[Mike K]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

When researching Chevrolet civilian vehicles, make sure to visit the GM Heritage Archive at https://www.gm.com/heritage or go directly to https://www.gm.com/heritage/archive:


I have found the Vehicle Information Kits to be very informative, they have been a great resource while determining the configuration of MCP vehicles like the 1533X2 LRDG truck.



#research #achive

Thanks Hanno

The VIK information is very detailed. Looking at the VIK 1940 truck data, I learnt a few things about the C8.

From my observations: The 1940/41 CMP C8 model features a mixture of standard civilian assemblies i.e. the rear axle assembly and springs are from the 1939/40 3/4 Ton truck, the front axle I beam is from the 1 1/2 Ton truck ( 1 and 1/8" king pins from memory ) , brakes and front springs are standard light commercial but were adapted to the heavier front I beam. The C8 has the four speed gearbox with the torque tube drive system. In the C8, they used a special uni-joint that was normally fitted in the KC civilian light delivery model when coupled to the optional 4 speed gearbox. The 4 speed option would have been fairly rare in the light commercial civilian use, most of them had the 3 speed gearbox. Interesting is: the Aust. army parts book for the 1940 Australian army 15 cwt GS Vans (MCP models) indicates they initially had a 3 speed gearbox, but were later on assembled with the 4 speed crash boxes.

The C8 chassis is shorter overall, they used the 3/4 Ton truck crossmembers and spring hangers. Made sense to use what was already in production and adapt it together for the C8 .

I've not seen a F8 up close. Ford was in such a hurry with the F8 , they shortened a truck chassis , a cut and weld job.