a quick adjustment sorted it and up it went.

Job done.  Well nearly, got a couple more bracing struts to fit as we ran out of bolts.  Bit of paint to touch up, and lastly clean and paint the spare wheel itself.

Clocks ticking if we are to make it to the AEC Rally at the end of May and there is still a ton of stuff to do.  We'll see how it goes/

[Zero-Five-Two]

Had a few weekends recently where either bad weather or family commitments has prevented Tanker progress.  However, been full on yesterday and today.  Managed to get a bit of workshop space, and made the most of it.

Full service done on Saturday, oils changed, complete grease up, brake adjustment etc,etc.  Good days effort.

Got the drain tap open on the rear most tank to drain it out.  Got about 50 ltrs of kerosene (Donated to the workshop space heater). Took ages as it would only dribble.  The taps on the other tanks appear to open but nothing comes out, so more effort required to get them drained.

Back in again this morning (Sunday) to put primer paint on the tank.

Masked up and ready

Stand back and watch our Stuart having his first go at spraying. Weren't too bad either, got a good covering, and only a couple of runs.

2 hours work and 5 ltrs of paint later and we're all done.

Looks even better outside in the daylight.

Drive back to the yard was good too.  Feels like she enjoyed a good servicing, even got a handbrake that works now too.  Still got a bit of an issue with it not ticking over, though.  Sometimes it will idle nicely, then all of a sudden it will start hunting, then stall. Other times it just stops as soon as you take your foot off the throttle.   The fuel pump rack seems to be free enough, so further investigation required.  Any advice or suggestions welcome.

 

[Butch]

Hi Rob

Looking good Mate, have you looked at the Fuel pump  as I had a lorry that had the same symptoms    

as those and it turned out to be that, worked alright with revs just not ticking over , new diaphragm and valves  and it was fine .

Cheers Butch

[Zero-Five-Two]

14 hours ago, Butch said:

Hi Rob

Looking good Mate, have you looked at the Fuel pump  as I had a lorry that had the same symptoms    

as those and it turned out to be that, worked alright with revs just not ticking over , new diaphragm and valves  and it was fine .

Cheers Butch

Will be going down that road shortly. I want to fit a filter/separater into the system like I fitted to the timber tractor. It is astounding how much dirt that colllects even when you only use "clean" diesel from reputable garages. Early Militants like mine don't have any kind of filter between tank and lift pump. It's asking for trouble really

[the DT guy]

no idea what injector pump your militant has but the CAV unit on the Rolls Royce C6 in my Diamond T had similar issues and it was a mix of an out of adjusted rack dampener and a damaged governor. got those fixed and she peers like a kitten know. 

[Zero-Five-Two]

On ‎3‎/‎9‎/‎2020 at 11:35 PM, the DT guy said:

no idea what injector pump your militant has but the CAV unit on the Rolls Royce C6 in my Diamond T had similar issues and it was a mix of an out of adjusted rack dampener and a damaged governor. got those fixed and she peers like a kitten know. 

She has a CAV Minimec unit.  Turns out that my Guv'nor at work did his apprenticeship on these same pumps as they were fitted to a lot of  buses of that period.  He has all the knowledge and specialist tools to give it a complete going over.  Once we are past the current virus situation he's going to do the business on it for me.