Inside the Chieftain's Hatch: Dodge WC-51

[@robertlee9395]

Those spare tires caught a lot of bullets and saved a lot of lives, enabling the drivers to carry out their missions. That saved more lives. That was no inconvenience, that was good engineering by Dodge.

[@justforever96]

Who isdriving a WC where people are shooting at them?

[@Hachaimenesch]

@@justforever96 soldiers tend to do such things and certainly not because they like to get shot at.

[@kevanrice2971]

@@justforever96 mlne had bulet wholes init nam left over after we pulled outhell our fuel truck was a half tracky uncle suported anything marine cor florida gators

[@kevanrice2971]

i always wanted to drop a 340 suped up in mine its still alive sits in eg ina 5 acre yard we had

[@LegendStormcrow]

​@@justforever96If the enemy is any kind of capable, anyone driving a WC.

[@TheBetterManInBlack]

In the '40s and '50s, trucks with enclosed, 1 compartment rear sections were called carryalls, where the same vehicles on car chassis were called station wagons. If you wanted to get serious about it, carryalls technically had windows in the back, like station wagons, whereas the ones without windows in truck form were called delivery vans, whereas the windowless cars were called sedan deliveries. Regarding assploding split rims, I had an acquaintance from Kentucky while I was in the Army in the '70s. We were still running split rims. To properly reinflate them after the rim and tube were replaced, they were supposed to be placed in a heavy cage, which you were not supposed to put your arms or hands inside of. Ol' Kentuck ignored that last bit one morning, and when the rim let go, it broke his arm right in half.

[@51WCDodge]

Easy way to ensure saftey when handaling split rims is to take the valve out of the tyre, and put it in your pocket! After many moons the two halves, which slide onto one another can rust and stick, which makes life difficult. The bolt system is a lot safer than the old C Clip system as you can see they are either on properly or not. This can also be used to cure the rusting problem. Whta I od is deflate tyre , taking out valve loosen all the retaining bolts. Put wheel out in the midle of a field, get long long air hose, tie down head trigger, fasten to tyre nozzle, BUT DO NOT PUT VALVE IN. Then from far away start compressor, pump till parts slide apart. Take air hose out of compressor and let tyre deflate before going anywhere near it. Re assembly includes plenty of copper splip bettween wheel halves.

[@pedror598]

this guy trucks

[@jballew2239]

The rad cap access was important, because even though it is a pressurized system, it is not like what we are used to now. There is no recovery tank, and use in other than very mild conditions would result in coolant loss. Making it easy to top off the coolant was a good thing. The "jerrycan" on the passenger side with the unusually large opening is in fact, the water can. (Finding one that has not been at one time or another, filled with gasoline, is a rare thing). The wheels on this example are "Combat Wheels" , and were intended to be easier to deal with in the field, especially when the heavy self sealing/bullet resistant tire/tube combo was fitted. While being the same size as the lock ring style of wheel used on the M37 they are mechanically and functionally a bit different. It's not at all unusual to find examples of the WC out in the wild, fitted with the far easier to manage lock ring style split-rim. It is possible to speedmatch /clutchless shift the WC , but it takes a lot of practice. As you mentioned double-declutching is recommended. (Also, when going from First to Reverse, or Neutral to Reverse one may find it easier to slip it into second, let the clutch out a touch, then slip it into reverse for a "grind free" experience.).

[@51WCDodge]

The tyres are NDC, Non Directional Combat, you don't know if it is coming or going. Downside in wet weather on tarmac they are a nightmare. I have semi off road truck tyres fitted to mine as I take them all over England and Europe. Mine are a WC51 and a WC54 by the way.

[@workingguy-OU812]

I was going to write the very same about the expand-to-ground coolant system.

[@kyleh3615]

@@51WCDodge just reaching out as I'm looking at buying a WC 51 myself, where do you find the proper NDT tires/tyres?

[@51WCDodge]

@@kyleh3615 There very difficult to find now. You can get some at excorbitant proce, but they are chinese agricultural, and at least in Europe and UK not road rated. Also on NDT any damp on the road , and it becomes highly exciting. What I have done on my 51 as it does play off road, wa sto use M&S truck tyres of the 9.00 x16. On the WC54 , which is a Lady and mostly is driven sedatley. jut plain truck 9.00 x 16. As the vehicles use split rims, and good luck with those if they have been on for 20 plus years! the bead dosen't seem to be a practical problem, though they are tubed tyres. If you can't get new tyre rim gaurds, cut the old tubes to line bettween the tube, rim and tyre. They are a fun vehicle to drive, I've had mine twenty years this years, she has been around UK , Europe and to Jersey which is where I come from. One downside. The front canvas fits over the back canvas, which can collect water. Brake and you get a lapful. I got round this delighful habit by fitine pices of plastic board, used in advertising signs over the wooden frame. Also helps the canvas as the wet dosent stay. Hope this helps. Try the Historic Military Vehicle Forum as well, you will get lots of help from us there.

[@kyleh3615]

@@51WCDodge thanka for the reply, I plan on doing it up for reenacting so id like to go with proper tires eventually As far as I know, NDT tires are okay in the US since I see so many jeep amd other collectors going around with NDTs

[@ekscalybur]

Military vehicles don't need safety features, soldiers carry all they need for safety with them at all times. Their PT belt. It will protect you from everything. How you may ask? Because for EVERYTHING that has ever gone wrong in a military anywhere, one of the first questions asked is "Was he wearing his PT belt?"

[@c3aloha]

Eks calybur Some bases require drivers of tactical vehicles to wear flak and helmet thinking it’ll reduce injury in accident. I finally convinced commander to let drivers not wear them because I thought visibility and mobility in the cab were more important. Especially driving on Japanese roads with little K cars.

[@ekscalybur]

I'm well aware of it. When I was driving tactical vehicles, even just around the motorpool, I had to wear my ACH and IBA. Given that, anyone caught driving without their PT belt caught all kinds of hell.

[@CheechNoChong-mb6wp]

Love the “safety feature.” Too bad The Chieftain didn’t demonstrate how to increase the tension on that belt.

[@DrLoverLover]

Soldiers are expendable. Trucks are not.

[@Crashryding]

😂😂👌🏼

[@adanzavala4801]

HOLY SHIT! not only tanks, but vehicles too?! this channel has a bright future. Still waiting for that Chieftain X Gun Jesus ultimate crossover.

[@waltherr2331]

Aren't we all?

[@TallifTallonbrook]

next week planes. Start with the A-10 it is basically a tank with wings.

[@dposcuro]

Apparently, they were at RIA at different times and didn't run into each other. I hope they will be able to do a collaboration as well, but I get the feeling it would take a while to set up (Both of these Gentlemen being rather Globe Trotting, as it is).

[@jamescameron2490]

My dad drove a WC-51 in Iran, during WW2, delivering mail for an Army Post Office in the Persian Gulf Command. Weapons carriers were used for all sorts of jobs.

[@RockyRailroadProductions_B0SS]

My grandfather remembers these in the motor pools of Italy. They seem like very handy vehicles with good maintenance access, reliability, and really everything you could want in an army truck.

[@oscarjosefsson9300]

It makes me happy to see a vehicle this old in such nice condition. It looks good too! 😊

[@qunt2742]

For anyone curious about the videos of the tire exploding, you're looking for videos of split rim tires exploding to be exact.

[@GrumpyIan]

thanks

[@windtalkersblah]

Not all heroes wear capes!

[@51WCDodge]

Not on these as the split rim is two halves bolted together with 12 nuts.

[@51WCDodge]

That beast is Ex Norwegian as shown by freewheel hubs. The tools are actually set up in the European manner, the US standard was outside tailgate, which means it can't drop all the way. Feild mods included putting rack on plate behind pasenger seat . Though they are early pattern seats. First gear is a crawler, far easier to start under most conditions in 2nd, There are 2 types of light switch a twist and a push. My 12 volt 51 has the push, the 6 volt 54 the twist. When topless and windscreen dropped the only type of vehicle lower than a Dodge was a Jeep. Dodge claimed the ground presure of the vehicles wa sthe same as a Camel. The standard brake are perfectly adequate, if you adjust them properly by the manual! They are vehicles you are expected to maintain, and they are made to check and maintain. Except the brake master cylinder, Dodge had a very off day when they decided to mount it behind the sterring coloum! Though a remote resovoir is easy enough to cobble up.

[@brandonwalker272]

I am really enjoying this slight detour into Rock Island. Interesting to see other vehicles that support the needs of the troops.

[@UnintentionalSubmarine]

My father had one of these as a command/recon/light utility vehicle when he was in the army. And he loved it. Called it his 'big Jeep' and whenever I ask him about it his eyes light up. Seeing it like this I can sort of see why he liked it. Not too big, but not exactly small either, so driving it offroad must at the time have been a positive experience compared to the competition.

[@51WCDodge]

Still a very positive experience off road. You run out of nerve long before they run out of abaility.

[@UnintentionalSubmarine]

Fitting name. :)

[@51WCDodge]

Well both mine have a touch of Norwegian :-)

[@non-prolific135thscalemode7]

This video is invaluable for scale modelers. It's not only the great detail close ups but also the explanations you give. There aren't enough vids like this on "soft skins" and I hope you'll do more of them. Off to watch your video on the M3 scout car now. Thanks for posting.

[@mountainhobo]

What a beautiful, simple, and elegant truck. 90 HP, and I will bet you this thing would go into more places than most of today's $70K "lifestyle" trucks.

[@51WCDodge]

They do! And you get a lot of smiles and waves from other road users, the kid's eyes go out on stalks.

[@drcovell]

probably go straight up a tree in low gear! ;-)

[@francissullivan6400]

ABSOLUTELY RIGHT..id pay 50k For a RUGGED ,RELIABLE truck like this with NO radios,SUNROOF,POWER WINDOWS .BUT I'm only 1 consumer

[@marcusborderlands6177]

@@francissullivan6400 you can literally do that. dont complain when you havent looked hard enough. also why not get all the stuff like the radio, sunroof, power windows and shit? it barely adds to the cost, and if ya dont wanna use it dont. i guarantee the only cars you used with those things broken is cuz somebody treated em like shit. plenty of cars these days are fuckin great, and easy to repair. they just arent pieces of shit like yall had in the old days. Learn how to work on modern cars.

[@QurttoRco]

Surs aslong as the place you need to go isnt highway 😂

[@Gamer_1745]

It was interesting. I am glad you are doing these, not as exciting as tanks, but good info on WW II support vehicles.

[@TheWareek]

have to agree with you there are any number of videos about tanks (please NOT Another one about the Sherman) so it is great to see them about the other vehicles that mad an army work >

[@mavrik104]

@John Douglass but he hasn't covered the amphibious variant yet, Or this one, or this one, or even this one :P

[@Gamer_1745]

If he has anything to say on Shermans or anything else I would be glad to hear it.

[@Swarm509]

Agreed on the spotlight of support vehicles. A tank is a great thing to have, but if it cannot stay supplied it is useless. The US was at the forefront of of the modern mechanical supply chain and that story doesn't get enough coverage.

[@MrDgwphotos]

The US Army was one of the few armies of the time to be fully mechanized, and vehicles like this made that possible.

[@mrgroovestring]

I grew up with a nice old WC 51 in my family, my sweet old dad had one in the early 60s. Ours had a soft front top, and a rear top canvas too. He eventually added a front winch, and used it to pull stuck vehicles out on the beach. It was a solid gold family surf fishing machine, when I was growing up as a kid. This brings back some very good memories. Thank you!

[@justforever96]

On double declutching, when downshifting (the only time you really need to bother at all) you need to use the gas pedal when in neutral to speed the input shaft up to match the gear ratios to the next gear. Just putting it into neutral and letting off the clutch wont do anything but put the transmission to idle speed.

[@SootHead]

Dodge actually proposed the 3/4 ton upgrade not long before the half-ton design was standardized.There was something like 80% parts carryover between them. Radiator cap relocation was more a product of the lowered hood profile versus the half-tons than anything else.

[@Swarm509]

I can picture a manager telling his designer to throw an extra leafspring into the rear of the 1/2 ton, crossing off the name on the manual/nameplate, replacing it with 3/4 ton, and calling it good.

[@51WCDodge]

There is a lot more to the vehicle than just that. Lower centre of gravity, half ton had a tendency to tip, wider tarck for more stability, the WC54 ambulance version and later KD64 had a slightly longer wheel base and looser springs. I have a WC51 and a WC54, both, especially the WC51, is much nicer to driver than any British WW2 vehicle and is more comfortable than a Series Land Rover. You just have to plan taking your time to get anywhere, but you do get to enjoy the view.

[@unklebobosaurus]

Excellent job Chieftain, good to see you finally do vehicles you can easily get in and out of; and I'm already a fan of Rock Island from the small arms videos - terrific mix!

[@Washer_Buffalo]

“I just wish my Audi was like that” #cheiftanhumblebrag

[@clothar23]

Audi is your benchmark of luxury ? Most people usually go from Porsche and up.

[@genericpersonx333]

clothar23 He has mentioned that Wargaming are very generous in their salary and considering how little money is clearly spent on the game development, it has to go to someone; at least the Chieftain earns his keep unlike many!

[@trr94001]

Audi is, I believe, the brand where some new cars don’t even have an oil drainage plug. To change the oil you have to go to the dealer where they suck the oil out through the filler cap. Uncool.

[@trr94001]

No, crap, I had it backwards. There’s no filler or dipstick and new oil is injected up through the filter, so you can’t even really check your oil.

[@Braeden123698745]

@@clothar23 I take it you don't drive a Daewoo.

[@gregoryclark8217]

I went to my Y11 prom in one of these, with the soft roof on. The drivers even wore US army uniforms, it was great.

[@eds6889]

I’ve watched quite a few of your videos since subscribing. They are very well done and you do a great job explaining the features of these iconic vehicles. Thank you for your attention to detail. Cheers

[@jeffturnbull9661]

An early vehicular crush, closely following the 1/4 ton and preceding the pinzgauer, absolutely loves these wonderful vehicles

[@drdghattierdc]

The WC series was 51-59. All on the same chassis, even the carryall. The WC55 was for a 37 cannon and was also known as a Gun Motor Carriage 6. 1230 made. I own one. Troop seats are shorter with the corners having ammo lockers for 25 rounds 37 MM each. No spare tire at all. Originally was bullet proof tires, never did find a good description of what they were. WC stands for Weapon (no S) Carrier When pulling the engine, just remove the front grill and clip, fenders on and lift the engine and tranny together out. Those lit up reflectors are way modern, but nicely placed. originals were red reflectors no light. That truck has the late wood sides for the truck bed,. Earlier was all steel. That truck was also converted to disc at some point That truck has a New Process 220 trans. when going into neutral between gears, move the lever in neutral back and forth, really sets the gears up. Speedo was repro, you can tell by 6 digits, originals are 5. There was a WC 63, and 64. One with winch one no winch. dual wheels in the rear. Done as squads went from 8-12 people. Late war. The Norwegian returns were well taken care of over time. 34 k is a lot of money. Fun to drive.

[@russwoodward8251]

This is the best looking Dodge. Thanks for the breakdown of the WC/VC series of trucks. That was new to me.

[@autophyte]

The steering is unbelievably heavy. I recently drove a friend's Dodge WC. When you have to change down and turn a corner at the same time , you lose all speed trying to wrench the wheel round and at the same time double clutch and get the gear lever into a lower gear. I ended up coasting to a stop trying, then had to select first gear and start off all over again., much to the chagrin of motorists behind me. The brakes ought to be vacuum boosted. They are also super heavy, used to slow you down, not stop quickly. I think this is why they have a very heavy front bumper and spring steel bumperettes on the back- so in convoy, drivers could just bump into each other to stop with no damage. Fun vehicle, though.

[@josephlansberry737]

In the early 40’s power braking and power steering were the last things a military vehicle needed. Young drivers weren’t spoiled in those days. For a military vehicle it was just something else to fix. I know because I was a vehicle I was one of those guys in the very early 50s.

[@wbertie2604]

Maybe a divergence, but the clothing that tankers or other crew wore might be worth looking at. Getting out of the theoretical burning tank might be complicated by some of the cold weather tanker gear, for example, and fitting in some of the crew positions whilst wearing tank crew helmets might get more challenging. I once failed to exit a jeep due to getting stuff snagged in the U-shaped channel around the edge. I wonder what other vehicles have pitfalls for anyone wearing anything other than the most basic of uniform and external gear?

[@noremorsewoodworking2258]

Try getting out of an old M113, while wearing modern body armor and load carrying equipment PLUS carrying your rifle, an AT4 and your day-pack, at the same time as the rest of your squad are trying to dismount in a hurry. Suddenly that big, wide ramp becomes a bit of a tight squeeze, particularly if you are dismounting under fire, as everybody will tend to want to stay right behind the vehicle.

[@rudyossanchez]

How do tension the tracks?

[@neilwilson5785]

There's a hidden bolt behind the fifth road wheel. Same as the BT-2.

[@catfish552]

With an air compressor.

[@HerrGausF]

Saw a couple dozen of these in Normandy this year. Amazing vehicles, too bad the Jeep takes all the glory.

[@51WCDodge]

Jeeps posed for pictures, Dodges were to busy working.

[@waltherr2331]

Oooh, *Military Vehicles and Weapons Jesus* Strikes again at the Rock Island Auction Company.

[@calvingrondahl1011]

Four on the floor, stick shifts, five sometimes. I loved them off road. I never got to drive these military types. Fun walk around. Salute!

[@kevinsullivan3448]

Not having a winch does not mean you won't be send out to assist in recovery, but all the trucks and truck type vehicles up to the 5ton were considered self recovering. The manual included using tow cables, ropes, and logs in various methods to remove the vehicle from mud or other obstacles without assistance. We had to do just this on my first FTX in Germany when one of the Deuces became mired and we used the 'remove the passenger side front drive tire' method with the 1" nylon rope going around one tree to extract the vehicle.

[@charliedelachapelle3949]

Worth noting, when Stalin was asked what won the war against the Germans he replied: Dodge trucks. We gave them some as well as plans so they could build them. A very important piece of equipment in history.

[@4CarbideGaming]

watching this again a year later. I would just like to say the Fuel Extender for refilling was Genius.

[@lorinwingtips5290]

No "Oh No, the truck is on fire"?:(

[@Jacek_Telejko]

Is it inside the hatch if there's no hatch to go inside of? :D

[@tahunkwai5979]

No it called "on the seat" when it's car's/Trucks

[@FokkerBoombass]

@@tahunkwai5979 as if tanks didn't have seats. Inside the chieftain's door?...

[@jasperb9233]

FokkerBoombass But tank hatches are often referred to as doors too...

[@JackG79]

On this episode of... "On rubber tires" with the chiefton!!

[@OneThiccSamurai-vn5se]

*Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm*

[@douglasmaccullagh1267]

I first met the WC-51 while living in the Phillipines, where many had been converted into very colorful jeepneys. The jeepney was the ubiquitous local all purpose taxi or minibus. Wonderful memories.

[@VegasCyclingFreak]

13:56 I like the built-in cutting board

[@51WCDodge]

Originally a map board. Dodge were very advanced, the Ambulance even had wind down windows and opening quarter lights!

[@KPearce57]

It's a laptop table!

[@plaid13]

That fuel filler is so simple but makes so much sense. So many ATVs and construction equipment and things like that could use something like that.

[@tahunkwai5979]

Where can I buy this so-called 4X4 off-road sedan? Edit1: there are not 4 tires there are 5 Edit2: there videos of tire changing fails of this rim type and you did link them in the description!

[@angeloc1340]

Lol i was about to say that there 5th tire was right behind him lol

[@jasonirwin4631]

If want the 4x4 off road sedan good luck Few of them where made mostly due to the fact that you could put a leather cover on a Jeep and get the same effect. I would try Google to find one.

[@lhkraut]

Is it me or does anyone else not understand what you are saying? It is a 4x4, the fifth wheel is a spare.

[@tahunkwai5979]

@@lhkraut -_- I was making a joke

[@BillyMartin4Life]

THERE. ARE. FOUR WHEELS! I'll show myself out now ;)

[@cduncan3713]

Thank you for the series on military vehicles I really enjoyed all the background information that you're giving. I love your Armored series but this information is important to me also. I build scale models and it's very helpful for me to have all this background information ,thank you again

[@Jesses001]

I think this is going to be popular in the auction. Not only is it a neat looking vehicle, and very classic, it is also just a good general vehicle. It can do a little bit of whatever you need done. I can just imagine picking up bags of soil for a project and hauling them home in this thing. Looking stylish, ha. Also those that like to do those historical runs, this truck can be made into like 20 different war time vehicle options. You can throw a gun in it and make it a tank destroyer. It can be made into an ambulance. It can be a troop transport. It can be a repair truck. It can even be an officer transport.

[@51WCDodge]

Or, more fun than officers half dozen re-eanctors in full kit after an extravagant night, singing soldiers songs at the top of thier voices. Um, yes Officer, I will insist they shut up, honestly!

[@busterdee8228]

Finally, a vehicle Chieftain can sit upright in. This needs to be my Sunday driver.

[@Perfusionist01]

Nick, I have been enjoying your coverage of the vehicles at RIA. WW2 trucks were quite basic but as we all know, without the trucks the tanks don't move. They did their job efficiently and reliably. I think these were called "weapons carriers" because the original requirement was from the Infantry to provide a motor vehicle for the heavy weapons companies, M1917A1 HMGs, 81mm mortars, etc. The stuff that CAN be hand carried, but is better moved by truck for any distance.

[@wbertie2604]

And the 2 1/2 ton GMCs to move the food and fuel about...

[@51WCDodge]

In Europe Dodges used to go through a lot of front axles as they hit mines. In the Pacific they went through back axles as the sniper threat meant you loaded as much as possible so the fewest runs.

[@ZGryphon]

Oh hey, I knew someone in high school who had one of these. His was all beat to hell, of course, but everything still worked! Except the passenger side headlight. And the horn. And the brake lights. And occasionally second gear. But everybody loved it, it was one of those vehicles that just made people smile to see it.

[@MGBauer]

Fun fact about automatic vs manual transmission: I work for the fire department of one of Germanys major cities, and have been driving manual transmission cars for 20 years. although automatic is quite unpopular in Europe, all cars, trucks, rolling stock we use is automatic. It's much safer in stressful situations not having to deal with shifting gears. Driving different fire dept cars for 2 years now I notice I have to remind myself constantly to shift when driving manual transmission. So yes, I guess the next car I buy will be automatic too. 😂

[@adamwaller5496]

My Irish grandfather (who was an RAF officer) bought a war surplus Command Car. He used it for farming, powering a threshing machine etc. It also occasionally towed a caravan that was a converted WWI surplus mobile carrier pigeon loft. 😀

[@reedvending2384]

I demand a o bugger the [_______]'s on fire.... lol

[@taradhar3200]

reed vending LoL 🤣🤣🤣

[@geruempelwart]

The best anti-theft protection of this truck is the start knob itself. If you don't know it you won't find it. Greetings from a german WC-52 ex french forest fire truck driver.

[@cowboybob08]

The reason why the radiator cap was exposed on those trucks is because water pump shaft seals were not very good during WW2. The ceramic seals they use today weren’t commonly used until the 1950s. So being able to top without having to open the hood was an advantage. Second, the transfer case without a low range is commonly called an in and out box. The simplest type of transfer case. Jeeps needed a low range due to them being equipped with only a 3 speed transmission, and first gear wasn’t very low, so they needed a low range. 3/4 ton trucks and bigger in the old days often had 4 speeds, with a 7:1 first gear, so a low range really wasn’t necessary for them.

[@c3aloha]

My dads favorite vehicle when he was in the army in WW2. Still have his TM with a trip ticket from 1945. He passed this year. Miss him very much.

[@wbertie2604]

I am hoping you'll be able to find a 'Burma Jeep' to discuss. I've only seen one in the flesh and know very little about them.

[@leepalmer1210]

Bet this would tow or mount that bofors gun just perfect!

[@51WCDodge]

Yes, done that, also regulary tow a twenty five pounder and limber. That's fun as it is a double articulated tow about fifty feet long and the limber brakes the gun, which is one and half tons, with no brakes. Actually the Dodge tows it better than the dedicated Morris Quad designed for it. Though as I have about three times the horsepower of a Quad, not suprising really.

[@mikemcginley6309]

I really like these old trucks. No power anything makes them a chore to drive but also a lot of fun. Also makes one appreciate newer vehicles with power steering and brakes.

[@51WCDodge]

No Mike, they MAKE you drive! You can't rely on some nerd sitting in an office to programme into the computer when and where you start and stop. You have to think what your doing and plan ahead. I love my two.

[@johnwhitley2898]

These WC were praised and cussed out at the same time by ALL branches when they introduced them during WWII. My Dad was in the war, from start to finish and then some. These Dodges, this type in the video, we're nicknamed "Square Boxes". Great trucks provided the road surface was dry. NO water, mud, packed snow, or ice. If it we're, they spun out of control all the time. Where the tires contacted the road, ( wheel base and track/axel width) was a couple of inches shy of being a "square box", and could not be controlled once in a spin. The issue was corrected eventually but not until a lot of soldiers, sailors, and Marines were hurt and killed because of a design flaw. The wheel base was lengthened a few more inches until the "tire footprint" was a rectangle. Rectangles are not easy to spin out, unlike squares. My Dad didn't have too many nice things to say about this exact model, as I got an educated earful!! Lol!

[@51WCDodge]

Those bloody NDT tyres. Put better rubber on and they stay were they are put.

[@Swarm509]

Love these videos of the more "mundane" wheeled vehicles that won the war by moving troops, supplies, and equipment around the battlefield and from the rear. On thing though, didn't this vehicle also have manual locking front hubs or did they have automatic ones by this point? I noticed it was not mentioned, and I assume a lot of younger people may no know what they are.

[@51WCDodge]

The free wheel hubs were a European add on, mainly by Norway. They do make stering easier as power is how much effort you can into the 2 foot plus wide sterring wheel. They are aOK forward , backwards is a real work out.

[@Kevin-mx1vi]

Good post. Given some parity in weapons, wars are usually won by the side with the best logistics, hence trucks like this win wars so it's nice to see them getting some recognition.

[@51WCDodge]

They were built by people who understood that if the truck failed men died. I don't own mine , I am the gaurdian of them in this generation.

[@nickthompson9697]

I need a few of these. It could be argued that this is one of the smartest utility vehicles ever built.

[@mattholland8966]

I could tell you weren't excited about your subject, but you did a great job. Hey, not ever vehicle is lucky enough to get tracks , but it can still be a nice vehicle anyway.

[@CarLos-yi7ne]

This WC51 has aftermarket disc brakes, aftermarket freewheeling front hubs, the tail light's in the position of the rear reflectors and the short left runningboard for the early production cars without the left side drivers acces.

[@mikelitty552]

You must have been devastated!! No track tensioning!😂

[@wrightflyer7855]

Contrary to popular belief, WC doesn't stand for weapons carrier but is the Dodge model code for this vehicle. My late father spent 24 years in the Army (1939-1963) and I was born in an Army hospital. Wright Flyer, USAF (1968-1972)

[@MarkiusFox]

There's an M37 near me. Has a "modern" hemispherical head V-8 and some custom step down to the transmission. The body is rusted and the chassis is probably rusted as well at this point. It hasn't sold because the person selling it is asking for 10,000 USD. You can buy a fully restored one for 15,000 USD.

[@gregoneal7893]

I wish they were still making these things. Simple, rugged, great on the farm or work site. I know couple Vol Fire Depts use for brushfires.

[@hawssie1]

Nice truck ,did anyone notice the rear disc retrofit on the rear axle? Looks like the same as what has been a popular upgrade done to many older 4wd trucks and jeeps, including my 1972 Blazer by the way. Good way to loose a lot of excess weight and moving parts, and maintenance issues with Drum brakes not to mention better performance but not very authentic. I guess most would never notice.

[@F.Krueger-cs4vk]

Absolutely love this vehicle. The next vehicle i am on the look out to buy. Great informational video, thankyou for sharing. 👋🇦🇺

[@jimkhata6847]

Hey Chieftain, Love your channel, you got me back into armor modeling. How about a hatch episode or two on tank transporters ? After all, tanks can't get by without them.

[@donaldhill3823]

It should be remembered that expose radiator caps were a norm for early cars and trucks. The "Hood Ornament" for civilian vehicles was of coarse often the cap for the radiator.

[@busterdee8228]

My older bro was in Motor-T. He was driving past a maintenance tent one day when he noticed a guy sitting on a tire he was inflating. Before you could mumble 'bad idea,' the down-facing ring parted, launching the mech and tire into the tent roof. Then, the tire fell, followed by the mech, who was uninjured--this time.

[@LegendStormcrow]

It's actually getting hard to get manual transmissions in the US nowadays. I only learned how to drive one this year. Really made me love that little truck.

[@imbetterthanyouis]

FUN FACT : on a crash box or constant mesh gear box double clutching or double shuffling isnt necessary because you can do it with out the clutch all together , its more of a thing i can do it but i cant explain it basically it all has to do with the revs , off the accelerator and it pops out of gear and if you know the vehicle you can judge the revs to the speed of the gear box and a little pressure on the stick and it will simply pop in to the next gear

[@Bowhunter-ky3ez]

Had a later model in 1976 .used it to run around the wilds ofGermany. Really hated it when it was replaced with the M-880

[@LesPaulExpress]

My favorite 4X4. Rommel captured several and really liked these in Africa and said so in his journal.

[@Mystickneon]

I can tell that you just LOVE contractual obligations when they fall slightly outside your wheelhouse. Or when they entail marathon work sessions, as you obviously participated in with the RIA series here. I feel your pain, friend :) Being the "Good Guy" is hard, sometimes.

[@HSMiyamoto]

America built great trucks in WWII. I understand that even Soviets appreciated the quality, reliability, and versatility of American trucks. Meanwhile, Hans and Fritz were lucky to ride in a horse drawn wagon.

[@51WCDodge]

Russia used a lot of Dodges and cloned the T214 engine.

[@richardc7721]

Coolants weren't long-lasting like even in the 70s. So an easy access radiator was very useful. (Old mechanic here)

[@Wideoval73]

Good video on a really strong truck with many capabilities.

[@jkeener3323]

200,000 made. This little truck helped win the war.

[@51WCDodge]

Several in fact.

[@matthayward7889]

Fab looking vehicle to own, but must have been utterly miserable in hard rain/ snow for the drivers. I really don’t miss double declutching the old tractors on the farm, thank god for synchro!

[@51WCDodge]

There were Winter Kits available for the cabs, and the Ambulance has a closed cab wind up windows and a HEATER! Biggest problem is the canavas is in two pices with the front bit laying over the rear. If out in heavy rain the water has a tendency to pool on the back section so when under breacking..... You aren't a real Dodge owner till it happens to you.

[@wbertie2604]

What windscreen wiper options are there? I've seen several variations on Jeeps, from manual to electric, and exhaust-driven which never seemed to work when giving it gas, like going up a hill. Long hills and heavy rain meant the driver sticking their head out and trying not to get blinded by the rain.

[@51WCDodge]

Electric if your lucky, Vaccum if your not. Going up hill in wet weather can get nerve wracking. Though if all else fails, the windscreen does open. My 12 volt has electric, single units with hand crank if all else fails. WC54 is 6 volt and vaccum, but put a home made resovoir in. Now have to find an answer to a vehicle with no doors or roof when the rain is coming sideways. Internal wipers. Oh and I wear glasses. :-)

[@mkms685]

Nobody: "The Chieftain" to those 80% of the Americans who don't know how to drive in manual transmission: "What's wrong with you?!"

[@richardrichard5409]

That built in fuel filler funnel is fantastic :)

[@Carstuff111]

YES!!! THANK YOU!! Manual transmissions ARE a lot more fun!! Yet another reason I enjoy watching these videos! :D

[@shurlin79]

You need to access radiator cap daily if you are using water for cooling in winter time which was quite common in ww2. As for this vehicle itself it has some issues with restoration. Hope the new owner already fixed it.

[@genericpersonx333]

If it makes you feel better, a friend of my grandfather used one of these throughout WW2 and he also would enter from the passenger side because of the tire blocking the driver side. I remember this because it was one of my first introductions, as a wee lad, to how governments can make things more trouble than they have to be. Why on the driver side was the perennial complaint and heeded it was not. Good ol' Uncle Sam...

[@genericpersonx333]

Also, about that 80% not knowing manual transmissions: My father learned to drive a stick in the early 1960s because that was what what my grandfather drove at the time. However, my grandfather insisted that my father buy an automatic for his 1964 Mustang because they were more reliable. Since then, every manual trans. we have had has failed thousands of miles sooner than any automatic. Manuals are not just less fun, they are just plain inferior technology. Thank you, Inventor of the Automatic Transmission.

[@mfree80286]

Eustace Stritchers I don't know what you're doing to yours, but my GMC Sonoma had it's factory clutch replaced at 230,000 miles (throwout bearing was noisy, but the slave cylinder died outright... clutch itself was still usable, changed it anyways since it was going to be apart). Still riding the factory transmission at 267,000 miles now. I've never worn out a clutch in any vehicle, and this is the first one to fail in any way. I've been through a few automatic transmissions in other vehicles though...

[@genericpersonx333]

Michael Free Bad luck, Mate.

[@RonJohn63]

_Why on the driver side_ To make it harder for the driver to fall out, obviously. Maybe also catch some flying fragments, if you're lucky. _it was one of my first introductions_ You need an introduction to thinking outside the box.

[@RonJohn63]

_every manual trans. we have had has failed thousands of miles sooner than any automatic._ Or maybe you're as bad of a gear shifter as you are at seeing beyond your own narrow vision.

[@wbertie2604]

The first vehicle I drove was one of these. Not that I knew I was going to be driving it until three seconds before, and it was only at 5mph. There's some sort of throttle or choke in the dash, which the driver set, and it chugged along. I don't know if it is typical, but that vehicle didn't have the best of handbrakes, so parking on a slope required tying it to a tree or lampost.

[@51WCDodge]

Yes there is a hand throttle and choke. Cold start procedure is out choke out throttle cable , first kick in choke and regulate on hand throttle tiill running evenly. All Dodges have a slight cough as you apply revs though, it is the nature of the beast. Handbrake is on transmision, they are there only for show. On slope, leave transmission engaged, though if down hill make sure it is reverse. Very embarrrasing if it does move, and the ignition is live, and the engine fires up... yep! Seen that! Not me though, (yet)

[@wbertie2604]

I wasn't totally off, then. The driver wanted to check the load (about a 6 to 8 foot tall stack of straw bales), so set the throttle, told me to steer, and got out to check and got back in. But we were just doing the last part of the bale delivery, hence only going about 5mph. Luckily not on a road and no need to brake... It sounds like the rope may have been just an additional safety option over and above using the transmission, then. Or it wasn't being left in gear. He should have put navy markings on it and had an anchor. :)

[@51WCDodge]

An anchor? Oh you mean the Emergency Forward Motion Arresting Device! :-) Very useful.

[@tankfixer59]

I was down in Hammond Louisiana visiting a 20-something nephew and his family.. He is a mechanic and the shop he worked at had one of these in for some work,. But no one in the shop knew how to start it....... Then he remembered his old uncle Paul who had been in the Army.. he would know.. And I did.

[@grochomarx2002]

Trucks and staff cars are just as important as tanks.

[@floydvaughn836]

I wish Chieftain or somebody would do the military version of the Opel Cadet. Read 5 years, 4 fronts. The author's Opel deserves it's on book!

[@white0devil0]

WHERE IS YOUR EPIC BATTLE WITH IAN OF FORGOTTEN WEAPONS!?

[@yankee1376]

I'll know I'm old when the Dodge M880's start showing up.

[@AssassinAgent]

I'm kinda disappointed that there wasn't a "oh bugger, the car appears to be on fire" segment

[@jennifurzoe1302]

Stick is the new passive antitheft device and to think I learned on a 3 speed column shift at 11 years old.

[@oldschoolgreentube]

Standard transmission. Millenial anti-theft device.

[@stuartcoyle1626]

Non-synchromesh transmission. Generation X anti-theft device.

[@oldschoolgreentube]

touche

[@shyamchabra5355]

Dodge was so well loved that the Japanese designed the Nissan Carrier (Identical) for the Indian Army. Petrol consumption was never Dodge's concern, as it was for many users! The old Power Wagon still hosts enthusiasts in Kansas,US.

[@henrygreen19]

Just love these trucks - true lasting toughness !!

[@charlesinglin]

My first car was the old family '46 Dodge sedan that had been stored in Grandma's garage. It had I think the same "Flathead Dodge" 6 cylinder.

[@OlDMEGR01N2nd]

Math is certainly not The Chieftains strong suit. I see 5 wheels my friend :P Love your content!

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

Including the steering wheel...? :P

[@BAZZAROU812]

No power steering or brakes.. Makes for a long drive in off road conditions..

[@51WCDodge]

Actuall they are very easy off road and prevent embarresmet. I had a full load on my WC51 on Gold Beach in Normandy and didn't follow the golden rule, stay in the tracks you have made you know it is solid. In she went up to front hubs. I engaged reverse, still 2 x 4 and she backed out easily leaving my dignity intacted.

[@scottgs123]

Regarding the external radiator cap, you have completely missed the point, along with a very important portion of the Dodge WC series truck evolution. The cap was not external uniquely to give better access, but rather, as a side-effect of the Ordnance Department's directed changes to the original 1/2-ton VC design. The basic direction was to do this: 1) uprate the truck to 3/4-ton rating; 2) increase ground clearance; and 3) decrease the overall height silhouette. Obviously, the first two requirements were in contrast to the last. The visual result of this is the obviously flattened hood and the lowered firewall, when compared to the original 1/2-ton VC truck's, which were significantly higher. However, in order to accomplish this, Dodge engineers had to make the front radiator cowl go right down over the top of the radiator, and thus the exposed radiator cap. The lower silhouette changes also resulted in the complex carburetor setup, with the air-filter extension and the unusual placement of the air-filter, as well as poor access to the starter motor and the awkward throttle pedal, among other things.

[@4CarbideGaming]

i know its 50 years but IMO this thing is like an early version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee/Wagoneer especially the placement of that fuel tank and the inline 6.

[@ARCNA442]

What are the four handles? on the outer sides of the bed for? Tie down points?

[@51WCDodge]

They tie down the ropes to secure the canvas hood, which is two pice with the front overlapping the back. In wet weather the water pools in a dip on the rear section so if brakes are applied firmly...... All Dodge owners will know exactaly what I mean!

[@dontmindseeingthis7642]

Such military, much weapon, very carrier. Doge WC-51. Wow