1944 C-15A-Wire-5 Restoration

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Robert Bergeron

The next challenge is to reproduce the stowage shelving in the left rear corner of the box . I took the pictures at the War Museum in Ottawa . They are from the late Me André Gibeau truck , God may have his soul .Could someone who has seen trucks in their original condition tell me if they are representative of the real thing ? Me Gibeau , i respectfuly suggest took some noticeable artistic liberties while restoring his truck and i wonder if the shelving is period correct .

Looks legit to me. More of your masonite for shelves (but only maybe 3/8" thick) on 1" angle frames angled up (or is that camera distortion? I recall angled but it's been a long time) to help keep things put. Footman loops to the inside with 1" web straps. Looks like a 1" by 1/8" bar welded on the side so things don't fall out. Note for some reason on my pics all but the top one have been cut off....strange someone would do that. It seems the bottom is covered front and side. The front would have to be removable (why waste the space?) but it's not clear how it fastens or is removed....I can't see any pulls or clips. That is if he front cover is even supposed to be there.

[Gord Falk]

My wireless box has the same storage rack. Let me know if you require any dimensions.

Gord Falk
Steinbach Manitoba

[Robert Bergeron]

Hi Gord , yes i do need dimensions please . I made some changes in the back there and repaired holes in the plywood and painted . Ready to receive the shelving . I will make them as soon as you can provide dimensions Gord . Thanks ! My experience with military vehicles is all empty space will be filled !

[Gord Falk]

The storage rack is built from 3/4 by 1/16 inch angle iron.

Measurements from the top to bottom a total height of 52 inches, total width 25 1/4 inches, (not including the strengthening bar on the side)

The unit has 4 shelves, measurements from the top of the storage unit to the top of the angle iron shelf, shelves slope toward the back:

All measurements in inches

shelf front rear
1 8 9 1/2
2 18 1/5 20
3 29 30 1/2
4 39 1/2 41

There is a stiffing slat 7/8 by 1/8 welded to side of the storage rack, from the top edge to the top of the 4th shelf angle iron (40 1/2) inches). Mine is welded 6 inches from the forward edge of the storage unit at the top to the leading edge of the slat and 6 3/8 from the edge of the storage unit to the leading edge of the bar at the 4 shelf angle iron. Note this stiffening piece was not included in the overall width measurement.

There is a sheet metal wall on the side of the unit at the bottom to make an enclosed compartment. It is made from 1/16 sheet metal and has a 90 degree bend with a 3/4 flap. Mine measures 10 1/2 back by 11 3/4 front and 13 3/4 length to the 90 degree bend.

On the opposite side 1/16 piece of metal was bend 90 degrees (3/4 by 3/4) and welded unto the bottom angle iron.
At the front facing bottom, a 90 degree angle iron 23 5/8 inch length of was welded. This made the 1/4 pocket for the door to slide into.

There were 4 Masonite shelves 3/16. They were attached to the angle iron by screws 3 on the front and back and two on the sides. They were drilled to fit a 1/4 machine screw. The holes were 3 1/2 inch from the outside edge inward on both front and sides and a middle hole drilled at the front and rear at 12 5/8. The Masonite holes were countersunk to provide for a flat surface.

Each of the 4 shelves had a canvas strap on the front to secure the contents. The footman loops were attached to the inside of the angle iron frame. The placement of the footman loops when measured from the top of the frame to where the top bolt of the footman loop would attach is 2 1/2, 13, 23 3/4, 33 3/4. The footman loops are the same as used on the rest of the wireless installations. Note that the screw holes on the 4th shelf are recessed to allow the sliding door to be lifted upward without any interference. I am not sure of the sliding door construction.

There are also holes drilled on the back wall angle iron to attach the the back wall of the wireless box. Again measured from the top of the unit the holes would be at 1 1/16,7 1/2, 19 1/2,31 5/8. 38, same on both sides.

Let me know if you need any further information and probably will need some clarification on my notes.

Gord

[Robert Bergeron]

Thank you soooo much Gord . Well done ! Q: What is the depth of the shelves ? What is the width of the cabinet side ? Any pictures of the enclosed section door ? Thanks again .

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Robert Bergeron

Thank you soooo much Gord . Well done ! Q: What is the depth of the shelves ? What is the width of the cabinet side ? Any pictures of the enclosed section door ? Thanks again .

And are the shelves horizontal or angled up at the front? Me says yes.....

[Robert Bergeron]

Bruce : Gord says they are angled . He provides heights rear and front : 8 & 9 1/2, 18 1/2 & 20 etc...