1941 Dodge WC 1/2 Ton Truck

“Dodge was the U.S. Army’s main supplier of 1/2-ton trucks, and its sole supplier of both 3/4-ton trucks and 1-1/2-ton six-by-six trucks in World War II. With over a quarter million units built through August 1945, the G502 3/4-tons were the most common variants in the WC series. WC was not an abbreviation of “Weapons Carrier”, but a Dodge model code – initially W for 1941, and C for half-ton rating. However, the ‘WC’ model code was retained for both the 3/4-ton and 1-1/2-ton 6×6 Dodges – as well as for the subsequent model years”.

Paul and a friend trailered his vintage Bronco to Colorado for some off-roading. While there they spotted the truck above and Paul’s buddy couldn’t come home without it. Which meant Paul had to drive the Bronco 750 miles so the Dodge could have the trailer.

1968 Dodge 200

Friend Paul’s latest pickup project. 1968 Dodge 200. That, friends and neighbors, is what a pickup bed is supposed to look like. Pretty sure my Jeep would ride comfortably.

And that grill. Minimalism before there was such a thing.


Looks like a previous owner added the SEAT-RT-LEFT under the speedometer. Will have to ask Paul. And this baby has not one, not two, but three fuel tanks. One behind the seat and one on each side of the bed behind a tiny vault door.
Just to the left of the seat is a handy lever for switching from one fuel tank to another. Long way between gas stations out West.

Tractor with two seats

I’ve never been one for off-roading. Feels like dressing up as a cowboy. So the Land Rover and the Jeep don’t get much four-wheel drive time. Today I loaded up the new rock sled with some big ones and used the Jeep (4WD/Low Range) to drag them up a hill and over to the trail head. Paul calls the Jeep a tractor with two seats.
And a little 4WD/low-range exercise for the pickup.

New hood hinges for pickup

The first thing most admirers say when they seed Minty Fresh is, “That’s a good looking truck. Want to sell it?” The second thing they says is, “What’s wrong with the hood?”
I finally got around to ordering new hinges and –with help from my friend George– installed and adjusted them.
I was able to get the old things off by myself using a couple of ratchet tie-down straps to lift the hood.
The old hinges probably just needed adjusting but I didn’t figure that out until I started installing the new ones (which weren’t very expensive). Like most such repairs, I suspect this would be damn near impossible on a new vehicle.