C-15

Robert Sexton · #1 18-03-17, 03:08

Hello all, I have just acquired a C-15 with what I think is a general purpose body.The engine number gives it an ARN 60113 made in 1942.Under the engine bonnet is stenciled C15-8421-1942'Some of the designations in the vehicle registration books probably tell me more. Is there any out there who can tell me what the "V" designates and what WO1 stands for in the reghistration columns.On the left of the page is stamped "WD type- UK order 889" what does that mean?
The tyre carrier is on the RH side and a wooden locker with two hinged doors is accessed from the LH side.The locker and tyre carrier are built on a separate sub frame from the timber tray body. On the top of this locker is what looks like three places to carry batteries or at least they are the same dimensions as a 6 volt battery. Could this truck have something to do with wireless?
The tray is badly rotted away but not a real problem as there is enough to take patterns, all the iron work seems to be there.
The engine cover does not seem to fit at all and has a name plate with a different engine number and WO 87 stamped in it,did the C-15 have an engine cover with different dimensions to other type 13 cabs?
Thanks for any info
Robert

Ken Smith · #2 18-03-17, 06:02

Congratulations, what a delightful truck. Plenty to work with there, and even has a front TAC plate holder.
Someone here will know what the numbers mean.
Ken

Robert Sexton · #3 18-03-17, 08:43

Ken, yes a lot of work but looking forward to it. I have two other projects to finish first so probably the end of the year before I start.I usually like to know what the truck was used for or what its history was before I start just makes it more interesting to me. A few bits missing,drivers seat,instrument panel u/s, side lights, rear shock absorber arms ,all I can see at the moment.
Robert

Mike Kelly · #4 18-03-17, 10:22

Hi Robert

The body on your C15 looks like it could be the same as this one on this C15A 4x4 ? Were these the wooden GS bodies built before GMH began building the all steel GS body ?

I wish that guy standing near the door would move so we could see the tyre carrier !

Hanno Spoelstra · #5 18-03-17, 10:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Sexton

Hello all, I have just acquired a C-15 with what I think is a general purpose body.

Robert,

Great find that C15, looks like a great project. The body is a rare Australian GS body No. 1, not many of those still around.
Rod Diery here on MLU has (had?) the remains of one of these body, can't think of another one.
If you restore it, please record measurements and construction details for others who may wish to recreate one of these.

Thanks,
Hanno

Source: http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/showthread.php?t=428

Hanno Spoelstra · #6 18-03-17, 10:37

You''re right Mike, I was typing a reply at the same time you were.

Here's a picture of a C15 Cab 13 with the Australian GS body No. 1, courtesy of Dave Prince's Australian Army Body Types webpage.

cmp1075.jpg

Robert Sexton · #7 18-03-17, 12:56

Thanks everyone, the body is indeed the one illustrated (no1) I can see that the catch on the tailgate is the same as mine and the number of horizontal boards are the same.
I will cut the timber from local hardwood (Jarrah) and keep the measurements as Hanno has asked.The boards are all tongue and groove for the floor and sides at one inch thick but of differing widths, seven inch,five inch and four inch.The locker boards are three quarters inch thick and also of varying widths , five inch,three & three quarters and five &one quarter. It will be a very interesting project.
much obliged,
Robert.
PS I think I paid too much at auction ($400) ,but I had to save it.

Mike Kelly · #8 18-03-17, 13:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Sexton

PS I think I paid too much at auction ($400) ,but I had to save it.

You have got to be joking

. That is a very rare body, relatively few were made in the first place and being wood , will rot and be termite fodder . There are only two of them known to be surviving on the planet, yours and Rod's . $400 would have been to much in 1970

Robert Sexton · #9 18-03-17, 15:06

Mike, it is the unpredictability of auctions, I could have had it for $100 only one other person bidding. I knew I was looking at something unusual but did not know what ,I had made up my mind to get it and was prepared to pay a lot more. Four more wheels (tires with the DD stamp)came with it, a twenty inch wheel and a tow hitch from a C60.
The truck had been in the family since the late 1950's but being quite small had not been used much, it had languished in the open for many years.
I now feel very privileged to have it , a colleague and I will do all the timber work and if we can convince another friend who is a retired draughtsman to make the scale drawings the we have something that others may wish to use.