1943 Dodge WC-56 Command Car Project

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Re: 1943 Dodge WC-56 Command Car Project

Post by 70th Division » Tue Jul 20, 2021 5:41 am

Hello,

While I am working on getting a Command Car shed built to start working on her , I restored a very good shape original glove box for this 3/4 ton CC that I located from a G member.
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So this makes 2 new glove boxes done ๐Ÿ˜, one for this one, and the other for the 1/2 ton WC-6.
A small start , but going in the right direction!


Best Regards,
Ray


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Re: 1943 Dodge WC-56 Command Car Project

Post by 70th Division » Tue Jul 20, 2021 5:47 am

Hello,

Another thing this Command Car has is a set of larger headlight buckets installed on the fenders.
This was routinely done to CC's in European armies after the War.
I don't think this one was overseas.
But I was wondering about the headlight buckets, as they seem to have holes in them to mount cats eyes directly on the top.
The WC-6 early models had them mounted on the lower side of the buckets, not on top.
I know that I have seen that set up on certain vehicles, but didn't remember which truck it might have been.
Here are some pictures :
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Here you can see that there is a nice Guide 12 Volt bulb mounted.

Well I asked Thierry in France and he had the answer.
These type headlight buckets were used on WLF Ward LaFrance big wreckers 12V , and also on early Diamond T trucks 6V.
IMG-20210719-WA0000.jpg
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He also has both type trucks fully restored !!
Great work Thierry !!!!


Best Regards,
Ray

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Re: 1943 Dodge WC-56 Command Car Project

Post by 70th Division » Tue Jul 20, 2021 12:36 pm

Hello,

I will restore the transmission cover panel next.
I have it in the jeep barn, so it is in my target zone for not squandering valuable time ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜
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A big storm is arriving now so I can't blast items today, but I am making a pile of them to blast after being welded up and repaired.


Best Regards,
Ray

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Re: 1943 Dodge WC-56 Command Car Project

Post by 70th Division » Sun May 22, 2022 5:58 am

Hello,

I have an update for the Command Car.
I have been getting some missing parts collected.

I have some new combat rims to replace the rusted one, and half ton WC one,
(that I can use on my 1/2 ton project) , and also a new one for the spare tire.

I also got yet another "new" grill for the Dodge, as the correct early one has the vertical steel rods centered in the frame.
The other one I got was for a late truck, where the rods were attached to the outside of the grill frame.
New fenders were also found, that are in much better shape.

Yesterday I was able to get an original front seat frame. It has some rust through on the frame tubes that I will be able to repair, no problem !
It also has a good shape rear panel with map case.
The main reason I got this seat was that it has it's original spring cushions still !!!
The upper and lower springs appear to be in good shape and will be a fun restoration.
This should clean up real nice :D :D

If anyone has a rear seat cushion spring set, let me know as I would like to get them !

Midwest makes new frames, but I imagine there are no new springs out there.

Here are some pictures of the latest parts.

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Here you can see the design of the earlier production grills :
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With the rods in the center of the grill.

I also got a winch for my WC52, and a transmission, engine, transfer case, etc for my WC54 project as those had all been stripped before I got it !

Slowly but surely getting closer to working on the Command Car
๐Ÿ˜ƒ๐Ÿ˜ƒ!!

Best Regards,
Ray
Last edited by 70th Division on Mon May 23, 2022 9:25 am, edited 4 times in total.

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Re: 1943 Dodge WC-56 Command Car Project

Post by 70th Division » Sun May 22, 2022 6:17 am

Hello,

Here are some more pictures of parts for the Command Car.

I was happy to get a passenger side running board to replace the cut down one that is there now.
It is in good shape, but will need a little weld repair around some bolt holes, as pictured.
That will be no problem to fix right up nice ๐Ÿ˜ƒ !
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Here are some nice bumperettes to replace the cut off ones.
I have to remove a couple welded on tabs from the sides.
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I also got a nice pintle hitch to replace the missing one.
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Here are a couple of the combat rims. I was also fortunate to get an additional good set here in Florida from a seller that had them on a later model Dodge.
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It is always good to have a few sets of combat rims, as they are getting harder to find, so I am happy to have found them !!!
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This is the big and heavy 12 Volt generator , which spins very nicely.
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One additional part I just got is the header panel and top bow front section.
The Command Car has a set of bows with it, but some of this section was missing. I think with this component, and what I have, I can make a complete restoration of the top bows.
Screenshot_20220522-102502_eBay.jpg

Best Regards,
Ray

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Re: 1943 Dodge WC-56 Command Car Project

Post by 70th Division » Wed May 25, 2022 9:15 pm

Hello,

I am starting to get all the added modification items off the Command Car that has been added to it over the years.
The dash being is being worked on first.
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We can now see the original gauge holes uncovered !
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Once I get the gauges unbolted and the panel removed she will look a lot better !

Tomorrow I will get that done, and start removing the big, heavy, rear step bumper, that fortunately was bolted on , not welded !!


I will also remove that rotted out glove box compartment.
I have a restored rust free one to replace it !

Best Regards,
Ray

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Re: 1943 Dodge WC-56 Command Car Project

Post by 70th Division » Sun Aug 07, 2022 12:05 pm

Hello,

While I am working on my jeep restoration, I have been looking for parts for the Command Car .

Here is a nice full set of top bows that are in great condition !!
I am very thankful to have been able to get these !!
Where are these found laying about ??
I don't know, but they will sure look great once I get to work on the Command Car !!

(The other original set on the CC, that needs work, will be set aside for any future CC.
These will be a great pattern to repair those ones correctly.)
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Slowly but surely, parts are being found and secured !!

This will be a beautiful CC again some day ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ˜ƒ๐Ÿ˜ƒ !!

I still am looking for an original rear seat cushion set/ springs to recover.


Keep 'em Rolling !!!

Best Regards,
Ray


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