Dodge WC16 Radio Command Car - Project

[zepher11]

Been goofing off lately, but with the nice weather I was able to get in some sandblasting today:

[zepher11]

After probably 50 plus years of sitting out in the elements, the engine has seen better days. The head is a total loss as the spark plug holes are completely eaten away in spots;





Pulled out a replacement engine:



Also had to spend a little time fixing the fuel tank which was beat and rusted around the sending unit. I also replaced the fuel pickup tube which was plugged:













The offending pickup tube:











Starting to get into the wiring. I think I was told this is the most expensive reproduction wiring harness made for WWII vehicles:



Old vs. new main harness:





I then went back to the tank and cleaned and sealed it:



I didn't want to clog the new fuel pickup, so I sealed it with the access hole not welded in yet:



Cleaned up the 12 volt genny. Cheese and rice. I had no idea how heavy this thing is. I think it's like 65lbs!



Lots of cleaning, priming and painting of the brake line, fuel line and wiring harness clips as well as all the small bolts to hold 'em:

[wc 9 and 12 owner]

When I ordered my ambulance it was 1500. My bomb truck is about the same

[zepher11]

When I ordered my ambulance it was 1500. My bomb truck is about the same

Definitely north of that!

[Phil H]

Man, things are looking great..........Phil

[zepher11]

Man, things are looking great..........Phil

Thanks Phil!

Dinked around a little more on the CC today. I needed to check the brakes. I know they were rebuilt, but I wanted to check the wheel cylinders to make sure they were okay. Well, they are all good, but the front drums are rusted and pitted. One can tell they were newly surfaced, but left out in the rain. Shinny new with rust at the bottom. I was able to salvage the rear drums. Now I need to figure out what to do with the front drums. I doubt I can find anyone around here to turn them.



Not much wear on the pads:



I wrestled with the rear brake lines and came out on top:



Lastly, I received some brake line and fuel lines with this project. I think I have figured most of them out with the exception of the long line in the foreground of the photo below. I know the lines at the top go to the master cylinder. Can anyone tell me what the longer lines are in the foreground?. I ended up with two each of a few. Appreciate any insight:

[zepher11]

I was stoked that I found a place that didn't give me s#%& about turning my drums. They were totally on it:



For those new to this hobby, here is what the axle nut will look like when one uses a chisel to install:



Not cool. One should use this tool:



And here is the layout for of the parts to install the front drum:



Rear drum layout:



I think I'm with Joakim. Everyone is heading to FB. I don't like FB at all, so thinking about abandoning the forum and making my own website to post my projects. Posting keeps me interested in getting things done where I can look back at them. I haven't checked out how to make a website, but will start tonight.

[zepher11]

I took the advice of drilling a hole at the end of a crack, that was discussed previously in this thread, and repaired the motor mount bracket. This is with the thought that I will have an engine to install someday. I think I originally took everything to the engine shop in November. Still waiting. I could really use one right about now:



All repaired:



Also wrapped up the transmission attachments. Not until I worked on this did I realize the linkage is flipped vs. the 3/4 ton Dodges:



Also dinked around and cleaned up the 12 volt regulator. I have now realized that the box is not correct for the WC16. I really don't have the shielded cables, so I guess it doesn't really matter in the long run. Had to JB Weld a tab that was broke off when I received it:



I have ordered some stamped repo 12 volt regulator and generator tags:

[superdave]

Looking good, What did you use for the wrinkle finish paint on the cover ??

[PareosWC]

Zeph- those (2) extra fuel lines: are they not the inlet and outlet to the firewall mounted fuel filter?

[zepher11]

Looking good, What did you use for the wrinkle finish paint on the cover ??

I used wrinkle paint. Just kidding. Let me check the brand for you.

Zeph- those (2) extra fuel lines: are they not the inlet and outlet to the firewall mounted fuel filter?

The straight fuel lines in the bag to the left in the photo are what I believe go to the fuel filter. The tag on the bag indicates that as well. Here is an actual shot of a WC16 showing the correct box below the regulator and the shielded cables. One can also see the two fuel lines to the fuel filter. The lines appear to be like those in the plastic bag:

[zepher11]

Dried out my blast media on the concrete and finished up blasting the fuel tank. Primed, painted and installed. I was able to get most of the dents out. Still a few wrinkles, but It actually doesn't look too bad:

[zepher11]

Super Dave,

Here is the wrinkle paint I used. This is a few years old now, but still worked. I used this can on my GPW project's 6 volt regulator, but it didn't work too well. This time I read the instructions. Need to lay it on heavy in three coats. First coat vertical, second coat horizontal, and the third coat diagonal:

[superdave]

Thanks for the info

[zepher11]

Well, after all of the repair to the front motor mount I have now discovered that it is bent. Didn't really notice it until I tried to install it at which time it became very apparent. Now I know why it had a nice crack in it. Fortunately, I found another one buried in the backyard that looks arrow straight. Needs a bit of cleaning, however.