What is the Corect Spotlight for a WC-54 ???

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70th Division
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What is the Corect Spotlight for a WC-54 ???

Post by 70th Division » Mon Jun 27, 2022 7:34 am

Hello,

Does anyone have a picture of the correct original spotlight for a 1942-1943 Dodge WC-54 ?

I just haven't been able to find anything online describing it, or pictures of one .
This WC-54 is an early one with the narrow fuel filler.
The one I have on my WC-54 is missing the light bucket assembly, but has a Mopar logo on the handle still.
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With further research it was made by Appleton, for Chrysler-Dodge with a Mopar tag on it .
They were a major spot light producer from yesteryear for many car companies.

At least I can start looking for the correct parts that I am missing.

Would it be correct to say that the spot light fixture was not chrome, but should be a regular steel bulb housing like a headlight bucket ?

Assuming this is the original spot light.
It certainly appears to be, and has been there a long time !!

Best Regards,
Ray
Last edited by 70th Division on Tue Jun 28, 2022 10:19 am, edited 4 times in total.


70th Division
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Re: What is the Corect Spotlight for a WC-54 ???

Post by 70th Division » Mon Jun 27, 2022 1:05 pm

Hello,

Also note that the Appleton base is not chromed , but is pot metal.

The threaded gear head looks pretty stripped as well .


I will locate a new stud that mounts under the bell end, that the bulb housing attaches to.


Hopefully I can rebuild this and replace the missing parts.


Best Regards,
Ray

70th Division
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Re: What is the Corect Spotlight for a WC-54 ???

Post by 70th Division » Tue Jun 28, 2022 10:32 am

Hello,

Well that was quick !!!

I have found the elusive parts on ebay .

I am very happy about that, as now I can restore and rebuild the spot light, with original parts.

I still have to locate an Appleton or Lorraine handle grip and that little plastic tulip shaped placard that screws to the handle.
This light is actually an exact copy of an earlier Appleton "Lorraine" model spot light.
Lorraine was the actual name of a girl friend of the company's founder.

But these parts that I found are the most important, and likely the most rare and hard to find.

Non chromed Appleton parts !!

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Hmm ... is that olive drab paint still on the spot light bulb housing ?
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As you can guess, I am getting items together to start my WC-54 restoration effort.
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It is a great truck, and in pretty decent shape.
The only rust through is at the top of the driver's door frame .
That should be a straight forward repair.
I have found all the big missing items for the back, but still need 3 stretcher brackets, and the rear step.
I found a French source for the rear window gaskets.
It does have 2 sets of USA numbers on the rear door, the smaller factory ones, and the larger ones seen in the ETO.
I wonder if this was ever over there ?
They will be replicated :D

Best Regards,
Ray


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