Jump to content

C15 Canadian Chevrolet: Rebuild


cordenj

Recommended Posts

On 3/22/2022 at 9:19 AM, Trooper 3/9 RAAC said:

Hi John & James, a great project moving along nicely. Loving the updates, keep ‘em coming. 😁
I’ll be keen to know what sealant you used on the sump gaskets assuming they are cork. 

cheers

Pierre

Hi Pierre,   I used black silicone sealer to "glue" the gasket to the tin sump and then an old fashioned Permatex High Tack Gasket Sealer for the top of the cork gasket to the block. Hope I don't need to remove the sump in the future, but if I do think I should be able to separate the "high tack" side.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Now the engine is complete, we've moved it to Kent. Next step is to install into the chassis.

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_76d3.thumb.jpg.12e967c8cbed9dc80c4c11e945970f79.jpg

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_76f1.thumb.jpg.70bdb96adae9edc9f4691d60491c9184.jpg

 

Other activity has been to clean layers of paint from the truck body. As we scraped them off we found the remains of signwriting from its post-war civilian use in the UK: "OGNOR 116".  This refers to the Sussex town of Bognor Regis and an phone number, probably for the garage that we were told had installed a lightweight recovery crane.

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_76ae.thumb.jpg.9598c5ad5f178d21bc5f6303874ccc77.jpg

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_76a9.thumb.jpg.7ccaf35978065a56ce4008bcfa35b88f.jpg

 

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_76b0.thumb.jpg.16b950b758bda8a56e50e488bd010446.jpg

 

Edited by cordenj
  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...

While the truck came with the vast majority of parts in the "kit" to rebuild it, the hood hoops where missing so needed to be made from scratch.

I copied an original set of rear hoops and bars. Took a surprisingly time to make all the parts and set up a rig to accurately bend the hoops. Heavy engine crane used to "anchor" the pipe bender when I operated.

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7bbf.thumb.jpg.932e1e57b012aa8bf09ed9d8b142aaf5.jpg

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7bc5.thumb.jpg.07b6f267d5c4b3339a29ea25abd64786.jpg

Latch pins all made on the lathe and welded into the hoops, after trail fit with sample.

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7bcd.thumb.jpg.aaa4d2d44161dd3e21507ae340b7fac3.jpg

The original Canadian rear hoop connector bars were just flattened, so followed suit using the 20T press.

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7db3.thumb.jpg.6915b2933dfa09d3a2fefdc41f7d0c1c.jpg

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7db0.thumb.jpg.1246c7bc1a5ec7ea364c42c0f42b5a8b.jpg

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7db4.thumb.jpg.a55acfcfe97898ecd7cc873f614451b8.jpg

Took all parts down to Kent today and pleased that it all fitted well. .

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7dbe.thumb.jpg.c2cbfd5cfa5f83cf5db77850f443e908.jpg

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7db5.thumb.jpg.4593e07af02e336b18d0b8eaa7739af1.jpg

 

We've also received the special battery box from Denmark (Thanks Niels), so next job will be battery and wiring. Looking forward to first engine start in the chassis.

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7db6.thumb.jpg.df59bdf6d0e30d520c22da4690f5d435.jpg

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7db2.thumb.jpg.dd56551d8b503c5330ae0c691f8418a7.jpg

Edited by cordenj
  • Like 7
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...


Slight hiatus in re-build progress, but things are moving on. Paint going onto rear body and hoops over last couple of days. Luckily we have the original spare wheel "clam-Shells" but the large toolbox (as so often is the case) was missing on this C15, so am starting to make one.

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7ef7.thumb.jpg.141716ebf1ce513711f97ebec9cd4238.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7ef6.thumb.jpg.a791fa2ff4932922f3cabd2ec1b63f62.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7f07.thumb.jpg.03e34c1f17cf2cd4341645c794205b59.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7f0c.thumb.jpg.0b9813ab9af231a5b8999bd8b669a4f1.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7f0f.thumb.jpg.85b14c06f36fe9bc6140f4d06708bbde.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7f22.thumb.jpg.eb58980f3f4918d338d643f96d675d34.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7f20.thumb.jpg.40e597953e5d5d97fd56f0f1f2b3de3f.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7f15.thumb.jpg.b1ba31e9075eee24f41bfa4339c4cb0d.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7f18.thumb.jpg.ffd492069cd5241bc7e195f580621917.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_7f1b.thumb.jpg.1bf22bcdf1b4f660d9ebd4183c0aafaf.jpg

 

  • Like 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
  • 2 weeks later...

Fabricated toolbox aken to Kent yesterday for trial fit of the spare wheel, and of the box onto the chassis.

Always a concern when 30 miles between truck and workshop!

All fitted perfectly and painting now in hand.

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_8373.thumb.jpg.e89891728baf656342695e55f424c541.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_8372.thumb.jpg.a4ae5eb18c0c3941ccdc8de2c18e8aad.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_8374.thumb.jpg.37f1ca630626f89744f02609d773a4a7.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_8375.thumb.jpg.343cd3cfc9c50d6c281194d6dfdc1396.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_8377.thumb.jpg.5a7dd39731f6f165887da5048bc1b390.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_8376.thumb.jpg.3420ce2eae226cf572730e81c73c8261.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_8378.thumb.jpg.90cf596338636d9374d81d69646096f3.jpg

  • Like 9
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Toolbox all painted and installed with original "Clamshells".

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_8392.thumb.jpg.9581fe5f73ab3a0035eafa33fd1dcf83.jpg

 

 

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_83d6.thumb.jpg.9ef2db5ec114cf60a50833a17ef7eb9e.jpg

 

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_83c5.thumb.jpg.02f81459073a15cace3d9b031b0ef102.jpg

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_83c2.thumb.jpg.4af896a62209f676671a1deb91ebc30f.jpg

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_83b9.thumb.jpg.1bc01774e7f3bc22d8634717ca297866.jpg

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_83e0.thumb.jpg.5ceac76d7f885dacbf6b6959b1629e95.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_83e1.thumb.jpg.2e7b5d770ad874a532413d66c2ee3bc3.jpg

New battery fitted.

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_83e2.thumb.jpg.1cc85edac228afe935f8463da99161b1.jpg

Original Bumper had had a hard life. Didn't get photo of worse warps, but this was how I straightened and welded crack. 

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_8380.thumb.jpg.e47b55e0b37759337446a438bfe24c1c.jpg

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_8385.thumb.jpg.f70120b2804c4c4106879c977fcb5f9e.jpg

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_8388.thumb.jpg.d629ceb6b816fbab2d899a4e2b70b04e.jpg

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_8389.thumb.jpg.b9a88a7cdb87bbf0e95641fae0e9f6b6.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_8387.thumb.jpg.93edb0527e4ab5af23a835d24f6741d5.jpg

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_838c.thumb.jpg.eadb0b65433adb4d9fdb870715aa3353.jpg

Next task is to complete the wiring and run engine in chassis (rather than just on the stand)

 

 

 

 

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_8390.jpg

Edited by cordenj
  • Like 9
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 months later...
  • 2 months later...

Spring is in the air and we are back on the C15 rebuild.

Over the winter we've had the waterpump and dynamo rebuilt by specialists.

Finished fitting gearbox and prop today. Also gave engine a longer run up to temperature. Hope to be on the move soon.

Only issue now is that  the canvas we ordered in Oct 2021...yes 2021....still not ready.

We may end up putting it for sale later in the spring without canvas, knock that off the price and let the new owner either get their own made or take over the order we placed!

Video of it running on MLU FB page.

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_9f49.jpg

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_9f47.jpg

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_9f46.jpg

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_9f4c.jpg

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_9f4e.jpg

Edited by cordenj
  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Another trip to Kent for some more work on the truck.

Fitted windscreens and rear screen is in, all with new glass.

Spare wheel in its clamps on the toolbox.

We just need to make sure it is charging correctly and we run it up the drive. Then the nose cone can go back on.

While the truck has a complete new loom. we added a small non-original fusebox. Practical and will be well hidden under the dash.

 

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_a3a3.thumb.jpg.c55e7c4131cacf755a12f8241cb22cfe.jpgX8ASbMEPRcqxjCVhnNl5w_thumb_a39f.thumb.jpg.bfe09f6a0e623deac80b28d0e3a793d2.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_a39e.thumb.jpg.bfb7b1a4339553682f77438c03dc82e7.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_a39a.thumb.jpg.2b842ff12ef3915f94b6946a49e0e597.jpg

Also, after 16 months from placing the order, I understand the canvas is ready for collection. 🤞

IMG_3423.HEIC IMG_3427.HEIC IMG_3428.HEIC

Edited by cordenj
  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

A momentous day for our C15: first time it has moved under its own power in at least 37 years.

We just need to double check the new voltage regulator is operating correctly and we can then fit the nose, mirrors, wipers , ,bumper and brush guard.

Bound to be some teething issues to tweak, but all being well will be up for sale by end of summer.

Please let me know if anyone is interested.

 

 

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_b15d.thumb.jpg.54d3af973c9d05069df15bed802a8862.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_b16c.thumb.jpg.24a8a3f1155955f422fcbe4c2c044ec2.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_b169.thumb.jpg.bf1bf8e8749386e6d274c24a81464606.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_b16a.thumb.jpg.9cd0f08355cfbc01653691335ece672e.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_b16b.thumb.jpg.37ef6abfb43adf0238991ecc4aa07bdb.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_b167.thumb.jpg.ec6124ebd3f1d98b72cea2c62a3a07b1.jpgUNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_b165.thumb.jpg.788da36c11d4af991bf70d2551ce64b2.jpg

 

 

 

  • Like 10
  • Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...

As so often with these things it has taken longer to finally finish this rebuild than we had anticipated....but we are there🍾.

New canvas fitted and myriad of small details finished.

We have completed the restoration of this British contract Canadian Chevrolet C15 to be as accurate as possible to its appearance in 1944. Non-original items are a 12v alternator and battery. I've also added a discreetly fitted electric fuel pump to help prime the system after its stood for a while (something I fit to all my trucks)

We've not added any markings so that the future owner can mark it to suit their personal taste/interest.

This truck has a very unusual history and has now been saved. This thread shows some of the work we've undertaken to make it one of the best C15 trucks available.

We have the engine cover, again in perfect condition...just left it off for these photos to show off the engine.

Road registered and ready to go.

Now for sale, it is currently garaged near Yalding in Kent where it can be viewed by appointment.

Price is £22k.

 

2GNqRkC6STiZCIoafjLDuA.thumb.jpg.cef3cd7c22f944d3843f9285146edce8.jpg

2rdHmDSCTiRnvFxkuGCw.thumb.jpg.0f20a8fcaaa268a91960fb5cad642275.jpgD67VxoAeRmmVXa2IHj37w.thumb.jpg.249f579d3cb8ab43a125349cbc5724e1.jpgJiAgq7yTXWxD6pluN3moQ.thumb.jpg.87ff72034ab39723daca57a2512a805f.jpg3t6qbt0gQ20NL4Px7Zy3Q.thumb.jpg.af3c511059fa04b9a3a93bc5e7b6200b.jpgGCKls1nNQH68hTtIHwY8pQ.thumb.jpg.8ad5ea62c2c4804aad3ae34a6cd96c3c.jpgRbTSrr0hTCSNZPTephjIiw.thumb.jpg.d4ea35b7d27bf03325f526768224a6fd.jpglmcXZxwRSamReeZVq24olg.thumb.jpg.ab03444e9436289c5accabd9f1a04f70.jpgVihlezjjQDap0jvk2LW6tw.thumb.jpg.42ed071f6efeb982feb26faac17a94d7.jpgMVUrTsWThOStQXZFhn15A.thumb.jpg.63bab23b969e9a569ea21066fcba0487.jpgjyWm9Yh6S42qIGQQytBMvQ.thumb.jpg.7f3367af552ae9dcc970b849629bdb8c.jpgLu2Y9OIYTRuASDvRefzwvQ.thumb.jpg.fae1dcbbca22afbc4a36556b5b349647.jpgD5glynRsR5GhhwoUB71pvg.thumb.jpg.989ab55e5a32d21602ecfa4dac171026.jpg97c96KIoSIe21nADWgaWw.thumb.jpg.71d7f7bebef16632f890be00479535ce.jpglLKLFPwMRbmJ9YauHCDFng.thumb.jpg.48f19524aec3a65be22dd74f9f8b13af.jpgRXFXxifAQUNckbPtR3row.thumb.jpg.7e3dd078bb2324e69a6bd516632a894f.jpgmd4LU7Tiqc1UFlupvqqw.thumb.jpg.d499e1b4e7f646e1f18832f16ee7f261.jpg4vvZImajQeuTsk61GVDrIg.thumb.jpg.4682c6b6c731f9d8bd626dd81cd3952b.jpgfTji9nWsTsqs98gM0C2qSw.thumb.jpg.0ca5054a89bb18a503b0b465e8ba73b0.jpgbMymo8CHTm6Clq0seQAGUQ.thumb.jpg.6eb47979ba04d2e0b4d58ef492b84eb7.jpgEQk8IIewQFqz5wZdwz7JQ.thumb.jpg.a787e707d4b22ab8226e90707a3240ff.jpg9TMnJCWS9KbjVfRDAiMA.thumb.jpg.0b0919fad16bf3dd6207f5a62b490661.jpg

Edited by cordenj
  • Like 7
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...