The GMC CCKW

I've got a real nice wooden G518, but no data plate. I would like to figure out who built it, and I'm sure this is an impossible task right now. But I have collected WWII stuff for over 30 years, and everything from WWII with multiple manufacturers involved has minor differences. This ranges from wool shirts to leggings, from canteens to push pins; this is stuff that just I have noticed in passing observation (and owning 50 or so WWII wool shirts, 25 or so canteens!).

Has anybody noticed differences between trailer manufacturers? Has anybody had compiled a database of features unique to each manufacturer's trailer? I mean things like welding and metal joining patterns, forging variances, brake handle differences, etc. I'm not volunteering to do a database, although I would be willing to collect data from the known-maker trailer's I know of and pass it on to someone. I am wondering if this info could then be used to identify a trailer to a specific manufacturer by finding features unique to the trailer manufacturer.

Is this a project we could do here? BTW, thanks to whoever has already posted and compiled the data on G518 here on cckw.org. It has helped a friend identify his newly purchased trailer as a Nash Kelvinator; it is very nice original paint with the USA number still visible.

Great Post!

I have 3.5 Ben Hur trailers. 2 Steel, 1 wood, and 1/2 of a wood with no sides (not sure if it ever had any sides as there is no evidence of the steel upright side mounts).

Each has their own idiosyncrasies and little differences. Unfortunately none have the dataplates on them. I have always wondered the same as you about manufacturing differences.

Fort Susquehanna, if you would like to research this and be the official keeper of the G518 identity information I would love that. It can have its own area on the main site. It is not something I can add to my plate of things to do at this time...probably never.

Contact me by PM and we can discuss how you would like to accomplish this.

Bill,
I have about a 1/2 day a month. I'll PM you about it and we'll go from there.