How To: C15a Wire-3 restoration

[Jordan Baker]

So much welding.....but I'm getting closer and closer. The front panel for the box is completely finished. I was able to use the original tied down loops and hooks. For the side panels I'll be using the original hooks as well. I also was able to use the original top bows brackets. I have also used the original box to match up the weld pattern. I'm still amazed at just how much welding/fabrication was going into these things during wartime production.

One thing I have not done was do any painting on the inside of the top channels. I thought I would wait until nearly finished. My plan is to drill a hole in a spot that will be covered once welded to the box. Once I'm ready I'll use a small funnel and pour POR into the channel. Then I'll rotate it all around to cover and soak the inside. I did that with the doors and it worked rather well. This also means I won't be burning any off from welding.

Next up will be finishing the side channels and then welding them on. The bottoms of them are open so I'll be able to spray POR inside them once done.