AN OTTER OUGHTER
Q: I “barn found” an M76 Otter in almost perfect shape, but the fabric of the tracks has rotted from sitting so long. The road wheel tires are also rotten. It’s frustrating to have the unit in running condition but can’t drive it. I have checked lots of military vehicle parts dealers and none of them have Otter tracks. It seems like the fabric is basically conveyor belt. Do you think I could make new tracks, from conveyer belt? What about the tires? Except for not having tread, they seem to be ordinary car tires.
—Tom
: The fabric part of Otter tracks was indeed basically conveyer belt material. If you feel up to the task, you certainly otter be able to make new tracks for your Otter. I suggest consulting conveyor belt manufacturers to find the most suitable material. After taking measurements, you may even be able to have the bands custom made… the connecting joints are the most critical part, so it might be best to have this done professionally. As far as the road wheel tires, you can use regular automobile tires of the same size. While they don’t have to be bald, they don’t need tread, so a moderate highway tread would be best and probably cheapest. You should probably also use bias rather than radial type tires.
