C8A chassis no. 3844516525

[Bob Carriere]

Hi Jeremy

Before you do anything consider the time factor.......

Based on the "other" Jeremy, my own expereince and that of others........... before you start taking it apart.....realize that you may not be driving it for another 3 to 4 or maybe 5 years ....time really flies when you search out some elusive nut or absolute perfection....... you might want to drive and enjoy it for a while wfirst while accumulating some plans, parts, money and some good stories for the wife or wife to be!!!!

It has been said that doing such a project as yours almost necessitates having at "least" another parts truck... then a trailer to pick up big parts.... than a suitable garage... and other patient friends to help you with the heavy parts...... with suitable cooler for the refreshments you will be serving your friends.....

You do have what seems to be a good start...... glad to see another vehicle has been saved and will be improved......

Don't get discouraged by ol' goats like me but be aware.....
... you now have a "metal mistress".....

BooB

[rampant rivet]

How very true Bob
I initiallly estimated 18 Months to rebuild the C15 took a bit longer !! as my truck had no brakes or engine I had no choice but to pull it apart and go through it.
Parts availability are an issue, brake master cylinder took over a year to track down, finding a usuable 235 engine was another adventure.
Saying that most parts can be rebuilt by specailist firms I would have had my master cylinder re-sleeved if I had not found a NOS one same goes for wheel brake cylinders and shoes.
A decent workshop is essential if you want to work all year I was lucky to rent one from a work colleague untill he sold up and moved to the other end of the country , new owner doubled the rent !!! so I had to move the almost completed truck back to my my boss's estate to finish brakes and then drive the beast to my mates where its stored at the mo.


RR.

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

Hi Jeremy
Welcome to the Blitz Addiction Corner. Being a lover of unusual vehicles, my choice would be Hanno's third suggestion of the "Indian Pattern" C8A. This would be "stand out" amongst other conventional Blitzs. You could do the coach building at your leisure whilst enjoying the truck in its current configuration. Besides which wood working is a lot easier that metal working.
Bob

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Originally posted by Bob Moseley
Hi Jeremy
Welcome to the Blitz Addiction Corner. Being a lover of unusual vehicles, my choice would be Hanno's third suggestion of the "Indian Pattern" C8A. This would be "stand out" amongst other conventional Blitzs. You could do the coach building at your leisure whilst enjoying the truck in its current configuration. Besides which wood working is a lot easier that metal working.
Bob

I'm with Bob on this... just as you wouldn't want to butcher a perfectly good jeep to manufacture one of that ilk's fascinating variations, likewise a perfectly good HU. This, on the other hand, is an ideal platform from which to launch what would be a unique project!

The other option would be to try to find an intact HU which worth little more than scrap value, use what you can off it and the rest as a pattern to remanufacture a body. That route, you're going to have to reskin at a very minimum, which as Bob says, is a lot of work.

Or just drive it and have fun!

[jeremyv]

Hi ALL,

Thanks for the responses. Given me alot to think about.

I must admit that I didnt know about the C8AX. This seems to be basically the same chassis and cab front as my own truck. Are there any differences in the running gear or chassis that wouldnt at first be apparent to the casual observer? Wonder whether it would be possible to obtain detailed drawings to a rear body and general layout in comparison to the cab? - the C8AX also runs without out the conventional "behind the cab" tool box by the looks of. I would be quite happy in fabricating a rear body, but I would have to find the cab back and roof from somewhere?

I have seen photos of the Indian HUP before unfortunately this to me looks very much like a landrover 101. Not sure if this would float my boat, so to speak, but I am up for being convinced into it.

Has anyone got any detailed pictures of the 216 engine assembled? Not totally sure whether I have the Bedford conversion in my C8 and would love to find out.

Thanks

Jeremy.

[jeremyv]

Taken in the New Forest, near Lymington.

[Rob Beale]

Thats a great looking truck you have.

My brother's C8AX is the one in the picture from Tony Smith. It has an original deck that has not been altered at all. I can help with drawings and pictures.

The NZ Army ordered the C8A as a cab and chassis to be assembled here in NZ with a NZ built deck. As far as we know there are no differences to the standard C8A of 1943 except of course the full cab, and the front mudguards are the wider C15A ones.

The design of this deck has many features seen on early Canadian decks. The side panels are folded from a 4 foot wide sheet which simplifies things. The spare wheel is carried in the deck on a bracket fixed to the front wall.

For markings, the NZ 3rd Div used these in the Solomons campaign.

Rob
C8AX Ambulance (NZ)

[cliff]

well I suppose you could find a dumb Ford owner and do a swap

Having said that you have a nice looking truck there.

[Mike Kelly]

Jeremy

This is what you need , its a bit squashed up .... still good for measuring up . Your welcome to it ( and so is anyone else ) .. as its destined for the scrap man soon .

Mike

[jeremyv]

Hi Rob,

Interesting that this is your brothers vehicle. Would love to take you up on your offer of help. Anything that you have to offer in the way of photos or drawings would be very much appreciated. Especially detailed view of components used in its construction.

It is especially difficult for me as I doubt any of these bodies will be present in the northern hemisphere, so I will be totally reliant on your kindness from you guys south of the equator.

J.

Originally posted by Rob Beale
Thats a great looking truck you have.

My brother's C8AX is the one in the picture from Tony Smith. It has an original deck that has not been altered at all. I can help with drawings and pictures.

The NZ Army ordered the C8A as a cab and chassis to be assembled here in NZ with a NZ built deck. As far as we know there are no differences to the standard C8A of 1943 except of course the full cab, and the front mudguards are the wider C15A ones.

The design of this deck has many features seen on early Canadian decks. The side panels are folded from a 4 foot wide sheet which simplifies things. The spare wheel is carried in the deck on a bracket fixed to the front wall.

For markings, the NZ 3rd Div used these in the Solomons campaign.

Rob
C8AX Ambulance (NZ)

[jeremyv]

Hi Mike,

That would have been perfect. Shame its located halfway around the world!!!!!

J.

Originally posted by Mike Kelly
Jeremy

This is what you need , its a bit squashed up .... still good for measuring up . Your welcome to it ( and so is anyone else ) .. as its destined for the scrap man soon .

Mike

[Rob Beale]

The Deck sits on four timber cross members, each 4 1/2 x 2. The floor is also timber, 6 x 1 planking, probably hardwood.

The rest of the deck is folded from 2mm sheet, although you could use a lighter gauge as it won't get the battering and abuse the originals got.

I'll also send the drawings of the pintle frame for the tow hook. That is another useful advantage of the C8AX

Rob

ps I'm in that photo, obscured behind the truck. It was taken at the Omaka Airshow last Easter.

[Mike Kelly]

Originally posted by Rob Beale

The rest of the deck is folded from 2mm sheet, .

Ah ! It's actually 18 gauge sheet , which is about 1.2mm ... 2mm is way too heavy . 2mm = 14 gauge .

Mike .

PS I did measure it up , but the drawings are basic ... I sent them to a chap in Canada some years back and another copy went to Dave in Auckland . If the plans getting around are basic line drawings , then their probably mine .

[T Creighton]

Hi Jeremy,
I am currently building a copy of an NZ G/S body for my F30 from one given to me by "baldeagle" (thanks Reg).
It looks the same as a 3 ton one without the spare tyre carrier in front and longer than the puddle jumper deck.
I have drawn perspective sketches of all the panels (2.00mm)
You and anyone else are welcome to them if they would be any use. Some panels would need to be adjusted for the different length.
There are 12 drawings so pm me with your email address and I will send them direct.

[T Creighton]

Sample of one sketch

[Ryan]

Originally posted by jeremyv
Hi Everyone,

I shall first introduce myself. I am a new member called Jeremy based just north east of Oxford (UK).

I have been meaning to write on this forum for such a long time, but unfortuantely have never had the oportunity to write something of significance.

Hi Jeremy,
No need to be shy here, I've had over 200 posts and still haven't written anything of significance!
Welcome aboard.
Ryan

[Nick Bullock]

Hi Jeremy
I'm real pleased to see that you've taken on one of the most good looking military vehicles ever produced.

This particular vehicle has been known to me for many years I first viewed it for sale in 1993 when I was about to restore a HUP for the Normandy 94 event. I already had a HUP unrestored and needing a body building, we looked at this one in case it was going to be an easier job, as it turned out it probably would have been!!

Any way, at that time, it was essentially unrestored and and devoid of any electrical systems at all. On the plus side it still retained the running boards Heavy utility fuel tanks and the the cab back was still the HUW dividing bulkhead...

to be fair building a HU body is not that difficult, theres only straight lines and a single radius curve used in its construction. we built one in a domestic garage,

out of interest my notes have the asking price at £1400 in 93, the owner. I later found had bough it in notts the year earleier and paid £600 for it. since then It has been restored and showm in the portsmouth area, resided in Nortumberland for a while, and no doubt other places, too... Just good to see its still around, be great to see it with awireless body again...

just my pennys worth

Happy to help if I can,

kind regards

nick
HUP , HUA and C8

[Rob Beale]

Could you send me a copy of your drawings and I'll do the modifications for C8AX dimensions.

I too have recovered a C60 deck like yours, but it is missing the front lockers and has the rear ones covered over.

Rob
C8AX Ambulance (NZ)

[ccooperaus]

Hello Terry
I would appreciate a set too please.
Charlie
2XF15A, F60L with winch, F60S tipper, Marmon Herrington.

[jeremyv]

Terry

Thanks for your reply. This is excellent, exactly what I need to do the job. Hopefully Rob will be able to assit me is providing me with some info on what lengths need to be modified to make it correct for the C8AX.

Thank you guys,

Really appreciated.

Jeremy.

email

[T Creighton]

Jeremy,
Rob & I will work on the sketches for you.
I have had my panels all cut and folded out of 2mm electrogalv plate.
I can give you construction notes as I go along with my job.
T

Charlie,
I have emailed you via the MLU system
T

[maverick]

Hi jeremy Welcome to the forum i cant offer any advice on your truck as i'm fairly new to this myself. At present trying to restore a couple of rusty trucks in Swindon so nice to know there is another cmp fan fairly local regards alan.

[Ian McCallum]

Hi Jeremy,

Been reading the thread with interest. I'm with Nick Bullock on this one, especially as the original HUW bulkhead divider/running boards are still present.

In the past I have restored a C8A PUTR (computer) bodied version that had been converted to a breakdown. This did have more roof section than yours, being cut behind the rear door rather than cab door. However other than a salvagable door I took all the remnants off and rebodied it from behing the cab with new steel. As Nick says the framework is basic and there are no tricky skin issues to be concerned about. Roof section and corners are a single 'roll' the only difficult bit being the end of the roof which of course has the corners. I got over this by finding a scrap 13 cab and using the rear section of the cab roof. This is exaclty the same profile as the roof length and width in the HU series is of course the same. If you are lucky enough to find a good example you can cut it with sufficient meat that will take it to the back of the hatch opening, thus one less join and more in keeping with the original. I also used standard cab doors recovered from scrapped vehicles and modified the frame and reskinned accordingly. If you go for the later model you will only need two as the spare wheel recess takes up the other opening.

I cheated, enlisting the support of a local light engineering company with military interests and presented them with the task, myself providing labour support and tech. advice. Vehicle rolled out after 5 days with a new rear body complete! Admittedly this was only the start as roof hatch fitments and interior etc had to be done, but it was usable.

I also Reskinned an HUA as Nick can confirm.

I say, collect the bits, rear roof section, 13 cab doors, and modify them as required draw on others experience /drawings/photos and over the dead part of a year, go for it!

Quite happy to help in any way with the above.

Ian

[Keith Orpin]

Hi Jeremy,
It's good to see another CMP has appeared in the Oxford area, and you are probably not a million miles away from where I live. You asked about your engine being possibly a Bedford unit. If you want to come and have a look at a fully rebuilt 216 motor, please let me know, and you can crawl all over my C30.
Good luck with the C8A
Regrads
Keith

[jeremyv]

Hi Keith,

That would be really fantastic if I could.

Anychance of swapping numbers?

Regards

J.

[jeremyv]

Terry , Rob.

Thankyou for offering to do that for me. Not sure what I can do in return for your kindness? Cant wait to see those drawings, then I can get cracking....... Any ideas or photos as to extra fittings that I might require?

I have been thinking allot about the options over the last few days. Though I would absolutely love to recreate the HUP / wireless body, I think it would be a bridge too far. I think I could handle the work, what I think I couldnt handle is the size of the task with only me working on it. Creating a new GS body and modifying the cab breaks the jobs into easy tasks whilst still having a vehicle that runs.

Thanks

Jeremy.

p.s - anybody know of any cab backs or roofs that could be available in the uk?

[Nick Bullock]

you are about to remove a proper HUW cab partition... I will be needing a sedative and a sit down!

regards

nick

[cliff]

Originally posted by jeremyv
Creating a new GS body and modifying the cab breaks the jobs into easy tasks whilst still having a vehicle that runs.

Thanks

Jeremy.

p.s - anybody know of any cab backs or roofs that could be available in the uk?

Jeremy it may be easier and better for you if you searched around for a complete cab and just swapped what you have with it then trying to modify what is there.

Just a suggestion

Cheers
Cliff

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally posted by jeremyv
p.s - anybody know of any cab backs or roofs that could be available in the uk?

Hi Jeremy, seems you're opting to build a C8AX, good choice (although my choice would be the "Indian Pattern" one). With the New Zealand members on this forum plus a Canadian one undertaking the same conversion, you should be able to pull this one off.

Re. a cab roof and back, see CMP 15cwt.....or maybe not? for a CMP Bitsa for sale in the UK. You could pull this apart with no regrets since it seems to have been assembled from the parts bin anyway by an enthusiast.

Regards,
Hanno

[Rob Beale]

that another complete truck cab is the way to go. That way if you decide to do it as a HU-whatever in the future, your C8A cab floor and partition are still available untouched.

I have another C8AX with a C60 cab grafted on to it. The chassis mounts were relocated as the C60 chassis is much wider. Also the inner guards on the C60 are a much flatter profile with more foot room. I suspect a C15 2wd cab floor may be the most suitable for you, and probably more available in your neck of the woods.

We are a bit far away to send one over, still a Kiwi pub has just gone to London on a cargo ship!?! as part of a beer promotion for Speights Ale - we wouldn't touch the stuff as students and now its marketed as the "Pride of the South".

I digress, so to keep on track, I am in touch with Terry. more anon

Rob