Chevrolet 1533X2 30-cwt trucks

[Charlie Down]

Hi Tony,
I was wondering about that piece. It wasn't painted, meaning it was fitted after the paint job or it was masked to stop paint clogging up machining on the fitting. It makes sense. Simple, effective and quick to mount/repair/use. Very MCP/CMP in character.
However, initially I looked at period photo's of the trucks, and later stowage setups which often involve large wooden or metal ammo chests bolted to the step. It didn't make sense that they would have to unbolt these boxes to get to the airline, then remount the boxes when they were finished.
I then put myself in their position and thought about the problem. What if they drilled a hole in the stowage/ammo box, fed the airline through the hole and attached to the connector and then bolted the box in place. They would then only have to open the box, take the airline out and engage the PTO to use it. It would be quicker and simpler, they would have the airline stowed where they need it (freeing up space else where), the airline would only take up a small area of the box allowing it to be filled with ammunition or other stowage.
The first photo show S1 Patrol in September 1942 ready to go. They all have a chest for 10 x 100round Vickers K gun drum magazines fitted on the step. So a fairly standard fit for this Patrol. If you did the above, drilled and fitted the airline in the box you would still have plenty of room for 9 drums of ammunition.
I really like that idea and have absolutely no evidence for it, apart from that it's easy to do and makes sense! Its exactly what I would do.
The other photo's show (when magnified) the fitting on trucks in the field and at the factory. The rhs is shown to show it wasn't fitted on both sides.

So I have a new theory/idea.

And what the hell is that flap all about!

[Tony Smith]

None of the stowage pics show the airline fitting blocked or covered, the boxes are at the rear of the step, the airline is at the front of the left side step.

You are in a flap about this so-called flap! What on earth are you talking about, what flap?

[Charlie Down]

This photo shows what looks like a flap, which is what I'm trying to sort out. It has generated lots of conversations on here and the LRDG preservation society facebook page. Initially I thought it was the airline connection and started looking for evidence to prove this, which has by a convoluted path led me here where I am sure its not, but don't know what its is. So yes I'm 'flapping' about a flap, but what I really want to work out is how the airline was set up from the pump because it's never really been discussed in LRDG circles, but apparently MCP/CMP forums are much better informed!

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Charlie Down

This photo shows what looks like a flap, which is what I'm trying to sort out. It has generated lots of conversations on here and the LRDG preservation society facebook page. Initially I thought it was the airline connection and started looking for evidence to prove this, which has by a convoluted path led me here where I am sure its not, but don't know what its is. So yes I'm 'flapping' about a flap, but what I really want to work out is how the airline was set up from the pump because it's never really been discussed in LRDG circles, but apparently MCP/CMP forums are much better informed!

Charlie, that "flap" may be something else? A small tin with cigarettes, spare tyre valves, or ???

[Charlie Down]

I thought maybe a note book. Its something though, and whatever it is, it has led us to the right answer. Thanks Tony for solving this. I'm putting this one to bed now, job done.

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by Charlie Down

This photo shows what looks like a flap, which is what I'm trying to sort out.

What I see in that pic is the truck has got a flat tyre, and the crew have delegated the Sikh Trooper to be the one to change it. Meanwhile, the rest of the crew have taken the opportunity for a Smoko break, and the Trooper nearest the door has decided to help himself to a tin of Bully Beef.

[Charlie Down]

Hi Tony

Hopefully last question.

In this compilation view, are these levers for the PTO, or for something else such as a 2 Speed axle , as has been suggested elsewhere? (no mention of a 2 speed axle in the LRDG specification, but it does have details such as the rear axle ratio, so would have thought it would be mentioned if fitted)
Earlier you said that a slot was cut in the floor (photo attached of a floor for a LRDG conversion project) that allowed a screwdriver to be inserted to engage the PTO, but the drawings of the parts diagram shows a lever as part of the PTO compressor kit. Did the screwdriver fit into the end of this lever or was there an extension lever up into the cab?

Just seeking clarification.

Thank you for clearing this all up

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by Charlie Down

Hi Tony

Earlier you said that a slot was cut in the floor (photo attached of a floor for a LRDG conversion project) that allowed a screwdriver to be inserted to engage the PTO, but the drawings of the parts diagram shows a lever as part of the PTO compressor kit. Did the screwdriver fit into the end of this lever or was there an extension lever up into the cab?

Thank you for clearing this all up

Those levers are for the Eaton 2 speed rear axle.

There is no "lever" in that parts diagram. The pump has a fixed vertical shaft with a screwdriver slot in the top, and the lower end has a fork. This fork engages a sliding gear. When the shaft is rotated with a screwdriver, the fork pushes the gear rearwards to mesh with both the countershaft in the gearbox, and the crankshaft of the pump.

[Charlie Down]

Thanks Tony,
Perfectly clarified!
Thank you for your patience and help.
Hope you have a good day down there, stay safe.
Charlie