Restoration of a 1945 Dodge WC-51 Weapons Carrier

Like its smaller cousin, the iconic jeep, the WC-51 was used in all theaters of WWII. It was built by Dodge, along with several other tactical trucks based on the same engine (a 92 H.P. flat head 230 cc six cylinder - model T214) and drive train. The ambulance you see on M.A.S.H. (WC-54), and Patton's Command Car (WC-57) are examples.

The WC-51 was very capable off road, and carried 3x the weight in cargo, or 3x the number of troops the jeep did. Some say the Weapons Carrier was the first vehicle called a "jeep", but by wars end it was often referred to as a "beep" for Big Jeep. It was a real workhorse, but compared to the jeep, not as well remembered or collected today.

The following links will take you through my restoration efforts on one of these historic trucks.