1942 Dodge WC-21 Half-Ton Authentic WW2 RADIO SQUAD CAR Frame-Off Restored MINT

1942 Dodge WC US Army Description

US Army 1942 WC-21, SQUAD CAR ½ Ton, Open Cab, Dodge. Approximately 1,000 miles since ground-up restoration 92-95 in California, transported to Alabama in 2007, and then to New Jersey in 2016. Always garaged. Licensed and Registered. Runs, Drives, and Looks FANTASTIC. This truck is completely stock, very straight, very complete, with absolutely zero rust. Complete 1942 SCR-284 radio set works perfectly, 1942 field desk and many rare accessories. This truck is stored in Woodbridge, NJ 07095. Please see additional photos and story.

More than 50 High-Resolution PICTURES HERE: http://s1268.photobucket.com/user/ronaldmd/library/1942%20Dodge%20WC-21

US Army 1942 WC-21, ½ Ton, open cab, Dodge, color 34087 (WWII Olive Drab). Original US Army hood number W248499, VIN 81522604.

A military collectors dream vehicle, the many accessories include a complete 1942 SCR-284 radio set (works very well, operates in the 80 meter Ham band), very rare vehicle antenna mounts for radios, antenna bag, working 1942 BC-728 radio receiver (mounted under dash, these were used for air raid warning), 1942 field desk with many accessories, typewriter, original US Army Message Center Clock (famous Chelsea clock, works well, with key of course), Signal Corp lanterns, 1922 Thermos (works great and very appropriate for a soldier in 1942), nice 1903A3 Springfield rifle (officially de-milled to a drill rifle, will not shoot), proper fire extinguisher (not working), a working fire extinguisher, Decontamination unit (gray, looks like a fire extinguisher, in front of passenger seat), canteen, flashlights, gas cans, water can, canvas bucket, canvas cargo and cab cover, signal flag set, mosquito net cover for truck, camouflage net, spare parts chest, wood ammo box, radio accessory bags, mounted pioneer rack and tools including hand crank and jack. Truck comes with two extra wheels normally used for "duallies", a very neat and rare accessory as required by regulation for towing your 57mm Anti-Tank gun off road. The many spare parts include headlamps, new set of locking hubs, new master cylinder, tools, seals, oil filters, etc. Spare tire has never been on the ground, actually none of the tires have much run time since they were new. Except for electric fuel pump hidden near gas tank this truck is totally and completely stock.

A little history:

The ½ Ton Dodge, WC-21, configured with the SCR-284 Radio Set was sometimes known as the ‘SQUAD CAR'. 1942 was the last year for ½ Ton Dodge production as light truck production was changed over to the larger ¾ Ton models in early 1942. The ¾ Ton trucks were lower in silhouette and when partially disassembled and crated made more efficient use of cargo bays on the transport ships. This truck was one of the last ½ ton Dodges made, original US Army hood number W248499.

The SCR-284 Radio Sets were introduced in early 1942, their first use was in Operation Torch, the troops unpacked the radio sets and learned to use them during the voyage to North Africa. These radios were used throughout WWII in all theaters of operation.

The following is a short history and general information for this WC21.

A good friend, (whom I have lost touch with), started on this WC21. Al had nine half ton Dodges and chose all the best fenders, etc. for this truck. He was a master at body work, his love was classic cars and hot rods. This started the ground up restoration, the complete front end drive came out of a wooden box NOS (new old stock). Then he went to work on all the body parts. This probably is the straightest half ton around. Original tailgate, something you usually don't see because most of the surviving trucks were on farms and the tailgates were tossed away. The engine was professionally restored too.

My friend lost interest in the truck after all the superb body work but without the final assembly. The truck was bought around 1985 or so and was continued with the restoration and painting with the frame off. There was an access to a half ton dodge that was never apart or restored so every washer, bolt, and spring and where they went and how they were installed could be seen and referenced. This truck has the proper spacing between the cab and the bed for the installation of the machine gun mount (many half tons do not and we see people cutting into the bed or cab to put one in). One was never installed because they did not put radios and machine guns in the same vehicle (sort of), only military vehicle collectors do that. The small cover plates (very rare) that cover the mounting points are in place and a proper machine gun mount can be installed if desired.

All the tires were bought later and are like new. At one point there was an old surplus store in the area that was going to be torn down to make way for a freeway overpass so was going out of business. We discovered, in a separate shed, about 100 gallons of 34087, WWII lacquer, original paint. It was a trick to mix and recover it but we did and that is what the truck is painted with. The truck was painted it twice, a couple years apart.

Among the spare parts you will find a new set of locking hubs that were bought but never put on because we wanted the truck to be very original. So I never used them. It has a new water pump and another one in the spare parts. Also headlight, fan belt, seals, gasket sets, tools, jack, military junior original oil filters, and a new brake master cylinder.

The water can and water bucket are dated 1942, one of the gas cans is old but one is newer in case it actually has to hold gas (both look WWII).

Not going to describe all the accessories in detail, they are self-evident.

Radios:

Under the dash is a BC-728 radio receiver. These receivers were used for air raid warning. This one works and has a battery installed (sealed lead acid2V cell because the original battery is too corrosive) rechargeable lead acid battery. The radio is manually preset type tuning, see the manual. Normally it covers the 2-6MHz range with the four buttons. I installed a capacitor to extend the range of button one down into the high part of the broadcast band, it tunes down to about 1500 kHz. Button 3 is tuned to 3885 kHz which we were using on the amateur radio band. This radio can be removed from the truck and will operate on the internal battery. The internal battery is charged by clipping the wire (that is stowed under the dash) to the ignition switch but this is very crude (typical of some WWII gear).

BC-728 radio set under dash, charging wire can be seen under the dash with the original base bracket for the original proper and rare radio mount and bracket.

Radio set SCR-284, this radio is mounted in the bed of the truck, also dated 1942. The radio can operate from 6V or 12V. The truck is 6V, of course, but the radio and the desk lamp operate from a 12V battery that is hidden in the wooden box under the 1942 field desk. We did this because we actually used the radio during the evenings to be on the amateur radio 80 meter band (3885 kHz) and we did not want the truck battery to run down. The radio can be switched to 6V and the cables connected to the truck battery properly if you want a proper install and get rid of the 12V battery in the box. The instruction manual is in the desk. Be sure to follow all the instructions in the manual if you decide to change to 6V.

Pictures show the SCR-284 radio set on the left with dynamotor power supply (with canvas cover) under the radio. On the right is the 1942 field desk with speaker mounted on top, US Army Message Center Clock, also notice the battery box under the desk, the jacks on top are for the desk lamp only, do not plug any speaker or headphones in there. Notice the desk lamp mounted to the top bow runner above the desk with the Signal Corp lantern. Can also see the 1922 thermos, still works great. Notice the antenna on the right is for the BC-728. Easy to see the desk lamp and the strap for the message center clock.

Overall this is a wonderful specimen of a WWII vintage Squad Radio Car, that is absolutely sure to be an amazing addition to any collection.

Terms of sale:

$500 non-refundable PayPal deposit is due immediately after the end of the auction. Balance is due in 3 more business days after the end of this auction in cash or bank/certified funds. If you can not or unwilling to follow this terms than please do not bid. Vehicle description representsour subjective and biased opinion. Only manufacturers warranty applies if any. Vehicle sold absolutely as-is, where is, with all faults that it may or may not have. Miles could differ slightly due to occasional use. Buyer is responsible for shipping, however, I will assist in any way I can, just ask me.Please absolutely no "zero" or "negative" feedback bidders(you must contact me prior to bidding). Non-paying bidders will be reported to eBay and collection agency. Inspections are welcomed and encouragedprior to placinga bid.All sales are final unless cancelled by the Seller. Prospective Buyersare encouraged and expected toexercisetheir own due diligence prior to bidding. This vehicle is also advertised locally. Seller reserves the right to end/cancel this auction at any time atsole discretion. Thank you and GOOD LUCK!