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Crosley Wwii Jeep


Comanche County
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Okay, technically not a Jeep but thought I'd post some pics of something I'd never seen or heard of before. If you've ever heard of Crosley's mini cars of the 40s-50s, then you may recognize the name.

 

I went to a fundraiser for the Eighth Army Air Force Museum and found this little baby sitting in a corner. Fortunately the curators never approached me as I opened the hood, crawled underneath and sat in it. Its really small, about the size of large four wheeler. Made lightweight for the old C-47s, this thing is really small.

 

Just some things I noticed. It has elliptical leafs, full time 4x4, a two cylinder engine producing 13 hp with two electrical starter type motors on the engine, mechanical brakes, unknown axles...I was expecting a Dana 18 TC but its something else entirely, I don't know the TC model. It has canvas fenders, standard DT military tires, and a 3 speed transmission.

 

I took a chance and sort of helped myself to it, thankfully I didn't get ushered out. Sorry, some of the pics are bad, one of these days I'll get a charger for my real camera, Iphone cameras stink. Also, there's a few pics of some other stuff at the museum, a B17 G model currently under restoration and a Merlin and an Allison engine.

 

Enjoy.

 

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The TC

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You can see the linkage for the starter motor here, you actually pull a knob in the dash to engage the starter.

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View of the other side of the starter motor.

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There's no radiator, just a small coolant tank behind the grill in the bottom of the photo. You can also see the other starter motor on the front of the engine, I don't know what the function of it is?????

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View of the front of the engine.

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Entire engine bay.

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Has a vinyl windshield. Its about 3.5' wide.

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Front grille view.

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Front passenger open knuckle. Note the unique kingpin assemblies.

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Front diff, identical to the rear diff.

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No U-joints on the front driveshaft.

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View from the rear.

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Very cool gauges IMO.

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No tailgate, and a canvas padded rear seat.

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Their B17 project....

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That black round thing in the front (on the Crosley ) isn't a starter. It's a generator.

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Also they were air cooled engines. No coolant. That round thing in front was the muffler. The flex tubing is the exhaust pipe leading from the exhaust manifold to the muffler.

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Cool find. That 60mph speedo seems a little optimistic for 13 horse... You'd think they'd have tried increasing power before axing the project, but I guess that's the military for you. Too bad, I bet those things would be awesome for trails and stuff with a better engine. Maybe not very comfortable, but seriously cool.

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As long as we're displaying our aircraft lore here,,, What's your guess as to what the cockpit front end is from? I'm guessing C-82, C119. C 123 or a C130. I'm picking it's a C-119

 

For sure not a 130. Looks like one of the older Lockheeds though. You're probably right.

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