1943 Dodge WC-56 Command Car Project

[70th Division]

Hello,

Thanks buddy, you are so right !!
I am looking forward to that someday and getting it back to Florida, but I need a longer trailer
because I also have a 1943 GPW near San Antonio to pick up at the same time. They both fit on board, but ....... you know how it is, I also agreed to buy this :

He said it was a WC54, but I think it may have been a Carryall ?
He said it used to have radios in it.

Hopefully you or Zeph can identify what this model was ????

Any ideas ?


I have a WC54 missing its engine and transmission but in very solid shape !!
This Dodge was converted into a front end loader, and runs currently.
The loader stuff all detaches cleanly, so that is great !!
I got it to repower my nice WC54 or to repower my 1/2 ton winch model Command Car project if this was a half ton model, but I think it is 3/4 ton ?


Zeph, thanks for the info on that.
I sent the pic to my buddy Thierry B in France, and he told me that information a few weeks ago.

He also has a 223 engine that was in his Command Car, and he has a friend that also has
a 223 engine is his Command Car as well. That makes 3
I wonder if those engines were replacements or if they were added at the factory ?

Best Regards,
Ray

[mdainsd]

I am betting that is a carryall. The ammeter in the center should be the coveted voltmeter. I see the holes to the left of it for the voltmeter switch and the looks of the data plate under it that tells the operator to ru the engine when the voltage gets below 11.9 or whatever.

[70th Division]

Hello,

Thanks a lot for that information !!
It looks like I will be able to re-power my WC 54 with the running gear with a complete swap
over of everything in the engine bay, and have some spare parts

I can't imagine that they torched up an entire Carryall to build the loader.
I did ask if the body was still available but it was long gone.


Best Regards,
Ray

[mdainsd]

These poor vehicles. Made it through a World War just to suffer under inhumane conditions postwar.

[mdainsd]

Also, is the cowl tag still on it? That will tell you what it was.

[D.R.H.]

These poor vehicles. Made it through a World War just to suffer under inhumane conditions postwar.

With tongue in cheek I ask, "Is this how we treat our Steel Soldiers?"

[zepher11]

I am betting that is a carryall. The ammeter in the center should be the coveted voltmeter. I see the holes to the left of it for the voltmeter switch and the looks of the data plate under it that tells the operator to ru the engine when the voltage gets below 11.9 or whatever.

Yep, a WC53 Carryall. Midwest Military has replacement for the elusive volt meters and switches now.

[mdainsd]

Yes, I bought the meter and the switch from MWM, both nice pieces. I do wonder though why the meters come with a black bezel that forces us to paint them OD?

[zepher11]

Yes, I bought the meter and the switch from MWM, both nice pieces. I do wonder though why the meters come with a black bezel that forces us to paint them OD?

Black is the new OD.

[mdainsd]

Great

[70th Division]

Hello,

Thanks for the information
I will be keeping Midwest Military busy for Dodge parts !!
A great company !!

John sold me an original seat riser from his warehouse for my 1/2 ton closed cab Dodge WC, that had been removed , in order to fit a big bench seat in it many moons ago.

He makes so many great things for our hobby, to keep everything running and restored !
Highly recommended

Best Regards,
Ray

[70th Division]

Hello,


I have the Command car in Florida now
It will be a big project, but overall it is in pretty decent shape.

It was used in the oil field in Texas for many years where they added the super heavy duty front and rear bumpers.
The front had a boom attached, and it is welded on to the frame but should come off no problem.
The rear step bumper fortunately was bolted on, so will come right off too.
They cut the ends of the bumperettes off, and bolted the rear step bumper right to the sides of the bumperettes.
The glove box is toast !
But I got a like new original from a fellow G member to replace it.
I also got a new grill to save time and energy, and the original is all bent up and twisted from its former life as a working command car

Here are some pictures, and I also have another transmission cover to replace the hacked up original one.
I will next order some floor pan inserts from Midwest, as well as some seat frames, etc.
I have a correct Command Car windshield in my barn that I got some years ago, that will be used on this one.

Here is the "new" grill, it is in great shape, and has a stamping that I have never seen before .

Here is the transmission cover

These parts are great, and will be an easy restoration start


Best Regards,
Ray

[zepher11]

Right on. You're on your way. Interesting stamp on the grill. I have never noticed any on my half-tons. Haven't really torn down a 3/4 ton Dodge WC yet. Keep up the posting. Very interested to follow along with your project.

[rjbeamer]

US&W.....United Steel and Wire co. of Battle Creek, MI. They were a big sub contractor for a lot of the large auto and truck Mfg. in Detroit and all across the "Rust Belt" for years and years.

Roger

[70th Division]

Hello Roger,

Thanks for that great information regarding the actual manufacturer of that Dodge grill !!

Very nice discovery !!


Best Regards,
Ray