LRDG Chevrolet 1533X2 Aero-screens

[Charlie Down]

The LRDG specially ordered 200 1533X2 trucks for operations in the North African Desert in 1941. Only 112 reached Egypt due to a ship being torpedoed on route. The trucks left the factory with a 'Jeep' style 2 window folding windscreen. Looking at photo's it shows, somewhat crudely I admit, that about a third were removed and replaced with Aero-screens, the other trucks retaining the windscreens and about half had screens completely removed. Aero-screens are much more common on trucks when they were initially issued to the LRDG, and seem to be removed later on as they fouled MG arcs which were more frequently fitted for the front passenger as the campaign progressed.

The question is from which type of truck did the aero-screens originally come from?

Were they recycled from old LRDG Patrol and Pilot trucks such as the Chevrolet WA and 1311X3's, and Ford 01 15cwt V8 pilot cars?

Were they a standard part available through the spare parts logistic system?

Looking at the shape of the Glass it seems that the Morris CS8 could be an alternative source for the Aero-screens.

Attached photos show assortment of close ups of 1533X2 aero-screens, Ford Pilot car, Morris CS8 and Chevrolet WA truck for comparison of details.

[Charlie Down]

Further photos of aero-screens.
First photo of a Chevrolet 1311X3 and then an early 1533X2.
Are they the same aero-screens, just mounted differently, or different designs altogether?

[Mike K]

Hi

I have a original CS8 aero screen hinge if you need dimensions , it is a brass casting. Plus I have repro frames made by Dave Ballard in the UK . I believe Rory Ballard had some new hinges cast in brass. Some of the pics you posted do depict screens very similar to if not identical to CS8 screens.

[Charlie Down]

Hi Mike,
Any information such as photos and dimensions would be great!
I find it strange that these questions haven't been asked or discussed before about such a popular vehicle.
I don't recall seeing any photo's of Canadian built Chevrolets with factory fitted aero-screens. Indian built ones have them. Not sure about British assembled Chevrolet kits though, and this is the place to find out.
Photos of different manufactured aero-screens seem to follow a similar or identical set of dimensions, with a variety of different shaped glass, rounded and square designs, with a range of different heights. I assume, which is dangerous when researching this truck, that if they were produced by a Chevrolet factory or supplier, they would be a standard design across all the factories or suppliers.
The main differences between the aero-screens seems to be the hinge lock location (with Butterfly screw) and mounting plates.
Photos show the aero-screens locked at various angles, often leaning forward to prevent reflections from the sun being seen by the enemy.
Attached is the factory photo showing the 'Jeep' style windscreen supplied to all the trucks for delivery. (All photos from Chevrolet 1533X2 30-cwt trucks post)

[Grant Bowker]

Looking at the centre photo above, the windshield wiper system appears simailar to CMP (but mounted the other way up) and the arms to regulate the folding windshield also look like "parts bin engineering". The geometry of the arms is such that when the windhield is folded forward, the arms would be still be near vertical, risking damage to either the arms or vehicle users.

[Charlie Down]

Thanks Grant, that was my next question answered!
Do you have any photos/diagrams/dimensions? Also, either I'm being a bit thick, or I'm not quite seeing how they fit differently looking at photos on other postings of wiper motors. Maybe I'm looking at the wrong motors?
I've dug up some photos of the windscreen, which shows the motors fitted after the trucks were further modified with condenser, sand mat racks and stowage chest in the Ammo body, in Egypt prior to issue to the LRDG. However, all the operational photos show them removed from the windscreen. They are all on early issue trucks with no forward MG mounts.
Photos courtesy of Jonathan Pittaway and various other sites/authors including IWM.