M24 Chaffee tank restoration in process

	Larry Torske, Ray Jeno & Bob Schoen M24 Chaffee tank restoration project
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	Gun mantlet and recoil assembly removed from turret
	Rear view of tank showing engine compartment
	Engine compartment with original Cadillac V8 engines
	Interior, showing commander's and gunner's seats
	Drive sprocket damaged by shellfire
	Driver's hatch blown off. Damage to brush guard
	Bow machinegun opening
	Damaged road wheel hub with NOS replacement
	Replacement engines, right hand one on test stand
	One Cadillac flathead V-8 comes back to life. This replacement automobile engine was converted to industrial use and has a pulley assembly bolted directly to the crankshaft
	Larry has managed to get the stuck exhaust and intake valves free, and is confident the rings will eventually loosen up and tone down the smoke
	Bob sets the timing and is happy with the overall condition of this engine and the 20 PSI oil pressure at idle
	Bob adjusts the NOS carbs and this old flathead smooths out nicely
	Bent and broken drive sprocket in press for straightening.
	Turret ready for removal
	Turret off
	With the turret gone, the removal of inside equipment is much easier.
	Tank Commander's cupola removed.
	After many bolts removed, the 3 piece turret ring assembly is out. Larry has found it (as well as the hull) to be bent from several side impacts.
	Several crack and breaks are found in the ring.
	The underside of this tank make an effective "press" to straighten the turret ring assembly.
	One original engine removed to transfer parts unique to the Chaffee configuration.
	The head with unique "CADILLAC" casting is just one of the items only found on the tank model engine.
	Larry & Bob assess the condition of the original engine for possible rebuild.
	Evidence of the Mud-Dauber Wasp have pretty much ruled out a cheap rebuild on this engine. Check out this link for more info on these little fellows.
	Rebuilt automobile engine sporting the tank engine parts. One stumbling block is the front engine mount castings in the block. The car engine doesn't have the mount blocking and holes for the tank engine. Bob thinks some cast iron welding can be done to accommodate this.
	Every shop needs a dog right?
	Shop dog's are well known to be ferocious and ready to strike in a split second. Josee is no exception.











©2008 Montana Military Vehicle Club Last updated 02.04.08

Larry Torske, Ray Jeno & Bob Schoen M24 Chaffee tank restoration project