1944 C-15A-Wire-5 Restoration

[David Dunlop]

Robert.

The screen guards for the Gen Box are a flat diamond pattern. The flat version of the Chev radiator grill. It is in a one inch wide frame, pressed flat over the edges of the screen with 45 degree mitre welded in each corner. It is held in place by four steel pins welded to the frame: two top, two bottom. If you look closely in the upper and lower slots where the screens sit, you will see the holes for the pins. The bottom pins are shorter than the upper pins. You slide the screen in at the top first and then swing the bottom into place and lower it.

Somebody with a surviving example can probably post photos of the details and exact measurements for you.

David

[Bob Carriere]

Picture reads chassis weight at 4690 pounds and max at 8600 pounds which is the published data for a standard C15a General Service truck with a steel box such as the 2C1.

I would bet donuts to dollars that it is not original to a radio truck with a 2K1 box. We have to remember that engine covers do get changed during the life of a CMP.

I totally agree with Rich that it is easier to fly below the radar when it comes to licensing weight.

Cheers

[Robert Bergeron]

David,

Picture one is for you but unless you point me to a reputable source for me to get that kind of screen , no joy.

I played under the truck today and i am sore all over.

Found the original holes under the steel floor for the battery box brackets .

Installed the battery hold down brackets using the holes i drilled through the plywood floor using the original holes in the steel floor. Picture two and three. It is a tight fit for the battery boxes between the rods.

Found the original holes for the radio operator' s seat bracket . Drillled the plywood floor again from underneath and put in four 3/8 bolts to secure the seat bracket . Picture 4. We see them here but they are not tightened. Still trying to figure out how the seat base is attached to the bracket.

Worked on making a mock up of the Jerrycan holders that go under the rear bottom of the box to come up with some credible measurements to fabricate and weld later a proper unit. Picture 5 .


Bob , we will not discuss gross weight anymore please. It is a nightmare for HMV collectors here. Many thanks my good friend.

[Robert Bergeron]

More on the Jerrycan holder.

The steel rods are lined up with the original holes in the box support beams.

Is it not odd that the holder would be that wide just for one Jerrycan on both sides of the box ?

[Alex van de Wetering]

Is it not odd that the holder would be that wide just for one Jerrycan on both sides of the box ?

Hi Robert. I agree...it does look odd, but that being said I haven't checked any period pictures, so I don't know what the original setup would look like.

But, I think you shouldn't just look at straight rods, but more towards L-shaped strip. This would allow to either make the holder narrower for one jerrycan....or bigger if you turn them around and make a holder for two jerrycans.

Your current mockup looks like it could be a good fit for 2 POW cans stacked on top of eachother, but with a 1944 truck I think a holder for a jerrycan is more likely to be original spec.

By the way....are you sure the holes closest to the wheel are for the can holder? I think they could also be the holes for the strips holding the mud flaps(?)


Alex

p.s. Great to see a Wire5 coming back to life!

[David Dunlop]

Alex.

As you suggested, flat strap iron bent to accommodate two cans either side. Mud flap assembly mounts at front end of jerry can rack. Might even be one integral assembly.

David

[Robert Bergeron]

David my friend. Are you sure they have to fit 2 X 20 litre Jerrycans each side . That's a lot of fuel = 80 L ! Cheers. Robert