Who like a Mystery?

[Keith Webb]

38443M00678

8443 = C60L

M = Melbourne assembled

As Robert said the important info is on the data plate, the WO number which is the code for the body type.

Common WO types were:
WO52 = Garage
WO82 Dropside tray with winch
WO83 same but without winch

The other clue is the ARN, also mentioned by Robert.

[Mike Cecil]

Tim,

The truck with the chassis number 38443M00678 equates to the Commonwealth (Army) Registration number 142001, taken on charge in Victoria (which fits with the 'M' indicating assembly at GM-H's Melbourne - Fishermans Bend - plant as mentioned by Keith).

It was a C60L 'Truck, 3 ton, GS with winch' and is noted as a 'steel body', ie a standard fixed sides steel base body as produced by GM-H at their Woodville, SA plant. The complete nomenclature would therefore be a 'Truck, 3 ton, GS with Winch (Aust) No.2'. The Census Code was 6071 and the Mechanical Vehicle Field Specification (MVFS) was 1314.

Original engine number appears to have been PR3923988, but with at least four other engine replacements while in service, the last being in 1955: PR3957377. The truck was written off and disposed of on 17 August 1961. No other info available.

As an aside, chassis number 2844300678 was a C60L configured as a 'Stores-Binned'.

Sounds like your C60L has been altered - perhaps beyond redemption?

Mike C

[hrpearce]

Wow Mike where were you when I was trying to id my blitz?
Does the 3 at the start of the chassis no. mean a 1943 build?

[Mike Cecil]

Probably sitting on my behind in the office, laboriously transcribing chassis numbers......

Yes, the '3' prefix indicates a 1943 build/assembly. Hence, the same number with a '2' prefix from the previous year, but without the location code (M), for a different vehicle.

Mike C

[Tim Lovelock]

Wow, what a great help you have all been, Robert, Keith and Mike, thank you all sincerely.
So beginning with my first thread, the rear suspension has been moved forward with the diff in front of the still existent winch. Helper springs and mounts have also been removed.
She was discharged from the army the year I was born, 52 years ago after 18 years service. 5 engines in 12 years that's quite a thrashing!! Did I read somewhere that they are a splash pan motor?
Surprisingly enough the chassis and what's left of the cab probably has the original green paint. I came into possession of this vehicle after it being stored in a shipping container for some years, prior to being put outside, so first and foremost are plans to get her inside again.
If I can indulge in a couple more questions.
I'm figuring the Commonwealth Reg No.142001 is the number painted on the front cowl?
The 8444-1942 under your bonnet Robert is that a standard thing?
What do the census code and MVFS stand for?
And what would a C60L (Aust) No.2 "Stores-Binned" look like??
Beyond redemption, I'm not sure, given my aim all along has been a 101" of course ever since making the Tamiya 25 pdr & Quad model some time ago I've always fancied a GT, I guess I'll join the que and try to win tatts.
The other mod she had at sometime was for canvas doors.
Thanks again as today she has a history and story that was non-existent yesterday.
If you thought this one was a basket case, Mike you have encouraged me to get the grinder out and cut the steel plate the S.A. Country Fire Service welded on my other girl, I would say to strengthen its chassis as a water tanker. But if its ok with you, I'm willing to remove a small portion to try and get the all important chassis number, which might just be an exercise in futility given how many of these vehicles were manufactured in the first place. But it's very exciting to have a little more history. Cheers Tim
Regards Tim

[hrpearce]

Originally Posted by Tim Lovelock

If I can indulge in a couple more questions.
I'm figuring the Commonwealth Reg No.142001 is the number painted on the front cowl?
The 8444-1942 under your bonnet Robert is that a standard thing?

142001 goes on the cowl and instead of 8444 your blitz would have had 8443 under the bonnet. The 1942 should be 1943 on both our blitz's but whoever stenciled mine used the wrong year. The other questions I can't answer.

[Tim Lovelock]

Originally Posted by hrpearce

142001 goes on the cowl and instead of 8444 your blitz would have had 8443 under the bonnet. The 1942 should be 1943 on both our blitz's but whoever stenciled mine used the wrong year. The other questions I can't answer.

Cheers Rob