Repro 15cwt GS box cover

[Stewart Loy]

Originally Posted by CWO (ret) Gilles Aubé

I am interested but I need to know how to mesure the box and at what price.

Gilles,

If you were to get a friend to help the measuring would be easier. Please measure at the top of the box - just where the bows slip into the sides. My box tapers a bit, so if we both measure at the same place we can compare notes.

Please take three measurements for me:

1) measure the length from outside front to the outside back, excluding the tailgate;

2) measure the width, at the front of the box, between the small rails for the front top bow, and;

3) measure the diagonal from left front to right rear of the box.

Send the numbers to me at: loys[at]gdls.com

The canvas maker looked at a few pictures of CMP trucks with tarps and gave me an approximate price of $500 Canadian. She is waiting for me to get the sample so she can look at the straps and I will offer a (nearly) firm price before production begins.

The sample I have available has no windows in the sides or end flaps. I have not seen a sample of the windows, so I think the tarps will get made without them. It will be easier to make them without windows as those could be added later. The factory pix I have show the windows on the early trucks, but without a sample I am hesitant to add them. ( This is where Jiffero should jump in and say that the tan cover with windows is available to view ... )

A fellow has asked for tan rather than green canvas. The last time I saw production military canvas goods being made ( in SK ) they piled up the cloth and cut it 20 layers at a time - and the machine did not care. I will ask her if she can make tan and green for the same money.

I guess that once the sample has been reviewed by the canvasmith and a firm price is set we can begin the (unpleasant) business of trying to get down payments, organize shipping, make bows, etc., etc. We have 6 cats here on the farm, and herding them will likely be easier ...

To date there are 9 tarps ordered.


Stewart

[Bob Carriere]

Hi Stew

If the canvass shop will cut a better price for a bunch of them I am in for a tarp cover for my cab 11 2B1 box... I measure the two sample boxes I have and they both come out at a shade under or over 80 inches long...... depending on the bends and the rust.

I have this theory that in real life when some poor very first class half a buck private when to the QM store to pick up a tarp for the motor pool..... they had one size for 15 CWT CMP trucks...... like the uniform they could be too small or too large..... but the guys made them fit. A two inch difference between the different model of boxes...divided by two... works out to one inch front and back.... factor in the bent bows.... stretch or shinkage in fabric.... war time quality control on size....... and voila... a perfect fit.....

Do the original tarp arangement include a seperate front/rear piece similar to Dodge power wagons....... or am I thinking to modern....?

BooBee

[rob love]

The originals were all one piece. This actually causes a problem in that the canvas will shrink (and drastically) if it is left folded up for the season. I made a few of these tarps when I was back in Moosejaw, and would try and make sure they were about 3" too long. But even so, they would shrink to the point of not wanting to go back onto the superstructure.

[Stewart Loy]

Originally Posted by rob love

The originals were all one piece. This actually causes a problem in that the canvas will shrink (and drastically) if it is left folded up for the season.

Rob,

I hope to get to the canvas lady tomorrow to drop off some mudflaps for an Australian fellow. I will ask her:

1) how much shrinkage the (modern?) canvas gets,

2) if she has a sample of all 3 colours,

3) she can provide bulk material.


Bob - you would be tarp number 10, so we might get them for less now ...


Stewart

[Jon Skagfeld]

Originally Posted by Stewart Loy

The sample I have available has no windows in the sides or end flaps. I have not seen a sample of the windows, so I think the tarps will get made without them. It will be easier to make them without windows as those could be added later. The factory pix I have show the windows on the early trucks, but without a sample I am hesitant to add them. ( This is where Jiffero should jump in and say that the tan cover with windows is available to view ... )

Just FYI and assistance, the model tarp (C/\) 1944, perfectly fits a 2J1 GS box.

[Stewart Loy]

Originally Posted by Jon Skagfeld

Just FYI and assistance, the model tarp (C/\) 1944, perfectly fits a 2J1 GS box.

Hanno,

Does that mean that you will be 'short sheeted' for your truck?

Stewart

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Stewart Loy

Hanno,

Does that mean that you will be 'short sheeted' for your truck?

Stewart

Stewart,

Yes, it seems I am.

Hanno

[Mike Timoshyk]

Hi, Stewart,

My larder is full of Kraft Dinner (vitamine K) and red wine ....I know have victuals stored and can commit to sending $ for the tarp....who to, how much and when?

Cheers from sunny Windsor Ontario

Mike Timoshyk

[Mike K]

My 2 cents worth

The canvas made in the 1940's would be 100% cotton duck - it has a coarse weave compared to modern canvas which is nearly always a fine cotton/polyester mix. One of the last places left making pure cotton canvas is India/Pakistan .. I bought a pure COTTON 16oz canvas tarp from a on-line dealer here in Aust. 9'X12' for 60$ - MADE in Pakistan.... they sell bigger sizes too. Canvas has a bias and it shrinks more in one direction than the other-it is very important to allow for shrinkage ... some of the modern stuff is pre-shrunk. Upholsterers usually cut it diagonally cos its easier to shape it for curves if the bias is with you.. not against you .

Depending on the quality.. $500 for a repro 15 cwt van tarp is very good value .. it's a steal . The lady may not realise how much work is involved ... it looks easy in a photo ! She won't be making much profit at that price . If you can find an original 15 cwt WW2 tarp as a pattern .. then your cooking with gas.

Mike

[r.morrison]

Hi stewart: Robert here in Vancouver B.C. I've being following this page for some time. I was curious to inquire whether your source could make up a canvas unit for a Chev 30 cwt gs. box. I could provide the measements to you for a quote and or send you plans and measurements for my requirements. One large rectangular piece of canvas , with or without grommets. Don't know if there are any other interested parties out there, but it's worth a shot. Good luck in your venture.....regards....Robert