Hi from Australia!
Back in 1998, I placed a 'Wanted to Buy' advert in a rural newspaper. I was looking for a 1940 Chevrolet truck style utility. Australia was at war then and most of the 1940 production was taken by the Army. Many Army vehicles were shipped overseas. Very few of these vehicles were returned back to Australia.
Anyway, I received many replies from my advert. I could have got many 1941 - 46 utilities, and a few 1938 models, too. But 1940 was a rare year. Also, the prices were cheap then, pre-internet days. I was offered a nice complete Lend Lease 3 Ton Chev for $600.
Eventually, I managed to find two 1940 15 cwt trucks, about 150 miles apart, both in rough shape. One I paid $300 for it. Looking at the body tags on the cabs, the body numbers are only 7 numbers apart. And, on both trucks, the Country Fire Authority logo was on the doors. The CFA is a volunteer fire fighting organisation, still in operation today. It seems that a few 1940 models did make it into civilian life. The Army had an official policy of only using Chevrolet and Ford vehicles for overseas service. This made the spare parts supply easier.
Back to my utilities, I parked them. The eucalyptus leaves and moisture have done some damage: corrosion is serious.
The truck was assembled by GMH.The cab and utility body were made by GMH. Right-hand drive. It's a Canadian model 13.
I need some help. As I mentioned, the frame has a lot of surface rust, but no holes rusted through the frame. The frame is made from a thin gauge of steel. Has there been any problems with these frames breaking or failing ?
I am thinking about strengthening the frame? Has anyone done this?
The engine is the 216 with 3 speed.
I found some GMH factory pics of a similar 1939 model.
Thanks,
Mike.
