Cliff, get yourself a copy of Alan Smith's book (Top bloke, obviously no relation
!) "Convoy's up the track". He talks about his service in the NT transport companies during WW2. Trucks used were Ford, Chev, Inter, and GMC. Interesting pics of all sort of hot weather modifications to keep the trucks running cool, like the removal of the front guards and engine side cowl in your pic.
If your local bookshop can't get a copy, PM me.