K-43 phone maint./poll setter

[racerlee]

Hello,

I just rescued a K-43 out of a metal scrapyard and was wondering where I could find parts for it. I need to rewire it and it has no seat or radiator in it. I'm not sure what year it is, but the delivery date was in 44. Its going to take a lot of work, but it will be fun.

Thanks, Lee

 

[maddawg308]

WOW! Now that's a hard-to-find bugger there. Never seen one like it in person, although I have seen a couple similar WWII era phone maintenance trucks.

The basis for this truck is the G506 Chevy, 1-1/2 ton model. Parts are not rare, but getting more uncommon by the year. They are where they are found.

Keep us updated with pics of your resto, this is gonna be good!

Some pics of other WWII telephone trucks:

 

[vtdeucedriver]

good save!!

 

[srodocker]

nice save!

 

[paulfarber]

Wiring for the CCKW/Chevys has gone through the roof. I got quotes of over $1100 for a full CCKW harness. A Chevy is a little smaller, but I would still expect the worse. Engine cab should not be hard, its just a standard G506, but aft of the cab (sheet metal etc) you are gonna need some mad sheet metal skilz. If it has a harness, most vintage wiring shops will repro it for you... expect $5 a foot + shop time (one place quoted me $75 an hour!)

I personally would pass on a 'rare' truck unless its more or less complete... getting the small parts may never happen, and 'rare' == more $$.

Plus you generally will never find the interior tools/brackets/mounts/gear so you end up with a shell.

Vehicle of Victory and Frank Von R. in Canada are your typical starting points. Also try parts vendors from Military Vehicles Jeeps Tanks Militaria, all ex Military equipment The vast majority are vendors are overseas... but that's where the parts are.

 

[waayfast]

Welcome to the site from Salmon River Country! Thanks for posting and thanks for saving that old gal! As stated above that is one RARE configuration of the 506.Even in the event you can't find all the "loose" goodies at least the truck won't be turned into worthless adjustable wrenches made in China!

 

[tractor]

go to vehiclesofvictory.com and check that site out

 

[racerlee]

Thanks guys for your replies. I'm some what mechanically minded, but what the heck I'll see what I can find and see if I can possibly get it back on the road. At least my father and I got the engine to fire up. As far as the tools to go with it that were original, I have no idea. The winch is still inside the back of utility box and some of the metal poles for it are there. I guess used for the winch. I kind of knew this truck was rare, but how rare is it? Do you guys think it is worth trying to restore it?

Lee

 

[ralvincos]

K43 CHEVY POLE SETTER pictures by meatball427 - Photobucket

has a nice collection of K-43 photos

And the attached photo is remains that I found of one. It took me a long time to identify what I found because it is was a 2wd Ford cab-forward chassis with 5 lug wheels instead of the 4wd Chevy 6 lug 4wd.

I saved the winch and pto gearbox which splits out from the main driveline, all still attached to a short section of the truck frame.

Ya, I recycled the 3 poles. The tip wheel was stuck. And the bottom 3 or 4 feet of the long pipes were split from collecting water and freezing. If you are leaving your derrick up, do something to keep the rain from collecting in the pipes, like drilling drain holes.

Does your winch show the name "Highway Trailer Company"?

Does the bed have a military number tag on the corner, near the passenger door, showing Highway Trailer Company? This did, and was dated in 1940. I am wondering if these beds were ever originally installed on a 2wd cab-forward Ford, perhaps for Canada. I found no evidence of the drive line being modified or re-hung. Somebody sure did a hatchet job of cutting the side compartments down to size.

I acquired this and two (1941) half-ton WC's with the curved grills, in Montana, from a ranch west of Butte. Supposedly, all had been parked since the early 1960's.

If anyone wants the monster winch, just message me. I will soon be posting it for sale. It's heavy.

 

[Wolfen]

I would try Vintage Wiring of Maine for a Wiring Harness. Someone on this Website The Stovebolt Page -- For Old GM - GMC - Chevy Trucks! might be able to help you with any other Questions. That is definitely, a Rare Truck. You might also try this Forum for help. http://www.g503.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=25

 

[racerlee]

Hey guys thanks for the all the help. Ralvincos, if you had the poles for the derrick, I would have bought them. I only have part or one. Yes my bed has a tag on the lower front by the passenger door made by the same company dated 1944. As for the winch I haven't looked at it yet.

 

[srodocker]

cant wait to see your progress hopefully you can bring it up north next year for a event or 2

 

[rchalmers3]

racerlee awesome find and thanks for posting the pics! Please keep sending us updates and photos of your progress.

Rick

 

[tractor]

I know someone who saved a complete boaring drill with winch here on the centeral coast and wants to get rid of it.
pm me if intrested

 

[66swede]

racerlee, here some more pictures and info about the K43
CHEVROLET 1 1/2 TON 4X4 TELEPHONE TRUCK K43 G7173

I have a K-44 myself, one of 4-5 known here in europe.

 

[Waters]

racerlee, here some more pictures and info about the K43
CHEVROLET 1 1/2 TON 4X4 TELEPHONE TRUCK K43 G7173

I have a K-44 myself, one of 4-5 known here in europe.

Ancient thread bump, to see if OP might resurface. Says he hasnt been around since 2015.
Just ran into a k43 for sale with no trace of the body, just cab and chassis. It has rekindled my interest.

 

[WW2Chevy]

Ancient thread bump, to see if OP might resurface. Says he hasnt been around since 2015.
Just ran into a k43 for sale with no trace of the body, just cab and chassis. It has rekindled my interest.

You might find some good info, and others with a similar interest on this FB page that my friend runs:

The Chevy K-43 and K-44