The 353, circa 1944 build, arrived without a complete set of elbows or bows... just one usable bow and a couple of usable elbows. GMC 353 spares on web-sites, for example:-
* http://jeep-dodge-gmc.com'>http://jeep-dodge-gmc.com'>http://jeep-dodge-gmc.com ;
* http://www.jeepest.com/ ;
* http://www.lwdparts.com .
all show elbows of similar style even though different "part numbers", none of those part numbers are noted in the illustrated parts list published July 1942. Wood bows are shown on http://jeep-dodge-gmc.com and those are probably not of original supply. So a set of wood bows and a set of elbows have been purchased... and the elbows fitted to the side strakes, as here.
The wood bows do not fit the elbows which have been fitted to the GMC, the bows are (a) too short and (b) need a tighter curve to align with the elbows. The wood bows which have been purchased from Jeep / Dodge / GMC are of similar length and curve to the one usable bow which came with the vehicle. The NOS elbows which have been purchased have a tighter bend than the elbows which came with the vehicle.
The following photos may help to understand the situation, the old elbows are in dirty green paint whilst the NOS elbows are in red primer (applied by me):-
this photo shows the replacement bow with the original elbows... and this set up does fit the strakes of the cargo bed.
this photo shows the replacement bow with the NOS elbows... this does not fit onto the strakes of the cargo bed primarily because the ends of the elbows are not parallel.
this photo shows the NOS elbow (red) in front of the original elbow (dirty green).
My guess is that the replacement bows are suitable for the 353 whilst the NOS elbows are not for this vehicle... and that I need to locate some elbows similar to those which came with the vehicle (elbows which have the notch in the "side" and rectangular holes in the inner face of the elbow).
If anyone can explain what is going on here then please feel free to tell me what I have missed. Confirmation of my assumption shall be appreciated.
Assuming that the replacement bows are usable... then where can I get elbows similar to the old / green items shown in the above photos?
thanking you for your assistance, Graham