1944 C-15A-Wire-5 Restoration

[RichCam]

The radio box was removed from the trailer axle. It was then taken for soda blasting of the exterior and interior. A white primer was applied to prevent rusting. A complete #19 radio set, with chore horse generator and power management system, has been acquired by the new owner of the Wire 5. We will finish the truck first, getting it road worthy and then we will add the radio box. Refurbishment of the wood liner, painting and installation of radio gear will follow.

[Robert Bergeron]

Rich,

That is one fine looking restoration in progress my friend !

Good luck and fair winds .



Robert

[RichCam]

It has been a while since my last update. I was able to prime and paint the front bumper rad guard and the fuel tanks. The tanks have been mounted and the the engine tested. After some adjustments to the distributor cap position, we were able to eliminate the "backfire" and it nows runs like a top.

[RichCam]

So, with the more recent 6 cylinder 250 running like a top, we discovered that it was "frozen" in first gear. The only way to run the engine was with the clutch in. After jacking and blocking the complete chassis, we confirmed first gear only capability. Unfortunately, we could not properly access the upper transmission case cover without lifting the cab completely off of the frame. We needed to do that anyways so it was now or later. After removing the shifter, removing the cover bolts, we discovered that the transmission was stored without fluid in it. The shift shafts had corroded slightly and the shift forks were locked in position. After some gentle persuasion and lot's of M16, my father and Jim were able to free the forks and lift off the case cover. We will now clean everything inside and begin re-assembly.
As well, all four tires were removed, rims pulled and brake pads including emergency brake activation, brake cylinders were inspected. Everything looks great except for the emergency brake cables. They have been sent out to be rebuilt.

[lssah2025]

Looking good..

[Jon Skagfeld]

Originally Posted by RichCam

The radio box was removed from the trailer axle. It was then taken for soda blasting of the exterior and interior. A white primer was applied to prevent rusting. A complete #19 radio set, with chore horse generator and power management system, has been acquired by the new owner of the Wire 5. We will finish the truck first, getting it road worthy and then we will add the radio box. Refurbishment of the wood liner, painting and installation of radio gear will follow.

Hehehe!

Background in these pics is very familiar!

[RichCam]

Thanks guys for the comments. At least, we are not digging through the snowbanks to find stuff now.
Front and rear brakes passed inspection today, I'm having new emergency brake cables fabricated. Hopefully, we will get them next week.
Seat covers arrived and they fit very well. Seat frames and sliders have been blasted, primed and painted.
Doors, side curtains, front windows including accessories and wipers are going to be taken off the C-60L forklift, blasted, primed and painted along with the cab. Re-assembly should begin during the first week of August.
Yeah, the grader tires from the C-60L are going to go on the F-60S Dumper. Can't wait to see that!

[RichCam]

Guys,

Good news today! Re-assembled emergency brake, tires and rims onto the axles, tested the transmission, bled the brakes, adjusted the carburetor, charged the battery and voila - ignition! Drove the C-15A chassis out of the shop and around the yard. Only in 1st, radiator was a bit wobbly and I wasn't too comfortable in the bolt on tractor seat BUT is sounded SWEET! Jim blew out any remaining crap from the cracks and crevices. Then power washed the whole shooting match! Back into the shop at the end of the day under it's own power. A little touch up black on the frame and it is ready and waiting for the cab, doors, windows and dash. I should have a new update in 2 weeks!

Chow!

[RichCam]

Here is a quick update on the Wire 5 project. Last week, I was able to paint the Wire 5 C-15A Cab. Here are some before and after pictures. This week, we hope to mount it on the chassis.

[Bob Carriere]

What paint brand / color are you using....?

Cheers

[RichCam]

Hello Bob,

We are doing both the Cab and Radio Box in Flat Olive Drab 595-34087. We are going to decal the vehicle for Holland, Spring of 1945 as a C-15A, Cab13, Wire-5.
Detailed decal research comes via Jon Skagfeld:
Sherbrooke Fusiliers - Red Square with White 53 superimposed. Formation sign - horizontal square - divided in 3rds - Blue, Black, Blue superimposed with Gold maple leaf.
From the rear - unit sign on the left, formation sign on the right. I'm adopting the "opposite corner" rule for the front of the vehicle.
Yellow circle with bridge limit 5 on front.
Will copy and slightly modify White vehicle ID number from a Wire 5 in a previous thread.

Comments or questions welcome!
Regards, Richard.