Matt Feiden's 1947.1 283EC GMC 3-Ton

"Bertha"

06 August 2007 Update
# 1585

From Matt:

           Here she is. Since May I have painted the interior, replaced the GMC grille with the more proper Chevy grille. I have completed the bed and added a removable mg mount behind the cab.

           The photo was just after finishing the grille and I had my uniform on for a quick snap.

           As soon as she goes into action, I will update with more pics. She is the talk of Raleigh and Wilson, North Carolina. I've even turned the head of a Ferrari convertible owner ... that made my day.

           There are two more 1.5-ton bolts coming my way. Both were available on this site. I am going to convert one to a field ambulance and the other a headquarters command truck.

Matt Feiden
"naddaclue"
Bolter # 11155
Hillsborough, New Hampshire

OberLeutnant Feiden
Schwere Machinengewhr Gruppe
1 Zug
6 Kompanie
60 Regiment
116 Panzer Division "Windhund"

           Looks like you are having waaaaaaaaaaaay too much fun!! Looks G R E A T ! ~~ Editor / in October 2007, Matt added to the fleet a 1942 Chevy 1.5-ton ~~ Editor

14 May 2007
# 1585

From Matt :

           Last week, I took Bertha out for a run. I went quite a way and brought her home. The next day, I went to run her and she blew alot of black soot out of the tail pipe. I noticed that when she lugged, she blew some oil smoke. Then, every time I shifted, she puffed oil smoke.. Wasn't sure if it was something about the 261 straight 6 in there (one speed rear end). Here's another shot of the motor.

           This big bolt has a roll out windshield. The frame was rotted big time so I got a frame from eBay and the rods that hold it together were stuck. I had a machinist try to get it out and he broke the rods at the first small bolt. The rest was stuck pretty hard. The parts that came out were rusted pretty good. The parts where the hinges went were punched slightly to keep them in place. The guys in the forums told me to check Whitney Haist's Windshield Repair Tech Tip and that was just what the doctor ordered. The tech tip is the best. So besides adding a new windshield, I put in a new crank, new seals, new catwhiskers and new glass.

           The truck has a whole new bed. I have added a tool box on the right side and a Jerry can rack for three cans on the left side. There is a mount for a K98 rifle next to the parking brakes. There is also a mount for an MG 34 in the bed. The wiper motors have been repaired and are now working and I can use the regular headlights or the German Notek blackout lights.

           The work left to be done is door glass, catwhisker gaskets, underbed tool box and some tool brackets, the grille, and I need to get canvas and frame for the bed.

           So, here are updated pics of Bertha. She is coming along fine and is ready for events now. She's going to the Charlotte Living History Timeline for her official unveiling. She will be all over the southeast at WWII re-enactments and timelines as well as Weare, New Hampshire for the military truck show. I have moved her to North Carolina with me and she is making quite a splash in Raleigh. She loves this warm weather and is a dream to drive.

Matt Feiden
"naddaclue"
Bolter # 11155
Hillsborough, New Hampshire

OberLeutnant Feiden
Schwere Machinengewhr Gruppe
1 Zug
6 Kompanie
60 Regiment
116 Panzer Division "Windhund"

10 July 2006
# 1585

From Matt :

           Where do I begin?

           I was re-enacting with a fellow Stovebolter Pat Valant. As the unit disintegrated, he wanted to sell his beautiful Bertha which was posted here already. Being in the same unit and knowing her reputation for looks and reliability, I decided to take a crack. After a dismal performance on eBay he gave me the final shot. I raided my IRA for the cash to buy her. I have subsequently spent the last month in the out house since the dog house wasn't even good enough.

           After unloading, I have given her a thorough going over and find some minor details that to be taken care of. She will get a fresh coat of Panzer Schwartzgrau or Tank black gray for all. Her markings will remain the same and I'm currently going to put the Chevy grille on, a new canvas top over the bed. I was going to change her name but after seeing her in a parking lot overwhelming all of the modern vehicles ... Bertha fits and will stay.

Matt Feiden
"naddaclue"
Bolter # 11155
Hillsborough, New Hampshire

Pat Valant / previous owners

19 May 2001

From Pat:

           First ... great site and some great trucks!!!

           I have an early year model 1947 283EC GMC Tonner that has been converted to World War II "captured" German transport of the 116th Panzer Division "Windhund." These trucks (as Chevy's) were supplied lend-lease to the Russians and British in huge numbers and were captured by the Germans. They were very popular with the German drivers because of their power and reliability.

           Mine started life as Iowa Farm Dump/Grain truck and was recently rescued from a lot in West Branch, Iowa. The body was very solid, as was the all-metal sided bed. These have since been replaced with wood which is more historically accurate and had troop seats installed.

           I am a World War II re-enactor and it is great for public battles and living history encampments.

           Plans are to add a Chevy grille (which is more correct, GMC didn't make 4X2's during the war...they focused on CCKW and DUKW production.), add blackout lights and eventually a camo paint job.

           Her nickname is "Bertha."

Pat Valant
Dyersville, Iowa Pat Valant
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