C8A HUW: body dimensional data needed

[Alex van de Wetering]

Jerry,

Thanks for showing all your work straightening the panels and frame, here on MLU. It shows what can be done with some work and a press!

Alex

[Jerry Hill]

Thanks Alex glad to hear the blog's of interest.

I set off to the workshop on Monday with the door split down to basics, picked up a couple of bits of 1 1/4in plywood pieces from the local DIY store to use as flat base pieces to use on the press. Very pleased with the outcome as hopefully the pics will show. We loaded up the press to 2 tons on the ply wood with no deflection whatsoever.

Pic 1 - Shows the door after re-assembly of the two pressings and knocking over the tabs. The locking mechanism straightened up easily, as did the lower hinge. Rehanging the door took a little time as fit in the body aperture was better than before, so I couldn't rely on the old alignment marks. In the pic the damage to the partition pressing can be seen, which should be easy to straighten.
Pic 2 - Shows how the panel came back into shape nicely.
Pic 3 - Another view.
Pic 4 - Looking down the door top shows how well it's straightened out, the deflection was around the locking mechanism that bent the door panel skin out by about 1 1/2 inches. I'm really surprised and delighted how this has worked out, as I'd left the worst job (or so I thought) until last.
Pic 5 - Shows the drivers door. There is a similar deflection here but much smaller, about 1/2 inch. The door shuts a treat so I'm not going to do any more on it.

That leaves rewiring the front end, straightening/replacing a bolt on the roof hatch to align. Take out the dent mentioned above and then we're ready to paint.

Oh yes and there were the winter jobs I had planned before this unexpected winter project. Sort the fuel tanks leak and dirt within and fix a seal on the transfer box front end output shaft.
Jerry

[Jerry Hill]

In the last few days I've remade the grille as the replacement I had was a bit ratty. A bit of a grit blast and paint and it's come up well - Pic 1.

When the accident occured the passenger's door sprung open and was quickly followed by my passenger. A pretty scary moment, not least for the poor chap who fell to the ground by way of a nasty bramble bush. So I've made up a pair of locks for the front doors. I hope they look suitably period being a no nonsense simple set up. - Pic 2. I'm going to fit similar to the rear doors, damn the expense...

I've pulled out the damage to the division between the driver & radio operator's compartment using the trusty ash tree and cargo straps - Pic 3. I've left a couple of clamps in place as I need to tack them back in place.

Started her up and after I'd done with the ash tree I parked her up whilst I went for a cuppatea, couldn't resist a another - Pic 4.

I need to replace a couple of bolts on the hatch and wire the front end and that's it.

Then it's tanks out for renewal and the leaky transfer seal.

Jerry

[Jerry Hill]

The re-wiring is done, the roof hatch bolts are replaced with a proper job and the hatch re-aligned.

I removed the petrol tank, as it had never worked satisfactorily and found out why, in the form of the remains of a bird's nest in the forward section where the pick up is. Not unsurprisingly the pick up pipe was blocked. Devious means were employed to clear the front section, the most successful was an industrial high pressure air line with a large nozzle, it transferred the mossy contents over everyone in the neighbourhood...

So here I'm ending the blog and would like to thank all those who have provided help & advice. Leaving the Chevrolet tucked up ready for Spring and a bit of a spray job.

Jerry

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Jerry

Am really enjoying following your project, your last post is something special. Wonder how many bird jokes we can come with? Of course some of our southern hemisphere brethren will probably suggest using a snake to get the bird out.

A while back there was a very good thread on cleaning gas tanks which if you have not already read it you might enjoy.

Cheers Phil

[Jerry Hill]

Hi Phil

I waited until the weather got better and completed the painting. This week I got round to getting the sign writing done and all is finished.

Pic 1, 2 & 4 a trip up to Debach airfield wartime home to the USAAF 493rd.
Pic 3 the radio is re-united with the truck.
Pic 5 the new member to the fleet an Austin8 Military Tourer.

We've added another member to the fleet, a tiny 1939 Austin 8 Military Tourer, albeit painted in the wrong colour, but surprisingly original. A more appropriate repaint will come in time. Many of these little Austins went to France and Belgium with the British Expeditionary Force in 1939/40, only to be left behind after Dunkirk etc.. Their better known big brother is the Austin Tilly. Open the bonnet (hood) and you have to look hard to find the engine, a 900 cc side valve sowing machine motor...

Jerry

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Jerry

Thanks for sharing the photos, nice new addition to the motor pool.

Cheers Phil