Wire-3 Fitted For Wireless Box details

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Jordan Baker

Another unknown I have come across. On the bottom side of the 2J3 box frame work is a set of holes along the one main channel. On the tailgate end there is a square plate welded against the channel and the floor frame. In line with this are two sets of 2 holes. I am wondering if this was a set of clips for mounting a spare antenna masts?

Maybe, but there would have to be a weird fastening system if it is. The pairs of holes (...are they threaded? Do they go trough the floor to the inside?) would have to be for brackets of some sort. Not web straps because who would climb under to do them up. Not spring clips because a fellow wouldn't have enough leverage to push the aerial masts up into them (again without crawling underneath). Also if it was some kind of clip the masts simply slide in, why not weld pieces in for this? Why more parts with bolts when they were perfectly happy to weld a tab on at the tailgate? Even so, with, or without a bottom on the rear tab the masts would simply bounce out if not held in securely some place. A sideways spring clip to keep tension on the masts is the only way it could work (the welded tab therefore keeping them from sliding out the back until someone hauled against the spring allowing the masts to move past the plate), but that's a complex solution and the makers of these wireless trucks tended to keep things as simple as possible.

The rear tab doesn't show up on the factory photos.

Also, I think there should be provision for two masts, one each of the 20' and 34' varieties.

[David Dunlop]

Very odd location for storage given it appears to be behind the rear wheel assembly and would be exposed to all sorts of muck and splatter. Do the set of Design Volumes shed any light on the mystery?

David

[Jordan Baker]

The holes are just holes. No threads. In the factory photos there were a pair of brackets on the front box panel with what appears to be stops on either end.

The factory photos are of an earlier box, the C series, whereas the production ones were the later 2J3's There seems to be some slight differences in the box its self.

I believe it was Brian Asbury who told me that the Wire-3 truck he had at one point had clips mounted under the box or on the frame for holding an antenna mast.