How To: 1944 Chev HUW restoration

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

So here's a question for Mr. Bergeron and Mr. Baker, and hopefully Chris (da signals goo-roo) Suslowicz:

All three lightweight CMP wireless trucks, C-15A WIRE-5 with the 2K1 body, C-15A WIRE-3 with a modified GS body and C-8A WIRE-1/WIRE-2 (HUW) based on the Chev Heavy Utility have five seats, two in the cab for a driver and co-driver and three in the back, one facing the wireless table and two others.

I have always assumed this meant a crew of five. But then I looked at the space required for five signalers, their kit, rations, greatcoats and see a problem. All that shi-et won't fit!! Plus, it really doesn't take five people to set up a wireless station and I can't see the army condoning the driver and co-driver twiddling their thumbs while the signalers set up their bits.

So my question is this...did the crew consist of five members or was it less and some of the crew occupied either the cab or rear seats as needed? I half doubt this because the rear seats do not appear to offer any benefit other than a place to seat one's arse when on the move so functionality may not be the reason for them.

What was the compliment for these wireless trucks?

[David Dunlop]

Hi Bruce.

The 2K1 WIRE-5 Crew Compliment was only 4: Driver and Co-Driver in the Cab and two in the Box.

The Wireless Operator was centred facing forward in front of the Wireless Table and the Cypher Clerk faced left on the left rear side of the floor in front of the left rear window with the mailbox slot in the screen and the small folding table on the side wall below the rear window. Their seats were identical to the Cab Seats but mounted on different brackets on the floor. The arrangement allowed for the Generator Compartment Door to be swing wide open when necessary. The arrangement also allowed easy access for both men to the overhead Signal Buzzer Cord strung along the left side of the ceiling about a quarter of the way in from the left side wall.

I think I read somewhere as well that the Co-Driver was a Senior NCO in charge of the 4-Man Team.

Cozy, but doable arrangement.

David

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

24 hour watch? Sleep? Was there overlap between the drivers and signalers? I know how it was done in the late 1970's/early 1980's but don't know if that is relevant.

Originally Posted by David Dunlop

Hi Bruce.

The 2K1 WIRE-5 Crew Compliment was only 4: Driver and Co-Driver in the Cab and two in the Box.

The Wireless Operator was centred facing forward in front of the Wireless Table and the Cypher Clerk faced left on the left rear side of the floor in front of the left rear window with the mailbox slot in the screen and the small folding table on the side wall below the rear window. Their seats were identical to the Cab Seats but mounted on different brackets on the floor. The arrangement allowed for the Generator Compartment Door to be swing wide open when necessary. The arrangement also allowed easy access for both men to the overhead Signal Buzzer Cord strung along the left side of the ceiling about a quarter of the way in from the left side wall.

I think I read somewhere as well that the Co-Driver was a Senior NCO in charge of the 4-Man Team.

Cozy, but doable arrangement.

David

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Whereas working on a CMP is always exciting I'd be lying if I didn't admit some tasks turn my crank more than others. The heat in the garage today sucked my higher ambitions so I did some 'grunt work' instead.

I removed and replaced the rotten rain gutter and door stops...it's all got to be done in the end. First pic is the scrambled originals against my newly fabricated ones and second is them assembled in place.

[David Dunlop]

Nice work, Bruce.

David

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Silence does not mean lack of progress, just routine bodywork I'm sure would bore you.

That said, I've completed what needs to be done from the back to the cab, inside and out. Weather permitting I will prime it tomorrow then nose it into my workspace to do similar patching and straightening for the cab. Oh, and weld in the bins. I SO want to weld in the bins.

Side project is replacing a piece of the rear right fender that someone chopped off.

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Now primed, the back end anyway. Putting the bins, wireless table, etc. in (placed, not welded) was a frivolous, unnecessary thing but I just had to do it.