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 oe ~ aN S 4 oa 2, Figure No. 5-1. Page 436 Distillation Repair Shop — Elmer.