Redherring Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 Odd looking unit looks like it has been used as a farm utility; possibly a tractor. Dennis? What are your thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeePig Posted April 16, 2013 Share Posted April 16, 2013 I am thinking what has happened to the rear wheel? Fire? There is no sign of any spokes and the rim is bent, or am I missing something? Very nice, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redherring Posted April 17, 2013 Author Share Posted April 17, 2013 Only have these photos to go on. I suspect a more youthful truck-axle transplant. Could this be an early hotrod? Robert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenHawkins Posted April 17, 2013 Share Posted April 17, 2013 This was a Dennis fire engine (PTO gearbox, brass radiator with starting handle through core). It is early (1915 or earllier). It would have been upgraded over the years and this may account for the later (but I believe still Dennis) hubs for pneumatic tyre wheels. I would love to see more information on this one. Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redherring Posted April 17, 2013 Author Share Posted April 17, 2013 The unit has been for sale on Gumtree for the past two months it seems at $2,900. Am hoping my cousin has time to investigate with camera and notebook! Will let you know of progress in due course. Robert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minesweeper Posted April 17, 2013 Share Posted April 17, 2013 I guess that if the chassis number can be found, then either Ben or Barry will be able to precisely identify itand where it served! Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nz2 Posted April 17, 2013 Share Posted April 17, 2013 The chassis number should stamped on the vertical face of the left hand rail in the area above the axle to the dumb iron. <br> The shortened chassis and conversion to a farm truck happened to a number of such long wheel base trucks , at least here in NZ. It does appear the same occurred in Aus.<br> We have a Dennis here of mid 1920's that was shortened by cutting the tail from the chassis and moving the rear spring hangers to become the forward hangers, while the previous front spring hangers are now at the rear. A wooden deck, bench type seat and it was away working. Plans are to restore this truck in that period of its life; Looking rough, with only a little faded paint, rough sawn timber deck, a sack cushion, bits of fencing wire holding together body section. Just another project for the time line.<br> Doug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redherring Posted April 18, 2013 Author Share Posted April 18, 2013 Doug, thanks for the chassis number location. Still no word from my cousin... he may be ignoring me and hoping this will go away... Oh well, only so many of us find this stuff interesting. Does your Dennis run? Cheers Robert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenHawkins Posted April 18, 2013 Share Posted April 18, 2013 I would be more than happy to look up the details from the chassis number. Originally this fire engine would have had the same engine I am missing from my 1908 lorry. It looks like it has been replaced at some point. Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenHawkins Posted April 18, 2013 Share Posted April 18, 2013 All the details will also be given on the little brass plate on the front of bulkhead (at the back/top of the bonnet). You can just spot this on the photo. Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruxy Posted April 18, 2013 Share Posted April 18, 2013 [ATTACH=CONFIG]75339[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]75340[/ATTACH] Odd looking unit looks like it has been used as a farm utility; possibly a tractor. Dennis? What are your thoughts? ======================= Yes, when I was a teenager in the 1960's a friends farm had a WW1 truck similar to this with a hay rake type cast seat. It had been used during WW2 as a tractor , had a second gearbox mounted behind the original gearbox & shortened prop-shaft. I understand this was quite common during WW2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nz2 Posted April 18, 2013 Share Posted April 18, 2013 There was a similar Dennis chassis and mechanical parts here in NZ up for sale a few years ago.I was told it was exported to the UK. That was originally a fire engine the chassis with dumb irons extending out the front. Does any one know if this unit? Doug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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