LRDG Ford F30

[Charlie Down]

I've hopefully become involved in 2 LRDG Ford F30 builds within 24 hours, on opposite sides of the World.
I know quite a bit about LRDG Chevrolet 1533X2s, and have picked up knowledge along the way about the Fords and the modifications that were made to them. One of the trucks will be a Y Patrol Wireless vehicle and the other hasn't yet been narrowed down, but will most likely be a R or T Patrol truck based on where its being built.
I saw Ian Chard last week, a local LRDG historian and son of Harry Chard who was in Y Patrol, and nicked a load of new photos and information which with all my other research and photos I have a good knowledge of what modification are needed.

• 134 1/4" chassis
• 3A1 steel body
• Chevrolet Axles (Ford axle production was delayed and so early Ford F30s were fitted with Chevrolet Banjo axles)
• Condenser on Drivers side step
• Sand mat racks
• Sand Channel racks
• Rifle clips
• Fire extinguishers
• Morris truck Aero screens (optional)
• Removal of upper bonnet/hood panels
• Heat insulation around drivers footwell?
• Sun or aero compass mount
• 3A1 body moved back 12"/300mm to put Centre of gravity over rear axle and 2 spare wheel racks between cab and body on some trucks.
• 10.5 - 16 wheels/ tyres.

Wireless truck

• 2 plywood compartments behind 3A1 RHS fold down side panel for No11 set and Philips 635 receiver.
• Aerial post
• Windom aerial poles stowed between chassis rails under body

What I need to clarify

1. 3A1 dimensions and details
2. Was a Charging switch panel fitted to the wireless trucks? (feature on 1533X2 trucks)
3. Was a PTO Compressor fitted to any of the LRDG Ford F30s
4. Was a heavy duty radiator fitted?
5. What other modifications are known or possible -heavy duty engine mounts? Uprated fan or air filter?

The aim is to make the trucks as accurate as possible using all the latest research and information. I will post any updates and most likely request further information.
Thanks in advance.

Early Ford F30.jpg F305.jpg f306.jpg Late f30.jpg

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Hello Charlie,

Good to hear you are involved in these projects, it will ensure utmost accuracy

Originally Posted by Charlie Down

What I need to clarify

1. 3A1 dimensions and details
2. Was a Charging switch panel fitted to the wireless trucks? (feature on 1533X2 trucks)
3. Was a PTO Compressor fitted to any of the LRDG Ford F30s
4. Was a heavy duty radiator fitted?
5. What other modifications are known or possible -heavy duty engine mounts? Uprated fan or air filter?

Re. 1) Attached is the entry in Clive Law's Drive to Victory on the standardised 3A1 all steel body with hinged sides which were fitted to the subject F30 trucks. Basic dimensions are shown.

Re. 4) 5) As these F30 CMP trucks were built for military use I think there were no variants with heavy duty components as an option.

263116130_331336815109948_3824848664515104473_n.jpg

[Hanno Spoelstra]

PS: if anyone is looking for a suitable Ford F30 truck for a LRDG project, Rick Cove in Australia has (had?) one for sale. See http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=31922

[lynx42]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

PS: if anyone is looking for a suitable Ford F30 truck for a LRDG project, Rick Cove in Australia has (had?) one for sale. See http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=31922

Yes Hanno it is still for sale.

I have dropped the price even more, trying to find a home for it. AUD $3,000.00.

Thanks for mentioning it.
Cheers Rick.

[Charlie Down]

Hi Hanno,
Thanks for confirming that information.
I'm still on the hunt for evidence that they MAY have fitted some trucks with PTO compressors. As they were so keen to have them fitted to the Chevy 1533X2s, I'm thinking that they may have had previous experience of the pumps on other trucks. As it only takes a competent mechanic 30 minutes (allegedly!) to fit one there is every possibility that they trialled them on some Ford F30s. No evidence yet, but it makes sense.
The nice advantage of the LRDG F30s over the Chevy1533X2s is that one still exists in the desert in pretty good condition. I've managed to get 20 photos of that truck (L4406114) and they provide loads of interesting details for the projects. However I'm after any other photos on the basis too many are better than not enough!
I'll post the photos I have for discussion purposes, although I can't remember where I got them from, so apologies for that!

1.jpg 2.jpg 3.jpg 4.jpg 5.jpg

[Charlie Down]

Reference photos for discussion

6.jpg 7.jpg 8.jpg 9.jpg 10.jpg

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Charlie Down

I'll post the photos I have for discussion purposes, although I can't remember where I got them from, so apologies for that!

They came from Kuno Gross originally, see this thread http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=16017
and WWII time warp: Long Range Desert Group vehicle abandoned in the desert - https://www.thevintagenews.com/2016/...55928/?edg-c=1
and "THE DESERT GHOST" https://www.keymilitary.com/article/desert-ghost