Camel Centipede Project

[smudvapor]

Here she is! I removed most of the stuff that bolts on and glass beaded all of it today. I am having a real problem with the axles. They are really stuck in there. As I see it I have one of two options. Leave it all in place and clean it up the best that I can and hope the bearings last forever or cut the axles and have new ones made ($$$). Any suggestions?

[john swenson]

so are the axles a odd size o.d. ? if you cut them out can you use a bearing size to fit new axles that will work with the same type bearing flanges ? you would then need to use new sprockets but it may be worth the time and money . even if you went to new flanges also , could you match the tub holes or seal old ones and drill new flange holes . just a few ideas. it's a cool machine .. j.b.

[smudvapor]

so are the axles a odd size o.d. ? if you cut them out can you use a bearing size to fit new axles that will work with the same type bearing flanges ? you would then need to use new sprockets but it may be worth the time and money . even if you went to new flanges also , could you match the tub holes or seal old ones and drill new flange holes . just a few ideas. it's a cool machine .. j.b.

It has 1-1/4 axles. I cut probably cut them out but then I have to have new axles made. The axles came with the hub welded on so I have that to deal with also. I really want to try to keep it as original as I can. That is really the main problem.

[ARGOJIM]

Do the sprockets move Scott?
If so sand the heck out of the axle that is exposed, then blast everything good after you get the collars off. Recently i did an attex that the sprockets were stuck on so i drove them in, so in your case drive them in past bearing rusted section and remove rust/sand and then drive them out. You would probably want to sand outside of machine also so they don't stick further. If the sprockets are stuck using split collars to make up gap can achieve the same since axles have flanges and can't go out the other side.

[philipatmaxfour]

Wow!Does that looks like a two day or more gas tank or are my eyes really getting that bad.. ? I like it.

[smudvapor]

Do the sprockets move Scott?
If so sand the heck out of the axle that is exposed, then blast everything good after you get the collars off. Recently i did an attex that the sprockets were stuck on so i drove them in, so in your case drive them in past bearing rusted section and remove rust/sand and then drive them out. You would probably want to sand outside of machine also so they don't stick further. If the sprockets are stuck using split collars to make up gap can achieve the same since axles have flanges and can't go out the other side.

I only tried one so far but I did what you describe already. The sprocket won't move. I am going to keep spraying it for a couple more days. I tried using a jack to push the shaft out also but so far nothing. Unlike an attex, there are no replacement parts so I have to be super careful.

[countrybumpkin]

Try heat and a small air chisel from Harvard freight. Something about the impact from the chisel works better than solid pressure because you can’t get in there with a BFH! Those 1 1/4” axels are going to be tough to get out with the greater surface area.

[smudvapor]

Try heat and a small air chisel from Harvard freight. Something about the impact from the chisel works better than solid pressure because you can’t get in there with a BFH! Those 1 1/4” axels are going to be tough to get out with the greater surface area.

I will give that a try today. My big problem is I don't want to ruin the axles so I am limited on what I can do. I will let you know how it goes.

[ARGOJIM]

I will give that a try today. My big problem is I don't want to ruin the axles so I am limited on what I can do. I will let you know how it goes.

All of these things we have to try with some of the Argo, Max and Hustler, if after a couple days its still fighting you you can try this as it may work.
Blaster it good overnight, then wake up and superclean it with the aid of stiff plastic or wire brush and reapply superclean, let it dry all day, later superclean it again with brush and hose off, should look pretty good and should try to find its way in like blaster, let it dry and blast again for night again, then go at it again. A last resort would be heat and blaster together but no fires, lay a soaking wet towel in body heat the sprocket pretty good and blast blast blast letting it find its way in til cool, but do that outside as that stink is bad and probably bad for you and lingers forever. Then go back at it with the air chisel hammer or blunt bit.


You are allowed to curse and throw things, away from living things, during these processes.

[smudvapor]

Well, the good news is that the 4 lug hubs are not original so I think I am going to cut the axles and fabricate new ones with the original 3 hug hubs. That will also keep me from having to fight to get the axles out. Thanks to everyone who gave advice. I will keep you up to date as things progress.

[Andyman]

Nice to see a Camel complete, mine I bought for parts was a planter in front of a old ladies house for many years. The only thing I salvaged was the tank (aluminum) ,T20, and the engine that still turned over!!but worn out.

Keep the progress updates coming

[smudvapor]

Update

Update

Here is the latest on the Camel. I finally got the axles out today, that was real work. I had to cut them all out with a saws all because I didn't want any sparks to melt the body. When I pulled the frame out I found some rot that has to be addressed. It looks to me like it sat with water in it for quite a while and the frame rusted from the bottom up. The tub doesn't look too bad. I am going to touch up some the repairs that were done and then give it a really good cleaning. Lots left to do but coming along.

[SeanD]

Ah, that's where it starts; The "While-I'm-At-Its".
"I'll just do this one small thing. Well, while I'm at it, I might as well do this other thing too. Well, It'd be silly to do all that and not address this..."
Then $15,000 later...
haaahaaaa!

[smudvapor]

Finally got back to work on the Camel today. One frame rail was in bad shape so I am replacing it. It should be done tomorrow.

[smudvapor]

Didn't get as much time in the garage as I wanted. Here is where I am at. Still have to transfer some brackets and put the curve in the bottom of the frame rail before I weld it all in.