Hello Lang,
Always amazed by your intercontinental automotive projects. This panel van is a rare beast, it is hard to find a reference in my library which includes books like Fred W. Crismon's
U.S. Military Wheeled Vehicles. But they were a military vehicle, as listed in
TM 9-2800 Standard Military Motor Vehicles (1943). See attached pages for details -
TM9-2800_G-616.pdf:
Quote:
TRUCK, PANEL DELIVERY, 3/4-ton, 4x2
Technical Manual: TM 10-1287. Parts List: SNL G-616
Manufacturer: Chevrolet Motor Div. (General Motors Corp.)
Classification: Limited standard
Purpose : To transport light cargo.
TRUCK, PICKUP, 3/4-ton, 4x2
Technical Manuals: TM 10-1163, TM 10-1167, TM 10-1305. Parts List: SNL G-616.
Manufacturer: Chevrolet Motor Div. (General Motors Corp.)
Classification: Limited standard
Purpose: To transport general cargo
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A quick search yielded
a reference to a manual listing G-616:
Quote:
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Ord 8 SNL G520, G612, G616 Bus 15 Passenger G520, Car 5 Passenger 4 door (G520), Truck 1/2 Ton 4X2 (G612), Truck 3/4 ton 4X2 (G-616) 1944 102 VG $40
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The ad dates back to 2017 but maybe the seller still has it, or you snapped it up already?
This is an interesting class of vehicles: while acquired by the military, these are basically civilian vehicles with slight military modifications like matt paint and possibly military black-out lighting. In the government supply systems they are listed as "Limited Standard" military vehicles, typically to be used at home bases or at least non-combat units. Being basic civilian vehicles, they are better to drive long distances than heavy all-wheel drive military trucks.
I think it would look great in US Navy gloss medium gray No. 123 on all exterior metal surfaces with the exception of chrome plating
(source). When repainting vehicles, the US Navy would often paint the chassis and underbody with black bituminous paint.
All for now, looking forward to seeing the restoration progressing - and to meeting you again in Normandy!
Regards,
Hanno