What an imagination. This guy ought to write fiction.


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Dodge Power Wagon Forum ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by Brian in Oregon on August 05, 2000 at 20:15:21:

In Reply to: 1940 "WC" on ebay take a look. Not mine. posted by Allen patnode on August 05, 2000 at 19:45:52:

193?-1940 Very early Dodge 3/4 Ton WC (Weapons Carrier). Unique, one of a kind 3/4 Ton with interesting history. I purchased this truck some years ago in England and brought it back to the U.S. The current odometer reading is 136 miles, but I had to replace this a couple of years back, that's why miles read so low, however, there are less the 1000 miles on truck since restoration. Some research has been doen to try and find out more about this vehicle. With the assistance of a friend who is a researcher for Jane's Military Publication, we believe (but can not prove) the following. The truck appears to be on of the very 1st Dodge's shipped out for service in WWII, and was given to the Canadian forces on the 'Lend/Lease' program. This is appears to be borne out by the fact that this is definetly a 3/4 Ton chassis (proven by serial #'s), but has the early Rzeppa joints used in the front end, which only the early production vehicles had. The vehicle must have seen service in the Africa campaigns, and at some point must have been captured by the German forces. As with most armed forces who ran short of usable vehicles, the German motor poole must have taken the truck and rebuild & replaced damaged or broken parts with whatever they had lying around. An indication of this is the very utilitarian style bench seat instead of the standard bucket seats and some of the body panels. Also, the drive shaft which was replaced during restoration was machined from a solid piece of steel! None of the Allied forces would have gone to this expense and trouble, but the Germans might have. Later in the campaigns, or at the end of the war, the truck found it's way back into Allied hands, and once again, the British motor poole specialist refitted the vehicle with parts they had from other vehicles. Eventually ended up in the U.K., and many of the British parts are still on the vehicle, including the gas tank, turn signals, lights & reflectors (all Lucas), just to name a few. Since I have not had the time to use this vehicle over the past 7 years, some things have needed to be done since it was restored. All drive line seals have been replaced, new wheel cylinders, master cylinders and brakes have been installed. A new water pump, water distribution pipes and thermostat have been installed. This truck has an extremely strong T214 staight 6, and is an absolutely fabulous runner. Very unique, starts conversations and stops traffic anywhere it goes, and certainly gets the most attention at shows. Download zip set of pictures (.jpg) at: www.patcohvac.com/dodge/dodge.zip Vehicle FOB Pennsauken NJ, can arrange for low cost delivery with 100 miles of Philadelphia, will help arrange shipping, buyer responsible for all charges. 1/3 deposit of final price due with 7 days of close of auction, balance due with 20 days.

"Definitely a 3/4 ton chassis, as proven by serial numbers". What a laugh. It is a 1/2 ton chassis and anyone can see that regardless of what the serials "prove". "Captured by the Germans in North Africa". Uh huh, yeah, sure.

Nice looking truck, but it is not a restoration. It has been modified. However, from the description, it may well be able to be restored back correctly once the Lucas electrical was junked. (And believe me, junking is too good for Lucas electrical systems).



Follow Ups:



Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Dodge Power Wagon Forum ] [ FAQ ]