HWade Posted September 28, 2008 Share Posted September 28, 2008 (edited) I have recently taken on the restoration of two US search lights, They have been converted to 240 volt, 1500 halide bulbs.The units appear to be in quite good order, Iam not to sure when they date from but I am looking in to this I would say that they are post war.They are mounted on a US built trailer chassis, and they have hydraulic over run brakes. The brakes are in a bad way as there are parts missing linkage ect.The lights have a difuser lens as well as a clear lens for searching with.They have hydraulic brakes for the up and down movment of the light as well as the side to side.I have included a few pics will keep you updated as the restoration goes. Regards Howard Edited September 28, 2008 by HWade Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWade Posted September 28, 2008 Author Share Posted September 28, 2008 A few more pics Regards Howard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWade Posted October 1, 2008 Author Share Posted October 1, 2008 Hello I had a bit of time this afternoon and took the brake master cylinder apart it was siezed up but after stripping apart cleaning and putting it back togeather its now working,some of the brake pipe is rusted through so I will have to replace it but I shall do this with copper pipe. I now have the base of the search light ready for grit blasting so I shall take a few pics of this and post once I have done this.I am away at a show this weekend so the grit blasting will take place one eavening next week. Regards Howard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bodge Deep Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 Nice bit of kit... I don't know the date either but they're very smart... good stuff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWade Posted October 2, 2008 Author Share Posted October 2, 2008 Hello Bodge Thanks for the support hope to post some more pics tomarrow stripping down the rest of the brakes tomorrow and hope to make up the new pipes. Regards Howard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bodge Deep Posted October 3, 2008 Share Posted October 3, 2008 I've got some pics of searchlights in use by USAAF flying control units for illuminating runways in por light/fog/rain etc... I'll see if i can find them... similar looking rig. @ 240v will you be running them off a jenny of some sort? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWade Posted October 3, 2008 Author Share Posted October 3, 2008 Hello Bodge That will be nice to see the other pics if you have them, I managed to strip the drums off the axle only to find that there were no brake shoes or springs inside the drum.I took off the the brake cylinder and got that all taken apart and cleaned up and put back togeather.I will have to see if I can get hold of some shoes and springs.The stud pattern looks like a sankey but I will have to double check who knows there brake shoes may fit. I forgot to take the camerra so will get some pics next time.Well thats it for now. Regards Howard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWade Posted October 7, 2008 Author Share Posted October 7, 2008 Well now got both of the brake drums apart, and cleaned. The brake cylinders were seized but these have been all cleaned and now working, also made up to new copper brake pipes. Regards Howard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWade Posted October 12, 2008 Author Share Posted October 12, 2008 Well I have managed to get the wheels painted and also the chassis of the search light, I have also given the body of the light a coat of paint,second coat to follow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.O.S. Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 What's that? Carpet in the Workshop? That is going a step too far Howard - to show off your really nice workshop is bad enough punishment for most of us, to show the carpet is "rubbing it in a bit" :-D Or perhaps the workshop is in fact an extension of your lounge? :cool2: Goes away to draw up lounge extension to run by Mrs. N.O.S. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papav66 Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 thats not his workshop, its his kitchen! can tell by the kitchen cupboards on the left, much easier to clean things up in the warm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWade Posted October 13, 2008 Author Share Posted October 13, 2008 Hi N.O.S. I do like a bit of comfort and just to rub in the salt the carpets an old Wilton.I would like to come and give the Autocar a once over some time if thats ok. Regards Howard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.O.S. Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 No worries, but it's nowhere near as bad as Wayne might have made out :whistle: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWade Posted October 14, 2008 Author Share Posted October 14, 2008 Hello N.O.S Wayne has been full of complements have you seen his chevrolet stepside pickup, its a real nice piece of kit.His on about wanting to get a dodge Ambulance. Regards Howard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.O.S. Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 I've seen the photos and the "rust-treated" model - looks a lovely old truck. I think he certainly did the right thing keeping that irreplacable patina of old age (like his van :whistle:). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWade Posted October 14, 2008 Author Share Posted October 14, 2008 Hi N.O.S your right there it would really spoil the truck if it was painted,mind you his van could do with a T-Cut.Well I am off to the Suffolk MVT meet tonight. Regards Howard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWade Posted October 15, 2008 Author Share Posted October 15, 2008 Evening well I have got the last parts to the lights in red Oxide tonight, hope to give them the top coat on Friday.Will start to rewire the towing lights on Saturday. Regards Howard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWade Posted October 18, 2008 Author Share Posted October 18, 2008 (edited) Well had a good day today all of the top coat of paint is on the search light, the new road lights were waiting at home for me so I will fit them tomorrow, that will be one light complete with one more to do.I managed to get my living van in the workshop to strip off the awning flaps to remove all rust and replace the two steel strips that run the length of the trailer. Regards Howard Edited October 18, 2008 by HWade Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest catweazle (Banned Member) Posted October 18, 2008 Share Posted October 18, 2008 :tup:: Looking good Howard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.O.S. Posted October 18, 2008 Share Posted October 18, 2008 Thinking about it, I'm looking for a pair of big worklights for the WLF wrecker.......:cool2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWade Posted October 18, 2008 Author Share Posted October 18, 2008 Hello N.O.S you would want a good generator as well, Wayne said that you have started work on the Tanker,how much work does it need then, or is it mainly a cosmetic job.There is two WLF's for sale on milweb, there in France. Howard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.O.S. Posted October 18, 2008 Share Posted October 18, 2008 Well, all it really needs is a set of rims and tyres, replacement of all pump compartment tinwork and hose tubes down the side (including all brackets), all tank straps and mounts, 3 out of 5 tank support cradles, top catwalk and handles, replating of tank at support areas, ideally new delivery hoses, all support steelwork and brackets for engine, pumps and reels, all brake pipewwork and tanks, all light fittings and wiring (all in steel/copper pipework). The running gear is not too bad -springs, brake adjusters and tie rods look o.k.-ish, trunion bearings? Mind you, if I'm really lucky there will be a set of brake shoes in the hubs :whistle:. Reaches for more medication..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWade Posted October 18, 2008 Author Share Posted October 18, 2008 Well sounds like you have your work cut out.Mind you that will be a great piece of kit when its done.I dont recall seeing another one about. Howard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWade Posted October 26, 2008 Author Share Posted October 26, 2008 Well "search light one" is just about done all electrics done inside the light, going for the big turn on tonight, Will see if i can get some pics of the light in action, Only thing left to do is wire up plug for towing lights. Regards Howard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWade Posted November 1, 2008 Author Share Posted November 1, 2008 Hello chaps just thought I would add a picture of the rear veiw of the search light with the mud guards and lights all fitted back up. Howard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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