Ultimate Panther/Jagdpanther Build

[michael hilton]

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[michael hilton]

Remove the backing tape.

[michael hilton]

Fit the tyre...the tyre will slide across the tape easily....press the tyre down...job done.

[michael hilton]

This article is featured in today's Sunday Mirror.

[michael hilton]

Hello, I hope to fit the road wheels during this coming week. Do I apply low strength
Loctite to the axles, then slide the wheels onto the axles???
I have 'searched' the Forum, for an answer.....Mick

[phil fitzpatrick]

Hi Mick
Do you mean apply thread lock to the threaded part of the axle where it
screws into supension arms.
If so yes for the thread lock.
It normally tels you in the manuals at the suspension arms and axle stage.
Probably near the bottom of the list of fasteners or parts for that stage.
Hope That helps
Regards
Phil

[michael hilton]

Hello Phil, I have used thread lock on the axle arms....do I use loctite on the part of the axle that holds the wheels...the wheel bearings to the axle?? I seem to recall earlier in my Comet build....a post which said that bearing outer/inner casing should be fixed with Loctite, so that only the roller part of the bearing moves....

Wheels are now ready for fitting.

[michael hilton]

I am following this Jagdpanther type, without the Zimmerit.

[phil fitzpatrick]

Hi Mick
RE Wheels bearings.
You would have used a bit of lock tight on the outer bearing when
you pushed them ino the wheels.
The inner bearing should be a decent push fit onto the axle so locktight
not neccessary.
Would be hard to get your wheels off the axle again,which is held on with a screw anyway.
And deffinately more chance of locktight seeping into your balls
Regards
Phil
PS
The Panther picture's you are following look good,a nice oppertunity to have a go at the
camo and a bit of weathering.

[John Fitzsimons]

As Phil says no loctite to secure the wheel to axle as you may want to take them off. Did you consider inserting pins to attach the swing arm to the axle.

[michael hilton]

Hello John, I have used Loctite on the axle,to the suspension arm, as the instructions recommend.....so,I have not considered pining the arm. I know one or two builders have used this method. My tank, while in my possession, will not be used in 'anger'. I feel the pin, is not necessary.
Phil has answered the Loctite/axle question.I will apply a small amount...to hold the bearing.
To answer Phils question....I intend having a go,..........at.....wait for it......camouflage . I really like the look of the 'Jagdpanther' photographs in my book.

Dry fitted the road wheels, yesterday.

[John Fitzsimons]

That one has zimmerit also.

[michael hilton]

Hello John, yes,it does have zimmerit......However, to paraphrase, the book states that despite the overall good condition of the exhibit, there are several features that do not go along with the timeline of variants, ie, zimmerit coating no longer used from late September 1944.
My tank commander received his Jagdpanther just in time for Christmas.....1944.

[michael hilton]

Hello, a couple of questions for the Forum please.

Rollar into gear case. I have screwed the rollar shaft into the gear case,there is a 2mm gape between the rollar and gear case...is this ok???
I have fitted the rollar and retained with an axle end cap....should the end cap be 'tight' on the rollar???

I have fitted all the road wheels, which move freely, and the end caps are flush.
I have fitted the rear idler wheel with an end cap, this wheel moves freely.

The idler cap is secured with M3x8 Hex screws.....the Hex head will not screw down on the idler cap....due to the Hex shape head....how do I resolve this problem.

Many thanks...Mick

[Armortek]

Hi Mick
You can reduce the gap where the roller shaft screws in to the gear case by chamfering around the threaded hole. Try to get it reduced as far as you can. The end cap should not clamp the roller, it should be free to revolve. The idler hub cap is secured with hex heads. There is plenty of room for these. Can you post a picture to explain your problem?

Regards
Mark