Our LRDG Chev

[Andrew H.]

There are two more in NZ that I know of - one finished and another under construction (both in the South Island). So that makes 7 in New Zealand, one in UK and one in California, making 9 in the world altogether. All are replicas of course, as none of the LRDG 1533X2 Chevs are known to have survived the war. The surviving LRDG Chev ("Waikaha") in the Imperial War Museum is an earlier WA or WB model, as are the three burnt-out wrecks in the desert at Jebel Sherif, Libya.

[lynx42]

Originally Posted by Andrew H.

There are two more in NZ that I know of - one finished and another under construction (both in the South Island). So that makes 7 in New Zealand, one in UK and one in California, making 9 in the world altogether. All are replicas of course, as none of the LRDG 1533X2 Chevs are known to have survived the war. The surviving LRDG Chev ("Waikaha") in the Imperial War Museum is an earlier WA or WB model, as are the three burnt-out wrecks in the desert at Jebel Sherif, Libya.

Don't forget my replica WA too.

Regards Rick.

[Kuno]

Quite a number of 1533x2 in NZ it seems - It seems they are planning something and want to re-establish the LRDG?

[Andrew H.]

Originally Posted by Kuno

Quite a number of 1533x2 in NZ it seems - It seems they are planning something and want to re-establish the LRDG?

Hi Kuno,
We can thank you and Brendan O'Carroll for the resurgence of interest in the LRDG in New Zealand. There are several recently-published books on the subject, all the result of excellent research. Well done!

[Andrew H.]

Originally Posted by lynx42

Don't forget my replica WA too.

Regards Rick.

Hi Rick,
That's a great truck you have there! I don't know of any Chev WAs being restored here as LRDG trucks. Unfortunately there seem to be very few of them in NZ (at least I haven't seen any). Otherwise I am sure there would be more WAs being restored here, particularly considering that the early Long Range Patrols were manned solely by New Zealanders. The later 1533X2 model is more numerous in NZ and its distinctive "waterfall" grille makes it a popular choice that captures the imagination of restorers.

[Andrew H.]

Attaching the sheet-metal to the rear cab proved to be quite difficult and a marathon effort, but we eventually got there. As we are completely inexperienced at welding everything requires a lot of planning beforehand and slows us down. It was found that cutting vertical slots in the curved corner panels and clamping them firmly against the old sheet-metal was the best way of welding them on(see pics attached).

[Andrew H.]

Yesterday we had a go at attaching the main rear panel between the two corner panels. First we ran the panel through the English wheel to put a slight curve on it. This acts like a swage by preventing the sheet-metal from bending in and out after it is attached. Then we butt-welded the main panel to the two corner panels and ground the welds off. Finally we gave it six coats of paint, including a final coat of matt finish. We are quite pleased with the result.

[Lynn Eades]

Great work Andrew!!. Very smart. Thanks for posting.

[hrpearce]

Originally Posted by Andrew H.

We are quite pleased with the result.

And so you should be that is excellent work.

[Andrew H.]

Today we attached the rear cab and sub-frame to the chassis. Its starting to look like a truck!