WD Chevrolet & Engine Number Location

[Lionelgee]

Hello All,

According to Truck Encyclopedia Chevrolet WD 30 CWT 1-1/2 truck the WD was manufactured between 1940 - 1943 accessed 7th of June 2023 from https://truck-encyclopedia.com/ww2/u...t-WB-30cwt.php

Is the WD model designation correct for Australia? There was a model change between the 1939 and 1940 Chevrolet with a straight horizontal bar front grille and the 1941 model that had a combination of vertical and horizontal bars on the front grille. Were the 1941 models still known under the WD designation in Australia?

With the 216 six cylinder petrol motor made in 1940 where would I look for the engine number?

With the Chevrolet - Holdens built cabin featuring the colour tag stating Khaki the vehicle was probably made for the Australian Army. From previous posts on this forum mention was made of the Australian War Memorial holding vehicle data registration publications of army vehicle during the Second World War. How can I access the publication online and can engine numbers be searched for specifically?

The next question - if the engine has been replaced in either military and civilian life - where would the chassis number be on a 1940 Chevrolet Holdens truck?

It is now time for me to make an effort in cracking the codes on my 1940 Chevrolet Holdens and tracking down its history. I would greatly appreciated the assistance of more experienced players in tracking down the history of our trucks.

After nearly 15 years since my main shed was constructed I now have electric lights and power points installed so I can see stuff a lot - lot better now! Woohoo!

Kind regards
Lionel

[Mike Kelly]

Hi Lionel

The engine nr. is on a boss just near the distributor on the drivers side. You may get lucky and find the engine nr. in the AWM 126 ledgers. https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1424610

I think you need the NASCO Australian Army 1940 parts book.

The Holdens tag on the firewall will have a date code i.e. A0 = Jan 1940 and so on . Do you know if the truck ever had the 'overseas wheels' fitted , the 9.00-18 rims ?

[Lionelgee]

Originally Posted by Mike Kelly

Hi Lionel

The engine nr. is on a boss just near the distributor on the drivers side. You may get lucky and find the engine nr. in the AWM 126 ledgers. https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1424610

I think you need the NASCO Australian Army 1940 parts book.

The Holdens tag on the firewall will have a date code i.e. A0 = Jan 1940 and so on . Do you know if the truck ever had the 'overseas wheels' fitted , the 9.00-18 rims ?

Hello Mike,

Thank you for the detailed reply. I will go hunting tomorrow.

Yes - that very elusive NASCO Australian Army 1940 parts book - still trying to track one down.

Kind regards
Lionel

[Lionelgee]

Hello Mike,

The tyres were 7.50 x 20 inch as from the farm the truck came from after it was bought from a Queensland military surplus auction. It stayed in the one family on their farm until it was sold to a truck sales and spare parts place. I bought the truck from the truck yard. They are the same size tyres as on my 1934-35 REO Speed Wagon both trucks around 30 CWT capacity.

Kind regards
Lionel

Kind regards

[Paul Singleton]

I’m not sure if this list will help, but there are some references to military vehicles.

https://hotrod.gregwapling.com/chev-...dian-chev.html

[Brian Gough]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for posting that link. It looks like the material David Hayward compiled.

Brian