C8 progress in Texas

David DeWeese · #1 11-02-13, 01:22

Hi,
Spent the day installing my engine covers. Feels good to get this behind me as they were a real pain to install. They still look a little beat up, but after 4 1/2 years of looking at that engine it was time to finally cover it up!

I must say that the engineers who designed the truck tried their best to get the most interior space they could for the occupants.....had to grind off the vacuum plug on the side of the intake manifold just to make the left side cover fit.

After I put on the panel that covers the spark plug opening, I can install the steering wheel and seats for good,(have been driving it sitting on a milk crate)....still have a lot of screw heads to paint.

Had a question: Before sandblasting the covers I noticed the faint remains of a decal located on the right cover next to the data plate. Looked original. Anyone know what it might have been, and is it being reproduced by anyone?

Thanks, David

Phil Waterman · #2 11-02-13, 15:32

Hi David

Here is one possible decal, about 1 1/4 x 2 1/2 this one is on my HUP. There is another that is larger that I have seen on Pattern 12s I'll look for a picture of that one.

What size would you say the one on your truck was?

Cheers Phil

Alex van de Wetering · #3 11-02-13, 18:52

Quote:

Thanks Alex, I guess the shiney stuff is all you can get these days for heat protection. I did find some 4' x 8' x 3/8" sheets of asbestos behind my shop if you really want to go original. I can give you a great price on them

Thanks David.....but it will probably kill me....the postage that is

Attached are two shots showing decal remains. the first one is my C8, the second is a C8 that is for sale at LWDparts. The decal in Phils picture seems to be the same size and shape.

Alex

David DeWeese · #4 12-02-13, 04:42

Thanks Phil and Alex!
That's what it must have been, an oil change decal. Am getting to the fun part where all the little details will be added to the truck soon...still have to make mirror arms, source mirrors and such.....which reminds me:

Does anyone have details on what the tail lights look like on the rear of a 1940 British-bodied truck? I know the hex-type lights probably aren't correct for this year, but can't find any clear photos of what should be on my C8.

Spent some time this weekend and made up a tail light from an old gauge that looks fairly close, working from the photos I have, but...

Thanks again, and sorry for all the questions!

David

Ganmain Tony · #5 12-02-13, 06:01

They all had very tiny clearance lights david.

Globe in a piece of steel pipe sort of thing...dont have a picture but someone will...

I dont have the original lights and never did.

I know we can be belligerent with these trucks and argue with the authorities that they never had 'em, however, in order to keep the peace with the cops and other clowns on the road (and for a bit of safety) I fitted mine with a modern lighting set up.

I did try to keep it retro... the rear lights on mine are what were fitted to all Fords (Civvy) of that era.

Private_collector · #6 12-02-13, 10:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by David DeWeese

Spent some time this weekend and made up a tail light from an old gauge that looks fairly close, working from the photos I have, but...

David, you clever bugger!

NOS taillights 1.jpg
I suspect your vehicle may have originally had a rubber bodied version of these metal lights. I thought I had a photo somewhere, but not found it yet. Don't know how well the rubber would have survived over the years. Sure you could fashion something very similar, but I agree with GT, if not hugely concerned about originality make the lights more visible. I'm gonna use the original (and pitifully small) style. In addition, I am stealing an idea from a fellow MLU chappy and thinking about adding a rotating warning light that can be removed once arrived at whatever event it's travelling to.

David DeWeese · #7 12-02-13, 14:50

GanmainTony: Those are some nice looking vintage tail lights! I looked at putting something like that on my truck, and still may.....I don't want something that looks new and "off the shelf" or can be identified as being U.S military.

Tony Baker: Wow, looks like you have struck gold with those lights and brackets still in their box! I read somewhere that these are reproduced for WLC motorcycles also, but have yet to find any for sale....

Here's what I was shooting for with the gauge light, but here is what the truck might have had originally....I think!

Thanks, David

Keith Webb · #8 12-02-13, 20:55

I have some NOS originals, will post a pic soon.