Early Mk.I* "TL13F", CB180

[Michael R.]

On the vertical differential cover that appears in your posted image, the step usually placed on the driver side has a bracket attached underneath to fit the crow bar. While it appears common to rivet the steps to the plate, there is a transition point or modification to use removable fasteners. The step inserts on early carriers are a composite material. See Ben Hawkins Scout carrier restoration as a reference. Eventually all composite or rubber material for rear compartment firing rests, most straps and the rear step inserts changed over to wood, webbing and checker plate.

Nigel Watson published a page listing the major portions of the British manufactured parts that were shipped to Ford Canada. Those parts show on the Canadian government orders as well as British Supply Ministry orders. There are multiple image examples of British supplied parts on early carriers supplied to the Canadian government. Some have been posted here on MLU. For a list of Brit parts, see Watson, Universal Carriers, Volume 1, page 114.

If you examine the parts manual FUC-03 there are guides with respect to the serial number change over for the installation of certain TL parts. For example, the Solex carburetor 40 RZ INP was used to serial # 2039.

[Nech]

Originally Posted by Michael R.

On the vertical differential cover that appears in your posted image, the step usually placed on the driver side has a bracket attached underneath to fit the crow bar. While it appears common to rivet the steps to the plate, there is a transition point or modificaion to use removable fasteners. The step inserts on early carriers are a composite material. See Ben Hawkins Scout carrier restoration as a reference. Eventually all composite or rubber material for firing rests, straps and steps changed over to wood, webbing and checker plate.

Nigel Watson published a page listing the major portions of the British manufactured parts that were shipped to Ford Canada. Those parts show on the Canadian government orders as well as British Supply Ministry orders. There are multiple image examples of British supplied parts on early carriers supplied to the Canadian government. Some have been posted here on MLU. For a list of Brit parts, see Watson, Universal Carriers, Volume 1, page 114.

If you examine the parts manual FUC-03 there are guides with respect to the serial number change over for the installation of certain TL parts. For example, the Solex carburetor 40 RZ INP was used to serial # 2039.

Very usefull! Thank you very much! I am already in touch with Nigel, but his books are already sold out. Need to hunt them down on ebay or somewhere.

[Lynn Eades]

As an example of what Michael R has said, a few of the brake expanders I have seen from early carriers are dated back to 1935 1936.
Probably we were fortunate that someone pre Dunkirk could see a need and had some parts production up and running. In the case of the brake expanders, there must have been a previous application, because 1935 was too early for carriers.
In the early stages of assembly many carriers had parts fitted from the previous years production, but as you might imagine by 1942, production was streamlined to the extent that parts going on were "just made".

As you might imagine, Britian was already tooled up for production of instruments like speedos (that fitted in an existing carrier panel) Until Canada could set up specialty production lines lines, it made sense to out source those parts.
The crow bar is stopped from sliding out of the strapped socket under the right step, by the low rib on the right side of the left step. Look at pictures of other U.Cs.

[kevin powles]

Michael, The carrier I have has all British made parts and was sent over to Canada as a factory example to aid the reproduction and assembly, all the armour is Stamped 'TL'.

Kevin.

[Michael R.]

Martin,
I believe your driver side rear upper engine cover is complete with the air cleaner instructions. That style air cleaner installed to SN #5787. Although mostly replaced by the oil bath cleaner, an early one was available for sale at the fall, 2015 OMVA meeting.

Your switch panel is the correct British type. From the view of the back of the speedo, it appears correct as the Brit one.

[Nech]

Few new details, the carrier is still under the tarpaulin cover until I'll finish the workshop expansion. I noticed there are no holes on the division plate, where the dataplate is usually located. Am I right, they were never present on those early carriers?

Michael yes, the air cleaner instructions are present and are present as well as the original air cleaner.

[kevin powles]

Martin, Here in upper hull CB253 so will give you a guide to what yours will look like. Interesting your dash has the Canadian speedo, and British oil and temp gauges. This carrier is almost restored now.

that division plate i.d. plate (above drivers right shoulder) was on later mk's of carrier, yours is on the front right wing which you have.

your left track is on the wrong way round too, (not that it matters as i've seen wartime pics the same).

Anyone any ideas on the numbering on the side of mine?.

kevin.