C15: Truck, 15-cwt, 4x2, AA, Mk II

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by Keith Orpin

Guys,
Just had a reply back from Surrey History Centre, thanks to Richard for the heads up. From the Dennis Brothers Ltd Chassis Book, Nov 1927 to Jan 1944, it would appear that my Chevy arrived at the Dennis factory on 12/01/44, and departed on 03/02/44. Body and chassis numbers all tying in !The customer was COO Chilwell, order No 711, WO No was 10668. Sadly no other records have survived.
The hunt is still on for drawings of the body, I may try Vauxhall Motors next.
Keith

Hi Keith,
Glad to hear you had some success there.

regards, Richard

[Keith Orpin]

Hi Hanno and Richard,
Don't get me wrong, I'm well pleased that historical evidence is still available after 70 odd years, from an independent source . What is interesting is that she was manufactured in Nov 42 and was not converted to a 20mm polsten platform until early 44. I can only assume this was for the build up of vehicles for D.Day and beyond. It may also explain where the 15 cwt bodies were used after they were removed from their original mounts (see in the background Q&A's).
In the meantime, I'll keep digging !
Vehicle wise, both rear brakes have now been stripped and rebuilt, just need to bleed the system and I should have a working brake system. Next on the to do list is replace the diaphragm in the fuel pump to cope with unleaded fuel.
Regards
Keith

[Keith Orpin]

Today, the C15 was shown for the first time in ages at a local Airshow, here in Oxfordshire. Everyone I spoke to could not believe the condition of her, all credit due to her last owner. Driving wise, she is a joy to drive, light on the steering, a decent set of brakes, and pulls with no hesitation, quite happy to cruise along at 40 MPH. Attached are a few pictures of her earlier today, enjoy.
Keith

[lynx42]

Excellent Keith, we are glad that the little blitz is meeting all your expectations.

Regards R'n'J.

[Keith Orpin]

Hi Rick & Jill,
Best regards to you both,
Cracking truck to drive, so different to the C30, mind you, it's a lot lighter. The hunt for polsten parts still continues, although I now have a de-activated barrel, tool roll, 4 snail drums, loading rachets, cleaning kit, so it's coming together bit by bit.
Regards
Keith

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Excellent Keith, good to see her out & about!

[Mike Cecil]

Hi Keith,

I know Hanno pointed out the CDN 20mm mounting was the 2L1 body, but do you have the extract from the CDN bodybook giving the detailed description and side drawing of that body? They look very similar to your truck's bodywork so may be of help?

If you don't have those pages, I can scan and send. PM me your email address if interested.

I agree with you about the 4x2's performance. Had an F15 GS many years ago. Went like a train. Reasonable steering, good staying power with the rebuilt V8 and a higher speed diff centre (crown wheel & pinion from a White M3A1 scout car).

Mike