Vulcan VSW 6x4

[Rob Buckel]

Hi Everyone,

I've not posted on this forum before so I hope this comes out ok!

Sorry if this is a bit off topic, but i was wondering if anyone has any information, parts or service history to help me with a restoration project that i have just taken on?

This is all the information i have so far:

1927 Vulcan VSW 30cwt 6x4
Chassis number 13.
Engine is a 4 cylinder 3x type of 17.9hp.
Original registration number MP8871 (currently registered as VB4339).
Army number L15939
Served with the RASC between 1927 and the early 1930's, possibly 8 Coy.

Although the vehicle is in quite a few bits a lot of the main parts are there, but i am missing a few. The radiator is missing, water pump, quite a few wheels and the engine is in quite a bad state.
Also the original 30 cwt back axles were sold years ago, i have a set of Vulcan 3 ton axles to go with the truck which will fit but would be nice to find the correct ones.

Here are 2 pics one a slightly larger version but very similar to how it should look and the other is the project as purchased.

I'd be very interested in any information, photos, manuals or parts

Many thanks

Rob.

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Rob

Now that is a restoration project, glad to see other people take on serious restoration projects like this, means I'm not completely crazy, or at least a good kind of crazy.
Excuse my ignorance of British motor industry but who or what did Vulcan become? Or is it just one of those small companies that came and went?

I do vaguely remember seeing photos of trucks like this will do some digging to see if I can find any other photos.

From the your question I take it that you are casting your net looking for information and leads on parts?

Cheers Phil

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

The Real Car Co Ltd
Coed y Parc, Bethesda, Gwynedd, North Wales, UK
LL57 4YS
tel: 01248 602649
web: http://www.realcar.co.uk
LIVE adverts (30)


1928 Vulcan Six Wheel Truck For Sale
A fascinating vehicle, first registered to the War Office, Whitehall, in February 1928, at that time finished in ‘Service Green’, and we believe used as a troop carrier. The truck was found abandoned on Salisbury Plain in the 1970s, stripped to the bare chassis, and restored from the ground up. Since then, little used, stored for twenty years, still in very good order, and running nicely. We have driven it around our yard, and all seems well. The engine is a 3 litre, four cylinder side valve, and sounds great. Both rear axles are driven, making it a 6x4. Would make a tremendous publicity vehicle of some kind, and somehow looks even older than its years. Chassis No. 16. Reg No. MP 8874. SALE AGREED


This advert has now been removed through sale or otherwise, please see the list below for similar live adverts



Might be some leads here..
Good Luck(Stick to Chevvies..
LOL)

[Rob Buckel]

Hi Phil,

Yeah, i think being a little mad helps! It wouldn't be any fun if it was too easy would it?
Vulcan motor engineering co. went under a few different names but started in 1902 making cars and got taken over by Tilling-stevens in the 30's and eventually vanished into the Rootes group.

http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Vulcan_...Engineering_Co

Information and parts are very thin on the ground, i have a few pictures but thats about it. There was a manual on ebay a while back, but it was before i purchased the truck unfortunately.

just thought i'd ask on here just in case theres a brand new engine or radiator sat in somebodys garage gathering dust!

Any leads welcome!

[Rob Buckel]

Hi Alex,

Thanks for the link, i have been in touch with the buyer of that truck and he was kind enough to let me come and measure and photograph everything that i could.
As far as I know, that is the only other surviving VSW but i would love to be corrected!
These two trucks were sister vehicles only 3 chassis numbers apart and saw service in the same company. They were both sold to civilian users who used them on farms a few miles from each other, along with a 3 ton Vulcan, No 51.
All 3 trucks were gathered together for restoration in the early 70's but the 3 tonner was too far gone and was broken up for spares, which is where my back axles came from.

Kind regards

Rob

[Gunner]

The restored Vulcan can be seen at

http://www.realcar.co.uk/cars_sold_2011.htm

Good luck with your restoration, Rob... wow!

Cheers! Mike

[Rob Buckel]

Thanks Mike,

It should keep me busy for a year or two!

Cheers

Rob

[Keith Orpin]

Hi Rob,
Welcome aboard, glad to see you found your way to MLU !. I'm also very pleased to see that this vehicle has, after so many years found someone who will bring her back to life, which will be a challenge in itself. Hopefully, the guys here will be able to find more info for this very interesting project.
Phil,
I've known about this vehicle for over 30 years , on and off, and Rob is a very capable young man, who I've also known for a good few years now ( I'm sure his Dad will be keen to lend a helping hand!).

Keith

[Rob Buckel]

Hi Keith,

Thanks for your kind comments, hopefully i can get the project advanced and get her looking like something soon.
Found my way here eventually, theres a lot of knowledge and experience on here so i thought i would try and tap into some of it and its always good to speak to people with the same interests.
Yes my Dad has been helping me out and was kind enough to make me some chassis cross members for christmas!

catch up with you soon



Rob.

[Rob Buckel]

Hi All,

A few more pictures of Vulcan VSW 13 in various states.
The picture of the complete vehicle was taken in the mid 60's when it was first rescued from Salisbury plain.
The other pictures were taken by the previous owners when they first bought it in the late 70's.
Chassis is upside down and back to front.
Engine has since been stripped right down, it's in a bit of a sorry state and has quite a few bits missing.
The rear view of the back axles shows the 3 ton ones from VSW 51 which i am hoping will fit without too much trouble.

Rob.