1944 C-15A-Wire-5 Restoration

[RichCam]

Work is continuing to proceed on the Wire 5 restoration. Unfortunately, some of the smaller component work is tedious and can't be rushed. It is frustrating but not unexpected to have the smaller fasteners and components to be rusted and frozen in place. It is impossible to heat with a torch and put an air ratchet to them so the cab windows, side curtains and doors are taking longer than expected.
Front windows are now in with new glass. I cut a spare set for anyone that is interested. Side curtains have been rebuilt with new Lexan panels and door handle portals. Seats have been installed along with round upper hatch hip padding.
We are painting the doors this week and working on the dash. With the newer 250 engine, I have a 12V temperature and oil pressure gauge to contend with. The dash is circular gauge like the later Fords.
More updates soon, feel free to comment.

[Robert Bergeron]

Going well there Richard !!

Nice shop.

Robert

[RichCam]

Robert - it is nice to work inside a warm shop with a concrete floor and almost all of the correct tools!
This week, Jim and I got the doors on, side curtains in and doghouse installed. Jim also finished the nose so it is ready to be installed as soon as I finish the IP wiring. Hopefully, I will have more pictures to post next Saturday.
Christmas Cheers!

[Jordan Baker]

Looks like great progress is being made. I wish my shop had some heat to work on the truck during the cold parts of the year.

One question, is that a home made dog house for truck? I have never seen one like it.

[RichCam]

Hi Jordan,

It is nice to have everything warm and well light. I can't seem to ever get enough light - those new LED battery lights are great!

Yes, that is a home made doghouse. It came with the truck when I purchased it and it fits over the 250 just fine. I might have to make a cover plate for the dash above the doghouse. Other than the engine, transmission and the doghouse, we are trying to keep everything else authentic.

Cheers, Richard

[Robert Bergeron]

Richard,

Having run my 1942 Ford F-15A -GS for nearly 1000 KM i can now state that authenticity has it's limits.

I have the original engine and transmission and it sure has it's performance limits !

I have been traveling to events, reconstitutions and meets in Québec city. That is 100 KM away.

You never go anywere fast with the stock engine. Also , the gas consumption is horrendous, over 42 L / 100 km..

So, unless it's for museum, or as in many instances , as a garage or trailer queen , i would go the same route as Richard. This is in no way a judgment of other people's choices.

I have both styles of trucks , original stock engines and modern replacements.They both have advantages over the other.

In my view what's important is that they are seen by the public. I wish to educate, promote and popularize our military history through the parading of CMP and other period trucks , not win contests.

I respect those who participate in contests. They set the mark for the rest of us .

In all due respect.

Robert

[Bob Carriere]

Hi Robert

6 miles to the gallon ....... that is a lot unless you had the brakes on.

What was your speed?? and what is the max, it will do?

How comfortable or painful was it on the highway for over an hour...?

The big problem is not necessarily the original flat head V8 but the gearing in the axles. You could change for a more modern engine/tranny combo but it would take a lot of work to fit it inside the tight compartment of the CMP.... and you would still have the axle gearing issue.

I wonder what kind of mileage Richard will get with his GM 250 6 cyl.

I have a Chev 261 in mine but have not driven it enough to assess the fuel consumption.... I am hoping for 10mpg at approx 40 mph.

Gerry Boucher and a few others in the Montreal area should have some experiences to share......

Bob C.