As was suggested this thread is for the restoration of my MKII Ferret. I hope this is in the correct forum and feel free to move it if it isn't.
In early June of 2014 a friend found this Ferret at "General Jim's", a army surplus store in Clare Michigan. He sent me some pictures and told me what they were asking for it. I went the following week and looked it over myself after doing some research on them. I then sent a good friend of mine "Gunner" to look it over as he had owned two of them in the past and he is very knowlegable on armored vehicles. Gunner convinced me that it was a "smoking deal" and that I should buy it. This is when I seriously started researching the internet to learn all I could about them.
On July 1st, 2014 I contacted the Bovington Tank Museum in Dorset UK and inquired about the Ferrets history. After providing them with the British number assigned to the Ferret "01 DA 04" and along with a small fee they were able to send me the complete history of the vehicle. I am the second "civilian" owner since it was sold by the British government. It was found to be in the 10th Hussars, the Royal Grey Scots, as well as the notable Royal Green Jackets. This Ferret has some great history compared to most, even having been in the Falkland war of 1982.
In early July I spoke with the stores owner "Jeff " about the price and terms he would offer me, we struck a deal and shook hands on it. I started selling several guns, parts kits, and miscellaneous items from my military collection as I did not want to borrow money to purchase it. Over the next two months I would pay an occasional trip to General Jim's and put money down on the Ferret. Eventually on July 31st, 2014 it was mine. Now the fun begins!!!
I had been making a list of items I needed, mostly maintenance items like batteries, plugs, oil, antifreeze, filters ect. The Ferret was about 95% complete when purchased including the rare flare launchers and the sand channels. Several of the items like the spark plugs could only be located in the UK and as such the shipping was a killer. After gathering parts I am ready to begin the work needed to start the restoration. I had a friend with a rollback wrecker pick up the Ferret and deliver it to Gunners shop 100 miles north of me. Several guys said I took it to the right person which made me feel better, but I did have faith in him regardless. Within two days Gunner called to say the turret was off and he had begun working on lubricating all the latches, hatches, and brackets as they were pretty stiff due to not being used in several years.
Today (8/17/14) Gunner called to tell me he had started the Ferret!!! Now when I purchased this the seller informed me that it did run but that it had been 5-6 years since then. I must say that it was great news and the best news I have heard in months. This is what I think of "Gunner" now. :worship:
I will continue to add to this thread as the project progresses, and will include pictures when possible. If you have questions please ask and I will try and answer them, but please try and keep this thread on topic.
CaptMax
In early June of 2014 a friend found this Ferret at "General Jim's", a army surplus store in Clare Michigan. He sent me some pictures and told me what they were asking for it. I went the following week and looked it over myself after doing some research on them. I then sent a good friend of mine "Gunner" to look it over as he had owned two of them in the past and he is very knowlegable on armored vehicles. Gunner convinced me that it was a "smoking deal" and that I should buy it. This is when I seriously started researching the internet to learn all I could about them.
On July 1st, 2014 I contacted the Bovington Tank Museum in Dorset UK and inquired about the Ferrets history. After providing them with the British number assigned to the Ferret "01 DA 04" and along with a small fee they were able to send me the complete history of the vehicle. I am the second "civilian" owner since it was sold by the British government. It was found to be in the 10th Hussars, the Royal Grey Scots, as well as the notable Royal Green Jackets. This Ferret has some great history compared to most, even having been in the Falkland war of 1982.
In early July I spoke with the stores owner "Jeff " about the price and terms he would offer me, we struck a deal and shook hands on it. I started selling several guns, parts kits, and miscellaneous items from my military collection as I did not want to borrow money to purchase it. Over the next two months I would pay an occasional trip to General Jim's and put money down on the Ferret. Eventually on July 31st, 2014 it was mine. Now the fun begins!!!
I had been making a list of items I needed, mostly maintenance items like batteries, plugs, oil, antifreeze, filters ect. The Ferret was about 95% complete when purchased including the rare flare launchers and the sand channels. Several of the items like the spark plugs could only be located in the UK and as such the shipping was a killer. After gathering parts I am ready to begin the work needed to start the restoration. I had a friend with a rollback wrecker pick up the Ferret and deliver it to Gunners shop 100 miles north of me. Several guys said I took it to the right person which made me feel better, but I did have faith in him regardless. Within two days Gunner called to say the turret was off and he had begun working on lubricating all the latches, hatches, and brackets as they were pretty stiff due to not being used in several years.
Today (8/17/14) Gunner called to tell me he had started the Ferret!!! Now when I purchased this the seller informed me that it did run but that it had been 5-6 years since then. I must say that it was great news and the best news I have heard in months. This is what I think of "Gunner" now. :worship:
I will continue to add to this thread as the project progresses, and will include pictures when possible. If you have questions please ask and I will try and answer them, but please try and keep this thread on topic.
CaptMax