horsa
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- Lorena, Texas
Hey Guys, I'm new to the Dodge world but not to WWII vehicles and their restorations in general. Got a recent lead on an affordable non-running and incomplete WC56 or WC58 which had the tailgate rear section cut out for hauling hay on a ranch many years ago. Bones are good with some original markings and stars bleeding through and the remaining metal including floor and hood assembly is still pretty good. Has a data tag referencing the running of the engine to charge related to voltage drop when operating a radio but that is the only visible (to me) indication it could be a WC58 unless they used that tag on all models just in case they were radio equipped.
Seller indicated to me that he thought there was a more complete body at a place about 100 miles away but it had been years since they saw it from the road. Long story short, I located it and its available with a good body less the floor and the front end is removed completely so no axle, steering, engine, etc. They do have the body parts put away separate and when I saw the grill and cowling I knew it was a 1/2-ton truck so guessing a WC15 or WC23. The firewall has a junction block remaining and my understanding is that would indicate a later model in the early design.
So questions....
Which model is more desirable/valuable to end up with, early war or later war? Speculation is the later war pattern due to fewer being produced and being a beefier truck.
Would the rear of the 1/2-ton be size compatible as a donor for the more complete 3/4-ton truck?
What is the market for selling or trading spares? The 1/2-ton is less complete but more expensive so if compatible for the rear section with tailgate, the remains would be likely broken up to help recoup costs.
The reverse could likewise be considered if the 1/2-ton was more desirable as I'd use radiator, drive components and the engine I'd have to rebuild from the 3/4-ton if it is compatible.
If there isn't enough to hot swap, I'd probably stay simply with the 3/4-ton project.
Also I'm aware of some of the reproduction panels like the tailgate but this project has the entire rear curve cut way. Rear frame is good and solid though where the tailgate hinge would bolt on.
Thanks in advance, sorry about casting such a wide net in a first posting.
Seller indicated to me that he thought there was a more complete body at a place about 100 miles away but it had been years since they saw it from the road. Long story short, I located it and its available with a good body less the floor and the front end is removed completely so no axle, steering, engine, etc. They do have the body parts put away separate and when I saw the grill and cowling I knew it was a 1/2-ton truck so guessing a WC15 or WC23. The firewall has a junction block remaining and my understanding is that would indicate a later model in the early design.
So questions....
Which model is more desirable/valuable to end up with, early war or later war? Speculation is the later war pattern due to fewer being produced and being a beefier truck.
Would the rear of the 1/2-ton be size compatible as a donor for the more complete 3/4-ton truck?
What is the market for selling or trading spares? The 1/2-ton is less complete but more expensive so if compatible for the rear section with tailgate, the remains would be likely broken up to help recoup costs.
The reverse could likewise be considered if the 1/2-ton was more desirable as I'd use radiator, drive components and the engine I'd have to rebuild from the 3/4-ton if it is compatible.
If there isn't enough to hot swap, I'd probably stay simply with the 3/4-ton project.
Also I'm aware of some of the reproduction panels like the tailgate but this project has the entire rear curve cut way. Rear frame is good and solid though where the tailgate hinge would bolt on.
Thanks in advance, sorry about casting such a wide net in a first posting.
