Chassis Numbers?

Monstermania1 · #1 08-06-05, 12:43

How can I find out the date of manufacture of my WC 52? The chassis number is 81556444.

David_Hayward (RIP) · #2 08-06-05, 16:29

My MODEL IDENTIFICATION AND SPECIFICATION CHART shows that Dodge T214 models, Model Code WC-52, were all built in 1942.

If the engine is original there should be a casting date code on the block which might assist in pinning down a likely date...add a month or so for chassis assembly.

Monstermania1 · #3 09-06-05, 10:28

Quote:

Originally posted by David_Hayward
My MODEL IDENTIFICATION AND SPECIFICATION CHART shows that Dodge T214 models, Model Code WC-52, were all built in 1942.

If the engine is original there should be a casting date code on the block which might assist in pinning down a likely date...add a month or so for chassis assembly.

Thanks David, I will check this out. Steve (monstermania1)

Lynn Eades · #4 09-06-05, 11:09

David, I have no documented info here but i believe that the T214 STARTED in 1942 but ceased production around the end of the war. Some T214 models, like theWC55 were built only in 42. but the T214 covers quite a few models.
I say this in the nicest possible way, having just had my butt kicked over the FMC/FMCo. I was under the mis-apprehension that the Food thingy company made carrier parts. Its funny how we lodge these facts in our heads only to find out years later, how wrong we were. The trouble with the forum is that when we dig ourselves into a hole, every one gets to look down the hole, and some of them dont just look!
Bact to the Dodge thing if Monstermania1 has his cargo bed plate,(on the front of the cargo bed) it will have the build date on it.
The site.www.powerup.com.au shows several in the 1943-45 range, but they have serial numbers starting 816... and 817...Im guessing 81556444 is probably about Aug/Sept 42.

David_Hayward (RIP) · #5 09-06-05, 11:18

Lynn, and Steve I have two sets of information to go on: the first is the massive listing of all Chrysler group serials etc. which includes US and Government jobs-this lists a broad band of serials for that type of chassis and 1942-45. However the US Identification sheet I mentioned lists the various types and chassis number starts etc. I cannot reconcile the chassis number quoted with the listing and it might be helpful to advise which model WC-52 it was originally, e.g. did it have a winch?

Steve, I wonder if you used to work out of Dolphin in Gosport? My wife's grandfather was responsible for all the forts along the coast including Brockhouse and Nelson after WW1. He used to live in Stokes Bay and that's where my late father-in-law was born and grew up. However rather than the Navy he elected for the RAF and then trained in Canada as everyone probably knows by now.

Rolf S. Ask · #6 09-06-05, 20:18

As you all have mentioned the Dodge WC series was built between 42 and 45.
I do have a small overview of serial numbers somewhere in my car-pool, and will see if I can find it tomorrow and post it here.
There was many significante changes of the Dodges during the war, and many of them are easy to recognise. I did write an article some Years back on Dodges and will see if I can dig it out and translate it.

One feature to recognise is the body. Early bodies did reach all the way down to the step on the passengers side, while later ones did end abouth 3 inches above. And there was more changes to the body. Another change is the grille, where the early ones did have bars going true the horisontal stifferner, while later grilles had them welded outside on the cross bar.
And do remember, it is only the early Dodge WC series that is to carry the Dodge sign on top of the radiator...

Lynn Eades · #7 09-06-05, 22:35

David, The WC52 is a Weapons carrier with winch, The WC51 is a Weapons carrier (without winch).

Lynn Eades · #8 09-06-05, 22:58

Try again,this link. http://homepage.powerup.com.au/-djr/
Sorry guys, I'm learning

David_Hayward (RIP) · #9 10-06-05, 00:14

Quote:

The WC52 is a Weapons carrier with winch, The WC51 is a Weapons carrier (without winch).

Quite so thanks! New glasses and I cannot read the numbers so well at my age. My listing suggests start serial # at 91529001 of which 2,172 were built. The serial number series also includes other WC- series trucks.

I had a problem with the link so this is what I came up with after redirection:
http://dodge.at.war.9online.fr/index.../page0009.html

Lynn Eades · #10 10-06-05, 07:51

Hi, David and Monstermania1, In the site you found is a link at the bottom of the page. The one I was trying to get you to.
Go visit

David_Hayward (RIP) · #11 10-06-05, 08:50

http://homepage.powerup.com.au/~djr/data2.html

It was not 'playing ball' yesterday our time! I had forgotten this site thanks Lynn!

Monstermania1 · #12 10-06-05, 09:53

Quote:

Originally posted by David_Hayward
http://homepage.powerup.com.au/~djr/data2.html

It was not 'playing ball' yesterday our time! I had forgotten this site thanks Lynn!

Lynn, David, WOW! This is great. Thanks very much to both of you for your help. I will check these sites and keep my fingers crossed. It does look like the age is going to be around 1942 Aug. Which also ties in with my own birthday. Good init? I will post the final date as and when I can confirm it. Thanks again to you both. ps are either of you going to Beltring this year?

Lynn Eades · #13 11-06-05, 03:58

Steve. the best way if you still have your cargo bed (tray in N.Z.) There should be a large brass plate screwed to the front of it,just behind the passengers seat its about six or seven inches wide and about two inches deep. it will have a production date stamped on it. Remember the American system of Month/Day/Year etc

gordon · #14 11-06-05, 08:57

Well there are a lot of ways to date the WC Weapons Carrier, some have already been mentioned above. The Weapons Carriers were the only T214 engineering code 3/4 tons to be produced from 1942 right through to the end of the war (ish) In no particular order;

Engine and chassis numbers.

Blackout light and wiring terminals for it.

'Wire in' or 'wire on' front grilles

Symettrical headlight guards or not (never could spell that)

Dodge badge on radiator shell (very early)

Double curve front wings on really early short wheelbase trucks

Body versus running board lenght / proportion.

Body height at front corner.

Proportion of wood to metal in rear body (late bodies had more wood and less metal)

Small or large diameter fuel filler.

Small or large axle pumpkins and driveshaft couplings.

Tall or short front seat base sides.

6 volt or 12 volt (yes, VERY late trucks were 12 volt so they could fit radios)

2 valve (domed) or 6 valve (flat) fuel pumps

Zenith or carter Carburetor.

etc,

etc.

The only truly original Weapons Carriers I've ever seen came from Norway, which ended up with a pile of the really early trucks, but in principle just date your chassis number from the list on the WW2 Motor Pool and as long as the body and running boards look right on it you'll be fine.

Never owned one myself of course, just about eight other Dodges from that period.

Gordon

Monstermania1 · #15 11-06-05, 09:22

Quote:

Originally posted by Lynn Eades
Steve. the best way if you still have your cargo bed (tray in N.Z.) There should be a large brass plate screwed to the front of it,just behind the passengers seat its about six or seven inches wide and about two inches deep. it will have a production date stamped on it. Remember the American system of Month/Day/Year etc

Guys, Gordon and Lynn, thanks very much for the expertise and guidence. I'm sure it will only be time now before I get the thing nailed good and proper. Thanks again.
Steve

Monstermania1 · #16 11-06-05, 09:22

Quote:

Originally posted by Lynn Eades
Steve. the best way if you still have your cargo bed (tray in N.Z.) There should be a large brass plate screwed to the front of it,just behind the passengers seat its about six or seven inches wide and about two inches deep. it will have a production date stamped on it. Remember the American system of Month/Day/Year etc

Lynn, Thanks very much.
Steve