1942 Dodge 4x4 Army Carryall

1942 Dodge WC53 Carryall
This one of only 8. 00 Dodge Carryall  Field Staff Cars built and one of less than half a dozen in Australia. Using all the same running gear as the famous Dodge Weapon Carrier and Ambulance they were one of the most capable military vehicles of WW2.
The Carryall is one of the rarer and more collectible military vehicles of the period. This vehicle has its original bonnet number and under the paint we found it was the Area Engineer's vehicle at Whitehorse Alaska during the construction of the fantastic ALCAN Highway from Canada during WW2 - one of the great feats of modern engineering. Here is the story.  http://www. pbs. org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/general-article/alaska-building/
This vehicle was rebuilt in USA by the present owner with the intention of producing a vehicle suitable for every day use and long distance travel around Australia. Wheel bearings. seals. brakes. suspension. steering etc etc were all replaced. It is not a concourse show vehicle but a practical machine which will keep up with modern traffic.  
In the last two years it has driven twice from Brisbane to Victoria and return as well as undertaking a 6. 00km trip through outback Queensland for Prostate Cancer plus numerous club runs.
The original 6 cylinder side valve motor and gearbox were removed. This original running engine and gear box are included in the sale. A very low mileage late model Chevrolet Vortec V6 motor and its original automatic transmission were installed. The engine is a non-computer quadrajet carburettor installation for reliability and ease of maintenance. Power has increased from the original 90hp to around 165hp so. without being outrageously overpowered it cruises over the hills and tows a trailer easily. The automatic transmission also allows you to lock it in any gear if desired.
The transfer case was replaced - original included in sale (the originals had straight cut gears and were very noisy) with a Nissan Patrol transfer case with a bigger reduction and quiet helical gears. This vehicle will pull a house down in low range.
The brakes were upgraded to dual circuit power brakes and the Dodge stops as well as a brand new Landcruiser. Inertia reel seat belts fitted.  
The vehicle has Australian Modification Approval Blue Plate attached to the firewall for the mechanical changes.
The original super efficient Alaska heater is still fitted. USB. new radio. free wheel hubs.
Tyres are excellent - PLEASE NOTE the lock-ring style wheels shown in the photos are incorrect for this year vehicle. when sold it will be fitted with the correct two piece "combat rims" with the same tyres on them.
All four rear side windows wind down but are fixed at the moment.  Two brand new winding mechanisms come with the sale.
It does not have power steering (mod kits available) and is a 75 year old vehicle which has been built to drive. not show. and has been used extensively over the last couple of years. It is the centre of attention everywhere even at military vehicle shows.
There are lots of fiddly jobs that could be done with paintwork. a couple of glass cracks etc but nothing to stop you using it. It could easily be restored to a show vehicle with a bit of time but. as-is I would jump in it tomorrow for a 10. 00 km trip around Australia.
Every part for these Dodges is available from Australian and overseas suppliers (particularly Vintage Power Wagons USA).
Unfortunately another project has arrived in my shed and it must be financed so. to keep the peace. the Dodge should go. The price is $40. 00 firm. if it does not find a buyer at that price I will continue to happily use it.
Info  0439 677279

Also published at eBay.com.au

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