Kiwi CMP to be restored

[cletrac (RIP)]

The Van 5 used the 2H1 body which was wood and metal construction. The floor was wood. Here's a picture of one I've got.
The info is from Military Vehicle Profiles and the pic is from the Factory Photos CD. The 2J1 would be for the later Van 5 trucks say 1944 or so.

[Ian Tozer]

Hi David.

Thanks for the reply and information.

Is there any known way to decipher where the vehicle was delivered, I am about to contact the NZ Army to see if their records show anything for the vehicle.

Cheers
Ian

[Mike K]

I dont think you will have any luck with records search in NZ ..Others have tried it and failed

David Hayward will help you with the SM contract details ... he is usually lurking around this forum ....DAVID HELP

Having a British Z number means it probably was issued to NZ forces in Nth Africa or Italy . Its a rare vehicle in NZ , consider yourself lucky

And, keep away from these critters We know how you guys react when Sheep are involved , it's hards to control yourself, but please try.

MIKE

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by cletrac

The Van 5 used the 2H1 body which was wood and metal construction. The floor was wood. Here's a picture of one I've got.
The info is from Military Vehicle Profiles and the pic is from the Factory Photos CD. The 2J1 would be for the later Van 5 trucks say 1944 or so.

Just a note, correct me if I'm wrong, but I recall 'VAN' referred to a body (2C1, 2H1, etc.) with seats, bows and a tarp. 'GS' on the data plate meant the identical body but without those bits, and a simple flat canvas cover.

[cletrac (RIP)]

Bruce, that's the way it works, all right.

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

These are the known (or likely) trucks to the same Demand:

2844419324 ENGINE # WR3,840,943 S/M 2564 JULY 16 1942

2844419447 ENGINE # WR3,840,887
2844419639
2844419659 ENGINE # WR3,840,806 S/M 2564 JULY 21 1942
2844419686
2844419763


British Ministry of Supply Demand Supply-Mechanical 2564 was allocated Census Numbers Z 4923997 to 4925484, for 3/4 ton '15 cwt Office 4 x 4 Articized'. I thin k these bodies were built by Canadian Top & Body Company. It has also been suggested that there were some Breakdown bodies included in the overall Demand.

We know from Canadian figbures that 1,488 had been delivered by 1st October 1942.

As to how it ended up in NZ I can only surmise that the truck was delivered to the UK, assembled here, then shipped out to the Mid-East and issued to the NZEF. It was then 'sold' to the NZ Government and then shipped on to NZ after the forces returned. What a marvellous find, and to locate the Census Number is outstanding!

[Ian Tozer]

Thank you all very much, yes we were aware of a significant find when I saw the plates and worked out what I was looking at.

The panels include the faint outlines of hand brush painted "Mickey Mouse Ear" camoflauge pattern that will be mapped and redone as part of the restoration.

It has 17,200 original miles on the clock, with the rectangular pattern dash.

Photos will be collected again this weekend and posted Sunday (Kiwi time)

The truck has an aura about it that gets everyone who stands near it, there is just something different about it.

We have labelled it "King Rat" at the moment, it fits and when you see the pictures you will understand the reference to a Rat Racer hot rod.

Apart from the rear tray the only parts missing are the water condenser from the left front guard, the holes are still there and the rifle metal racks in the cab.

Both of the wooden blocks where the butt of the .303 sat were still fixed in the cab and will be used to model new ones for the restoration, or may be used as is which is more than likely.

The most mind bending part for me was seeing and hearing her turn over and run at the weekend, just a rewind on the alternator, some new wires and lubricant and away she went.

A head job and valve grind and we are happy campers with the motor.

This truck has been waiting for this.

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

Michael Mouse's appendages-style camo seems to confirm that this was a British-assembled truck that was then shipped out subsequently. There might even be some form of assembly plant detail somewhere..

I have to say that this is an amazing find and it clearly has been almost around the world.

[Ian Tozer]

Well that was something out of the blue for the weekend.

Here are the picis of the King Rat.

As I said the door markings and Mickey Mouse pattern are vey evident. The highly interesting part that isn't as clear in these pictures is that these were painted on by hand using a brush, overlapping round circles were used a close look at the fourth image will show this effect.