Restore a sherman tank "project"

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supertrack
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Restore a sherman tank "project"

Post by supertrack » Sat Jan 01, 2011 11:27 pm

I want a wreck Sherman since 2007 in order to restore
In France it is not easy to find one. Yet there is a little bit everywhere especially on the target range
In November 2008 a friend called me and told me that there is a sherman wreck and an half track back on a firing range.
Immediately I go there. The sherman is not in good condition. I hesitate. I ask advice from Willy :wink: .
He told me to take it. It is always better than nothing.
I then prepare transportation, and negotiates with the French army help to put on the truck. A friend will transport the wrecks an other friend come with a crane to put it on blocks.
This requires a little planning and timming. It is as rewarding experience.
The night comming the mission is accomplished.
The "Sherman" is my home :mrgreen:
Supertrack
the sherman on the target place
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I use 4 hoist to balance the hull

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TopKick
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Re: Restore a sherman tank "project"

Post by TopKick » Sun Jan 02, 2011 2:41 am

The Half Track looks more promising. Best of luck with your restorations, as you have a LOT of parts to find. 8)
"Keep 'Em Rolling"
TopKick

"Until it's melted down and turned into something else, or blown to Smitherines, it's restorable"!

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17thAirborne
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Re: Restore a sherman tank "project"

Post by 17thAirborne » Mon Jan 03, 2011 2:26 pm

Nice find! I would take it too! Now to find all the parts :wink:
Oz

Feb 43 GPW 98532 USA 20206257
Oct 70 Land Rover Series 2a 25334079G NZ16GF36
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j506
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Re: Restore a sherman tank "project"

Post by j506 » Tue Jan 04, 2011 2:22 pm

WOW your shopping list is gonna be LONG one...but at least your closer than I am. :wink:
Looks like an early hull at that ,with the view ports at the base of the drivers hatches

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John
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supertrack
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Re: Restore a sherman tank "project"

Post by supertrack » Wed Jan 05, 2011 11:55 am

I know i'm crazy . The lost parts list is very long :roll: .
Nobody asked me what kind of sherman it is? :?:
some picture clean it
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USMC1980
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Re: Restore a sherman tank "project"

Post by USMC1980 » Wed Jan 05, 2011 6:22 pm

It's obvious that it's a 1942 Chrysler built M4A4 75MM Dry stowage. Most likely a lend lease tank to Great Britain.

supertrack
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Re: Restore a sherman tank "project"

Post by supertrack » Fri Jan 07, 2011 4:29 am

You're right USMC1980, it is even an M4A4 M4A4T french rebuilt
After cleaning I see a lot more damage
You can see his nickname on the side "goguenard"

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clintm20
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Re: Restore a sherman tank "project"

Post by clintm20 » Fri Jan 07, 2011 10:10 am

Great thread. I'm sure you can rebuild it if you take your time. After watching those guys on the Isle of Wight weld two Sherman halves together i realized Topkick was right. If its not blown to smithereens it can be restored!
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Diamond T M3 Half-track Serial # M32971 USA 4045956
Autocar M3A1 Half-track Serial # M3A1-47825 USA 4053835
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Packhow75
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Re: Restore a sherman tank "project"

Post by Packhow75 » Fri Jan 07, 2011 2:03 pm

Why not buy the Sherman buried under "Delta Beach" near Ste Maxime (Operation Dragoon)?

As I recall, it was disabled when it hit a mine, it slowly sunk into the beach over the years and is still there today.

Tim
Ford GPW, 10cwt Trailer, 75mm Pack Howitzer, M3A1 White Scout Car, M4A4 Sherman VC - s/n 4873

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Re: Restore a sherman tank "project"

Post by j506 » Fri Jan 07, 2011 2:40 pm

M4A4...does that make a "multi-bank" powered vehicle originally ?
No offense meant Supertrack... at least you're saving time gettin' er' down to the bare frame for restoration. :wink:

Cheers
John
42 Chevy G7117
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Re: Restore a sherman tank "project"

Post by 17thAirborne » Fri Jan 07, 2011 4:17 pm

I like the welded on side armor! That is a bonus.
Oz

Feb 43 GPW 98532 USA 20206257
Oct 70 Land Rover Series 2a 25334079G NZ16GF36
http://gpw.castraponere.com/ (My Restoration Page)

supertrack
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Re: Restore a sherman tank "project"

Post by supertrack » Fri Jan 07, 2011 11:27 pm

"Great thread. I'm sure you can rebuild it if you take your time. After watching those guys on the Isle of Wight weld two Sherman halves together i realized Topkick was right. If its not blown to smithereens it can be restored!"

I see that they made , it's crazy job but beautiful job ! :shock:
I need lot lot lot of team and iron plate :mrgreen:

"Why not buy the Sherman buried under "Delta Beach" near Ste Maxime (Operation Dragoon)?"

I'm french an live in France , in france It's not easy to have a sherman tank .

"M4A4...does that make a "multi-bank" powered vehicle originally ?"

Yes , you are right . at this time i don't see anyone .

supertrack
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Re: Restore a sherman tank "project"

Post by supertrack » Sun Jul 15, 2012 12:33 am

Hello , here is some news from my project.
I recently had the opportunity to acquire this M4A4 "t" sherman tank "hull"
I think now it's not a project , but a restoration begins :mrgreen:
What do you think about this ?
Supertrack
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Electrons
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Re: Restore a sherman tank "project"

Post by Electrons » Sun Jul 15, 2012 12:59 am

Good to see things are progressing.

Great pictures.

Joe DeMarco
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Re: Restore a sherman tank "project"

Post by Joe DeMarco » Sat Jul 21, 2012 6:48 am

Hi Supertrack,

Both of your M4A4s appear to be examples that were used in training in the US, & then remanufactured by Chrysler for the British, & sent to them as Lend Lease in 1944. Apparently they came into French hands at some point as the were converted to "M4A4T" & they both appear to have French style rebuild tags on the front. Your latest acquisition has a postwar matricule number across the rear - 6 digits beginning with 8. Have you found the tanks' serial numbers? Aside from "Goguenard" have you found any readable markings in the lowest paint layers of your tanks?

Joe


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