1917 FWD Model B.

Hi Guys, I'm a sad case restorer of military trucks, I own a 42 Ford Blitz, a smokey chev lend lease and a fantastic 5 ton Dodge which I use to bring more crap home.

Im also looking for parts for a 1917 FWD Model B. (US or British)
A radiator, steering colum and foot brake that sits behind the gearbox would be nice or any other parts, info, or photos of FWDs used in Australia around 1930-60.
Cheers.

Welcome EI. We're all sad cases to some extent!

Would love to see some pics of your gear. I think your FWD might be a candidate for slowest member vehicle thereby ending the reign of Deadly Dave's Grey Ghost.

Efffy
GuddayM8

Wot an interesting project
one of the 1st 4x4 ever

The Four Wheel Drive Auto Co., FWD, was formed by Zachow and Besserdich, initially under the name of Badger, and selling its first 4X4 car in 1911 [Bal87].
Besserdich went on to help start another famous 4X4 truck company that came to be known after the town of Oshkosh.
The first world war gave FWD's fortunes a boost with many of their 4X4 trucks being used by the US and British armies. The truck pictured (right) is an FWD model B of 1917, serial number 3002, held by the Imperial War Museum (UK). Forward control was required to give the drivers a better view of the road close to the front wheels.
Engine: Wisconsin 4-cyl petrol 56bhp,
chassis weight: 6200lbs,
loa:215", width:70.5", height:89".
Note the solid rubber tyres! The ride must be rough beyond description; just give the drivers of past years a moment's thought when you are debating whether to fit Super Swampers or Desert Duellers to your own truck.
The transfer case with propeller shafts to the front and rear live axles can be clearly seen on the left hand side of the truck. The transfer case provided part-time four wheel drive and high and low ratios.



Could/Would like sumthing like this








http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=83233&d=1230549496







image61.webshots.com/161/1/52/28/2195152...7698672uaqsPx_fs.jpg


Cya

[ch9787]

16 miles an hour is kind of slow now but in 1917 that was plenty fast enough. Leave any horse for dead* (*if it was carrying 3 tons)
Some of these vehicles had solid rubber slick tyres but one variation I've seen has Goodyear Air Cushion tyres, tread cross patten with enclosed air pockets running cross ways, a pre runner to the pneumatic tyre.
Thanks for the pics Swishy, I have them in my collection, IWM vehicle and very nice.

A couple attended the London to Brighton run just recently.

Hi Effin you could try Flynn's wrecking yard in Comma NSW when i last there he had few solid wheeled girls and aonther one which might able to help is PROVANS in Colac as they have one in the collection i'm sure. Dave

Thanks Deadly Dave, gave Flynns a call but no luck but sounds an interesting yard.
I'm on to another local one after another tip. Thanks guys.

Efffy
GuddayM8
Here sum more pix I lifted off ATHS















Cya

[ch9787]

Thanks Swishy, some very nice shots of a US model, I'll add these to my growing collection.

Efffy
GuddayM8
Ifn u're restorin from a pile of rust
U might need as many pix U can get of the componets of the ol beast

G O O D L U C K

rides.webshots.com/album/569114220ZvMQvf

www.oramagazine.com/pastissues/0503-issue/050312d-old-iron.html

1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index....threaded&pid=1177747

website.lineone.net/~hollis_wood/doughweb/motors.html

www.trombinoscar.com/veterans/fwd1701.html

Cya

[ch9787]