MLU FORUM  

Go Back   MLU FORUM > MILITARY VEHICLES > The Softskin Forum

Notices

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15-05-06, 15:31
Howard's Avatar
Howard Howard is offline
"Sid and Errol's Dad"
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Ganmain, Australia
Posts: 1,438
Question Project F15

G'Day all,
The following photo is the F15 that was my Grandfather's and I now intend to get back on the road. I would love some advice & feedback from the wonderful community of MLU.
Keith has been a great help to me, before meeting him I did not know the first thing about model ID. Still learning! Keith tells me this particular unit is rare for Aus, what is the story in other parts of the world?
Initially my intension was to simply rebuild & make the vehicle roadworthy & street registered. But if the old girl is rare, I feel I have an obligation to restore it to original specs, paint scheme, etc.? This would involve 'undoing' several modifications made to the vehicle by my Grandfather. For example the winch mount position. (The crane set-up is definitley going).
Your thoughts?
Howard.
Advice on spelling not necessary...
Attached Images
File Type: jpg dscf1975.jpg (124.4 KB, 2021 views)

Last edited by Howard; 15-05-06 at 16:26.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15-05-06, 15:35
Howard's Avatar
Howard Howard is offline
"Sid and Errol's Dad"
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Ganmain, Australia
Posts: 1,438
Default Apparent mods, seating

For example, these seats don't appear to be original. Or are they simply different to what I am used to seeing?
1. floor mounts.
2. Rear cab join is recessed at rear of seats. Is this a modification?
Attached Images
File Type: jpg dscf1996.jpg (116.6 KB, 1837 views)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15-05-06, 15:46
Howard's Avatar
Howard Howard is offline
"Sid and Errol's Dad"
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Ganmain, Australia
Posts: 1,438
Default

See also rifle butt holder made of timber (above). Others I have seen have been metal. There is only one holder on the floor each side and no evidence of a second being fitted, however the upper mounts have two rifle retainers.....
Attached Images
File Type: jpg dscf1995.jpg (110.0 KB, 1749 views)
__________________
Howard Holgate
F15 #12
F15A #13 (stretched)
F60S #13
C15A #13 Wireless (incomplete)

Last edited by Howard; 15-05-06 at 16:23.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15-05-06, 16:53
Hanno Spoelstra's Avatar
Hanno Spoelstra Hanno Spoelstra is offline
MLU Administrator
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 14,400
Default Re: Project F15

Quote:
Originally posted by Howard
Your thoughts?
Howard,

First of all, I have been following the thread on the Ganmain auction, and I must say I am amazed by what a man can collect in a lifetime. Hats off to you and your family & friends to acually sift through all this sh!t and try to find a good home for it all. Most inheritors would simple call the scrapman and let him take it all away!

Yes, it is a rare truck, not only in Australia. The cargo body is of the 2B1 type, the second type used on 15-cwt CMP trucks (see Colin Stevens' site). I understand you feel obliged to restore it to original specs, but wouldn't it be a fitting tribute to your grandfather to restore the F15 to a condition in which he used it? From Keith's web page I learn there are quite extensive modifications anyway (2 speed rear axle, 20" wheels, winch), so it will be quite a job to turn it back to factory specs. Getting rid of the crane is sensible if you want to be able to drive it over any distances.

Anyway, those are my thoughts (worth exactly €0,02). Good luck with the project and keep us posted!

Hanno
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15-05-06, 17:05
Howard's Avatar
Howard Howard is offline
"Sid and Errol's Dad"
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Ganmain, Australia
Posts: 1,438
Default Your Thoughts

Thanks Hanno, I respect your opinions and welcome them at any time. What of the other two posts. Do they appear to be modifications as I suspect?
Howard.
__________________
Howard Holgate
F15 #12
F15A #13 (stretched)
F60S #13
C15A #13 Wireless (incomplete)
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15-05-06, 17:34
Tony Smith's Avatar
Tony Smith Tony Smith is offline
No1, Mk 2** (I'm back!)
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Lithgow, NSW, Australia
Posts: 5,042
Default

The seats are from another vehicle of another period (not Blitz!), however, the cutout in the angle iron of the joint in the rear cab wall/roof IS original.
I think the good news is that you are going to restore it. Restoring it to original specs would be great, but you know the history of the vehicle and it did many more years service in the family's business than it ever did in the Army. That history ought to be saved, too.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15-05-06, 22:16
Keith Webb's Avatar
Keith Webb Keith Webb is offline
Film maker, CMP addict
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Macleod, Victoria, Australia
Posts: 8,216
Default Interior

This is a Ford interior and you can see the seat in it, also the cutout in the rear cab join:



If you go to the page and click on the picture you will see a large image.
__________________
Film maker

42 FGT No8 (Aust) remains
42 FGT No9 (Aust)
42 F15
Keith Webb
Macleod, Victoria Australia
Also Canadian Military Pattern Vehicles group on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/canadianmilitarypattern
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 15-05-06, 23:14
alleramilitaria's Avatar
alleramilitaria alleramilitaria is offline
Dave Demorrow
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: texas USA
Posts: 1,133
Default

it looks like you have a great start to a practical pice of WWII tin. keep up the great work.
__________________
44 GPW, 43 MB, 42 trailer, 43 cckw
44 MORRIS C8, M-3A1 SCOUT CAR
41 U/C, 42 U/C x 2, 44 U/C
42 6LB GUN
and the list keeps growing, and growing.... i need help LOL
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 15-05-06, 23:54
Max Hedges's Avatar
Max Hedges Max Hedges is offline
Pops
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Yass, Australia
Posts: 1,557
Default F15

Howard if you would like to see some more cab 12 bits I do happen to have a few as I started to restore a 3 tonner, if you are in the Yass area be sure to call in.
Max

by the way I would have the right seat frames

Last edited by Max Hedges; 16-05-06 at 00:21.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 16-05-06, 02:48
Howard's Avatar
Howard Howard is offline
"Sid and Errol's Dad"
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Ganmain, Australia
Posts: 1,438
Default

Thanks Max I will definitley call in one of these days, I travel through Yass a few times a year. Also work with James Painting who was from up your way, he went to school with your Emma?
I will be in touch when next up that way.
Cheers
Howard
__________________
Howard Holgate
F15 #12
F15A #13 (stretched)
F60S #13
C15A #13 Wireless (incomplete)
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 16-05-06, 03:00
Howard's Avatar
Howard Howard is offline
"Sid and Errol's Dad"
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Ganmain, Australia
Posts: 1,438
Default F15

Quote:
Originally posted by Tony Smith
Restoring it to original specs would be great, but you know the history of the vehicle and it did many more years service in the family's business than it ever did in the Army. That history ought to be saved, too.
Thanks for your input Tony. I am beginning to feel a easier about 'rebuild' rather than 'restore'. I thought I would upset people by NOT doing a faithful original spec restoration but it seems that is not the case.
Cheers Howard
__________________
Howard Holgate
F15 #12
F15A #13 (stretched)
F60S #13
C15A #13 Wireless (incomplete)
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 16-05-06, 04:46
Max Hedges's Avatar
Max Hedges Max Hedges is offline
Pops
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Yass, Australia
Posts: 1,557
Default small world

also I remember people from Yass going to visit your grandfather, likes of old joe bush and are you related to the holgates at Dalton.

Max
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 16-05-06, 06:33
Howard's Avatar
Howard Howard is offline
"Sid and Errol's Dad"
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Ganmain, Australia
Posts: 1,438
Post Small World...

Max, My Grandfather Allan (Also known as A.A) bought heaps of Blitz trucks at army disposal auctions. They were transported by train to Ganmain & he sold hundreds of 'em all over the countryside. I was told by someone (not sure who now) that they remember coming to Ganmain & seeing a heap of trucks being unloaded at the rail yards which were directly across from the shed. I have been lead to believe the Holgate Garage was THE place for Blitz sales, service & parts. Who knows I am enjoying all of this so much it may become that way again!
And yes we are related to the Dalton Holgates. About 4 generations removed. My side thought wheat would be better than sheep. Poor decision.
A Blitz would probably be one of the newest vehicles Dalton, wouldn't it?
__________________
Howard Holgate
F15 #12
F15A #13 (stretched)
F60S #13
C15A #13 Wireless (incomplete)
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 17-05-06, 11:29
Howard's Avatar
Howard Howard is offline
"Sid and Errol's Dad"
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Ganmain, Australia
Posts: 1,438
Default F15 rebuild

Fitted to the floor on the passenger side is a grab handle on a swivel. (Also known as a "SH!T" bar). Is this standard or prehaps an idea from the days when the blitz was being used as a shooting rig for 'roos, pigs & emus?
Attached Images
File Type: jpg dscf1981.jpg (122.7 KB, 1456 views)
__________________
Howard Holgate
F15 #12
F15A #13 (stretched)
F60S #13
C15A #13 Wireless (incomplete)
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 17-05-06, 13:00
Keith Webb's Avatar
Keith Webb Keith Webb is offline
Film maker, CMP addict
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Macleod, Victoria, Australia
Posts: 8,216
Default Original

Yep, that's supposed to be there.
__________________
Film maker

42 FGT No8 (Aust) remains
42 FGT No9 (Aust)
42 F15
Keith Webb
Macleod, Victoria Australia
Also Canadian Military Pattern Vehicles group on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/canadianmilitarypattern
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 17-05-06, 14:01
JackM JackM is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Perth Western Australia
Posts: 100
Default Handle

Known in some circles Howard, as the 'panic strap'. The driver had a piece of rubber above his head, the passenger got a. handle

Jack
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 18-05-06, 00:24
Bob Moseley (RIP)'s Avatar
Bob Moseley (RIP) Bob Moseley (RIP) is offline
RIP
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 2,620
Default Grab Handle

Hi all
This handle is the religious contribution that the CMP makers added to their truck. In momemts of driving panic the passenger would grab this handle and pray loudly to "Jesus". Hence it is known as the 'Jesus Handle".
Bob
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 18-05-06, 00:28
Bob Moseley (RIP)'s Avatar
Bob Moseley (RIP) Bob Moseley (RIP) is offline
RIP
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 2,620
Default Instruments

BTW Howard
How about an image of the instrument panel?
Bob
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 18-05-06, 00:32
Keith Webb's Avatar
Keith Webb Keith Webb is offline
Film maker, CMP addict
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Macleod, Victoria, Australia
Posts: 8,216
Default Re: Instruments

Quote:
Originally posted by Salesman Bob
BTW Howard
How about an image of the instrument panel?
Bob
I wonder where this might be leading...?
__________________
Film maker

42 FGT No8 (Aust) remains
42 FGT No9 (Aust)
42 F15
Keith Webb
Macleod, Victoria Australia
Also Canadian Military Pattern Vehicles group on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/canadianmilitarypattern
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 18-05-06, 00:43
Bob Moseley (RIP)'s Avatar
Bob Moseley (RIP) Bob Moseley (RIP) is offline
RIP
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 2,620
Default Re. re. Instruments

Hi Keefy
I don't know to what you are alluding, this is purely Research and Development on a high academic plane.
Professor Bob
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 18-05-06, 00:44
Bob Moseley (RIP)'s Avatar
Bob Moseley (RIP) Bob Moseley (RIP) is offline
RIP
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 2,620
Default

Or is that plain?
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 18-05-06, 00:49
Keith Webb's Avatar
Keith Webb Keith Webb is offline
Film maker, CMP addict
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Macleod, Victoria, Australia
Posts: 8,216
Default Re: Re. re. Instruments

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob Moseley
Hi Keefy
I don't know to what you are alluding, this is purely Research and Development on a high academic plane.
Professor Bob
OK Prof, this is what it looks like... or at least should...



I'm sure Howard can bring it back to it's former glory with some jif and steel wool.
__________________
Film maker

42 FGT No8 (Aust) remains
42 FGT No9 (Aust)
42 F15
Keith Webb
Macleod, Victoria Australia
Also Canadian Military Pattern Vehicles group on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/canadianmilitarypattern
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 18-05-06, 00:52
Max Hedges's Avatar
Max Hedges Max Hedges is offline
Pops
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Yass, Australia
Posts: 1,557
Default Dalton town

Howard every now and then we take a blitz for a drive to Dalton just to give the locals something to talk about.
Max
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 18-05-06, 03:50
Howard's Avatar
Howard Howard is offline
"Sid and Errol's Dad"
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Ganmain, Australia
Posts: 1,438
Default Re: Dalton town

Quote:
Originally posted by Max Hedges
Howard every now and then we take a blitz for a drive to Dalton just to give the locals something to talk about.
Max
Max, a different vehicle driving through Dalton would keep 'em talking for days wouldn't it? I went to a reunion thingy there several years ago. The newest car there was like 5 years old. Not that there seems to be a lack of money around there. Very nice people who go at their own pace. Sort of wish that I was more like those cousins.
__________________
Howard Holgate
F15 #12
F15A #13 (stretched)
F60S #13
C15A #13 Wireless (incomplete)
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 18-05-06, 03:58
Howard's Avatar
Howard Howard is offline
"Sid and Errol's Dad"
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Ganmain, Australia
Posts: 1,438
Default Re: Instruments

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob Moseley
BTW Howard
How about an image of the instrument panel?
Bob
Sorry Bob it is gone.
Keith check your pics from the visit you made. The grey cab12 out the farm... (the one that isn't there... but is...) had an instrument cluster in it. You never posted any pics of that truck on your web site or mine. Do you still have them?
HH
__________________
Howard Holgate
F15 #12
F15A #13 (stretched)
F60S #13
C15A #13 Wireless (incomplete)
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 18-05-06, 04:01
Keith Webb's Avatar
Keith Webb Keith Webb is offline
Film maker, CMP addict
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Macleod, Victoria, Australia
Posts: 8,216
Default Pics

Yes I do... I'll dig them out when I have a few minutes.
__________________
Film maker

42 FGT No8 (Aust) remains
42 FGT No9 (Aust)
42 F15
Keith Webb
Macleod, Victoria Australia
Also Canadian Military Pattern Vehicles group on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/canadianmilitarypattern
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 18-05-06, 04:53
Tony Smith's Avatar
Tony Smith Tony Smith is offline
No1, Mk 2** (I'm back!)
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Lithgow, NSW, Australia
Posts: 5,042
Default Re: Re: Instruments

Quote:
Originally posted by Howard
Sorry Bob it is gone.
Keith check your pics from the visit you made. The You never posted any pics of that truck on your web site or mine. Do you still have them?
HH
He was keeping quiet on that one, Howard!
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 18-05-06, 06:00
Howard's Avatar
Howard Howard is offline
"Sid and Errol's Dad"
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Ganmain, Australia
Posts: 1,438
Default Re: Re. re. Instruments

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob Moseley
Hi Keefy
I don't know to what you are alluding, this is purely Research and Development on a high academic plane.
Professor Bob
Pardon me, I may be naive, but it seems I am the only one who cannot see where this line of questioning is leading...
__________________
Howard Holgate
F15 #12
F15A #13 (stretched)
F60S #13
C15A #13 Wireless (incomplete)
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 18-05-06, 06:39
Keith Webb's Avatar
Keith Webb Keith Webb is offline
Film maker, CMP addict
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Macleod, Victoria, Australia
Posts: 8,216
Default Re: Re: Re. re. Instruments

Quote:
Originally posted by Howard
Pardon me, I may be naive, but it seems I am the only one who cannot see where this line of questioning is leading...
Bob isn't called "Salesman" for nothing! Bob, as he will tell you has a sideline doing instrument panel restorations for CMPs and other period vehicles.

C'mon, Bob, fess up!
__________________
Film maker

42 FGT No8 (Aust) remains
42 FGT No9 (Aust)
42 F15
Keith Webb
Macleod, Victoria Australia
Also Canadian Military Pattern Vehicles group on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/canadianmilitarypattern
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 18-05-06, 10:19
Bob Moseley (RIP)'s Avatar
Bob Moseley (RIP) Bob Moseley (RIP) is offline
RIP
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 2,620
Default Re. Fess Up

Je moi mais Monsieur je suis trop timide pour glorifier mes qualifications dans ce secteur.
Bob
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +2. The time now is 20:45.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © Maple Leaf Up, 2003-2016