Identity crisis...
I have asked several folks on FH but they can't help. I have a mystery Mk1. It has the features of Canadian vehicles, as follows:
1. Came with US M-series marker light pots on hand-built heavy steel brackets. I can't stand them and removed.
2. Guard bars over oil cooler
3. US Vietnam-era alternator installed and generator box gone; many taped wire joints. Civilian turn-signal unit hose-clamped to steering gear (original missing).
4. Cold-start modification (hole punched in carburettor horn)
5. Tubular marker light guards on all fenders
6. Angle front/side windows
7. Red leatherette seat cushions (remains)
8. Evidence of removed data plate over driver's right shoulder
9. Many disused studs welded around interior. I cut off 56 of them.
10. Eight flame-cut holes in rear for mounting UNEF auxiliary gas cans.
11. Upper rear spare threaded stud cut off
12. There are NO hull numbers anywhere
13. There is a nice number stamped at the lower edge of the Glacis plate: 00002 0039
14. I found a RCEME rebuild tag on the transmission, dated 1978
15. Several main armor plates are lightly stamped with various numbers, all starting with D 59, then 3 or 4 more digits on the next line
16. I found an interesting number magic-markered on the underside of the angled piece of sheet steel on top of the stowage bin under the left escape hatch; 58395. Could it be vehicle #395, contract year 1958?
17. I received the vehicle with nasty hand-daubed green camo paint and no identifying numbers. Unfortunately I was not present during sandblasting, and information could have been lost at that time.
18. The previous owner never did much to the vehicle over the 15 years he had it. He lived north of Chicago. It was really ugly when it arrived here (Ft. Lauderdale) but the engine ran nicely. Neither the previous owner nor I ever moved it under its own power. I haven't checked bevel boxes or fluid coupling, but the gearbox has nice lube in it.
OK, guys...let's put our heads and collected knowledge together and identify this machine. Serious restoration is underway, and I will need something credible to put on the title application. If you need further information, I can be your eyes.
John Kessler
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