1942 Canadian-built C15 Chevrolet

	Owned by Jeremy Tobin "rampant rivet" Bolter # 12356 Cinderford, Gloucestershire United Kingdom Talking about this truck in the DITY Gallery

More pictures of my old truck

From Jeremy :

Now for something completely different!! Way back in 2003, I found a 1942 Canadian-built C15 Chevrolet. This truck was built for the British Army and was to be sent to North Africa (as verified by the amount of desert colored paint that was found when the truck was dismantled). However, this vehicle was delivered to the UK and was converted to a 20mm anti-aircraft gun platform.

Over approximately five years, I did a total rebuild including swapping out the old 216 for a nice 1955 235. I was sourcing spare parts from all over the world, and there were moments when I wondered if it would ever be finished. But it now has 300 miles on the clock and is going well. Check the photos of my truck restoration.

It sure was a labor of love as it took nearly six months to find the right motor. Good 216's are thin on the ground here. So after reading up on the Stovebolt forum, I went for the 235 option and am glad that I did, as spare parts availability are ok for this later mill. Most people would not realize that the motor is not original to this vehicle.

Luckily, the old clutch bell housing married up to the block. This was essential as the Chevy was built as a right hand drive and needed a bell housing to match. I also used a 216 flywheel and NOS 6 volt starter. Though I run it on 12 volt, the starter works well as long as you do not over use it. Other than fitting an adapter plate for the older style water pump, and swapping the side engine mounts to the front, things went ok.

Most of the missing parts were found eventually, but it took a long time searching the net and eBay, etc. The original mirrors came from Argentina. The roof hatch and rear brackets to hold the tow hitch came from Norway. I found a new wiring loom and odds 'n sods including a master brake cylinder in Australia. The generator and NOS distributor came from the USA. The NOS canvas seat covers came from Holland. The headlamps were from OZ via Canada as a swap for a Ford spare part manual (it's a long story) !!

Thanks,

Jeremy

Your truck is not only a tribute to the Allies efforts, but also the Free World's Industrious role in helping win WWII". I am constantly amazed each time another survivor story from half way around the world reaches my desk top. Thanks for sharing your saga, as your "Labor of  Love" truly was about something "Completely Different". ~ J. Lucas, Stovebolt Curator

-30-