C8 progress in Texas

[Clive Skingle]

David I have just spent a enjoyable and informative time reading your restoration you have answered so many of the questions I have had since I got my own Cab 12 I shall be continually referring to your story along the way of my own restoration. Thanks Mate and this truly is an awesome forum ! what happened next .......?

[David DeWeese]

Hello Clive,

Sorry for the slow response. Glad you found some information you can use on this thread!

The truck is still up and running, and still taking it out to events regularly..

This weekend is the Commemorative Air Force Wings over Dallas event.
https://wingsoverdallas.org/

..almost got rained-out, but weather is clearing for tomorrow, so have a soggy truck on a trailer awaiting 5:00 am to head out...

[Clive Skingle]

Hi David, Been a bit slow in responding myself mate was a busy year 2019 glad to see your still going strong with the truck! In regards your question on the "Sand Channel "Dimensions I assume your refering too the Marston mat or PSP sheeting they used for Runways etc ? I managed to aquire 4 x 3mtr lenghts from a fellow CMP nut in Darwin so if you still need those dimesions I would be more than happy to mark up and post for you on this thread once Im home on RNR .

[Lang]

Clive

The sand tracks used for these vehicles were a special channel not airfield matting. It was concave not flat and much lighter.

The matting looks good and will do the job but it was not widely available until well after hostilities began. Too long and wide for easy handling anyhow.


Lang

[Bob Carriere]

I have seen numerous photos of the sand channels either in use or attached to the North African trucks.....BUT..... has anyone ever seen, recorded the dimensions, gauge, size of holes of the sand channels....?

The holes seem to be flared somewhat during the punching process and there are some after market punches designed to do just that.

I do have some airfield runway metal mats but they are very long and very heavy............ and form a much later time period.

Curious to see what is out there that would facilitate doing a repro of the sand channel.

Thanks

[Clive Skingle]

This is why I love this forum never stop learning. Thanks for the Pictures / Feedback Lang, Bob I agree would be easy enough to fabricate reproductions of these if we could get the dimesions right. Could possibly come close by scaling off photos but would be nice to be able to get exact measurments from some originals.

[David DeWeese]

Hi,

Got a surprise package in the mail last week from Australia containing several NOS rubber tail lights for my C8. I am truly amazed by the generosity of MLU members...thanks Tony!

The lights needed the wiring harness connectors, so here's what I made up:

A single element automotive light bulb has the exact size base as the rubber tail light connections. I broke the bulb, and cleaned out the brass base. A wire was soldered to the center contact of the bulb base, and another to the side of the base for a ground. A spark plug boot worked perfect for sealing the connection, and a piece of vintage-looking wiring loom gave it an original appearance..

I can now replace those hokey lights I made years ago for the real deal!

Thanks, David