MKII Canadian, Straps. Discussion thread

[B. Harris]

Greetings all.
Putting finishing touch's on my MKII. A 40 year project/journey.

I would like to start a thread on the MKII stowage and closure straps and loops used to strap; tools, covers, weapons etc.
This thread can be referenced as restorations progress or as interest remains.

Please add the best pictures you have of ORIGINAL straps for reference to all.
Measurements and construction details are encouraged

Thanks and we all look forward to the results.
Cheers,
Harris

I can start with the Bren Gun hold down strap.

2 parts
1st C31UCW 104413 Strap and buckle assembly
2nd C31UCW 104416 Strap and buckle assembly
Page, 316 parts manual
Unknown what part number applies to the lower or upper.

[Colin Alford]

Bruce,

There appears to be a typo in your first part number. It should read C31UCW 104413.

Attached are some images of an NOS C31UCW 104413 strap. It is very similar the the closing strap on the CTL 14076 B Pouch - detachable (“Bail out bag”). On the Bren gun butt strap the wide portion of the buckle is co-located with the pull tab whereas on the Pouch - detachable, the narrow buckle is co-located with the pull tab.

I have not handled an original C31UCW 104416 to know the specific details. My interpretation of the images in your post is that it might be 1” webbing (this would fit nicely through the buckle) as opposed to 1.25” webbing as I do not see any evidence of pinching of the webbing as is evident on the Pouch - detachable.

Hopefully another member will have details on C31UCW 104416.

Colin

[Michael R.]

Trivia Question

Which post-production strap(s) introduced in wartime 1944/45 for the C31UCW is made from leather?

[Ron Pier]

I haven't checked in a parts list, but I'm hoping is the two "hold tight!" straps that hang each side of the engine cover. Ron?

[Robert Bergeron]

I have seen 3 hold on tight leather staps on stowage illustrations . Two on the gunner side and one on the driver side .

[Michael R.]

Originally Posted by Michael R.

Trivia Question
Which post-production strap(s) introduced in wartime 1944/45 for the C31UCW is made from leather?

The C31UCW rear compartment passenger hand straps (6 each) are looped web material. (Ron P., Rowbear B.)

The post-production leather strap(s) introduced in wartime 1944/45 for the C31UCW is part of an assembly not found in the 1944 Ford Canada publication date Illustrated Parts Manual, FUC-03.

Mr. Watson of Caledonia knows what assembly this is. Anyone reading (Watson) U.C. Volume II may find the assembly.


.

[Robert Bergeron]

Michael R my friend , i am peeling my eyes off trying to find in Nigel’s book the second set of leather straps that replace the fabric ones . Could you please be more specific ? I have seen only one on each side of the engine compartment . Rowbear

[Michael R.]

Originally Posted by Robert Bergeron

Michael R my friend , i am peeling my eyes off trying to find in Nigel’s book the second set of leather straps that replace the fabric ones . Could you please be more specific ? I have seen only one on each side of the engine compartment . Rowbear

Yes, others have also searched diligently. I know the strap portion of the assembly will not indicate it is made from leather in the two locations the part appears in Nigel’s Volume II.

The change is covered in a DME. I will get some images together for this weekend. Some years ago Brian Asbury posted images and asked for help identifying the part. On many occasions the leather has deteriorated with only the portion under the attaching point remaining.