CHAPTER V, SECTION 1
mechanical equipment installed in stations remained in place, with the provision that the
equipment be operated every two weeks for maintenance purposes.
With the exception of the large communications antennas, which were made of anodized
aluminum, all tower structures and steel storage
tanks were sandblasted and painted each year.
No particular maintenance difficulties were experienced in the use of tents with flies; however,
occasional replacements were necessary following
heavy wind storms or because of damage from
normal wear andtear.
of the work to be accomplished on each Military-
owned vehicle, by
serial number. The same
system prevailed in preparing Military-owned
vehicles for return shipment to the United
States at the close of the Operation.
Clutch replacements averaged two a week,
which is a low figure considering the number
of vehicles which were operated in deep coral
sand. All accessories removed were overhauled
in the Auto-Electric Shop and returned to
service.
Body,
fender, and paint work was con-
worn out by accumulated mileage but by abuse
tinuous. All vehicles were completely painted
at least once a year and spot-painted as required. Several tests were made with different kinds
of primer coats to determine which was best
suited to withstand the excessive corrosion conditions. In the older vehicles, incessant corrosion, already present in the cracks between body
ditions. To combat those conditions, the frequency of lubrication and inspection checks was
straps, ate through the paint in the course of
a few months. Undercoating proved successful
TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT.
The vehicle maintenance program was predicated on anticipated hard usage and climatic
conditions. Vehicles within the EPG were seldom
from climatic forces and difficult operating con-
increased so that all vehicles were scheduled to
the grease rack every two weeks. While being
lubricated the vehicles were also checked for
brake, clutch, carburetor, and ignition adjustments, and any necessary parts replacement.
During the operational phase, the Con-
tractor was also responsible for the preventive
maintenance and minor repair of all militaryowned vehicles except those located at Site Fred.
A working agreement was reached wherby Military Inspectors furnished the Contractor a list
members and
underneath battery hold-down
on those parts which could be reached through
the use of a spray gun. Goodresults were obtained by removing the fenders from newly-received
vehicles and applying undercoating along the
lines of intersection between the fenders and
body. Efforts were also made to seal body cracks
by applying undercoating with a caulking gun
prior to painting. Radiators and mufflers required replacement at least once a year; the
cooling fins on the former corrode and flake to
Pieces, and replacements are deemed more economical than the rebuilding of the radiators.
2. 2
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2,
Figure No. 5-1.
Page 436
Distillation Repair Shop — Elmer.