rampant rivet

Thanks Pete The two pressings are a cheat, I used a couple of lengths of left over half round rubbing strips from the rear body drilled some holes then plug welded through the door before fitting the pocket that hold the drivers booklet, bit of filler and job done 😉 I managed the rivets by cutting them slightly over length then with a lump hammer acting as a bit of an anvil I dressed the end of the rivets over with the round end of a ball pein hammer untill they were tight, as the rivets act more as locators rather than being structural, the tool bin being cradled in the frames which are bolted to the body.

Some pics as promised More bits, its surprising how many components go into this one bit of kit. Rivets riveted by the Rivet Trial fit where it should end up living.

Bet you're glad you joined the hmvf now Mario 😁

Sorry mate just being a tease 😁 have a bit more to do today then I'll post them up this evening, are you going to stoneleigh by any chance ?, I could bring your bits for you.

Today I have been mostly riveting the tool box 😀

Just found a card from 29/12/42 for 24 No. MWC for carriage of 20mm gun, I think they have bonnet numbers in the range of Z or S 4893958 - Z or S 4893981 They were titled "Truck 15 cwt 20mm Bedford " could your truck be one of these ? contract number 294/23/S1969 the trucks had a flat bed onto which a 20mm anti aircraft gun was mounted.

Welcome fellow MW owner, I have 8 Chilwell cards dated 1942 will have a look to see if I can find any more information for you. RR.

😂 😂 😂 😂 😂

I usually leave a laminated A4 info sheet on the passenger seat of the champ along with a small photo collection of its restoration always a good way to inform Joe public about the vehicle and out of sight for anyone wishing to take pics.

Yes Ron :-D

I think it's best to measure the bore of your tap and allow the corks to be a tight but no too tight a fit, I think the ones I bought were oversize and reduced their dia by fitting them onto a spindle and sanding them down to fit, not sure about using water tor soften them I used WD 40, Best to make sure the inside bore is clean too. Because the petrol pump is pulling the fuel from the tanks if joints etc are not tight it will allow air in causing trouble, and lastly when you come to fit the petrol tap it's best to make sure that the petrol pipes are fitted correctly or again you may struggle to get the fuel up to the carb. J.

As Ron has just mentioned I found some on eBay that did ok don't forget to order extras in case you have trouble with them later on, oh and be carefull trying to unscrew the rod as they are liable to snap I speak from bitter experience 😣

Have you tried contacting Raferk yet I am sure he'll be more than happy to help you, plus he is a good contact for spares.

Great to see the old truck again I look forward to following its restoration ☺

Thanks Richard Have sent you a PM regarding a spare tool box I have for your MWC ☺

I have had a limited number of mesh panels reproduced for the early Bedford MW engine panels. These have been laser cut and look the biz, £50 a pair plus postage. Can bring them to Stoneleigh at the end of the month.

More great work and progress Mario 😁

Thanks Mario 😀 I think your truck will be finished by then 😀 shame you couldn't find any panels for me, if you ever want to sell the pair of aeroscreens don't forget me 🤗

Could'nt make the Dallas dig out today but did manage some odd jobs on the truck and now I have the mesh I can get on with the engine panels, a big THANK YOU to Colin Dix for making the cad drawing and Kevin for providing the dims :-D I have had extra sets made should anyone need some. Can't wait till next weekend and another session :-D.

Another good day down't shed as the temperature has improved a tad, bit of paint first. At last can holder fitted to underside of truck, holes drilled etc etc. Need to fit the bump stop and bckt tomorrow. Even managed to fit the first of the mudguards.

😁 I concur I quite enjoy talkingto the public although I post a small info sheet up concerning whichever vehicle Is on display, the champ always draws people to it, quite a few tell me they used to drive one in the services or in civy Street, which contrasts with the jeep as not many ww2 veterans get to the shows nowadays. Most of the shows that I go to are steam rallies and entrance is free which means we get a weekend away with our mates doing what we like to do and I like to repay the debt by trundling around the arena usually with friends and their kids in tow 😆.

Probably No. 2 for want of a better word, sometimes No. 7 depending on the show, but have witnessed most categories 1-7 at various times at various shows 😁 Hopefully if the Bedford behaves itself this season I'll dress it with period kit etc and use my millitary Ridge tent to add a bit more interest for the paying public.

Wonderful craftsmanship I always enjoy following your progress ☺

😁 yes the poor thing has had a hard life ( bit like the owner ) and that it's second set of replacement tops I made from oak hoping they would last a bit longer than the original ply ones. I have enjoyed the tin work side of this restoration more than the woodwork as it's nice to try something different it's surprising how much timber is used in these trucks.

Thanks again Andy :red: not sure about that ! Managed to get a bit more sorted today, bin door with pocket in pos. Can carrier nearly there just a few more holes to drill and paint before fitting, tool bin ready to have the attachment frames made.