Ford V8 Bofors Gun tractor advice please

andrew honychurch · #1 07-06-10, 20:42

Hi there, my father has a Ford 4x4 truck with a No 13 cab and a Bofors Gun carrier body on the back. Its been about 30 years since I saw this vehicle as its stored away in his toy cuboard but I am getting increasingly interested in it. I recall it has a big centre mounted drum winch and fair leads through the front bumper. It had been used as a timber tractor but Dad was able to buy the body from John Marchant here in the UK who was an avid Canadian Vehicle Collector. So my question is, does anyone have any photos or manuals on this particular variant? Also, is this regarded as a rare and desirable vehicle? I recall that the cab had seen better days. Presumably there are fabricators who can make most of the cab, its not particularly complicated.

Hanno Spoelstra · #2 07-06-10, 21:06

Andrew,

Sounds like a LAAT, Light AA Artillery Tractor.

You have been bitten by the virus, no doubt about that - well done!

Hanno

andrew honychurch · #3 08-06-10, 09:23

looking at your attachement, thats definitely the vehicle albeit it the later cab as in the drawing. Its on 16 inch rims from recollection. I will try to get out there soon and take some photos out of interest. I dont assume there are that many left extant in the world. I recall I Scotman driving one of these all over the UK and Europe, but it may have been a Chev not sure. thx

Keith Orpin · #4 08-06-10, 11:38

Hi Andrew,
Firstly, welcome to the wonderful world of CMP's. As Hanno has already pointed out it sounds like you are looking at a 13 cab Ford LAAT, and if it's sitting on 16 " rims, it's probably an F30 version, which makes it quite rare. There is another forum member who has saved one of these (and an F60 version) and is currently rebuilding the F60 LAAT, as the F30 is pretty far gone . The scotsman you mentioned is Tom Berwick, he has an F60 LAAT, and still attends events both here in the UK and Europe.
As for me, I have the Chevrolet version, a C30 LAAT, which has been to several shows here in the UK, and was in France for the 65th anniversary, (see attached picture) Apart from the rear body, virtually everything else between the Ford and the Chev is different, (although the winch is the same !). Looking forward to seeing some pictures shortly, and you will get plenty of useful help and assistance on this forum
Regards
Keith

andrew honychurch · #5 09-06-10, 22:14

Hi Keith, thanks for the reply. Of course its Tom Bewick, I forgot his name. Having been on most of the early Pete Gray trips starting in 1974 I am sure he was on most of those too. Certainly, he is a very familiar MV particpant. There is some confusion right now about our LAAT. Having spoken to Dad last night, his name is Bob by the way, he tells me its a 30cwt but from recollection it is on 10.50 x20 wheels. I an not sure its on personally, but until I get out to the shed I cannot tell for sure. I know the instrument panel was shot......are these available as a reproduction ? If not what the answer I wonder.although I am a long way from worrying about the finishing touches!

Edit......having looked at your photo in more detail, I assume your Chev is on 16 in rims? If so, I have to say that it looks very like ours , which makes it an F30 which you say is rare?

Richard Farrant · #6 09-06-10, 23:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrew honychurch

There is some confusion right now about our LAAT. Having spoken to Dad last night, his name is Bob by the way, he tells me its a 30cwt

If so, I have to say that it looks very like ours , which makes it an F30 which you say is rare?

Hello Andrew,

Good to see you are getting back into the green stuff

In John Marchant's little book, there is the Canadian Register within, with direct copies of the forms sent in to him. Your father has it down as a F60S. He has entered "rebuilding 12/81".

regards, Richard

andrew honychurch · #7 10-06-10, 08:35

Hi Richard.......hope you are well. Rebuilding 1981 huh? I will have to remind him of that one! Well F60s it would appear it is then. Thanks for that. pm sent

Keith Orpin · #8 10-06-10, 22:22

Hi Andrew,
(Quote: I know the instrument panel was shot......are these available as a reproduction ?)
Is she fitted with the early type dash or later one with 5 standard US instruments, i.e. like the jeep and Dodge. The answer is yes, repro early dashes are availiable, as are the switches and plates, again both early and late. My guess is that she is probably a 44/45 F60S, which should point towards a late style dash, which could be fabricated. Are there any data plates on the drivers door ?.
Best thing is to get some pictures of her on here !
Regards
Keith

maverick · #9 12-06-10, 13:46

Hi Andrew when i got my 2 bofors tractors there was a third that i have a later type instrument panel that is salvageable, front axle ( F30 ) and winch from if you get stuck. Regards Alan.