Late 1945 Ford F60L with 16" wheels

[Hanno Spoelstra]

A friend of mine is working on a 1945 Ford F60L (on 16" wheels, see attachment).

He wonders if the number "SU-232454" could be the chassis number? Or could it be the frame rail part number?

He found it on the left hand frame rail, just in front of the rearmost rear axle spring mount.

Thanks in advance!
Hanno

[Tony Wheeler]

Definitely chassis number Hanno. Frame rail part number is C01Q 5224 (RH) and 5225 (LH).

Front mounted spring bumper dates this vehicle to late '45. I recall Peter Ford mentioned SU prefix during discussion of Lauren's vehicle: "The CK- prefix, I assume, means "complete knockdown" just as SU- stands for (postwar) supplementary production however I have not seen any official explanation to confirm these meanings."

A quick check of chassis numbers found in Australia would also suggest postwar build date:

149767 26 Oct 44
149827 18 Nov 44
207538 15 Aug 45

I note also that SU-232454 is quite close to Lauren's CK-236140 chassis number with build date of 12 Nov 45.

Looks like a tidy low mileage F60L, although I hesitate to ask what that red and white monstrosity on the back may be!

[Richard Farrant]

Looks like it was converted to a glider winch.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Tony Wheeler

Definitely chassis number Hanno. Frame rail part number is C01Q 5224 (RH) and 5225 (LH).

Front mounted spring bumper dates this vehicle to late '45. I recall Peter Ford mentioned SU prefix during discussion of Lauren's vehicle: "The CK- prefix, I assume, means "complete knockdown" just as SU- stands for (postwar) supplementary production however I have not seen any official explanation to confirm these meanings."

A quick check of chassis numbers found in Australia would also suggest postwar build date:

149767 26 Oct 44
149827 18 Nov 44
207538 15 Aug 45

I note also that SU-232454 is quite close to Lauren's CK-236140 chassis number with build date of 12 Nov 45.!

Thanks Tony!

As it is most likely assembled post-war, it think it could even be one of a batch of F60L's which were assembled by NV Nederlandsche Ford Automobiel Fabriek in Amsterdam early after WW2. Reportedly these were late production crated vehicles.

Hanno

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Tony Wheeler

Looks like a tidy low mileage F60L, although I hesitate to ask what that red and white monstrosity on the back may be!

In 1971 it was converted into a glider winch by a company called "A. van Leeuwen". It nomenclature was "Volvolier", type "2TR:01". I suspect it was converted for the Netherlands Air Force, they used to have glider clubs or support them to as a breeding place for pilots.

Many years ago it was struck off charge and came into a glider winch collection, occasionally functioning as a back up winch. Back in 2011 it was taking up too much space so it was let go.

Bob, a friend of mine and I started to dismantle it. He will later post more details on the progress he has made since we stripped it back to its CMP bones. What is left is in very good condition as it was little used and always stored inside.

Hanno

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Tony Wheeler

Front mounted spring bumper dates this vehicle to late '45.

It is an F60L, with all the late build features, but "light" axles, steering, 16" wheels etc. Most likely fitted with an Ambulance body originally; here are some pictures of what it must have looked like:

Edit: added a picture of the well-known Canadian stamp "Ford Model F60L AMB Military Ambulance"

[Bob Kos]

The F60 Ambulance as it looks since yesterday, just after the engine was removed. The engine was tested before removing it, and it happened to be in a perfectly running condition. Tommorrow I'll be lifting off the remanining Cab 13 skeleton, in order to work on it in a separate way.

[Robert Bergeron]

Guys,

A really, really beautyfull project.

Thanks for your interest in Canadian military history.

Keep on the good work.

Have a very happy New Year !

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

It is an F60L, with all the late build features, but "light" axles, steering, 16" wheels etc. Most likely fitted with an Ambulance body originally; here are some pictures of what it must have looked like:

Does anybody know if other body types than Ambulance were fitted to this type of chassis?
This type of chassis being the 158" wheelbase with 16" wheels and "light" axles etc.

The same chassis type built by Chevrolet came in Ambulance, Office and Special GS (of which we have seen a few on MLU) - see attached pictures.

Not all versions were built by both manufacturers, so I am not sure if the Office and Special GS bodies were put on the F60L chassis with small wheels.

Thanks,
Hanno

[Bob Kos]

Several labels made from zinc are attached to the engine, steering house, and axles. The zinc material can be corroded sometimes wich makes them pretty fragile. I took one label from the righthand cylinderhead wich says:
Ford Motor Co of Canada
Engine&clutch service ass
Number-290-6097
Engine serial 4G-85319P

Does anyone know when this engine was built? It seems like these labels came with the production and it also seems like the engine has never been replaced.
The F60 has 3538 miles on the clock, not bad for 70 years of age. The engine has a grey colour covered with the same OD green as the rest of the vehicle. Photo was taken before the engine was taken out and cleaned with a steam cleaner.

[Barry Churcher]

Wow!! What a great shop you have to work in. Is the 126 yours?
It will be interesting following your progress.
Groeten,
Barry

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Bob Kos

Several labels made from zinc are attached to the engine, steering house, and axles. The zinc material can be corroded sometimes wich makes them pretty fragile. I took one label from the righthand cylinderhead wich says:
Ford Motor Co of Canada
Engine&clutch service ass
Number-290-6097
Engine serial 4G-85319P

Does anyone know when this engine was built? It seems like these labels came with the production and it also seems like the engine has never been replaced.

Bob,

First of all, welcome to MLU!

Engines with "4G" can be found in 1944 or 1945 assembled trucks, so that is likely to be the original one.

I have never seen the tags you describe before, but I did spot a paper tag on the left-hand engine head. In this case, judging by "C49W" in the type number this must have been an engine assembled to be put in a Windsor carrier, but ended up in Ford CMP truck for sale in France.

Hanno

[Lauren Child]

Originally Posted by Tony Wheeler

Definitely chassis number Hanno. Frame rail part number is C01Q 5224 (RH) and 5225 (LH).

Front mounted spring bumper dates this vehicle to late '45. I recall Peter Ford mentioned SU prefix during discussion of Lauren's vehicle: "The CK- prefix, I assume, means "complete knockdown" just as SU- stands for (postwar) supplementary production however I have not seen any official explanation to confirm these meanings."

A quick check of chassis numbers found in Australia would also suggest postwar build date:

149767 26 Oct 44
149827 18 Nov 44
207538 15 Aug 45

I note also that SU-232454 is quite close to Lauren's CK-236140 chassis number with build date of 12 Nov 45.

Looks like a tidy low mileage F60L, although I hesitate to ask what that red and white monstrosity on the back may be!

Nice catch Tony, I notice a familliar looking set of holes in the bumper, which is interesting to see on another vehicle.

[Alex van de Wetering]

Welcome on MLU Bob; Lovely project you have there. Hanno did tell be about the glider winch; fascinating conversion.


Alex

[Bob Kos]

Another unusual role for the ford F60 ambulance was as a mobile recording truck for the armed services in the Dutch east-Indies. On remote locations a microphone stand was positioned. and soldiers where were interviewed for the homefront radio in Holland inside the ambulance body the voices were recorded on a record, somewhere around 1945-50. There is some movienews footage about it, wich can be ordered.

[Bob Kos]

Does anyone know what this is? It seems like three little holes have been drilled into the frame below the windshield two at the right side,and one at the left. Also something has been stamped into the frame. I have the idea that it has been done in praparation to install a switch or something, but don't know what.

Bob

[Lauren Child]

Originally Posted by Bob Kos

Does anyone know what this is? It seems like three little holes have been drilled into the frame below the windshield two at the right side,and one at the left. Also something has been stamped into the frame. I have the idea that it has been done in praparation to install a switch or something, but don't know what.

Bob

If I was to guess I'd say it was for Tabby nightvision. That had both extra headlights (which may explain the switch position) and supporting struts which fixed to the window struts.

Bit of a coincidence as I've just been reading up on it, hence I may be missing something obvious as it's on my mind.

[Bob Kos]

Doesn't it have something to do with an electric windshield heating system? I believe I've seen something like that as an extra winterization accessoire for CMP's. If that would be so, it seems that this Late production cab 13 has already been prepared for the installation. Does anyone know something about an electric windshield heater?

Bob

[Lauren Child]

Originally Posted by Bob Kos

Doesn't it have something to do with an electric windshield heating system? I believe I've seen something like that as an extra winterization accessoire for CMP's. If that would be so, it seems that this Late production cab 13 has already been prepared for the installation. Does anyone know something about an electric windshield heater?

Bob

That's probably more likely.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

Does anybody know if other body types than Ambulance were fitted to this type of chassis?
This type of chassis being the 158" wheelbase with 16" wheels and "light" axles etc.

Found this picture on http://www.armyvehicles.dk/fordf60l.htm

Labelled as a "workshop van"

[Keith Webb]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

Found this picture on http://www.armyvehicles.dk/fordf60l.htm

Labelled as a "workshop van"

Looking at the non driven front axle this may be a F602L listed by Bart Vanderveen on page 240 of "The Observers Fighting Vehicles Directory" first edition as having a two speed rear axle. There are three on the page, two with GS type body, one is an ambulance and he also mentions a 300-gallon petrol tanker body.

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

Found this picture on http://www.armyvehicles.dk/fordf60l.htm

Labelled as a "workshop van"

Hanno,
The lorry in the photo was supplied to UK under Contract SM2669 as a GS. Appears that the Danes may have utilised them as "workshop vans".

regards, Richard

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Keith, Richard,

Thanks for the additional info. Did not notice it was a 4x2 (should use a proper computer with a large screen instead of a smart phone )

Seems the British had such an appetite for 4x2 drive trucks (als see this thread) they had a truck designed for 4x4 modified, instead of ordering more 4x2's already in production

H.