My Truck

[lynx42]

Originally Posted by Mike Cecil

Rod,

Go to the bottom of this page:

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C2143574?image=104


Rick: re 'C' prefix: see my latest post under 'NT Pics'. For a more detailed explanation of the AMF and AIF registration schemes and prefixes, see pages 6 & 7 of my AMEP Volume 2: LP Carriers.

Mike

Thanks Mike C. I have finally located the correct AWM126 books . Seems I had looked at the AIF not AMF books and did not realize that the "C" prefix was dropped in the books.

I also pulled AMEP Vol.2, out to refresh my memory after your advice.

Interestingly at the top of the page on which my Staff Car ARN M-15 Chev 5 passenger is shown, is M-1, the Rolls Royce "Wraith" (Chassis No WRB40, Engine No. K4WV.) with a body built by Kellow-Falkiner which was on loan for the duration of the war from Mr George J. Coles of Melbourne. It was returned to Mr. Coles in 1946. During the war it was used by Gen.Sir Thomas Blamey. After returning to Mr. Coles, it was registered with Vic Rego. HN-000. It is still around. There were only 5 "Wraith" model Rolls Royce cars which came to Australia before WWII. All are still around although not necessarily all still in Australia.

Christmas 091.JPG

Regards Rick.

[Mike Cecil]

Interesting, Rick. The Roller 'AIF-M1' wasn't taken overseas, of course, but spent its army life based at Vic Barracks in Melbourne (AHQ, later Land Headquarters - LHQ). (M is the AIF and pre-war AMF type-code for a passenger car).

Blamey's 'AIF-M1' overseas was firstly, a Chev 5 passenger car from Australia, then a left hand drive Buick, one of several acquired in the Middle East. So for the first 2-odd years of the war, Blamey would have seen little of the Roller - I assume other senior officers based at AHQ got to ride around in it in Blamey's absence. Much more comfortable than a Chev, I've no doubt.

We are wandering a long way from Rod's new lorry! All interesting, though.

Mike

[Mike Cecil]

Rod,

Forgot to mention: the '41' etc under the bonnet/on the firewall is part of the underbonnet nomenclature required by the Army for all vehicles from around August 42. Vehicles already in service were supposed to have it applied by units (but were not always), so we see a wide variety of methods of application on older in-service vehicles - rough or well hand painted depending on the skill of the 'artist' and the ease of access. Stenciled like yours is less common on vehicles already in service, making the marking's preservation something you might consider as you progress with the restoration.

Mike

[Rod Salter]

Thanks Mike,

I was thinking to maybe leave the firewall as is un-restored
You have convinced me now,

Thanks also fellers for identifying the little tanks

The discussions you-all are having is interesting

Cheers rod

[Rod Salter]

As I lay me down to sleep whilst on holidays, I kept awondering how much rust is in the cab of the truck

I have been home 3 days today and could not stop myself from stripping it down

So late day 2 and the chassis is exposed

1.jpg

But before it was completely dark, I also had the motor out and the chassis up on stands

2.jpg

There is rust in the four corners of the cab

3.jpg

The bottom of the fuel tank was non existant

6.jpg

By morning tea today the cab is stripped and ready for sandblasting
I will preserve the firewall as is and untouched

5.jpg

Now if only I had spent half the time it is going to take to repair and fabricate the rusted parts to build a shed 20 years ago I would have no rust, but thats the way my life crumbles some times

This truck is complete and should be easy to restore > after I fix that cab
Oh, and I may need to pump up those tyres cheers rod

Ps. now to load up more of that ford mining equipment and get it in the line