Highlights
- Great condition army truck
- US import
- Removable fabric rear covering
- Enthusiast owner and well cared for
The Appeal
The Dodge truck was purchased by the current owner in 2016 with the aim to take to classic rallies and shows.
Any work needing doing completed by the owner, who is an engineer and metal fabricator by trade and any parts needing replacement complete promptly.
The truck comes with an original maintenance manual that was issued from the United State Army that was to be used in warfare scenarios and even comes with instructions which specify both 'recommended' and 'emergency' procedures for 'Prevention of damage by flood or submersion' with the latter procedure seeing that some damage 'may be temporarily and partially deferred'.
Any work needing doing completed by the owner, who is an engineer and metal fabricator by trade and any parts needing replacement complete promptly.
The truck comes with an original maintenance manual that was issued from the United State Army that was to be used in warfare scenarios and even comes with instructions which specify both 'recommended' and 'emergency' procedures for 'Prevention of damage by flood or submersion' with the latter procedure seeing that some damage 'may be temporarily and partially deferred'.
This WC51 was the ¾ ton weapons/cargo carrier has been well cared for during its time with the current owner and they are now unable to continue to care for the truck so have decided to sell it on to another enthusiast.
The History and Paperwork
- Current V5
- Original maintenance manual
- Various invoices for parts
The truck comes with a part service history complete from its time with the current owner, it also comes with its original maintenance manual which is a very nice retro touch. The invoices are mainly for parts as the owner was mechanically trained and they are listed below:
- Brake fluid
- New wiring loom
- New tyres
- Inner hub seals
- Master cylinder and brake shoes
- Transmission oil seal, pinion oil seal, transfer oil seals, hub oil seals, wheel cylinders
- Manifold gaskets, exhaust valves, sump gasket, mirror arms, mirror heads
- 6V pump kit, Dodge oil lines, front pipe gasket
- New head gasket, water pump gasket, water hoses, thermostat, rad cap, points, distributor cap, rotor arm, spark plugs, oil filter, fan belt, HT leads
- Seat covers (only on the base)
The Interior
The interior is just as you’d expect a Forces vehicle to be, some mild comfort up front for the higher ranking officers with a cushioned seat with hard wearing cover and wooden benches at the back for the troops/cargo/weapons.
The wood is in good condition with no signs of rot or any pieces missing on the floor or benches. The metal framework is also in good condition having been covered in army grade camo green paint, this includes the tailgate which hinges down well if a little tight at the top.
The two storage bins at the back of the benches are free and in good condition, they must hold water, so the owner has done a good job to keep the rot at bay.
The wood is in good condition with no signs of rot or any pieces missing on the floor or benches. The metal framework is also in good condition having been covered in army grade camo green paint, this includes the tailgate which hinges down well if a little tight at the top.
The two storage bins at the back of the benches are free and in good condition, they must hold water, so the owner has done a good job to keep the rot at bay.
The front cabin space is a bit more luxurious than the hard wooden benches in the back, with basic cushioning on the metal frame upright seats, covered in a hardy boot like leather which is similar to the rear covering which is also in good condition and easily installed/removed.
The dashboard is simplistic and doesn’t overload the driver with anything they don’t need to know, some simple gauges and various levers for different driving situations are the only features.
Everything worked as intended at the time of the photoshoot as the vehicle was moved around the yard to an area for photos.
The dashboard is simplistic and doesn’t overload the driver with anything they don’t need to know, some simple gauges and various levers for different driving situations are the only features.
Everything worked as intended at the time of the photoshoot as the vehicle was moved around the yard to an area for photos.
The Exterior
The WC-51 was redeveloped body wise from its predecessors looking deliberately more Jeep like.
A narrower track and redesigned front fenders meant the wheels were less likely to get stuck with the wells filling up with thick mud on the truck’s necessary off-road excursions.
This truck has some weathered patina around the front coverings, but it looks to be merely aesthetic, perfectly suiting the utilitarian nature of the vehicle.
There is even an affectionate monica given to the truck on the passenger side of the bulkhead under the windscreen which reads ‘Virginia’s Finest’ no points for guessing where this truck started its life.
A narrower track and redesigned front fenders meant the wheels were less likely to get stuck with the wells filling up with thick mud on the truck’s necessary off-road excursions.
This truck has some weathered patina around the front coverings, but it looks to be merely aesthetic, perfectly suiting the utilitarian nature of the vehicle.
There is even an affectionate monica given to the truck on the passenger side of the bulkhead under the windscreen which reads ‘Virginia’s Finest’ no points for guessing where this truck started its life.
Whilst there is some surface rust here and there, the truck looks to be in remarkably good shape for its 78 years of life which is testament to Dodge and their technical ability and build quality in such hurried circumstances.
All four wheels and the spare look to be in great shape with the tyres being relatively new additions, as does the rear cargo covering.
All four wheels and the spare look to be in great shape with the tyres being relatively new additions, as does the rear cargo covering.
The Mechanics
- 3500cc inline six producing 92 bhp
- Four-speed, 1 range transmission
- Live beam axles on leaf springs
- Narrow track axles
- Four-wheel drive
The WC51 retained much of its mechanicals from its predecessor the T-215 with the inline six engine and the four-speed gearbox.
This specific truck fired up eagerly which after its recent minor overhaul with oil seals and gaskets was no surprise.
On the day we were there to photograph, the truck started, ran, stopped and idled well with no unwanted noises coming from the drivetrain or the suspension on the short journey we witnessed.
This specific truck fired up eagerly which after its recent minor overhaul with oil seals and gaskets was no surprise.
On the day we were there to photograph, the truck started, ran, stopped and idled well with no unwanted noises coming from the drivetrain or the suspension on the short journey we witnessed.
Summary
This is a great looking example of a World War 2 Dodge truck that has been cared for well during its time, it would be perfect for classic rallies or even themed shows as well as having for nostalgic purposes.
It has had a recent overhaul with many gaskets and seal replaced so stands to reason that it should be ready for action for some time to come.
It has had a recent overhaul with many gaskets and seal replaced so stands to reason that it should be ready for action for some time to come.
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