Autocar U-7144 wrecker

Goncalo Mendes · #1 02-05-13, 06:56

Hello,

While searching my files, I found this photo of a Autocar wrecker. As this subject seems to be rare in information, I tought to post it. Note the rear winch and the absence of the 5th wheel. Unfortunatly I don't know the source or the date, but i think it has only a few years, maximum.

source:https://www.flickr.com/photos/leowhi...ique-wreckers/

It is very similar to the one in a famous Tarawa photo, (dated March 1944).

source: http://images.google.com/hosted/life...09a771aa4.html

This could this be a later civil adaptation, post-war, but is also possible that a few more existed than previously considered. I have read in other forum that the navy bought several Autocar chassis to serve as recovery wreckers, but I tought they had U type cabs.

Source:http://www.trucksplanet.com/catalog/model.php?id=1930

I always had read that it was a "one-off" truck, maybe for Naval or Marines aviation, however there are photos of similar wreckers in Torokina (December 1943) and Vella Lavella airfields at the same time frame:

Torokina December 1943

(quoted original source: USMC)

Vella Lavella airfield (December 1943), see the wrecker in the image center

source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/konabish/7238054210/

Engebi airfield, 18 May 1944.

source: http://www.warbirdinformationexchang...129836#p129711

More information and images welcome, feel free to post!

G_Mendes

Goncalo Mendes · #2 03-05-13, 06:51

Just a updat, it seems that one of the U-70/90 cab type wrecker survived, despite a rusted state...! If it was a prototype, it still exists (at least in 2010)!
Restored, it would be a fantastic unusual display truck!

Compare this:

source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sunsetsailor/5793476752/

larger: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sunsets...n/photostream/

A front view, look at the top of the crane/boom frame:

source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sunsetsailor/2521285600/

Whith this:

Source:http://www.trucksplanet.com/catalog/model.php?id=1930

From other photos, its seems to be in a wooded area, with a lot of old trucks from the 1940 early-1950. All civiliam type cabs, Sterlings, Diamonds, Autocars, Internationals, etc.

G_Mendes

Goncalo Mendes · #3 12-09-16, 02:21

A shot showing a autocar U-70 wrecker in wartime at Bronson Field, 1944. Look at the upper left corner of the photo, the cab and boom are visible in the background. The right photo, shows a later model.

source: http://s1068.photobucket.com/user/ma...i38pn.jpg.html

Goncalo Mendes · #4 07-08-17, 04:49

Just found another photo!

Source: http://www.gruzovikpress.ru/article/...nye-soyuzniki/

Mike Kelly · #5 07-08-17, 07:42

John Belfield is currently restoring one of those wreckers, the vehicle was found by a VMVC member many years ago ( 1970's ) up near Canberra , Braidwood I think. The club member who found it suggested it would make a good club project for the VMVC but sadly the usual club politics ended that idea !

There is a feature article in the current VMVC newsletter written by John , describing the restoration. He welded the two chassis halves back together and the cab has been professionally restored by Simon Allen VMVC , the guy who makes new Dodge command car bodies from scratch.

I will try to copy and paste the article .

Goncalo Mendes · #6 07-08-17, 23:01

Mike,
Thanks for the reply!
It would be great to see the article and photos of the restoration!
Best regards,
G_Mendes

Goncalo Mendes · #7 07-08-17, 23:13

some data:

source: https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/...tocar-wrecker/

Mike Kelly · #8 08-08-17, 03:52

this is it

Goncalo Mendes · #9 08-08-17, 12:47

Thanks Mike !!!

here is a link on another one being rebuilt.

http://g503.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=270822

right-click on "photobucket update" image banner, and "open image in new tab", that will open a photobucket page with the original image in the new tab.

By the way, Jonh Belfield has another very rare WW2 aircraft recoverycrane truck, australian design:

http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...5&postcount=80

Best regards,
G_Mendes

Goncalo Mendes · #10 01-12-17, 21:36

From a facebook post, photos by Sean Mulholland.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...6&type=1&ifg=1

If anyone has more photos of it, or their restoration, they are welcome!
GMendes

Goncalo Mendes · #11 04-02-21, 23:56

The U-70 wrecker, in the "Haul of Fame Museum". Seems to be taken in 2016. It would be great if someone restored it, looks to be a rare one.
The image is a frame from a youtube video, by Anthony Lucibello, dated 06/01/2016.

source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeDHdVJCf_M