WWII Dodge Links and Database ( Sticky )

[ng19delta]

Well, I just spent more time(in better light) trying to bring up the service number on my WC-51(no winch, of course) again, using a different(non wet sand) method. I really screwed it up the first time when I wet sanded in bad light(stupid-stupid-stupid ), but at least got a good shot at the info.

Anyway, the number pretty well seems to be "277559" from everything I can tell. Serial number for the vehicle is 81589786, and cab number is 4290-28313.

So my question now becomes: Should the "277559" have a "W" before it, and an "S" after it?

I believe it was estimated to have come out around late October, 1942...

Thanks!
Scott

[divingrocks]

yes your number should have a W in front of it (if it really is for that chassis, I suspect you have and earlier hood) and an S if it had the radio suppresion kit installed on the ignition system.

[ng19delta]

Coooooolll... (really long "Cool"!) Thanks!

Scott

[Phil P]

If you want to find a bonnet number under layers of paint use 600 grade or finer wet and dry under a strong light and keep the area flooded with soapy water. It takes for ever but does work. The other method is Chryogenic Shot Blasting. I saw it being used to strip paint off a helicopter fusalage some years ago and it works by thermal shock. We were trying to remove self adhesive labels off beer kegs and we thought this might be an option. (We found 4000 PSI jetting worked.) The paint came off one coat at a time until it left the etched primer untouched. The downside was the piece of kit to do it cost about £500,000-00 at the time. I've looked in Machine Mart and Clarkes don't do one. 600 grade is cheaper and more theraputic.

Phil

[mvdude]

Here is another to add.

This is a WC54 I used to own and is now restored in baytown texas. I don't know the body tag number. It was titled as a 1942 WC54 and the sn is 81578993. Will send you a PM with the same info. Bob Stopka

[rrrr]

Need help here sorry this is my first post. I just purchased a WC52 and am in the process of trying to get it titled before I begin the restoration.

The engine serial # : T214 - 55666
Frame serial #: 81*12*10 I believe the last two number are 10 but very hard to tell.

I would like to get the build card from chrysler but need the frame number to show proof of ownership by getting a title. Does anyone have the reference material to verify and fill in the blanks of my frame number?

Thanks

[divingrocks]

did you get your numbers off the data plate or frame? To reveal frame number try a wire brush to clean the area of the frame above the left front shock and then use white-out to fill in the numbers, whiping the excess off, leaving only the outlined serial numbers.
I would guess your third digit is a six, so now you have 81612?10 and was probably built around the first week of January 43.

[rrrr]

Can't read the frame tags. The missing numbers are completely gone. I've tried every trick.

[divingrocks]

the numbers are stamped into every frame...vs using a tag. The data plate on the dash or glovebox should have another copy of the serial number. What sized differentuals do you have?

[rrrr]

like I said earlier I can't get any numbers off of the tags/data plates. I have tried every trick to get numbers from the frame and was able to get the one's listed above. The numbers missing have heavy rust pitting with no indication of ever a number being there. The wire brush and white out did not reveal anything more.

I have no idea what size my differentials are or even where I would need to measure them to answer your question.

I was hoping that someone would have the information to check the engine number and see what frame that went with it to see if it comes close to my frame.

I did email Chrysler to see if they might be able to supply the information but I don't have a lot of faith in that happening.

I appreciate the help, this is very frustrating !

[Wolfen]

Here is what I have. 1942 WC53 Serial Number 81515562

[Phil P]

Hi rrrr.

I have know crack detecting spray system show up numbers. In the UK the Police can X Ray VIN plates and body stampings. Even though the number may have been ground off or welded over and restamped the original number can still be read as the grain of the material has been deformed and that holds the number. I don't know where you are but it might be worth asking your local Police if X Raying your frame rails was possible. You would have to trailer it to them I expect.

Phil

[rrrr]

I don't have the xray option where I'm at. I'm working with chrysler to see if they can't match the readable frame numbers to the engine number.

[jseburn]

Hi David,

Here is my Dodge info:

81552266 WC-54 No hood number, title says 1944 but looks like 1942 by your list. It does have the large gas filler cap and indentation in the body at the filler pipe.

81605152 WC-51 USA 2114643S, Engine T214-33544, Body 4290-45398, 13,884 miles

Also, I offer WWII Dodge DVDs on my website at www.vintagevideo.com
Thanks!

John Seburn
Vintage Video
5940 Bino Rd
Greencastle PA 17225

[TimS]

Hi all,

Just finishing up a Dodge WC-52 for a friend. Serial # is 81737597, Engine # is T214RE41471, Body Tag # is
4290-49185. This is a Norwegian return. There was no hood number under the paint, so we're trying to come up with reasonable number to use. Any suggestions? Unfortunately, the original glove box data plates were removed so we have no DOD.

Thanks

Tim