. . . carrier parts acquisition awareness . . .
Canadian made lids for the universal carrier dashboard.
The MK-I* lid was designed before the use of a gasket between the dashboard and driver front upper protection plate. As a result, the width of the portion that fit over the front armour was a certain depth. Were the MK-I* lids ever upgraded to accommodate the introduction of the composite, one piece, gasket?
When the MK-II* carrier was introduced, Ford Canada manufactured one model, the C31UCW. (subsequent stowage changes were made for mortar and MMG carriers) We seldom call the C31UCW anything but a “Mark 2”.
The dashboard lid of the MK-II* is not interchangeable with the MK-I* series dashboards. Not only the fact there are two vs four fasteners to locate, but the shape of the dash is also different. While the two holes for the MK-II* dash are a clear indication... you may also notice the greater depth or width of the portion that fits over the front armour to accommodate the gasket. The gasket for the MK-II* model was made from two strips of thin plywood, abandoning the composite, or rubber gasket found on the MK-I* dashboard.
The next time you are looking at period images of what appears to be a MK-II* carrier, check to see if the top of the dash lid is visible. The dash was not changed when the MK-I* carriers were upgraded to MK-II style.
