New to the Shilo Museum:WW1 Cadillac Ambulance

[rob love]

Pretty much all the srufaces and boxes have either khaki or hints of khaki paint on them. At some point it was repainted yellow although most of that has flaked off now. There is lettering on the sides which I hoped would reveal some of it's military history, however it turns out it reads "Osbourne Garage phone 2330" or something similar.

Apologies for the dark photos, we just got it to the shop an hour ago, and as it was the end of the day did not turn on the lights.

Hopefully we can find some photos of similar ambulances in Canadian service, unless this one was a "one off".

[lynx42]

Originally Posted by rob love

Hopefully we can find some photos of similar ambulances in Canadian service, unless this one was a "one off".

What a great acquisition for the museum , Rob. Is the plan to restore or to conserve it as it is with enough work to get it usable?

You might find that some wealthy person or organization donated their car to the cause and that it was converted to the ambulance you see today. There are quite a few recorded that way in England and many were on Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost chassis as like the Cadillac, the long chassis length was needed to enable stretchers to be fitted behind the front seat.

I will watch with interest.

Regards Rick

[lynx42]

I just had another look at the photos of this fantastic WWI relic and I wonder if it is in fact not an ambulance but a general service utility. It looks to be a bit short for stretchers and the rear access is limited for the stretchers as well.

There were many Dodge vehicles fitted with a similar body used by the USA forces during WWI.

An interesting conundrum.

Regards Rick

[rob love]

The plan will be to bring it to the level of running restoration. Things like the wooden firewall are too far gone to be saves, but 90% of the woodwork in the back just needs some of the extra nails etc removed and some fresh paint. Luckily the two tire sizes are both available, so hopefully it will be rolling within a few weeks. Engine work will come later.

I have heard tale of that one of the small towns bought their unit an ambulance. The signage that was with this vehicle mentioned it was used at camp Hughes, which is just next to Shilo. What the real story is will hopefully come out at some point.

[David Dunlop]

Rob.

A quick look on the web tonight suggests that most ambulance markings on WW1 equipment with canvas tops, were, in fact, on the canvas, so if the original top is still with the vehicle, it may have some answers for you.

Nice find!

David

[rob love]

I missed Rick's earlier post where he mentioned it could be an early GS. I have to admit the thought crossed through my mind as well when I looked at that narrow rear entrance. Hopefully the tarpaulin will tell me more. Pretty much all the Cdn ambs that I could find photos of had solid bodies, and not hoops and canvas.

Either way I have to admit I am quite excited by the prospect of working on this one. The state of preservation on the wood is remarkable.

[derk derin]

Rob,
That truck looks better than I thought it was looking at it in Elkhorn.Shouldn't be difficult to restore with it fairly complete especially if you can save the rims & spokes for the wheels.Wish I was closer to help you with it but have to concentrate on the wedding that's coming up soon!
Derk

[rob love]

I spent the morning cleaning through the treasures and rubbish that had collecCted in the back of the truck. There were a few pleasant surprises.

I can confirm it is a 1912 Cadillac by the serial number. I also found the electric starter in the back. These were supposedly the first autos with an electric starter, which actually startes the engine through the timing gears rather than the flywheel. It also uses a 6 volt system, but by changing the batteries circuitry for start up, provides 24 volts to the starter. While that starter is there, someone has converted it to a more conventional 5 volt starter (still through the timing gears however).

The bulk of the woodwork is there for the canopy over the driver. The bulk of the military canvas is also there. No signs of red crosses anywhere, nor any signs that a stretcher would fit into the truck.

Amazingly, the canvas for the front still included the plastic (?) windows in remarkable shape for a 103 year old vehicle.

I had to leave the job to finish up a carb rebuild on the lynx, but tomorrow I'll vacuum out the dirt and dust, place back into it what belongs to her, and she will have to wait her turn for work. There are one or two other projects that have to be done first.

Wish I was closer to help you with it but have to concentrate on the wedding that's coming up soon!

What can one say to that.