Australian 1941 Ford 1 Ton Van

[Tony Smith]

This was recently re-discovered and dragged out of a shed. Still original, the only part that seems to be missing is the rear tailgate. Restoration begins... Now!

The 1 Ton Van was a mildly militarised Australian version of the 122in wb 1941 11Y truck. The variants included a 1 Ton GS Van, 1 Ton Wireless Signals Van, 1 Ton Cable-laying Van, 1Ton Office Van, and 1 Ton Battery Staff Van. The "Roadster" cab was a uniquely Australian feature on Trucks, but was more commonly seen on Marmon-Herrington Gun Tractors. The hard cab was more common on the 1 Ton trucks, as seen on Max's 1 tonner.

[Tony Smith]

Amazingly for a 67 year old vehicle, the canvas Roadster canopy is not only present, but fully intact and watertight!

[Phil Waterman]

Tony- Looks like a really interesting restoration project, from the pictures it looks to be amazingly complete and as you say good condition for 67 years.

Please keep us posted on what you find as you work on it. Does the engine turn or is stuck from years of sitting?

Cheers

Phil

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by Phil Waterman

Tony- Looks like a really interesting restoration project.....
Does the engine turn or is stuck from years of sitting?

Cheers

Phil

While the engine is covered in yet more Red Dust, the good airfilters have kept it out of the engine. It still turns over, although it hasn't yet been cranked or started. The radiator is sound, but the water can't be filled until a couple of rusted out rad pipes are replaced. (The plank between the two pipes is "Not original"!)

The coil has been changed for a modern style, and the distributor is a Post-war one. That will be given the flick, but will be used in the meantime to get the engine running.

[aj.lec]

Congratulations on your find
It looks like a great project

[Jeff Gordon]

Wow what a great find!
Just wondering if the ARN should have a 1 in front of it that has just worn off?
Or is it just a very low number.
A very practical vehicle for long trips, back to the track 2010
Cheers
Jeff

[Tony Smith]

Well, ..... I can't be sure that the canopy IS watertight as it doesn't look like this truck has seen any water for some time! That's about 1/8" of dust on the dash, and the windscreens aren't exactly crystal clean! Interior is all intact and original.

All that dust has done a good job of preventing the paint from fading, the Army Registration Number 41074 is still legible on the bonnet sides. A check through the AWM records will reveal the original body variant for this truck.

[Tony Smith]

While the ARN is well preserved, there seems to be no indication of any Unit Sign or Bridge Class sign. Odd.

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by Tony Smith

While the ARN is well preserved, there seems to be no indication of any Unit Sign or Bridge Class sign. Odd.

Hmm, where'd that picture go?