Restoration update

[Jim Davis]

Hi everyone,

It's been a while since I've poseted so I thought I'd up date you as to where we are with our project. We've moved on to work on the cab and wheel guards, filling and panel beating as we go. We got our hands onto a canadian cab 13 with a decent roof, engine cover and grill, so we're slowly getting everything we need. From our "collection" we've managed to make up a half decent intrument cluster (probably doesn't work but it looks good!), most data plates for the engine cover, and some good headlight buckets/rings (from a mixture of brass, steel and nickle plated rings/covers)

Passenger door works great and looks ok....apart from the dirty big bash, but as we all know, its those things that give these girls "character" We've also made up new springs for the back of the seats, and bought some new pads for the pedals.
We're almost ready to but the roof/guards on, just needs another light sand and paint, then it'l be on to fixing the windscreen (gave up on getting the glass out of one, it really is stuck fast), and getting some tyres.

You might notice the patch of dead ground under the gearbox, it, the transfer case and both diffs are slowly leaking, but the compressor spits oil, we'll just leave it be for now. The biggest problem is the dog seems to love eating/sleeping/living in the oiled grass

Jim

[Jim Davis]

More photos

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

HI Jim,
looks like you are going great guns.
There is now an F60s being rebuilt out Ettamogah way, ex-Bethanga. looks like my Chevy will be out numbered.
Rich

[Jim Davis]

but that'l just give you an excuse to get another chev, or 4! I'd say there's probably a few wrecks still around our area...most being WRECKS in every sense. Apparently theres a restored Studebaker 6x6 somewhere near us too, not you?


The project had been put on hold for a little while for two reasons, the first being the temp is to cold for us to paint, but the second and sadder reason is that my grandfather passed away about a week after my original post. He was a veteran of the Second World War having served in the 2/8th Armoured Regiment and with the 42 Landing Craft Coy (when the 2/8 was broken up), and later in life returned to service and worked at the Army Proving Grounds at Monegeetta for many years. It is sad to see him go, and a little more because we couldn't finish the blitz in time for him to see it up close. In his honour the blitz is now stenciled with the same nickname/motto of his landing craft: "Veni Vici" of course being "I came, I conquered"

Saying all that we're still on track, when we get some warmer weather progress will continue. As a side question would any one have plans\measurements or photos of the GS tray(s) to suit the cab13 F60L? We're thinking of making our own, but are unsure of the details of the timber tray vs steel, drop sides etc. Any help would be appreciated.

Until next time

James.

[Jim Davis]

Gday all,

It was finally warm enough on the weekend to paint, we got the roof/hatch/rear window, wheel guards and our newly acquired drivers door painted. Got the roof and door on yesterday and I have to admit that I got a little excited that it is all coming together Still have to drill a few bolts out to put the guards on, and we are now waiting on glass for the frames. Next big thing will be the brakes.

Jim

[Jim Davis]

Got the wheel arches on, put the headlights in (just for show, no wiring as of yet) and a new bailey channel for the rear window.

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Jim Davis

...and a new bailey channel for the rear window.

What are the cork-(ish) strips on the cab rear window for? I'z are Canaj-an. We ain't gots no cork here! (did we?)

[cantankrs]

Bruce, I think to temporarily hold the bailey channel in situ while glue dries or something cos the other end is held in place by the 'window'.
Regards
Alex

[Jim Davis]

Got the steps on temporarily, I presume they're Chev steps? they are different to the curved cast arms on ford steps I've seen, and the step itself is of a different pattern. Picked up the new tyres the other day, cleaned up some inserts and put the combat wheels together. After putting them on the truck (the first time its had a complete set of tyres in 40+ years) we stood back to admire the old girl, now looking the part, and finished up for the day. The next morning we were greeted by a flat tyre... so after a bit of grumbling, a bit of work, and a new tube, it was readyish to try and move. Started first go, which is good considering it was running fine when we last worked on the engine, so we took her for a run down the road for about 3km. First time i've ridden in a (moving) blitz and it was great, the roar of the engine... the tractor like ride and handling (it was a dirt "road" after all ) Got up to about 50kmh, everything survived the ride, and even some of the small water/oil leaks have disappeared. Still waiting for the windscreen glass ...should have them soon.

[derk derin]

Great job guys!I am starting my own CMP project and looking at your photo's is inspiring me that one day my CMP will be ready to roll! I remember driving my first CMP in Winnipeg after a parade and what an experience.It was Rob Love's Ford 15cwt KL welding truck and the first time driving a right hand drive vehicle,no signals,hard to see traffic,almost hit a pole,no syncronized gears in the tranny(double clutching) and enjoyed every minute! I'll see if I can catch up to your restoration by spring!
Derk.

[Seatyger]

Nice workmanship and attention to detail.

[Lionelgee]

Originally Posted by Jim Davis

Got the steps on temporarily, I presume they're Chev steps? they are different to the curved cast arms on ford steps I've seen, and the step itself is of a different pattern. Picked up the new tyres the other day, cleaned up some inserts and put the combat wheels together. After putting them on the truck (the first time its had a complete set of tyres in 40+ years) we stood back to admire the old girl, now looking the part, and finished up for the day. The next morning we were greeted by a flat tyre... so after a bit of grumbling, a bit of work, and a new tube, it was readyish to try and move. Started first go, which is good considering it was running fine when we last worked on the engine, so we took her for a run down the road for about 3km. First time i've ridden in a (moving) blitz and it was great, the roar of the engine... the tractor like ride and handling (it was a dirt "road" after all ) Got up to about 50kmh, everything survived the ride, and even some of the small water/oil leaks have disappeared. Still waiting for the windscreen glass ...should have them soon.

G'day Jim,

It is a very nice job you are doing with the truck and it is great to hear that you took it for a run. What sort of tray will you be putting on it?

Kind Regards
Lionel

[Jim Davis]

thanks for the comments guys, we finally got the glass for the windscreen the other day. The passenger side frame was worst for wear so we decided to get it done first, and had no problem at all, moved on to the nice smooth drivers frame and .... it was 99% in, then CRACK Thankfully its a small crack in one corner. Anyways a little bit of character is good for an old girl like a blitz.

We're not sure what tray we'll put on it, depending on whats cheaper and or easier to make we might go with a timber or steel tray, probably won't do the drop sides, but will try to keep the proper look. The frame of the truck has been cut back to the rear springs at some point so our tray probably won't end up normal length.

If anyone has some photos or info on the types of trays and the differences between canadian\australian mods, and when steel predominantly took over from timber etc that would be a great help for our decision making.

I'll try to post some photos next week too, but it'l be using the slow internet at home so bear with me.

[Keith Webb]

Originally Posted by Jim Davis

If anyone has some photos or info on the types of trays and the differences between canadian\australian mods, and when steel predominantly took over from timber etc that would be a great help for our decision making.

Hi Jim
I see yours is a mix of dates but if your vehicle has 6" steering ends the appropriate body type would be steel, like the one on this C60L.

[Jim Davis]

Hi Keith, thanks for the info, we have the larger type steering but we also have the smaller type steering box, its a bit of a hybrid. From memory the older parts of the truck are 42, and the latest 45. Would the tray of the body be all steel?, or was steel plate placed over a timber bed?

Here are a couple of recent photos. The windscreen wipers now work, they just need arms. Starting work on the side curtains, we had one frame that looked original so we've copied it for the other door.

[Bob Carriere]

.........but if your vehicle has 6" steering ends .......

Hi Keith

Are you implying that some early (43-44) C60 or F60 in Australia had small C15a front axles eggcups.........four bolts on top instead of six on the larger units.

Curious because we did find some 1945 Autralian contract C60L in Canada that had the smaller C15a front axles and some were shod with 10:50 x 16 tires....

We passed it off as being factory assembeled with left overs at the end of production as the war ended.

Enjoying the warm weather I assume.

Boob

[Keith Webb]

Hi Bob

What I was saying was only the very early (1942) cab 13s here had wooden GS bodies (as well as wooden spare wheel carrier toolboxes) and these early Fords in particular had the lightweight steering as a hangover from cab 12 production. That is why for example Australian No 8 and 9 FGTs for example had light steering ends.
I have not heard of Aussie contract C60Ls in Canada like that - interesting...
I thought the only ones with 16" wheels were the 30cwt medium wheelbase vehicles used for ambulances. But interesting to hear about and you could be right assuming they were left-over production.

Originally Posted by Bob Carriere

Are you implying that some early (43-44) C60 or F60 in Australia had small C15a front axles eggcups.........four bolts on top instead of six on the larger units.

[Bob Carriere]

Hi Keith

I have pictures of at least half a dozen such Australian contracts..... all built within a 6 week period in Sept 1945.......all had small 16 inch wheels and small C15a front axles......and all long wheel base...... some had round gauges some had the old early civvy instrument cluster...... and obvioulsy none where sent to Australia as the hostilities drew to an end.....

Bob C.

[Keith Webb]

They must have been made from spare bits because in Australia Holden built complete cabs and bodies - only the chassis components were shipped for cab 13s.
Love to see some pics.

Originally Posted by Bob Carriere

Hi Keith

I have pictures of at least half a dozen such Australian contracts..... all built within a 6 week period in Sept 1945.......all had small 16 inch wheels and small C15a front axles......and all long wheel base...... some had round gauges some had the old early civvy instrument cluster...... and obvioulsy none where sent to Australia as the hostilities drew to an end.....

Bob C.

[Jim Davis]

For the record, out of the 4 or so diff sets we've accumulated, only one had the large steering (which we're now using), but the wreck it came off had the small steering box and therefore different ball sizes, hence our current setup being a bit of a custom job. This F60 we're working on had the smaller steering when we got it, as did our other F60 wreck. Saying that, these trucks were modified into tow trucks/cranes whilst in timber country, whether they swapped the diffs during this time, who knows...

[Bob Carriere]

Will do some digging Keith and post pictures..... from what I could see they were built for Australia but never made it......

I have one of those frames at the barn.....a guy in Montreal has one fully restored.... a few in the Bellville area...... a few in Orangeville ... a few in Sault Ste Marie...
... but all are from the same Aussie contract and built within a few eeks of one another in and around August / September 1945 and obviously never shipped........ and with and w/o roof hatches and early and late instruments clusters......

In the AEDB engineering manuals there are records of such 16 inch CMP trucks being built as troup carriers and for ambulances....all long wheel base.....

Will put a package together an post for you.....

Boob