1944 C-15A-Wire-5 Restoration

[RichCam]

Hello Bob & Edwin!

So, after we looked at the window frames, we discovered that just about all of them could be salvaged. The brass closure thumb tabs cleaned up well, the metal roll forms were repaired with Bondo/JB Weld and the double pane glass were replaced. The screen frames were pooched but it is easy enough to make replacement frames and new screens. The lower steel window roll form for the door was completely rusted. I am using it as a pattern and I am having a new one fabricated by a local sheet metal shop. Door now closes properly with it's original hardware. We just had to replace the interior and exterior door handles.

Here are some pictures - before and after paint.

[RichCam]

Guys,

It was a good day for painting! After the new ladder was installed, ventilators cleaned, straightened, interior vents made operational, roof fan motor rebuilt, extensive patching of the exterior aluminum, Steve and Jim worked to fill rust holes in the spare tire carrier and wheel wells.

Today, I had the shop to myself so I was able to put down two coats of Olive Drab with the sprayer and well as get some paint back on the window and screen frames. This week, I hope to finish wiring the dash on the C-15A and get it out for a road test next week.

We have been 3 teaming it over the last few weeks. Jim and Steve on the Radio Box, I'm on electricals and paint.

I'll have more pictures when the windows are back in. The new owner of the truck and the box is going to be completing the interior wood work. We will finish all of the exterior for the box shortly.

Will post more pictures as soon as they are available.

Cheers, Richard

[RichCam]

I must say, the Radio Box/Command Post is really coming along.
Steve and Jim have finished the screens and the windows. I'm in the process of finding window and screen "rubber" extrusions as the old ones have suffered severe sun damage.
Check out the thumb actuators - not bad for 71 years old!
Tomorrow and Thursday, we hope to install the wood slats on the roof and the underside hardwood spacer rails.
More pictures will be posted as soon as they are available.

[Robert Bergeron]

Looks like they were manufactured yesterday Richard !

Looking good.

Robert

[RichCam]

Robert,

While there are many details to the inside of the Wire 5 Radio Box, there are also a great many details to the exterior of the vehicle. We are attempting to make the C-15A Wire 5 look correct for the June 1944 time period. We also have to keep in mind that we want the vehicle to be road worthy and certifiable by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation so we have had to sneak in some signal lights, brake lights and back up lights.
Here are some pictures of the project as of today. Next week, I'll be road testing the truck and then getting it certified. Box will be mounted after certification - just to keep things simple.
First five of ten pictures.
Cheers!

[RichCam]

Masts are the real deal, shovel, pic and handle are just loaners. Wood slats were installed on the roof along with a single #19 antenna base mount. Tie straps are being installed for tool restraint, window sliders are being painted. These will be re-installed with the windows and screens. Ventilators are operational with decals on the rear, kitty corner to the front decals.
Ten of Ten pics.
Jimmy and Steve have worked up a thirst getting us this far.
Cheers!

[Eric R.]

Man that is looking good!

[Robert Bergeron]

Absolutely fantastic job Richard !