Posted by Brian in Oregon on August 23, 1999 at 11:11:43:
In Reply to: Re: Proof closed cab WC's had round gauges...and other cab details posted by Gordon on August 23, 1999 at 01:11:47:
My 1941 4x4 closed cab has rectangular gauges and the center lock and side slides as you say.
Yes, late (1942 w/round gauges) 1/2 tonners should all have the locking windshields.
I have seen an early 1941 4x4 closed cab with rectangular gauges and the center crank windscreen. The truck was unrestored and original.
Three things could account for it:
Perhaps someone did swap the cab. I consider this unlikely because the fade of the OD (original llayer of factory OD, never repainted) was identical and so was the patina of oxidation.
The early 1941 4x4 1/2 tonners transitioned from the pure civilian cab to the pure military cab. This may have been fast for some items (deletion of turn signals for example) and slower for others (perhaps the windshield crank). Hard to say at this date, but logical.
Perhaps the shop making military cab assemblies ran short of some parts and grabbed civilian parts to keep from making the whole assembly line from falling behind? It would take testimony of an original employee of the period to confirm this.
Regardless, there are some exceptions out there.