C15 Wireless Van (aust )

[jim sewell]

Am going to start restoration / roadworthiness of a C15 wireless van . It belonged to an ex POW from the Africa theatre who purchased it just after the war and used it to live in , he was a gold prospector in the Eastern Goldfields until his health started to fail in 1991 .
I have a few questions which I would appreciate some help with .
The first one S4 what does this mean ?

[jim sewell]

In transport

[jim sewell]

Looks like a penquin

[jim sewell]

chassis number

[jim sewell]

data plate

[jim sewell]

what are all the brackets for ?

[jim sewell]

done a few miles , 1000 per year .

[oztankboy]

Hi there!
Well nice radio truck you have there!

1st thing 1st... as a educated guess the "S4" would be the 4th vehicle of that troop or section. I have photos of Aust vehicles in the Middle East spoting the same type of markings with the shots of "S" "K" "M" "H" "T" and "HA". They were all of vehicles assigned to Sigs.

The hook on the cab rear wall are for hanging radio head sets on.

I use to own a very sad example of one of these bodies some time back but it was only good for parts and fittings. But hope to help a mate soon to restore his.

Good luck with it!

Phil...

[Max Hedges]

the penquin belonged to the 2nd Aust Division, if that's any help.
Max

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

Hello Jim - let me know when you want this restored.
Salesman Bob

[oztankboy]

Hi again...

The lower hooks with the holes in them are for the door curtain bag and the 2 higher ones are the ones for the radio head sets.

Phil...

[jim sewell]

Thanks for your replies
So the upper hooks are for radio head sets , lower for side cutain bag
The penquin is the 2nd division AIF ( where did the 2nd Div serv ).
The truck was assembled in Perth in 43 , it it possible that it has never left the state.

Yes Bob , will contact you about the dash , I have some gauges but can the temp gauge be obtained .

I would like a rear view of an original truck as there have been some minor alterations there .

Hope to drive it to the east in 2008.

Jim S.

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

Hello Jim
I have some second hand temperature gauges with the senders and they sort of work reasonably well. However, like all the old gauges, I wouldn't rely on them 100%.
Bob

[oztankboy]

some interia photos for u:-

[oztankboy]

and another...

[oztankboy]

last one for now...

Phil...

[Keith Webb]

I can see traces of the ARN there too - can you decypher it?

Here's another pic of the rear of a sigvan:



Source

[jim sewell]

Thanks for the replies Phil and Keith , the interior and and the rear shot will be helpful .
Have not unloaded it as yet but will try and trace a ARN , because it has stood in the open probably since new the paint in the horizontal parts is mostly missing .
I will photo more I.D tags ( Holden one.s ) later on .
I have done some research , and as Max said the emblem was the 2nd Div , which was stationed here in Guildford WA from late 42 till early 44.( so it probably drove down the street that I live in as the army base was just across the road ).
Jim S

[jim sewell]

Rear shot , wooden door instead of the metal one .

[Mike Kelly]

Corowa 2004

Andrew Tostevin's van from Adelaide with working AT5 AR8 radio ( WS112) setup . The rear set mounted on a sliding base with a rail set in the floor .

[JackM]

Jim,

While it makes some sort of geographical logic, that the formation tac sign is the penguin (ie 2 Div - an AMF Division), could it be that it depicts that of the 7th Division - a kookaburra ?

You need to do more scraping to authenticate !

Is there any evidence of a unit tac sign ?


Jack

[jim sewell]

Jack
I am not sure whether it is a Penquin or a Kookaburra , but as you say I will carefully rub back the image and try and get hold of the two images and compare them .
The little history that I have read is that the 2nd was here in WA and the 7th was in New Guinea in 42 / 44.

These numbers and images posted are the only ones left on the truck .
If you get a chance come and have a look .

Jim S.

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

The Build Plate was stamped by the Holden Perth Plant, and I wonder if anyone has noticed that the chassis number is one "1" out, i.e. chassis has # 2-8421-111-P stamped, whereas the plate has plate # 2/8421/11P? I think I go with the chassis stamping. Note also the Engine Number which I think, from comparing similar engines is ENGINE # SR3835344. Please excuse me if I'm wrong but it appears to me to be that way. Also note the "/" after the Model Year and Model Number rather than "-"-" or nothing at all!

sgd. David the Pedant!

[Max Hedges]

one at the Aust W M

[Phil Waterman]

Noted the reflector eye in the bumper, looks like a light can behind. Has the reflector been converted to a turn signal unit. This is an idea that I'm working on for my Pattern 12 C60L as a good way of having yet hidding turn front turn signals.

[Keith Webb]

Originally posted by Max Hedges
one at the Aust W M

Hey Max... it's a penguin, perhaps a penquin is a fifth pen friend.

[jim sewell]

Thanks Max for the image of the penquin , the wings can be made out in the faded picture .

David , you would be correct about the chassis numbers ,
I have 2 x C60 L that were assembled in Perth ie,
2-8443-00132-P 9/8/1943
2-8443-00135-P 8/10/1943
So the C15 would fit correctly as 00111-20/4/1943

Regards
Jim S.

[oztankboy]

Hey Jim!

Like the door on the rear... so very retro or should that be very out house?

Well anyway if you find yourself hunting a orriginal door drop me a line. Just remember it is located in Brisbane though.

Phil...

[Tony Smith]

Originally posted by jim sewell
These numbers and images posted are the only ones left on the truck .
Jim S.

Keith was referring to the numbers to the right of the "S4" tac sign. If you could read the whole ARN, you could refer to the AWM files to give you details like the recorded chassis no, and possible disposal info.

[jim sewell]

Thanks for the parts offer Phil , I will keep it in mind .

Tony , the only numerals that are readable are a 6 followed by a 7 .

Jim S.