Posted by George on June 15, 1999 at 16:41:36:
In Reply to: Question: WC-56 Command Car posted by Andy on June 15, 1999 at 16:03:59:
Andy: Well here goes. The first rule of restoring anything is to pay someone else to do it. Next to that it takes a lot of time depending on the original condition you start with. If you are going to go for mint condition then this means taking it right down to the frame and taking everything apart and replacing most of the parts regardless of original condition. Mint condition price is what ever anyone is willing to pay at the time that you are willing to sell it for.
I restored a 47WDX about 90%. It took me nearly a year working on it all the time. I am retired so could spend the time.
Parts are available. Vintage Power Wagons has just about everything you will need. Most command cars found have no tail gate. They were removed after the war by farmers to install a gooseneck hitch. A word of warning. The parts; transmission, transfer case, axles, wheels, etc. are heavy. Be careful lifting them. Use a floor jack. Take a photo of everything before you remove it. Bag and label every single nut and bolt. Believe me you will not remember what goes where two years from now. Vintage also have all the manuals and parts books you will need. When you strip it down you will need to get everything sand blasted and primed.
I have seen a couple of real jewels. They are not driven but trailered to shows, etc. They are not for sale.
The fun in restoring is hunting parts,learning about the vehicle, meeting new people, its history, how it was marked and used. I have met more new friends through the Rallys and while restoring my Power Wagon than I have met in my entire life.
When you finish and turn the key and hear that great Dodge sound as the engine starts you will quickly forget all the skinned knuckles and dropped parts. There is no greater sound. Remember this other rule in restoring. Whatever falls to the ground will always land in the middle or far side of the car you are working on. I see you are from IA. I hope you were able to attend one of the rallys up there. Keep in touch through the Forum and you will learn more than you want to know about restoring a Command Car. If I were to restore another car it would be the WC56. Start looking for a chrome helmut, a set of pearl handled Colts and 4 stars to wear in parades. If you are near an Army base they will dog you to borrow the Car for change of command ceremonies.
Don't forget to ask your wife if it's OK. Hope you have a lot of cash stashed away. You will need it. It's a lot like a boat. A hole in the water where you stuff a lot of money. Of course you can research the costs well before your start and then set up a budget.
Above all, have fun.
George