Valve cover

[Bob Carriere]

Hi Mike

You may be right on the gas tank..... I now have two tanks off the water truck with the long angled neck which would be more appropriate with the tool box... I do not intend to be a purist... but stay close to original if I can.... one of the water truck tank is very good and could be used with a sealer... the other has a bad rusted bottom... but I am prepared to try to fix it... with a proper sealer probably can have a functional second tank... that wouold leave me with a surplus driver's side tank witht he reserve valve which may be more appropriate for a C8.

I have sealed old tractor gas tank with both POR and Bill Hirsch special coating with excellent results.

AS to the cargo box... my C15 has the typical metal GS box..... a good model to do a repro.... thanks for the tip on plans..... may also find some relevant info from the CDN war museum here in Ottawa. With all the rust, missing drop sides, missign tail gate I am almost convinced to do a repro..... I have a few friend in the metal fabrication business who could help cut bend and form the necessary pieces and I could weld the assembly. My current box had the rear wheel boxes cut and folded down withthe top piece crudely welded in... could reverse the process but would require a lot of patching. When you really have a close look at the GS box... most of it is flat steel... and 90 degree bends...which is more than feasible. Between palns and visual help from museum trucks I should be able to pull it off.

My goal for this Summer/year is to strip down the truck and focus on the power train.... including rebuilding a 1958 fuel delivery truck Chev engine...261 with full oil filter.... prep and paint the frame and instal new or near new 9 x 16 tires on cleaned up rims.

Next year will tackle the body and box and will need some body work expertise as it is not my bag......

I am aiming for a runner for the opening of the new CDN war museum in May 2005......


One of my project for this Summer is to photo document all the various makes and models of 9 x 16 tires I have on hand... including some civilian pattern 1940ish tires which may be original of what was installed on CMP for Canadian based trucks..... than download on your site for world wide reference availability. I only hope that one day the Indian chevron tires will be available at a reasonable price to collectors world wide.

I really appreciate your sharing of experience and knowledge. This weekend is the CMP BBQ were no doubt many stories and cold long necks will be shared..... should be interesting as long as I can remember what was discussed the next day!!!!

I know it is Winter for you guys... God knows you have no idea of what a real Winter really is.... but now it is our Summer at 36 C and humidex at 40+ ..... beer weather!!!