Jeep Tank Tracks?
Do you know anything
about these Tracks?
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Jeep Wagner-Trac
made by
A. F. Wagner Industries Inc. of concord California
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The Mystery "Jeep" Tank Tracks
Dan
from
Albuquerque, NM is looking for a little help. He's trying to find out a little
more information on a recent purchase that may intrigue a few Jeep guys.
He recently took possession of a set of "tank
tracks"
that were apparently manufactured for a
Jeep
with an 81 inch wheelbase. That would most likely put them under a
1955 through 1971 CJ-5 platform with the 81 inch wheelbase.
This is what Dan has been told
about this rare find. They were manufactured by a company called
"A. F. Wagner Industries Inc." of concord California.
They were
made sometime
during the mid
60s and there was only 6 sets made and were apparently expensive and
thus may be the reason there were so few made.
They are called
"Wagner-Trac"
and were made specifically as a set of
tank tracks for a jeep with a wheelbase of 81 inches. The wheelbase is
not adjustable so the wheelbase is critical and
just like a tank
you would have to install turning brakes to drive the Jeep because the
steering is null and void as soon as you bolt them on.
They are all steel construction so were probably designed for offroad
only. Dan plans to disassemble them, repack the bearings and maybe
throw on a paint job before bolting them up to his Jeep. We hope
to see some progress and after pictures from Dan, which we'll post here.
Imagine seeing these under a
1955 through 1971 CJ-5!
If
you know anything about these
"Wagner-Trac" tracks, please drop us a line using the form below!
Even if you are venturing a guess, we'd love to hear from you.
We'll post any new information on this page in the future including your
guesses and insight.
Here is the first set of photos of
the Tank Tracks.
This is an artist rendering (Dan's
brother), not the actual install.
Phase 2 - Acquiring a Jeep
The next step for Dan was to get a Jeep CJ-5 to mate up
with the Wagner-tracs. Within days Dan got back to us with this:
Dan: I'm buying a jeep! I'm driving to
Colorado tomorrow at the crack of dawn and trailering it back, its about
475 miles away. Its a 67, V6, nice body, brand new 31s and rims, engine
is rebuilt (2400 miles) bored 30 over. Top needs work a little torn up
and it doesn't charge but the price is right! 2500.
So I guess the big question is....where do I buy olive drab paint! or is
there a paint code for that? I'm all about making a "military prototype"
he he he. I guess ill have to do some research to get the lettering and
numbering correct.
Dan
Phase 3 - Installing the Wagner-Tracs
Two days later Dan's got the wrenches in hand and he's
test fitting the tracks onto the his 1967 Jeep CJ-5. He includes
these notes along with a set of photos.
| Comments: |
Back in the late 60's or early 70's, Four-wheeler magazine had
an article about this conversion. A buddy of mine had a CJ and
was interested until he saw the price... Good Luck with this
project, and post up some pics of it "doin' dirty"!
- Charlie, Winchester, IL
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Saw one of these for sale up in Spokane, Washington last year. The
forestry service used to use them for the high country winter jobs
they had. Strictly off road only, because the tank treads rip up
asphalt.
- P, Florence, AZ
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I recall many years ago
while driving through southern California seeing a Jeep on a
flatbed trailer that had tank tracks on it. I remember thinking
wow, that different. I figured it was some sort of military
experiment however this Jeep was tan and didn't look military.
The truck wasn't either. That's all I have to offer. I'll keep
checking back to see what transpires!
- Joe from Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Well your on the right track so to speak I have seen three sets of
these tracks on 60's model cj while I was stationed in Camp
lejeune with 6th marines. My understanding is that these were
military options only for jeeps in higher elevations with more
chance to see snow year round and harsh terrain. to add more fuel
to the fire there were 2 M37 dodges that had a similar setup that
i saw while in Bridgeport California. I do have pictures somewhere
but i am not sure, if i can locate them i will share them with
you. Now here is an idea for the "skid steer" hydraulic valves
could work if you plumb your right front and right rear into one
valve controlable in the cab via a lever you can steer and still
have your service brakes, i have used a similar setup on rock
crawlers to make them a lil more nimble on the trail. good luck
cant wait to see the finished product
- Rick from Saint Marys, PA
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Jeep Wagner-Trac
made by
A. F. Wagner Industries Inc. of concord California
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