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Posted by Dave Horvath on Tuesday, August 04, 2009 at 17:51:30 :
I am rebuilding a 1946 WDX originally owned and operated by Stultz Garage at 801 Main Street in Grandview, MO. It was the 984th civilian truck built in Detroit. The engine is #2162. The transmission is dated 3-24-45. The wheels are dated 2/46 (February, 1946). The truck was originally sold as non-winch truck equippped with auxiliary springs.
In the past, the cab had grab handles, roof-top beacon and door-mounted spotlight. It also had a Braden M3 winch mounted behind the cab with boom anchors on rear frame cross-member. It was converted to 12 volt with an alternator, front electric winch and snow plow.
I've spent the last six weeks chasing down parts and going through everything mechanically. I stripped the truck to the frame and went over everything with a wire wheel and sprayed it with rust converter. It came out really well. I installed new brakes, fuel system, exhaust system, radiator, oil seals, window glass, gauges, etc. The engine runs great, showing 55 lbs. of oil pressure. I made a firewall pad to match the original. I'm still trying to troubleshoot the wiring (the windshield regulator tape contacted the ignition switch terminals and caused a short to ground, frying some of the wires).
Thanks to Clint Dixon, Chris, McCovich and others for providing information and web sites with photos detailing some of the unique features of these early trucks. Here is a list of the early features identified on truck #984.
Early WDX Features:
Data tag on passenger side door frame.
Cab painted body color over bare metal (no primer)
Military wiring knockout on firewall.
Cab originally not punched for passenger side windshield wiper.
Windshield header originally not punched for interior rearview mirror.
Full cab top roof support rather than two bosses for securing headliner.
Cab interior light with separate rather than integral switch.
Oversize (oblong) holes drilled for Power Wagon emblems on hood sides.
Mounting holes for military ground straps on passenger hood side.
Budd doors with only six patents registered.
Blackout style door handles and window cranks.
Doors lack stamped details to accept vent wing windows.
Multiple punch-outs located in floor for access to transfer case mounting bolts.
Drive train primed but not painted.
Frame cross-members bolted rather than welded.
Military front axle with Use one differential carrier gasket only tag.
Military surplus parts retaining olive drab paint (grill, radiator mount, shift levers, cab mounts, gas tank straps, splash shield brackets, PCV outlet)
Cast brass transfer case mounts.
Cast brass brake pedal mount.
Unique twin-lobed spring hanger castings.
Copper spring pins.
Engine head studs instead of head bolts.
Unique timing chain cover?
Hand brake cable rather than rod (transfer case cross-member lacks the arch in rear flange for rod).
Originally equipped with military-style battery ground cable (replaced with later style cables).
Originally equipped with ET1, ET2 or ET4 carburetor with vacuum-advance accelerator pump and integral governor (replaced with E7T2 carburetor with mechanical advance accelerator pump and sandwich-style governor).
Originally equipped with throttle rod (replaced with throttle cable).
Two-wire gas tank sending unit.
Wheels with minimal shoulder, and full-length valve stem slots.
The truck has a small, fully closed yoke on the hand-brake drum. I'm thinking it may have been used to power some small stationary equipment.
The truck has an Arvin model 74-H heater/defroster, which I hope to rebuild.
I will update my web site (http://www.imageevent.com/dad2nick) with detailed photos of the rebuild and some of the unique features. I'm hoping to bring this truck to the Mass rally in two weeks, but there is still a lot to do to get it ready!
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