Canadian Dodge, 3 ton 4x2

[Lynn Eades]

Kevin, the four digit number is called the Model code.
As examples of 1/2 ton 4x4, the Model code for a WC-27 (this is called a sales symbol)
The 1/2 ton Ambulance is Model code 4139,
A WC-41 (Closed cab) Model code is 4162, while the two Reconnaissance models with and without winch (WC-23 and WC-24) are both Model code 4119.

For 3/4 ton WCs: WC-51 and 52 the model code is 4290 for the Bucket seat body (body work from behind the seats forward) while the pickup body (rear cargo bed is model code 4266. (that was complicated)
The plate with the 4290 is fixed to the front of the cowl just under the rear of the bonnet. (I don't think there was a plate attached to the 4266 on the body)
The WC-56 and WC-57 Command cars (reconnaissance) are code 4219
The Ambulance (WC-54) is code 4239
The Carryall is code 4249.
Any how...
The first two digits would be first year of production of that body type. (1/2 ton were 41 models and 3/4 ton 42 models)

A quick google search tells me that the other number is the body number, or if you like the number on your cab was that many from the start of production (yours was the 33,325 one built) of that Model code.

Sorry I dragged that out.
Lynn.

So, your model of truck was first built in 1942, the body code (for ordering parts) is 52, and it is the 33,325th. body of that type built (1942,1943 or 1944???)

[Kevin Goodwin]

Hi all,
Thanks to Lang for giving me the contract numbers for my truck I have found this picture of a truck from the same contract, this will now provide a template for the rear body on my truck, just the minor detail of sorting out some measurements!
Kevin

[Lang]

Instead of a rear body, what about this. One of the best looking WW2 outfits.

Lang

[Kevin Goodwin]

Very nice indeed, bit large for my drive though lol

[Mike Cecil]

Hi Lang,

I've had a chance to look at the data now, and think it shows pretty conclusively that the Dodge T110L (D60L) lorries were imported direct to Australia and not via the Middle East. There are several Contract Demand (CD) for the assembly of these vehicles awarded to Chrysler-Dodge Distributors (Aust) P/L, including E3339 for 154, E4050 for 13, and E4764 for 41. The Chrysler-Dodge Distributor network included such entities as Harden & Johnstone, Canada Cycle Co and Lanes Motors.

The most interesting is CD E4952, which also specified the body manufacturers who provided the rear bodywork: of 1,205 Dodge 3 ton, 160 in WB lorries under that contract demand, the bodywork was built (to AMF specs) as under:
87 by Peters.
125 by Star.
149 by Charles Hope
594 by Richards
and 250 by GMH, ie locally built rear bodies fitted to imported cab/chassis.

The remaining 495 of that demand were to be completed as semi-trailer prime movers, of the type shown in your latest posted image.

Dodge D60L's were also built in Aust as 23 seater buses, and a small number were lengthened and built as special buses for the Royal Navy in Australia and the Royal Australian Navy in 1945. A small number were also supplied to the US Army in Australia.

Cannot find any reference to their issue or use by the RAAF.

Mike

[Lang]

Thanks Mike

Interesting info.

Lang