The GMC CCKW

When I restored my WC-56 Command Car, I painted the metal portions of my pioneer tools & finished the wood with linseed oil. It looked great, but more often, I saw pioneer tools on restored vehicles that were completely painted OD. Is one way more correct/common than the other? Thoughts? Thanks!

Hi Mike.

I am no expert when it comes to the finer points but to me some things are just common sense. Anything and everything that could be was OD and it makes me wonder when rivet counters poke fun at other peoples vehicles whilst they have lovely polished and varnished tool handles. Just look at what the military use today - don't think we will see any varnished/oiled/waxed handles being used in the Gulf war today!

Best wishes.

Jack.

I agree UK. It is like the old saying. " If it doesn't move you paint it, if it does move you salute it." I feel sure that in the time constraints of war and rush to get equipment out everything was painted OD. The idea of sanding, and hand finishing the pioneer tool handles if obviously not an effecient use of time.

Just remember this, it is your vehicle and what ever you wish to do with it is your option and don't worry about critics. I like the looks of the natural finish wood as it stands out and makes the display look better, and in the collectors world we live in, strict military protocol is not mandatory.

Thanks for the ideas guys. I couldn't see the forest for the trees I guess. You're exactly right about finishing them the expedient way. Paint all around!

Weird how when it comes to markings, I purposely am "sloppy" with a little overspray here and a few runs there. I'm going for the lived-in look. I should apply the same school of thought to the tools.

Regards,
-Mike

Hi MIke

I agree with the previous posts as well .

But I have over the years had the luck of purchasing NOS tools or at least shovels and all were covered in cosmoline 2 were painted OD under the cosmoline and 2 were unpainted including the steel parts.

On 2 of my vehicles I have chosen to oil the wood( for that worn look ) and painted the steel OD.
It most likly is not correct but in my opinion it sure looks good

Well so much for my 2 cents worth.

John

I totally agree with you John, what ever makes you happy is what counts. When I flew with the CAF we kept our aircraft all shiney and bright with some pretty striking paint schemes, something you would have never found on combat aircraft, but we needed to attract people to the airplane to solicit donations. People are attracted to bright shiny objects, and a really big bright shiny object illicits comment and cash.

Hi Army
I am just wondering what are the requlations and requirements to be able to fly CAF aircraft, I can only imagine they must be quite stiff given the value and scarcity of WW11 aircraft You must have to be checked out in each type, what types were you allowed to fly

Thanks for your interest 42 and I will send you a PM outlinging the process when I get time. Have a great week.

Army,

You must have been friends with Hank Potter. As I recall he was somewhat involved with the CAF in San Antonio. My father was a good friend of his. We first met him in 1992 on the USS Ranger for the 50th anniversary of the Doolittle Raid.

I knew Hank well. We were both members of the CenTex Wing of the CAF in San Marcos, Texas. Hank was a real gentleman and real hard worker with the wing. I hated to see his passing.
The surviving members of the Doolittle Raiders will be holding their re-union this year in San Marcos in conjunction with the CenTex Wing. They have the B-25 Yellow Rose up there now. It used to be in San Antonio, but when the Alamo Wing dissolved, headquarters transfered her up there. They have a P-39, B-25 and Japanese Kate there and a pretty good museum all housed in an original WWII hanger on the field.
Thanks for asking.
For those that don't know, Hank Potter was General Doolittle's navigator/bombardier on the Tokyo raid. He retired as a Lt.Col from the Air Force and was a master navigator.

Thanks for sharing that interesting story armydriver.......

hi there i purchased a dated shovel all wrapped up in waxed paper and this one was black metal work with untreated woodwork... it had never been opened a lovely specimen ....... so its up to yourself what you want to do with accessories as they would have been supplied by different makers from all over the u.s

Hey Kevin
Is the black paint or cosmoline ?

John

Hi John it was wrapped in cosmoline....

kevin