1944 C-15A-Wire-5 Restoration

[RichCam]

I thought that I would provide some information and pictures regarding our restoration of a 1944 Cab 13 C-15A Wire 5. I purchased the truck separately from the radio box, 2 years ago. Original pictures, as purchased, from the previous owner and moving it to my company, Commercial Pallet.

[RichCam]

The aluminum radio box for the C-15A Wire 5 was discovered in a scrap yard, north of Huntsville. It was mounted on a single axle trailer and had be used as a dog house. Owner of the scrap yard thought it was a mobile jail. I retrieved it and brought it back to Commercial Pallet to add to the C-15A.

[RichCam]

Starting last fall, I began looking for components to complete the C-15A. In order to keep the project moving forward, I was able to hire a friend, part time, to put in about 20 hours per week. The Chev C-15A fork lift has a number of missing cab components that can be donated. We are going to keep the Buick 250ci 6 cylinder in the truck for the time being. The ball mount hitch and bumper was removed and replaced with an authentic pintle hitch. Front grill guard, Chev emblem, tow hooks and additional fuel tank have been added. Seat covers, rear window and dash components, wired for 12V negative ground, are progressing.

[RichCam]

The radio box was removed from the trailer axle. It was then taken for soda blasting of the exterior and interior. A white primer was applied to prevent rusting. A complete #19 radio set, with chore horse generator and power management system, has been acquired by the new owner of the Wire 5. We will finish the truck first, getting it road worthy and then we will add the radio box. Refurbishment of the wood liner, painting and installation of radio gear will follow.

[Robert Bergeron]

Rich,

That is one fine looking restoration in progress my friend !

Good luck and fair winds .



Robert

[RichCam]

It has been a while since my last update. I was able to prime and paint the front bumper rad guard and the fuel tanks. The tanks have been mounted and the the engine tested. After some adjustments to the distributor cap position, we were able to eliminate the "backfire" and it nows runs like a top.

[Jon Skagfeld]

Originally Posted by RichCam

The radio box was removed from the trailer axle. It was then taken for soda blasting of the exterior and interior. A white primer was applied to prevent rusting. A complete #19 radio set, with chore horse generator and power management system, has been acquired by the new owner of the Wire 5. We will finish the truck first, getting it road worthy and then we will add the radio box. Refurbishment of the wood liner, painting and installation of radio gear will follow.

Hehehe!

Background in these pics is very familiar!

[RichCam]

Thanks guys for the comments. At least, we are not digging through the snowbanks to find stuff now.
Front and rear brakes passed inspection today, I'm having new emergency brake cables fabricated. Hopefully, we will get them next week.
Seat covers arrived and they fit very well. Seat frames and sliders have been blasted, primed and painted.
Doors, side curtains, front windows including accessories and wipers are going to be taken off the C-60L forklift, blasted, primed and painted along with the cab. Re-assembly should begin during the first week of August.
Yeah, the grader tires from the C-60L are going to go on the F-60S Dumper. Can't wait to see that!

[Robert Bergeron]

Hey friends,

What happened to Richard's tread and my story restoring the box ?

[Wayne Hingley]

This one? http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=21831

[Robert Bergeron]

For those that followed Richard's and my follow up on the tread :

I recently traveled to Edmonton for work....

I had told Warren , my friend from Sudbury about it. He gave my name to Chris who came to pick me up on Base for a tour of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment's Museum . Great visit.

I had exchanged with David who is known in these circles as Super Dave and for restoring a Mk 1 Carrier and other adventures .

In turn David introduced me to Reg Hodgson who is famous for his restorations and his magazine Army Motors...

Reg picked me up on base twice to have me visit his collection and David.

Great guys, you should see their restorations..

Anyway , to make a long story short , Reg sold me an ORIGINAL step ladder for the Wire 5 box i am restoring and many other usefull original parts for my box. Pictures will follow as soon as i can go south and have some free time from my latest posting.

I was traveling on duty so was allowed three (3) , yes 3 pieces of luggage not weighing more than 70 Kg each..Guess what ?

I brought the original 1944 Wire 5 steel step ladder in my luggage on my return flight.

The security folks passed it through the X Ray machine and wondered what the heck was the idea ?

They opened the package and left me a note : Sir we had to inspect the package and sorry for the inconvenience. No chance they could of broken it' It is almost indestructible.

So , nice trip to Edmonton. Thanks Warren, Chris, David and Reg.

Boys, there are some very nice people in and around Edmonton !

[Robert Bergeron]

Friends,

Here a pictures of a few new developments with the Wireless truck i was talking about.

First the original step ladder from Edmonton by Air Mail sandblasted , primed and painted.

Second, new black out curtains.



Enjoy.

Next, repairing the rifle clips in the box and working on the lighting.

Robert.

[super dave]

Looks good