Another Dodge D8A found in Italy?

[Alex van de Wetering]

Exciting Gustavo!

So, the main question is if the holes for the steering box in the right hand rail are all the way through, right?.....or maybe evidence can be found of them being welded up.

Please keep us updated. In any case you have a rare truck; I mean, even if it's not a D8A, but a WC40 in stread, it would still be rare.

[Mike K]

Gustavo

It was a long time ago since I was playing around with 1/2 Ton Dodge's so don't take anything I write seriously My memories is of those days is definitely fading somewhat ... I wish I had kept that Canadian Chrysler pats book I have some pics of Warren's T212 somewhere

[gustavo]

Today it's the day: I will examine the frame and post some pictures, and... Looking for numbers.

[Mike K]

The Brisbane replica

[Mike K]

A RHD WC 21 I bought in 1978... they fitted a TJR cab

Mishap when loading. big load for the little rover

[gustavo]

Today I got the frame: 99.9% it is NOT a D8A, most probably a T215.
It seems that RHD hole has never been cut, this frame has always been a LHD.
Last unexplained mistery is the desert stone paint, sprayed directly on the frame : this is the reason why the score is not 100%.
The American Dodge frame numbers are the original ones.
I guess after the war someone bought this open cab truck, removed the cargo bed and exchanged the open cab with a D15 cab to improve comfort.

Now the question is what to do with this frame, I am thinking at 2 options:

1) Go back on originality, asking to Chrisler the build card of this frame to understand how it was when it left the production line.

2) Go ahead building a D8A replica, trying to be as accurate as possible.

Option 1 would respect originality but the final result would be one of the many, option 2 will give the chance to many to see how this rare vehicle was.

In the next days I will visit a farm close to my home where I saw several trailers made after ww2 using Canadian wheels: I know for sure I will find at least 4 wheels (6 bolts), wight now I am interested to see their hubs. If it is possible to put together 4 British hubs, may be option 2 will go ahead.

Cargo bed is probably not so complicate to rebuild after a visit in Austria.

Thank you very much again for your support.

[gustavo]

Originally Posted by Mike Kelly

A RHD WC 21 I bought in 1978... they fitted a TJR cab

Mishap when loading. big load for the little rover

I am sure you didn't find policemen on the way back!
Did the front wheels touch the ground?

[Mike K]

Originally Posted by gustavo

I am sure you didn't find policemen on the way back!
Did the front wheels touch the ground?

You are correct, we had a break at a cafe where the cops stopped and had a look but they let us go The Land Rover belonged to Bevan Fenner , he was confident about its towing ability but it was a scary, slow trip back. Keith Hall, the guy we bought the WC21 from, was rather doubtful about our chances but the little Land Rover did the job......just .

Go for the D8A ...biggest problem will be the hubs for the CMP type wheels . Warren had some made specially