Northern Tracks Forum

General Forums => General Discussion => Topic started by: the old trucker on February 04, 2008, 11:50:52 am

Title: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on February 04, 2008, 11:50:52 am
i'm not very good with the  computer.i just saw more pics on the 52 rebuild. is that one yours? definately worth more than a thousand words. i started reading about these machines 2 yrs. ago when cdn. home workshop wrote an article about cameron mclean. since then i've started looking and asking around about them.
I found out about 10 of them here on the island. but i have a better chance of buying hens teeth. so here we are now.

Strange things are always brewing in my head. why can't i build a wooden bomber from scratch? i have a lot of ideas. just listen. dummy spare tires & hubs mounted to torsion bar axles. guess. i think i can get the cleats & sprockets off a couple of old j5's. new belting would also be in order. also i think i'll have to buy the steering setup. i think i can acess some steel plate for the tub frame & front. what size channel and/or angle do you need for the chassis? this would be the hardest part of the job. i like working with wood. i like the model with the short angle just in front of the door. please don't tell me that i'm crazy, because the wife will only laugh & agree with you. hope you get this.




also what thickness and width belting can i use for the track? is the axle on the j5 same width as on the narrow gauge.
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: Swamp Dawg on February 05, 2008, 07:55:46 pm
Hello Old Trucker
You can,t be that old if you are thinking of building a Bombardier from scratch.I have had the same idea over the years as well.Torsion bar axles will do the job,J-5 undercarriage parts will give you track bars and sprockets,the belting used is 6 inches wide X 5/16 to 3/8 thick that can be bought and punched out.The main tub will be a challenge to build as it has a frame of 3 inch channel rolled on 2 ends.If you can,t get them rolled you can fabricate the radius's.The rest is basic sheet metal work.You will need to find a automotive diff and cut it down to your  track sprocket to sprocket width.Keep in mind this is not a small job.After doing all the logistical planning on a project like this rebuilding a old wore out original is looking better all the time.
Every man needs a good challenge.
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on February 06, 2008, 06:07:15 am
i don't think i'm that old. if the big fella up there lets me go i'll be 56 come april. i've been home now since spring of 2001. the old ticker shut me down on the way back home from virgina one day. so, it's been a long holiday.                                           

my way of thinking about the old steel & wooden girls is that if i can't find something down here i'd have to buy one up your way. time i spend $4 to 6,000 bucks on it, as/where is. shipping costs wouldn't cheap. at least $4,000. that's 10 grand gone there see.                                                                         

  i think i can scrounge up enough slightly used metal. there's a 300 ford 6 cyl. with trannie and a 250 chev??? with trannie close by. the price is very right on. only problems i think i'll have is i need a welder to do the welding for me. i was talking to a welder and he says it's about a week to do what i need done. i can do a lot of cutting & fitting myself.  (hey i got the time)
   i'm going to check on the j5's now in the spring for axles, tracks and  rear end.
   i'm half decant with the woodworking part. i have enough tools. 
   so i'm thinking for ten thousand bucks, i can make one.  there are a couple of machines around me and the owners said they wouldn't mind me useing them for a guide.
   so, what do you all think i'm still crazy or i stand a chance of being the new kid on the block with a new play toy.
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: grfishmaker on February 07, 2008, 08:10:19 pm
old trucker
  I think you certainly have the main ingredient to "build a bombardier from scratch" and that ingredient is your passion. I can certainly read the enthusiasum in your posts. You remind me of that old tv show of McIver (he could make a bomb out of a pencil and snare wire).
  I wish you the best of luck in whatever trail you travel.
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: grfishmaker on March 07, 2008, 02:52:23 pm

Yes sir old trucker, it is absolutley possible to build a bombardier from scratch. As a matter of fact, I have built two in one afternoon. If you are talking about a larger version than these, then I don't think so. lol Mine was powerd by a string and piece of willow stick.
I made these for my kids 20+ years ago. My daughter had the red one and my son the blue one. As you can see from the front end and roof of the blue one; it has traveled a few miles around our yard on it's back like a turtle. He didn't care if it was right side up or not (that used to upset my daughter as she was always so carefull with hers). We always had alot of mini-bombardier tracks around our yard during the winters.
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh31/grfishmaker/aaaa.jpg
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh31/grfishmaker/c.jpg
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on March 07, 2008, 06:54:51 pm
      I've seen a c-18 before, I've seen a b-12 before. I've seen Dan Shavers little 350 (nick-named a c-6)
     But this is the first time I've ever seen a pair a c-1's !!! Are they wooden or metal bodied??/  Ha Ha Ha
     Do they come with am/fm/cd radios??
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: DR.R on January 19, 2009, 01:00:34 pm
     Hey grfishmaker! I saw your pictures of the 2 bugs. Appears they would represent a wide gauge, but the body looks very similar to mine. I have no ID plate on mine. What year of bug did you replicate yours from?    Thanks!
DR.R
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: grfishmaker on January 19, 2009, 05:10:05 pm
 Hello there Dr. R
  Those were just a drawing out of my head, following no great design (early 50's and on). Bombadier bodies have changed so little over the years, it would be very difficult to nail down the year of your machine by body style alone. Your best bet would be for you to take a few pictures of the machine, incuding things like door handles, door closures (type of pin), and sent it to Cranman and Ted, between them and the rest of the boys up there, I would bet they would narrow your machine down to within a few years on origin (if not the exact year) As they say, "a picture is worth a thousand words).There is alot of knowledge about these machines up there with that group. Unless you owned the machine from new, it has probably had all kinds of modifications done to it by the various owners over the years. That's what makes it so hard to identify these old machines.
Good luck.
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: Averyman on January 19, 2009, 10:32:54 pm
A farmer in our area in Saskatchewan where I grew up built one from scratch back in the late 1940's or very early 50s. If Jack  could do it with the equipment and materials available at that time, building one nowadays should be a snap....
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: B12 man on February 23, 2009, 04:07:14 pm
Building a snow moble from scrack is not hard but if you were thinking of geting a j5 for axles then for get it only one axle is usable from a j5 the one right behind the cog the other two ar conected in tandom and ar no good for a snow moble for axles get a muskeg the under carege and axles are very simlear but the muskeg is a wide vecle it has a tracks to wide for a snow moble but remowing one set of grosers wil shorten the track and they are good for the snow moble i am also in the proses of making a snow moble and this summer i am get a mus keg that is scraped to help rebuild it good luck and dont give up.
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on February 24, 2009, 04:58:47 am

  According to what Averyman & you b12 man, have to say about building from scratch, I agree. B12 man where abouts do you live ??
 
  I'm curious to see how you have planned to build your bomber. Feel free to send me an email & pics if you like.

  I have built 15 of these machines already in my dreams.

  This has been & still is a great site to learn about the history of these machines & I am proud to be a member of it.
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: B12 man on February 24, 2009, 05:21:35 am
i live in newfoundland finding a snow moble around hear is like hens teath but i am trying to find the parts for one with out having to go to far from home there was a guy in labrador selling one for $25000.00 but that was to much for me but it's fully restored.
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: grfishmaker on February 24, 2009, 07:19:33 am
Lord help us all, now we have two Newfies to deal with. ha ha Just kidding there B12 man. I won't apologize to the Old Trucker as he knows better that to expect an apology by now. He knows his place.
You two will have to team up together and start pumping out machines. I will be expecting a new prototype by mid summer.
 That's to bad about the high price. Most bombardiers in pretty fair running condition around Manitoba go for around $8,000.00 - $12,000. Naturally, if they are restored they fetch a higher price.
Good luck to you B12 Man.
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on February 24, 2009, 09:13:02 am

   Now Grfishmaker, don't get too upset cause your not down here with "da" boys. Hey b12 man what are you looking for ? There are a couple of bodies over here on the west coast!! Not much left on 'em though. There is one in Howley selling for 12 grand. Another in Gander for 15 g's.   
   There are around 30+ machines between Gander, St Anthony, & Corner Brook area. Where you longs to me son??

See, we got doose mainlanders all confused. Talking NEWFINESE. Grfishmaker is going bald scratching his head trying to figure out if we're talking bout him.
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: grfishmaker on February 24, 2009, 12:42:25 pm
OT - When I type that into the mainlander translation program, it means "Boy, I wished I lived in Manitoba".
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: B12 man on February 24, 2009, 03:46:02 pm
us nufies realy get along a but right now i kinda wish i was a manlander for a week maby fiund some part's it not esey to find parts hear where im at most snow mobles were drove in the woods and shut off and for got but reasntly a lot of parts were being taken and most ar thought to be good targets for people with 22 and 12 gages and are blasted full of hols it turns my stumac
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on February 24, 2009, 04:06:20 pm

   I agree with you sir. By the way what parts are you looking for ?? Maybe someone out west may have a few used parts for sale. There is a fellow out around Winnipeg, Dan Shaver, He builds & sells parts for a reasonable price. Call or fax (204) 467-2605.
  Also there is a place in St Augustine, Quebec, called  f-4 Dion. I don't remember the number offhand. B12man, send me a list of parts that you are looking for & I will see what I can find for you. I have a couple of parts sheets if that's any help.
  I'm sure some of the boys on here should have or know of people that may have what you want.
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: B12 man on February 24, 2009, 04:45:16 pm
well realy im looking for the under carrage ex axles, buggy springs and chasey.the top is not real hard to find if you have any pics put them on my post sises of snow mobles any phone numbers names or info would be good
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on February 24, 2009, 08:00:55 pm

  B12 Man I think your looking for a "woody" frame, am I right ?  If you are looking for a metal body in half decent shape, I know for a couple around here. They are free for the taking. Also there's a fellow out towards Port aux Basques that told me he can make the boogie springs no problem.
  The swing arms are simple to make. All you need is a welder & acetylene bottles. Between you & me I think we could show those fellows out west how it's really done, hey boy!!
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on February 24, 2009, 08:27:17 pm
well realy im looking for the under carrage ex axles, buggy springs and chasey.the top is tot real hard to find if you have any pics put them on my post sises of snow mobles any phone numbers names or info would be good
b12 man I have pics of old bombers but I don't know how to put them onto Northern Tracks. I have them done up so they can be sent by email. If you like I could send a few to you.
 
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: B12 man on February 25, 2009, 02:23:00 pm
send thoes pics to james-lush@hotmail.com it would help
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: B12 man on March 29, 2009, 09:07:42 am
thes pics never came ??? try again and if you can explane how to make the swing arms
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on March 29, 2009, 10:32:17 am

  b12 man where do you live ?? I am going to St. John's on the 11th of April for a couple of days. Maybe I could drop in & see how your getting along if your not too far off the main drag. I have a couple of manuals you can have to help you with your project.
 
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on March 29, 2009, 01:04:01 pm

  b12 man, do you live in Gander, NL. ??
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on October 06, 2010, 05:23:15 pm
    Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
« Reply #4 on: March 07, 2008, 02:52:23 PM » Quote 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes sir old trucker, it is absolutley possible to build a bombardier from scratch. As a matter of fact, I have built two in one afternoon. If you are talking about a larger version than these, then I don't think so. lol Mine was powerd by a string and piece of willow stick.
 
   Grfishmaker remember when you posted this ??  Well hang on to your hat cause I was downtown today & took these pics. He is determined to do it. I guess everything will be new except the axles. I will try to keep an eye on his progress.

  http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0828.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0821.jpg

  He cut the body off in one piece so it will be easier to copy from.

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0827.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0826.jpg

   
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on October 09, 2010, 06:37:57 pm

   I guess we'll have to call this one,  [ GLEN'S 59 NEWBUILD ]  Looks like he will have to build 2 new axles as they are rotted pretty good. I was down to his brother's garage today to check on his progress. He had 2 frame rails built & they look great as you can see below.

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0830.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0848.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0832.jpg

 Mike (57 rebuild) got the old flathead & to everyone's surprise it wasn't stuck...

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0833.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0835.jpg

   The springs look pretty good.

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0842.jpg

  He'll also have to make 2 or 3 new ones of these. I call them swing arms. What is the proper name for them ?? Two of them had to be cut off, as they were seized.

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0837.jpg



Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on October 10, 2010, 07:57:22 am

  Dpaulson can you buy 2" OD pipe ? Glen needs 2" to make up a couple of new axles..
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: dpaulson on October 10, 2010, 08:47:15 am
2" OD would be a ERW round tubing (not pipe).  There is a ton of wall thicknesses.  What does he need, and I'll see what I can do.
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on October 10, 2010, 08:55:16 am
  All I know is he has 2" holes drilled to accept his axles & frame cross members. Yesterday he noticed that 2 of the axles are rusted pretty good between the frame rail & where the big washer is welded. The axle has a 2" outside diameter. He will get the center piece of the axle ( with the bolt in the center ) cut out & installed in the new.
  I guess what your saying is it is round tubing used for axles & not pipe ?? What is the difference between round tubing & pipe??

                                                                                       A nosey old trucker
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: dpaulson on October 10, 2010, 10:11:56 am
Well, it is kinda confusing.  Round tubing is measured on the OD, pipe is measured on the ID (kinda).  100 yrs ago when pipe was manufactured, an 1-1/2 pipe would have a ID of 1-1/2 and an OD  1.90 and pipe is alot of the time threaded on the end.  With better steel making process, the wall thickness could be reduced and still carry the same pressure. Now that pipe has a ID of about 1 5/8.  It still needs the same 1.90 OD for the pipe to be threaded. So basically pipe has weird OD sizes up until 14" dia and bigger where pipe is measured on the OD and 3, 3-1/2, 4, 4-1/2 have 'normal' OD sizes.  Like Austin Powers once said.  'Oh dear, I think I've gone cross eyed'.  I guess you just learn when you've used it enough.
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on October 10, 2010, 10:15:52 am

   Thanks Dave, I'll pass it on to him.
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombardier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on October 11, 2010, 08:08:41 am
  Well Glen was up to my place today looking at my bomber. While there he gave me an idea about how he was thinking about putting in roll up windows in his doors. By George I think it might just work too. On the old Kenworth trucks (late 70-early 80's) {Smokey & the Bandit truck} they had a chain assembly for moving the glass up & down. Their doors were not very thick.. something like the old Freightliners & Internationals.
  He mentioned something about a rotary valve & a 2 way cylinder for power steering. I'll definatly keep an eye out for that.
                                                                        
                                                                                                                        The Old Trucker
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on October 20, 2010, 05:49:49 am

  Glen has taken the diff apart to check it out, clean everything up & order new bearings & seals. I think he ordered new tubing to make new axles. He's away for this week (on holidays) to gather up another burst of energy to tackle his new project. I'll be talking to him when he returns...

                                                                                   OT.
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on October 27, 2010, 10:18:31 am

   He is back from holidays & back at it again. I was there yesterday....but forgot to bring the camera. He unbolted the left side of the steering assembly to measure up to rebuild "NEW". He has the new tubing for the axles & frame cross members, same size as original. Next time I go down.... the picture taker will be riding shotgun.
    Glen showed me the valve he has for the steering. It looks similar to Dpaulson's. I hope to have new pics in the next couple of days. 


                                                                                                    OT.   
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombardier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on November 11, 2010, 06:56:26 pm

     HERE IS THE LATEST UPDATE..

   I was down to Glen's today & got a few new pics to show off to everyone. He has all new axles & cross members. The back two are solid one piece cold roll with a threaded hole in the ends. the front ones have a cold roll insert in them with a bolt coming out the center. He took this V6 & trans from a pickup & tried it in the frame. It just fit. He will have to make up a set of headers pointing up & back through the rad door. Looks like he is doing a great job. Keep it up !!

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0875.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0876.jpg

      In the pic below is a piece of tubing like is used for the axles. Same as original.

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0878.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0881.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0882.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0884.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0886.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0885.jpg

Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on November 16, 2010, 10:13:43 am
    STILL DETERMINDED !!

   He is still at it. The motor, a V6 from a Chev pickup seems like a good match for this rebuild. Plus the government has a "retire your ride" deal on the go, making it easy to pickup a decent engine/trans combo.
  Here are a couple more pics of his progress.

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0890.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0892.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0893.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0895.jpg


  The next two pics show mocking up a motor mount.

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0897.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0896.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0898.jpg
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombardier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on December 08, 2010, 08:46:35 pm
   HERE ARE A FEW NEW PICS OF GLEN'S 59 NEWBUILD

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0916.jpg

  In the top pic you can see his motor mount. It's made so it can slide to any position. In the top of the pic below you'll see he has the same setup for his trans mount. I guess when he gets it all set up, he will bolt it out through the side of the frame rail. In the pics below you'll see he has replaced the rusted pieces with new. It's slow going...but I think he will get her done.

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0920.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0919.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0922.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0926.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0924.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0923.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0921.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0918.jpg
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on December 17, 2010, 09:18:24 am



  Well here is one side of her... ready to be copied. Glen dropped this off at a local steel shop to get new pipe bent to match. 

 http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0937.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0936.jpg

Dave it looks the template is slowly disappearing, as seen below.

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0935.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0934.jpg
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch? (Glens 59 Newebuild)
Post by: the old trucker on January 09, 2011, 04:22:44 pm

    I went down to see how Glen was doing with his project. His work ties him up alot. He said the right door fits OK but the left needs a little more tweaking. Also has more steel ordered for tying the framing together. I looked at the pipe he used & I thought it looked smaller than original, but he says it's the same as was there 61 years ago..
  Sorry about the quality of a couple of the pics.

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0944.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0943.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0942.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0941.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0940.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0939.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0938.jpg

   
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on January 09, 2011, 04:37:13 pm
 
   Anyone got an idea what "Glen's new build" would be worth when it's done according to the going prices of used machines today ?????? 
 
                                                                                                        The Old Trucker
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: dpaulson on January 15, 2011, 02:55:58 pm
http://www.buddy-icons.info/img/smile/93.gif   100 million dollars
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on January 15, 2011, 03:17:04 pm

  AND HERE IS THE LATEST OF "GLEN'S 59 REBUILD"

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0961.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0960.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0958.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0957.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0955.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0954.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0952.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0951.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0950.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0949.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0948.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0947.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0946.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0945.jpg

Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on January 15, 2011, 03:29:50 pm
   Glen had new cross members for the roof made up & welded in today. He had in a couple of extras, just in case he decides to do something different with the top. As you can see he covered the rad door with one piece of tin. He'll cut out the opening later. He said that the engine is in the machine shop getting the once over. He also changed the trans to a 400 ?? so he could get rid of the electronics in the stock trans ?? The 400 has only 1 wire on it. She is starting to look more like a bombardier with each addition.
                                                                          
                                                                                             The Old Trucker
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: fisher on January 15, 2011, 03:44:52 pm
One thing I've been thinking about for a long time is running engine coolant thru the back bumper somehow to keep the ice & snow from building up back there. Haven't got too serious about it yet but bombers can use all the cooling they can get most of the time. Maybe some heat exchangers off a baby snow machine? 
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on January 15, 2011, 03:49:13 pm

  Would you get a buildup of snow & ice around there after the engine cooled down ???             OT.
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on February 02, 2011, 04:24:53 pm
    HE'S IN TROUBLE.

     Glen has taken his differential apart to check it out. He discovered that there are a couple of "thrust washers" worn out. He wants to know what kind a rear end it is so he can order parts for it. Spicer, Dana 44. He is in need of a parts supplier..
   Cranman would you or Ted know what kind this is ? Anyone ??? It's a 1959 narrow gauge. I think it's the same as on 57 Rebuild. It is original to the unit. Below is a picture of it..


http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0850.jpg
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: Cranman on February 02, 2011, 11:20:11 pm
Everything after serial 7C-5200 should have the Dana 44. I would expect Dana for sure in a machine as new as 1959. Maybe it has been changed out at some time. Sure doesn't look like a 44...??? Ted's away for a few weeks. Don't think Dana had the pinion shaft thrust washer. Is the wear on the shims??? I lucked out once shimming to quieten down the howl in the old dodge pinion  but any work on these calls for special tools and a lot of knowlege so I generally recommend they be reset up at a shop that rebuilds these as a business. I've read all the instructions and I have some of the tools, but I'm not brave enough to tackle a diff.
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on February 13, 2011, 09:29:40 am

  MORE OF GLEN'S NEWBUILD

    Looks like there's progress being made here. He was down to Mike's yesterday sizing things up got a few new measurements. It's good to have a machine to go to, measure & look at.

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0986.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0985.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0984.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0983.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0982.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0981.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0979.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0978.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0977.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0975.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0976.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0974.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0973.jpg

Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: kpm on February 13, 2011, 12:58:53 pm
ot if u saw grfishmakers hair...u would know he will have to scratch alot....lol..
                          kpm
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on February 21, 2011, 04:43:05 pm

    HERE IS MORE OF GLEN'S REBUILD 

     http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0993.jpg

     http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0992.jpg

     http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0991.jpg

     http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0990.jpg

     http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0989.jpg

     http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0988.jpg

     http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT0987.jpg
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on March 12, 2011, 01:10:20 pm

   HERE'S WHAT HE'S UP TO NOW...

   I was at his place this morning to check on his progress. He is slowed down a little as his welder is filling in between all the welds & smoothing everything out. There still is progress being made though.
   
   Here he bent a piece of angle to use as a stiffener & welded it around the inner door opening on each side.

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT1014.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT1021.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT1020.jpg

   Here you'll see how he did away with the outside rail stiffeners & put them inside.

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT1019.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT1015.jpg

   



Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on March 12, 2011, 01:31:25 pm

  Here is a bit more of how he is doing. After fitting the engine in place he took out the engine block to bring to his place to build it.

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT1010.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT1007.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT1011.jpg

     Here is the Kenworth door we talked about earlier. It is chain driven. After sizing it up a little it looks like it may work. It's about 1 3/4" thick.  Shown is the right side bomber door with the left side KW inner panel. It just may work.

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT1017.jpg

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT1016.jpg

   Here is an end view of the panel.

http://i333.photobucket.com/albums/m366/theoldtrucker/PICT1018.jpg 

Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on March 12, 2011, 01:49:12 pm

   The doors from older Internationals & Freightliners( 80's - 90's ) are about the same thickness. I would think the winding mechanisms are better on those.

                                                                                                    OT.
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on June 10, 2011, 07:16:24 am

     Well I was down to see how Glen was doing with his bomber. He was gone south for a couple of weeks. He has started a major update to his residence & now he says he is taking the machine out of his brothers garage & is storing it away till the fall. Guess we'll have to wait "n" see how it goes...       OT.
Title: good job
Post by: B12 man on June 21, 2011, 08:43:45 am
Look's good so far this just proves my point most of the parts can be made or salvaged and you can put together a great machine keep up the good work
Title: Re: good job
Post by: the old trucker on June 22, 2011, 03:33:35 am
Look's good so far this just proves my point most of the parts can be made or salvaged and you can put together a great machine keep up the good work

  B12man....as long as you have 3 ingredients, time, patterns, & $$$, a lot of things are possible. Did you ever gather up any parts for one of your own ??
  There are a couple old abandoned ones here on the west coast.   
Title: reply
Post by: B12 man on June 22, 2011, 11:26:43 am
No ;D I decided to put building my B12 aside for now and started restoring and 16 elan skidoo not that it would be easy to restore a 16 but there were a few on the NL classifieds and a jumped at the chance to get one.
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on June 23, 2011, 03:30:20 am

  B12man can you email me a couple of pics of your Elan. A friend of mine has restored a couple on them.
Title: Re: Is it possible to build a bombarier from scratch?
Post by: the old trucker on November 08, 2012, 08:58:40 am

   I was talking to Glenn yesterday. He's back from out west & thinking about staying home. He told me he is hoping to get back at the bomber this winter. He has the diff rebuilt & the engine/trans combo is also ready to go in.
                                                                                                                          OT.