I've been pretty quiet here, but have reactivated my restoration thread here;
http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...947#post206947
I'm not sure what the protocol is; should I keep any restoration work over there? I figure that this one could be a general discussion about the wartime Inters, while the resto thread could just be specific to my truck?
After my first visit to Corowa, I'm keen to have mine ready for 2016. Doesn't seem to be much interest in the wartime Inters, but I hope to add my bit to help change that. I have my wife on board, so that's a big bonus!
I thought I'd also ask these questions here, as they relate to these vehicles generally, and are not just restoration-specific. A couple of questions, or an invitation for suggestions.
1) The front tyres. Obviously, the 18x10.50 tyres are like hens' teeth. I understand that both Gamma Goat and DUKW tyres are close enough to work. Are these tyres available in Australia? And if so, do bar-tread tyres present a particular challenge for use with such a vehicle?
2) 20" wheels. One suggestion was to modify Blitz rims to suit. This would be a bit of work, as the stud number and radius is different. Would such a plan be feasible?
3) Replacement with spider hubs. My spare truck has commercial spider hubs, and I wonder what would be involved with a straight swap? I'd like to keep the current wheels if at all possible, but there's a precedent for the use of spider hubs. Mind you, do they have another hard-to-find tyre spec?
4) The General Service body. Is this body similar to the other types, such as the Dodge and Chev varieties? The metal brackets and structure could possibly be a match, and I have nothing above the floor, apart from the vertical section against the cab.
So, it continues. Please excuse my enthusiasm! As I say, I'm open to suggestions, thoughts, and corrections. I'd like to see at least one WW2-dated International at Corowa next year.
Cheers,
Matt