Serial Number / Plate Question

[Ian McColl]

Hello Guys,

I'm new to CCKW's but have have picked up manuals etc. over the years. I have a number of other WW2 Vehicles. A CCKW recently surfaced near me for a very good price (the gentleman I purchased it from paid $5 (yes $5) for it at auction. I live in Canada and CCKW's are a bit of rare breed here. This truck runs and drives but is in need of restoration. It's all there. It is a 1943 closed cab long wheelbase / 353. It still has RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) markings on the doors. So ... to my question. I have not had a chance to get the truck home yet but I do want to get an ownership for it. I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction with respect to where the Serial Number Plate is located. I know there are a number of plates in the cab and more on the firewall. Just figured you could save me some time when I get back to the truck some evening when using a flashlight.

Thanks In Advance Gentlemen.

[Karoshi]

Hi Ian, and welcome to the board, and congratulations on your find.

The chassis number for these vehicles is stamped into the outside edge of the front chassis rail, underneath the front wing on the "passenger" side.

It should be visible without removing the wheel. Several coats of paint may have hidden the stamping so a little scraping may be necessary.

Let us know what you find.

regards

Colin. 352B1

[Ian McColl]

Hello Colin.

Thank you for that piece of information. I will have alook next time I am at the truck. I have a couple Technical Manuals for these trucks. The first lone I looked at was missing a page but did reference a serial number plate. When I pulled the second manual the page that was missing shows the serial number plate located just ahead of the starter button below the dash. I am pretty sure this plate is still on the truck so I will be able to locate it on my next visit.

Thanks again.

[Canadian Gunner]

Hi Ian:

I'm near Ottawa (Kars). Where are you located?

I'm shipping a CCKW352 in from the UK later this year. If you are close enough we may be able to collaborate on restoration and maintenance.

Cheers! Mike

[Ian McColl]

Hi Mike,

I think you might be the Mike associated with the Swords and Ploughshares Musuem. I've never visited but would love to. I also have some CMPs. I located not too far from you near Belleville, Ontario. I am aware of one other CCKW near me that has been sitting on a farm for many years but the owner will not sell. Unfortunately it is sitting in a low area and it sinks further and further into the ground each time I see it. Dan McCaw used to have some CCKW parts as well ... mostly drivetrain related parts. Not sure if he scrapped most of his stuff a couple of years ago. With respect to my CCKW I'm not sure where it falls on the restoration list. I saved it from being scrapped for the axles. It needs a lot of TLC ... I trust yours is in better condition if you are importing it for the Museum. Mine is a closed cab long wheel base model. It has RCAF markings on the doors. Not sure how to send a PM on this message board. If you know how to do so feel free to send me one. Look forward to meeting you some day.

[Canadian Gunner]

Ian:

You would be most welcome... but wait until the weather is a bit better, say, end of May at least (I'll be on duty in Africa until then anyway!). I hope to have my CCKW 352 hard cab back about the middle of June.

The RCAF versions are unique in Canada. I saw one in Arnprior a couple of years ago... nearly bought it but it didn't fit my collection mandate of artillery tractors and ancillary vehicles! It too had the hood re-inforcements that yours has. i took photos at the time but will have to dig quite deeply to find them as they are from the pre-digital days!

Cheers! Mike