CaptainClassic

Good to hear from you Ken look forward to seeing you at one of the shows

HI Ken was it you who spoke to me at the Mill? and Tony The old girls running well at the moment I hope to take it to Hylands Park next Sunday. I sent off and recieved a copy of the build card and also a friend has e mailed me a copy of the WC55 blueprint, though the build card dosen't say WC55 anywhere some of the numbers on it seem to tie up with numbers on the blueprint. Whether I totaly restore it and try to fit a gun, real or replica I dont know yet. would like to know what other WC55 owners are doing or think. regards George

Hi I've just recently found out that my WC52 was a WC55 in another life. the chassis no. is 31581344 and it was built on the 25 June 1942 (almost happy birthday) it has a plate bolted to each side of the chassis behind the rear wheels going up to the floor which must have supported the gun mounting. Not sure whether I should attempt to restore it back to a WC55 or not, any views on this welcome.

thanks

cheers Steve see you at the next show where ever that is George

nearly forgot a very big thanks to Monique of Battle for Europe Group who towed me from Brentwood to the repairers in Ockendon in her Landrover.

Hi Guys Sorry its been a long, long while since Ive been back on here The Dodge is now up and running again on the road, a week before the Chatham Show 30/09. So here goes:- tried most things that folks advised but no luck so tried to get it done at an engine builders but they messed me about for weeks trying to book it in. So a friends son in law who repairs trucks took it on and quite simply he used a screwdriver and hammer and the head was off. Easy as that. Glad I wasn't there to see it though! Might have been a brown pants moment. Must admit I could have done that but if you don't do it right you don't know the damage you could cause so I would go carefully, maybe a wide cold chisel if your going to do that sort of thing. The head was warped though, so we had it skimmed, new studs (the old ones came out without too much trouble) new gasket, oil etc and back together, bit of a tune up and it is running fine. In fact it seems to pull better going up hills now. Probably will have to check the head torque soon Parts from Dallas!. so thats it Thanks to you all who offered help and advise. a combination of several of these ideas may have helped loosen the head before the screwdriver treatment. thanks

Hi you Guys Made an attempt to shift it in sat no luck though tried some wedges but couldnt get them to push in between the block and head. I am a bit reluctent at the moment to try and remove studs by Andy's idea in case one or more studs snap leaving a bigger problem. gonna try again on Friday. maybe a hydralic hoist might help lift it someone suggested putting plug leads back and firing it up any views on this. will update whatever happens regards george

Thanks Andy & G506 will try these ideas out on sat i hope that the plus gas helps to loosen the thing. 3 of the studs are already out only 18 to go. I think i will start on the most suspect looking ones The dodge has aquired a new name now ie:- F****** Thing will let you know the outcome! regards everyone George

Hi Grasshopper and Steve Have removed all the nuts which hold head down this leaves the studs showing. have tapped with soft hammer. I suspect the problem could be the studs rusting to the head. I have now soaked the studs with plus gas and even tried to turn the engine over but to no avail. it will be sat before I have another go but will soak the studs during the week. Any other ideas will be welcome. For the record the engine is a first time starter and runs well (up till now) George

The cylinderhead gasket on my 42 WC52 is blowing next to the oil filter. Got the new gasket, removed all the bolts but cannot lift the head off. Tried one of those car type engine hoists (the one where you pull the cord) but still wont come off. have now soaked the studs with plus gas. Anyone got any ideas on how to remove the damm thing! :?

Anyone know the correct shade of green for British ww2 jerrycans?