Now for some suspension installation on the GMC Deuce.

1st attach the spare wheel mount on the LH frame rail.

Then the LH rear multi-leaf spring is attached to the LH frame rail. The rear axle assy's will ride tandem on one set of springs.

1st the rear differential is assembled and attached to the rearward point of the springs.

Now assemble the 2nd differential.

Then I slip the 2nd differential into the LH spring.

Next was to install and align the RH spring. Here ran into trouble as the notches didn't quit slip over the axles. Very tight that they wouldn't line up correctly. So opened the notches a bit to get it to fit. Despite doing that it was a bit of a struggle. But got it in.

Next was to assemble the battery box and attach it to the RH frame rail

Finally the fuel tank is assembled.

Then attached to the RH side frame rail. Want to make sure I have the fuel filler neck facing up.

Next more susp work, driveshafts, transfer case and exhaust system.. More to follow...

Thanks Louis, still a ways to go on the Deuce. But typical Italeri, take your time. Lots of bits and pieces in each step. Yet the frame looks quite busy already.

THAT is really nice work, Chuck. I think you can always tell when someone is taking their time on a build; it’s a trademark of your work, actually, methodical, tight, and clean. It’s a thought of mine often when I feel myself getting impatient, sometime...to ‘be more Chuck’.

Great stuff.

Now to get started on the 4th and final vehicle in our journey with Kelly's Heroes band of merry men. The White M3 T-19 105MM gun carriage half track.

Like a car model, we start with the engine. The flat head 6 cyl 386ci 147 hp gasoline engine is made up of 3 basic parts. 2 pieces of for the block and 1 pc for the cyl head with the intake manifold integrated into the head. Another point is working with grey plastic instead of a shade of OD for a change. Feels different, but as I have built earlier kits in green from Dragon/DML.

The engine goes together well and put aside for painting later as we progress.

The drivebelt, crank pulley, generator, steering pump pulleys as well as the front engine mounts are molded as one piece and details are good here.

once the paint is dry I attach the drive belt assy to the front of the engine.

Next up is the fan blade. Painted Tamiya Flat black.

Then the engine is painted overall OD, with black accessories. The fan blade is attached. With a pic of the actual engine after restoration

Set that aside and now work on part 2 of step 1. The front differential, the M3 is 4WD, with a rear diff and beam axle for the rear bogies. The diff is made up of 3 pieces, the axle and 2 pieces make up the carrier.

Once assembled, time to add the brake drums and backing plates.

The LH/RH ft drums and backing plates are assembled. And then attached to the front diff. Though they are notched still make sure they are installed correctly for some other components to be attached later on the build.

Next up are the shields are attached to each backing plate.

Then the tie rod assy is then attached to the front diff.

16 additional images. Click to enlarge.

As usual. I'm late to the party, Chuck. I read the beginning when you started this WIP but when I re-looked, there are 3 pages! There's a lot going on here at Casa Bailey, so iMod has to make room for Life events.

Nonetheless, this is a great and VERY informative WIP! I have a Tami Sherman (a slightly "younger" version) and I have the same Jeep in my stash.

Well done, Chuck! This is a fitting tribute to a GREAT movie, that seems to be VERY well-liked here ... which is easy to understand.

My DAT brothers, good to have ya both on board. Jeff, I know life and family always takes precedence, in the end it all works out, in the mean time our thoughts and prayers will be with you. And brother I am glad you made the party.
Louis, got the assembly line going with 4 ground pounding pieces with the aviation side with 5 current projects. The iron works hard at work.

Back to the Deuce. Will work mostly in step 3. Drivelines and the transfer case. Will leave the front fenders off for now in this step.

The rear diffs as they appear when installed.

First to assemble the transfer case made up of 2 parts.

The longest 3 piece driveshaft which attaches to rearward most rear end to the transfer case.

The next driveline connects to the forward rear end to the transfer case.

There is a lot going on with the running gear. This is where patience pays off. Where mistakes happen with alignment. Different length driveshafts, transfer case, E-brake drum, front axle assy and the transmission. Won't take much if anything is off even just a little bit. And yes i did run into such a bit of an issue, but correctable. Of course you know your a redneck if the driveshaft fits perfect when it reaches the transfer case from the farthest rear end. Only one problem, you need to attach the E-brake in between those parts, now the driveshaft is too long, darn it!

The e-brake drum attaches to the rear of the transfer case.

How I fixed that was cut down the driveshaft to size and took care of that. Will show that next time.

More to follow

Italeri can be a hit or a miss on their aircraft kits, but they seem to really do well on their armor and soft skins. Not perfect, but good enough to improve on the basic kit.