ENCLOSURE KITS

All other trucks not mentioned above.
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RANGER
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ENCLOSURE KITS

Post by RANGER »

There were several enclosure kits isued for open cab WWII tactical vehicles during the immediate post war period. They were awkward sheetmetal structures insulated with rubber foam with sliding windows on the drivers portion.
The Kit for the MB was a boxy aluminum structure that had a vertical windshield and it turned the MB/GPW into an echo chamber.

The 3/4 and 1 1/2 Ton WCs had a tall structure that utilized the original windshield, had doors that swung on piano hinges and was made of steel. Sort of made the Dodge into an Adams Grader looking thing.
CCKWs had a structure that replaced the canvas, with two small doors contoured to cover the side opening. The rear window was oval shaped. This Cab Kit was later modified by Mt Ranier Army Depot to fit the M-37 by adding blocks of wood to the sides and discarding the doors. It was refered to as "The Ugly Cab" by the soldiers. There is a nice example of the M-37 version owned by a member of the Lone Star MVPA. Pics can be found by researching the various events they have attended.

There was a kit for the 5 Ton 4X4 Autocar and Federal Tractors also.
The M-29 Weasel also had aaa similar Arctic Cab Kit as did the WWII Clarcktor Aircraft Tug
US ARMY HONOR GRADUATE MECHANIC, Restorer of fine Jeeps, MV's, MVPA 40+yrs, DAV, Army Aircrew member, Donor to Military Museums & CAF, MV Hobby since 1945
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RANGER
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Post by RANGER »

During the same period Stewart Warner developed a series of Gasoline fired heaters tailored to each of the specific vehicles.

I have one NOS Kit for the CCKW stored away, complete with Hand Primer Kit to asssist in starting.
US ARMY HONOR GRADUATE MECHANIC, Restorer of fine Jeeps, MV's, MVPA 40+yrs, DAV, Army Aircrew member, Donor to Military Museums & CAF, MV Hobby since 1945
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RANGER
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Post by RANGER »

Back in the 50s we used to buy the enclosure kits from Firestone Motors in Lamoyne Pa. They were handy to Letterkenny Army Depot and that seems to be where many of these kits were surplused from.
I have been looking for one of these kits fot the M-38A1 Jeep for years.
We bought over 200 Kits for the M-38 in the late 50s. They sold like hotcakes to CJ-2A and CJ-3A Jeep owners.
US ARMY HONOR GRADUATE MECHANIC, Restorer of fine Jeeps, MV's, MVPA 40+yrs, DAV, Army Aircrew member, Donor to Military Museums & CAF, MV Hobby since 1945
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RANGER
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Post by RANGER »

I have a 95% complete NOS kit for the WC. It has some weathering and is missing the door handles.
These kits were also manufactured for the various WWII GI Caterpiller Dozers also.
US ARMY HONOR GRADUATE MECHANIC, Restorer of fine Jeeps, MV's, MVPA 40+yrs, DAV, Army Aircrew member, Donor to Military Museums & CAF, MV Hobby since 1945
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RANGER
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Post by RANGER »

Many of the Stewart Warner Heater 978 Kits intended for 6 Volt and 12 Volt WWII Trucks were modified in the Mid 50s with additional ducting and resisters to allow them to operate on M-Series Trucks. They were awkward fitting but warm.
US ARMY HONOR GRADUATE MECHANIC, Restorer of fine Jeeps, MV's, MVPA 40+yrs, DAV, Army Aircrew member, Donor to Military Museums & CAF, MV Hobby since 1945
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RANGER
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Post by RANGER »

There were hot water heaters available for the 3/4 Ton WC Ambulance and Harrison Div, General Motors, manufactured a hot water kit specific to the CCKW starting in 1944. I have one of these NOS installed in my CCKW.
US ARMY HONOR GRADUATE MECHANIC, Restorer of fine Jeeps, MV's, MVPA 40+yrs, DAV, Army Aircrew member, Donor to Military Museums & CAF, MV Hobby since 1945
Other Hobby- Army Air Force & Busting Big Ass Military Imposters-Good at it
RANGER
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Post by RANGER »

Most of the post war Stewart Warner 978 gasoline burning heater kits I have seen installed on WWII trucks were on Airfield equipment, such as the CCKW Aifield Refueling tuck, the 7 1/2 Ton Reo/Biederman 6X6, and the 5 Ton 4X4 Tractor.
US ARMY HONOR GRADUATE MECHANIC, Restorer of fine Jeeps, MV's, MVPA 40+yrs, DAV, Army Aircrew member, Donor to Military Museums & CAF, MV Hobby since 1945
Other Hobby- Army Air Force & Busting Big Ass Military Imposters-Good at it
RANGER
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Post by RANGER »

There was even a gaso;ine fired kit by Evans that hung on a bail under the chassis and was connected to a tee at the fuel tank drain. Canvas was draped under the chassis to provent heat loss.
Adirondack Military Surplus has these heaters NOS WWII Surplus. They make a nice addition to your WWII MV display.
US ARMY HONOR GRADUATE MECHANIC, Restorer of fine Jeeps, MV's, MVPA 40+yrs, DAV, Army Aircrew member, Donor to Military Museums & CAF, MV Hobby since 1945
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Ugg
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Post by Ugg »

RANGER:

Your killin me here. :cry: Can I come over & play? :wink:
Ugg 8)
1942 WC 53 "Da Beast"
RANGER
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Post by RANGER »

Ugg you will either get us into orbit or pee your britches trying to fire off a heater.
US ARMY HONOR GRADUATE MECHANIC, Restorer of fine Jeeps, MV's, MVPA 40+yrs, DAV, Army Aircrew member, Donor to Military Museums & CAF, MV Hobby since 1945
Other Hobby- Army Air Force & Busting Big Ass Military Imposters-Good at it
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