Radiator cover TL3473

[Andrew Rowe]

I have a Canadian Mk1 with a ply cover in front of the radiator, TL3473 , original. the Question being, is this to lessen fan noise or is it for carriers in colder climates to restrict airflow? over to you guys.

[Ben]

I believe it's to help in the cold weather. Where the board is stored on each MK of carrier is a debate in itself.

Ben

[Ron Pier]

Why can't I find that part number TL3473? Mine is TL853SA???


Ron

[Ben]

Ron, the board itself is TL3473 my early parts list doesn't have TL853SA could it be specific to a MK2?

The SA part I think is an sub assembly number. British parts books list a "SA" number then below brake down the assembly into each component part number.

Ben

[Lynn Eades]

Andrew, It is described as a "Blanking Board".I think it's main purpose is to stop the little sabastians from wrecking the fins of your radiator, when you let them climb in for a look.
Ron, not sure how it all ties up, but the board (as Ben already said ) by it's self was a TL3473.
I think your number refers to an assembly (mid war???) with the 3 rivets holding the dished washer in the board. The later Canadian parts list still lists the TL3473, but says not to demand it, rather order the CTL242A as a complete assembly, which was then replaced by a CO1UC 105115A then a CO1UC 105115B.
I think the difference is in fine detail as they all seem to be interchangeable between all models.

[Jordan Baker]

The blanking board was used to cover over tr radiator during cold weather. Same idea as a radiator cover on trucks in tue winter. Helps to get the engine up to running temps quicker.

Does nothing to help lessen the fan noise. Only way to do that is shut the engine off.

As for where it is stored I seem to remember seeing something saying it was stored behind the gunners seat back. It fits really well there and doesn't move around at all.

[Michael R.]

Stowage location of the cold weather blanking board depends on MK-I series or MK-I/MK-II upgrade and MK-II production. You would not be placing the blanking board behind a MK-II style gunner seat back.

As a result, there are slight differences in the board to accommodate a retaining bolt hole in one corner. That would allow the MK-II* board to be stowed along the lower hull left sidewall at the gunner left leg, similar to the BREN cleaning rod location on some of the MK-I/MK-I* series where equipped with a BREN. One of the left hand grip retention nuts is replaced with a CTL 14333 knurled knob, and the board is fitted on the stud and retained by the knob.

The blanking board compliments those additional efforts with the cold climate kit including the canvas engine cover opening, swinging deflector plate in the engine ventilator intake opening, and sliding rear lower engine cover panel.

[Andrew Rowe]

Hi guys , Thanks for the replies, they are a real help.

[Ron Pier]

Well done M.R. Ron

[Lynn Eades]

Just to add to this thread.
The hole in the div plate in my AOP MkIIIw is bigger than the earlier carriers. This might also account for variation in part numbers.
I Imagine this was a std. thing with the later (no air ducts) MkIIIs

[RichardT10829]

when not stowed, or used to blank the rad aperture, they make fantastic trays to eat ones supper from

[Michael R.]

Could someone please share some details in Chilwell 63/90: . . . 'Instructions to Guide the Preparation of Carriers Universal . . . for Sub-Zero Operations . . .'


I am looking for detail on the sliding lower engine covers that can close off the area beside the fuel tanks. Nigel W. in UC VOL II at page 276 reports on the blanking board as well as the British MK-II and MK-II MMG carrier modifications to the deflector, as well as the canvas 'muff' over the ventilation screen.

Perhaps a cold weather operations modifications guide exists in the Canadian Bulletins ?

[Mike Gurr]

Resurrecting an old thread with a new question. Does anyone have the correct size for the blanking board on a Canadian No2 MK2*. I have what appears to be the original board but it also seems to be slightly too short. I have all the correct fixtures in the Carrier hull but the board does not reach the floor fittings when in the carried position and when mounted in front of the radiator it looks too short. Mine measures 22" tall buy 11 3/4" wide and 3/8" thick plywood. My guess is that for some unknown reason approx 1" has been cut off the top of the board.

[Ron Pier]

I'll measure mine in the morning Mike. Ron

[Ron Pier]

Picture. Ron

[Ron Pier]

Mine is 23" tall and 11" wide with one hole in the top corner. Ron

[Mike Gurr]

Thanks Ron, it looks like my guess was correct and 1" has been cut off the top.

[Ron Pier]

Joinery skills to the fore! Ron

[Tom Millward]

Hi Mike,

I have an original Mk1* blanking board I can measure if it's any use to you, which I think is the same board that was referred to at the start of the post, as I now own one of Mr Rowe's Carriers.

Regards,

Tom

[Mike Gurr]

Thanks Tom but Ron's 23" seems right looking at how much my board is short. Just wish someone hadn't cut the end of the board, why!!

[Ron Pier]

Mike I would try to add the missing inch. I'm no carpenter, but I'd draw round the end of your board on another piece of 3/8 ply and cut out that shape with a jig saw to include the curved ends. Cut it off at 1 inch, glue it and screw it with sunken head screws through the top. Final shaping and filling with body filler before painting. It would probably be advantageous to chamfer the mating edges before joining them. Ron