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The TwinBeech site does have lot's of information and lot's of pictures in one spot instead of scattered around the internet. I haven't gotten around to contacting them for more information yet but I will get there. The cab isn't in horrible condition. There is a good bit of wood that needs replaced but I was planning on going through and replacing it all anyway. The driver's door is currently taken off because of the poor wood holding it together.
If you hit the books and do your research and you will find that your C2 is not a 1940 model. The early Federals had a different grille, brushguard, and headlight mounting than your truck, and I do not beleive that Federal built any of these early C2 wrecker's or F1 tractor's until 1941. The new style grille and headlight mounting that your truck sports was not introduced until at least 1942, perhaps even 1943. While I don't doubt your title says 1940, the title is probably the most inaccurate way to date a military vehicle, for many reasons. Military vehicles are not titled when they are new. They do not receive a title until they are sold into civilian hands. If the truck goes directly from the military to another government agency or a municipality, it often does not recieve a title until the government, city, county, or state sells it to a civilian. It may be decades after the truck is new before it receives a title. Also, many states did not issue titles in the 1940's. I grew up in Massachusetts and vehicle titles were not issued there until the late '60's or '70's. So even if the truck came directly out of the military to a civilian owner right after the War, it still may not have received a title until decades later. By the time, when asked for the year, the owner may know, he may vaguely remember what someone told him years ago, or he may just say "1940" because it sounds about right. I realize your title was issued in 1953, but that still does not guarrantee its accuaracy. I'm sure the members here can tell many stories about what the title said and what they found their military vehicle really was. I am certain your truck was not built in 1940, or even '41.Jeff Lakaszcyck; Your truck is actually newer than 1940 said:
Attached are a couple photos of early Federal C2's. These are 1941 or '42 models.
The inertia starter is wound up and it and the lever on top is thrown to engage and start the motor. I got the starter working cranked it up and it howls like a siren comparable to the inertia starters on old aircraft that can be seen on youtube. These are all great pictures the more I have the better. Thank you. My email is sbshafer2@yahoo.com
I sent you an email with some photos a few days ago, did you get it ?
Australia
