The GMC CCKW

Here's one for Joel. I don't know much about engineer equipment during WWII. I know there are manuals covering the equipment they used. I'm sure there is one for welders and associated equipment. I know where a engine driven arc welder is. This thing is old and big. From the exterior, it loosely resembles a searchlight generator, being about the same size and is on a 4 wheel dolly that has a towbar w/ a lunette. It has a Chrysler flathead inline six, although I'm not sure if it's the same one that is used in the Dodge WC series trucks. Right now, it is a very faded blue, and I'm not sure that it has any OD on it (It's been awhile since I have seen it and last time I looked, I was in a rush so I didn't take my time to examine it).

I don't have any pics right now, but hopefully I can get some soon. From my description, does this sound like anything that was used by the corps of engineers? I'm thinking that I might be able to get my hands on it and paint it up OD for display. Heck, I might even be able to use (if it still runs and works) if I become a journeyman welder (going to school right now to get my certs).

--Nick

When equipment is orfered on a Corps of Engineers contract, it will have a brass Engineers Data Plate attached to it stating the Nomenclature, DOD and manufacturers specs.
There were Hobart Generators in WWII, Chrysler industrial Powered would be in the 300Amp range. They are nice as long as they still function, but 99% of the parts are no longer available thru Hobart, once the governor and vacuum controla fail, it may as well be junk. If the engine has under 1000 hours and it runs smooth, the engine is a good candidate for a WC.
They are nice if they still work, and a super welder in it's day.
These WWII hung around in some units in the USAF up thru the 80s by creative paperwork.
The Hobart Welders of the 40s-60s that used Jeep and Chrysler industrial engines are considered dinosaurs by Hobart and no parts are available. Been there, done that with Hobart back in my days as a welding instructor and welding inspector with the DOT

I was given info that TM 9-834 has a Hobart welder in it. I looked it up and the one I found is almost identical except for the fact that it has a carriage and has side panels. I don't think the one I found is military surplus but is close enough for me. Now the challenge is to convince the people who have it to let it go. These are the same "friends" that have the International semi truck that I found who now think it's worth gold because I showed some interest.















Eventually, it would be nice to do an engineers display, but we will see what happens with this thing. The owners have some crazy idea that it is still good for their ranch, but in my opinion, it is only good as either scrap metal (I won't tell them that, they will take it in) or as a display piece.

--Nick

Nick,

Nice old beast. Would look good in OD!

I have stuff that is mechanically not restored but is physically. It draws people who are associated with the item, (either now or in that past) to your display and gets the conversation going...and isn't that what displaying historic military vehicles and equipment is all about.

I believe the specific TM for the welder is TM5-5120. "Welder, Electric Arc, 300 Ampere, Gasoline Engine Driven, Skid Mounted, Hobart, Model GR-300S"

Good Luck!

Bill

Nick,can you see to me if the prefix of this L-head engine number is "IND"?In mine Dodge pick-up 1952 I have a engine like this, that its prefix is "IND"(Industrial).Thanks.

There is a guy in Dayton, OH that found a Hobart Welder on a two wheel trailer that resembled a Ben-Hur trailer. Close inspection revieled it was a heavy duty specialized chassis unique to it. He said it still worked. He did a beautiful job restoring it.

Tom, thanks for that trailer photo. I have never seen another of those trailers.
Barry

I took lots of detail pictures of the trailer frame. It looked to be of heavy duty 3" C-channel, not bent 3/16" or 1/8" Sheet. It was made to haul some weight.