mark4974

Thanks Richard, The chassis number of the QLD is 32140, the engine number is 32813. Interestingly I have two rebuild plates with the engine. One stating it was rebuilt 26.2.54 by 22 Base Workshop REME. The other rebuilt dated 22.11.54 by 32 ARMD workshop REME. It is now being completely rebuilt by me after the head gasket went and I found a small hole in the side of the number 5 and 6 cylinders!!

Hi folks, I know it isn't straight forward tracing a vehicles history but I have obtained a key card with the details of my Bedford QLD. I was hoping someone may be able to confirm some of the research I have already done and perhaps fill in the blanks. WD No: 65RE44 - 65RE32 to 67RE63 refurbished after the war as "Binned" lorrys. Engine No: 32140 - This is actually the chassis number so made in 1944. Tech type: Binned - Does anybody know what this is and who would have used them? Stores vehicle?? Converted to: 5241718 - Is this the old census number? Unit from: S2790 - Any ideas? Unit to: 16 BVD BAOR - 16 Base Vehicle Depot. Based at Olen, Belgium. Does anybody know what a BVD's purpose was? Also found on the doors when restored was a black triangle with an upside down red triangle inside. Hamburg was written underneath. I'm presuming this was 3rd Armoured Divisional sign. Any ideas and comments are welcome. Cheers, Mark

Hi folks, I'm having a clear out of some stuff as ordered by the wife!! I have a (virtually) full set of Classic Military Vehicle magazines for sale. Issues 1 to 186 (Jan 2001 to Nov 2016 inc). Missing number 56 (Jan 2006). All in good condition, from a smoke free home and come in free stacker box! After £150 obo. Sorry but I will not split. Collection only from Bradford or can take to the Malvern Militaria show on 20th Nov. Cheers, Mark

Morning folks, Sorry to hi jack the thread but does anybody know what colour Bedford (QL) engines were when they left the factory? I'm in the process of rebuilding mine. It currently has the sump and rocker cover painted in DBG. The block is a sort of orange cover, possibly a primer?? Were the gearbox and transfer box painted the same colour as the engine? Cheers, Mark

Thanks again for the advice folks. wont get chance to do anything now until next week. First job will be to check the block for cracks (worst case scenario). Decided I might as well do a proper job whilst the engine is part stripped. Will be removing the core plugs and flushing all the crap out. New clutch and anything else I find whilst I'm at it. At least that way I shouldn't have to do it again!! Unfortunately, due to work commitments and holidays it won't be a quick job and will mean missing a few shows but should be worth it in the long run. No doubt I will be back on the forum asking for more advice in the weeks to come. Cheers, Mark

With the help of a 81 year old REME veteran (aka Dad!) I've got the head off. This is what I found whilst stripping the engine. - About a gallon of coolant in the sump! - The head gasket has gone. Between the nos 5 and 6 cylinders. - Rusty coloured "sludge" lining the coolant pipes, hoses and appears to be in the head. So the next question is: - Can't see any other reason why the gasket has failed, but at least it's gone at a weak point. Should I be worried about anything else. - what's the best way of cleaning / flushing all the rusty "crap" out of the cooling system. - Going to replace all the gaskets. Anything else I should look at / replace whilst I'm at it. Cheers, Mark

Thanks Mike, Working on the truck tomorrow so we'll see what I find! If you could PM me the details that would be very helpful. Hope all is well with yours? Mark

Thanks for your help, plenty for me to think about!

Hi folks, I've got the wonderful task of having to change the head gasket on my Bedford QL! Has anybody got any tips or horror stories to guide me in the right direction (I've got the gasket set and workshop manual). Also, is there anything else I should be checking for or replacing whilst the engine is stripped? Cheers, Mark

Thanks Nick, forgot you had the same engine, I could have just rung you!!

Hi folks, Getting ready to do some winter servicing on my Bedford QL and it got me thinking about plug gaps (sad I know!!) The manual States the plug gaps should be 0.037/0.040, which they are currently set to. This was obviously based on leaded petrol but I've heard people set their gaps differently for unleaded. I'd be interested to know what other people do. If run on unleaded is it better to change the gap and if so what gap do people use? Cheers, Mark

If it helps I think the lead pictured above (3 pictures. Sort of bakerlite connection on one end) is from a U.S. Radio headset. I had one years ago and fits the PRC10 series radios. The (bakerlite) connection fitted into the switch box part of the headset lead. Mark

Hi Dave Welcome to the world of owning a QL, or should I say good luck!! Unfortunately I live in Leeds but if you need any photos or advice feel free to get in touch. cheers Mark

Hi folks, I own a QLD and am thinking of converting the back into a workshop / stores vehicle similar to the one my dad used when he was in REME. Does anybody have any photos to give me an idea of what was in them? Thanks Mark

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Well done on a great restoration. Nice to know another M38 is back on the road in the UK. Other than mine I only know of two others, both up north near me but one has been restored to look like a WW2 jeep. I'll look out for you at shows. Mark

Thanks for the advice guys. You make it sound so easy. Hoping to make a start in the next couple if weeks. I'm not planning on taking the QL out over winter so plenty of time to work on her. Will struggle to get a hoist on the box so thinking of using a transmission lift if I can get it under. Ive got a manual but planning to replace any gaskets I come across. Does anybody have a QL parts list I could copy? Seen one on eBay but too tight to pay £30!! mark

Hi folks, Need to drop the gearbox on my QL so I can change the clutch. Does anybody have any advice and do's and don'ts? Wanting to drop it with the cab on. Is this possible? Cheers Mark

Hi there, Does anybody know where I can get spare parts for a No.2 (modified) petrol stove? The rubber and leather seals / gaskets have started to perish on mine and would like to replace them before I blow up!! Cheers, Mark

They're going to let me know who much. I'm presuming that this only applies to Hull as sailings from other ports are from the Friday. That'll teach me to live in Yorkshire!! I'm in the fortunate position that I can travel on the thursday if we need to. Means taking an extra days leave but on the plus side I get another day on holiday!!

Thanks for the heads up. I've contacted XXX corp and they are looking into a Friday departure. Because it's a Friday there will be a surcharge on top of the cost of the tour.