Slat Type Mud Flaps Again

[Cat Man]

Back in 2008 there was discussion on the site about the slat or flexible type rear mud flats on CCKw's with Composite steel and wood floors. And yes I checked the search function.

I was in a yard last week in Wasilla Alaska and looked at some machinery reported to have been used in building the Alaska Hwy. On a very original and weathered 42 closed cab 353 truck with composite bed there was a very original set of the flex type flaps. I suspect the bed was replaced at some point. It was a Budd cargo bed with the data plate.

Is there any more information since the last posting about these mud flaps? Were they post war? Only on the composite bed trucks? Which is the correct way to mount them. I'm posting photos because the mud flaps on this truck look original.





And yes there were several very cool WWII ex military Caterpillar Dozers in the same location. D-7 and D-8 types.

Cat Man

[arthur.m]

Very intresting. Are those straps rubber or leather or something else?

Arthur

[John V Cliche]

The straps are "Webbing" just like the "fuel can" straps.
I believe they are late war production as opposed to "post war"
I have only seen them on 'Air portable units" but I suspect they would have been found on all composite bodied trucks
The top end of the straps is thru bolted to a wooden block ( fastened to the bed floor itself )
There are no braces
Tipically found only on the rear , the foward mounted flap remained rigid steel with braces
The SNL has several different PNs for the mud flaps ( although no specific details as to their construction )
As you know "composite bed" construction was the last ( or third ) war time prodution type. Post war bed prodution returned to all steel construction as evidenced with the M series ,and familiar to alot of us, the German built steel bodies on so many re-built CCKWs
My "air portable" CCKW ( 45 prod. ) is sportin' a set as does Bill's

Hope this helps
John

PS Jeff, I'll bet the upcomming Alcan trip will be a Boom to local salvage yard business' as alot of that "Vintage tin " will find it's way "south"

[Bill_Wolf]

I have those mudflaps on my 6-45 Air-portable. Composite but split-able in the middle

Everything John said was correct so I will not retype it.

My flaps were on the opposite way (strap forward) however I turned them around to be correct. Unlike the tow hooks.

And I also agree with John about Salvage Yard Fever. Those flaps should be the first to go.



This picutre is from several years ago and yes they have been turned around to reflect the correct way of mounting.

Bill

Cat Man, lets see some pictures of those dozers in the Misc category.

[Niklas]

Hello,

I have the same type on my late -44 with composite body.

Regards/Niklas