Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO RESCUE A VEHICLE LIKE THIS FROM THE SCRAP METAL PILE?
- 5 YEARS
- LOTS OF $
- 4 TONS OF BLASTING SAND, 20 GALLONS OF PAINT/PRIMER
- 200 SQUARE FEET OF SHEET METAL
- 150 FEET OF BRAKE LINE, 80 FEET OF FUEL AND VENT LINES
- 140 POUNDS OF WELDING WIRE/RODS.
- HUNDREDS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF FASTNERS /CONNECTIONS OF ALL TYPES
- LOTS OF HEAVY LIFTING EQUIPMENT
- FRIENDS, FAVORS, LOTS OF UNDERSTANDING FROM YOUR FAMILY
- BANDAGES AND A TRIP TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM

WHY IS IT SO UGLY?
- LOTS OF SHEET METAL, REMEMBER 20,000 OF THESE WERE BUILT IN ONLY 2 YEARS DURING WWII. THEY WERE ASSEMBLED BY THOUSANDS OF SEMI-SKILLED WORKERS IN SECTIONS, THEY WERE NOT BUILT TO LAST SO, THERE WAS NO NEED TO BE FANCY. THEY WERE ALSO SUBJECT TO A LOT OF ABUSE IN THE SURF . KEEP IN MIND THAT THIS VEHICLE IS OVER 50 YEARS OLD, 35 OF THEM IN MILITARY/GOVERNMENT SERVICE.

WHERE DID IT COME FROM?
-FOUND "NEAR DEATH" IN SOUTHERN MARYLAND, RUSTING AWAY IN A FIELD IN 1996

HOW FAST DOES IT GO?
- 40 MPH WITH A GOOD BREEZE OR DOWN HILL ON THE ROAD, MAYBE 5 KNOTS IN THE WATER.

WHERE CAN I BUY A MILITARY VEHICLE LIKE A JEEP OR TANK?
- GO TO WWW.MVPA.ORG, OR VISIT THE ORDNANCE MUSEUM STORE ON ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND AND LOOK AT MAGAZINES. WWII JEEPS START AT $5,000, TANKS START AT $35,000 AND UP. THERE ARE NO BARGAINS OUT THERE, THE HOBBY CAN BE EXPENSIVE

How bad was the rust? Sample of Super DUCK restoration. This panel was located near an area that trapped moisture and was also below the battery compartment. Enough of it remained to be used as a pattern to fabricate a replacement panel. This panel also had a trace of original finish which was closer to a lustreless OD green.

Putting the Super DUCK back together. I painted the engine compartment white as well as the engine so it would be easier to see for maintenance and repair. Marine grade plywood was also primed prior to the finish coat. Stainless fastners used throughout