Chevrolet C60L APT (Airportable)

[Hanno Spoelstra]

This thread is a placeholder to collect information about the C60L APT. The APT is the Airportable version of the C60L which was built nearing the end of (and after) WW2.

Airportable meant it could be partially disassembled so it could fit in a Douglas C47 Dakota aircraft. If I recall correctly, the C60L APT was divided into two or three loads, which were to be re-assembled after arriving at destination. This was not meant for combat use, in the sense that C60L's could be flown into landing zones during airborne operations.

Anyone with more pics and/or information, please post it in this thread.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Recently, I photographed a C60L APT at the Dutch National Military Museum.

This example was built on July 30, 1945 under contract SM 6520. The vehicle model plate states "C60L-APT-GS-16".

The detachable right-hand front quarter nose piece was typical for the APT version and is a quick way to identify it.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

The Dakota C47 was never designed to carry loads like trucks. But the military cargo version was built with large loading doors on the left hand side, enabling larger loads and even vehicles like Jeeps to be loaded via a ramp.

The second picture shows how the similarly modified GMC CCKW-353 Airportable needed to be stripped to enable it to be loaded on a C47. Even the chassis had to be split in two!

As far as I know, the C60L APT had to shed it's cargo body, cab roof, right-hand cab front and front fender to enable it to pass through the side door, but the chassis did not need to be split.

I cannot find pictures of loading a C60L APT, who can help?

[Harry Moon]

Never knew about the data tag.
Having seen that I do think I might make that modification, it would make any necessary servicing of a water pump or other related stuff a lot easier.
The driver headlight wouldn't even have to be disconnected.

[Mike Kelly]

how many Jeeps can you get into a DC3

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C190216?search

[motto]

Originally Posted by Mike Kelly

how many Jeeps can you get into a DC3

From memory the payload of a C47 is 2-1/2 ton. An unladen Jeep is around a ton so no more than two Jeeps would be the safe operating limit.
At 3.54 the bungs in the middle of the cabin windows can clearly be seen. These could be removed to allow defensive firing of small arms if the aircraft was attacked in flight whilst carrying troops. It would be interesting to know if they were ever actually used in anger.

David

[Larry Hayward]

I see there is a Chevrolet C60L APT up for sale on Milweb. Does anyone know its build date and history. It looks like an ex museum vehicle

[Alex van de Wetering]

Larry,

This one?: https://milweb.net/classifieds/view_...ad=97367&cat=4

24-08-1945 according to the site of Keizer: http://www.keizer.nl/Aanbod/Detail/c...l-apt-for-sale

(Keizer and Aalderson share vehicles)

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

I cannot find pictures of loading a C60L APT, who can help?

Found some interesting WW2 pictures of the C60L APT, compiled by William Marshall:

https://issuu.com/mechinf/docs/ww2_l...1938015c82f49a

Also a 15-cwt version which I have never seen before:

https://issuu.com/mechinf/docs/ww2_t...db71066344284f

And the Dodge T236 APT:

https://issuu.com/mechinf/docs/ww2_d...fc470c4aebe76b

Edit: use https://www.robsonmartins.com/content/info/fpubd/ to create a pdf version of these documents

[Harry Moon]

well that makes the case for air transport. the front clip mod is extremely practical from a maintanence perspective and was the main reason i modified my front clip on the C60L. By lucky coincidence the box I brought out from Ontario was a bolt together version for the APT. Even the floor unbolted into 2 sections.

[m606paz]

AEDB File Volume 5

[Tony Smith]

Last photo: Is that Dr Indiana Jones?

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by m606paz

AEDB File Volume 5

That Ford turned into a Chev once loaded on the C-47??????

[Phil Waterman]

Hi

Given how easy it is to remove the entire nose why take the time to cut one corner off?
Yes that's all they needed to fit through the door of the aircraft, but it would take about the same amount of time to unbolt the whole nose assembly as to unbolt the corner.

Very interesting set of photos and the change of sex of the truck mid way shows they were workings with both Ford and Chevy. Now this must have lead to some interesting mix and match parts problem at the other end of the trip. Or where they careful to only remove parts that were interchangeable.

Cheers Phil