Ford Thames

[charlie63]

I've just purchased a 1956 Ford Thames ET6/500E Cost cutter in really good nick as my next project.. It was restored back in 2008 so doesn't require a full restoration. My first question is what cc"s are the 4 cylinder petrol engine as it doesn't state on the reg doc. Also it is a 35cwt. Now does this refer to the weight it can carry as it only states on the reg doc it's unladen weight is 3023kg as if it is the gross vehicle weight then I'm stumped as it would mean I could only carry half a ton and was hoping to transport the Dexta on the back to rallies once it's done. The box on the back has had all the wood replaced at some point as well and measures 11ft x 61/2ft with the chassis looking as though it has had genuine 1ft extension fitted.It seems all pretty genuine and still got it's original reg number as RYX 183 and I'm sure it was a civil defence vehicle . Any information will be appreciated.

[Bensdexta]

Various refs on the web for the ET6 give payload as 3tons, 5tons even up to 8 tons. So I'd have thought it would carry a Dexta easily.

I wouldn't go too much on what the reg doc says. Is there an owners club - prob your best source of info?

Does it look similar to this?

http://ccmv.aecsouthall.co.uk/p36666364 ... #h22384669

[charlie63]

Ben,
It was delivered yesterday. I have managed to find out more information on it and it is a 3tonner so will carry the Dexta no problem. I also found out that the engine is roughly 3200cc. The first job is to get the brakes sorted out as its been sitting for over 2 years. that will be my first job on my return. Here are some pics of it.

[Bensdexta]

Looks great!

[charlie63]

Thanks Ben. It should look good painted in Fordson Empire Blue. Just dont like the paint scheme it has at the moment but have to get the mechanics all sorted out first and make sure it is road worthy.

[Bensdexta]

A great looking truck! Empire blue will be even better.

Trumps even the good looking dames on your postimg website

[charlie63]

Ben,
Is there something more sinister or untoward on my posting website that I am not seeing or aware of with your comment about dames??

[Bensdexta]

I think it's all harmless; yesterday when clicking on your photos, I got some nice Asian ladies. Today it's money, diets and hair regrowth! Perhaps it's tailored for me!

So don't worry, the truck looks great!

[AdrianNPMajor]

Lovely lorry. Will look even better with a Dexta on the back!
Best, Adrian.

[charlie63]

Many thanks Adrian.
The lorry isnt as bad as I thought so hopefully get her all ship shape and ready to rock and roll by next summer. She has cost me quite a bit already in just trying to get the engine all shipshape with the biggest cost getting the radiator re-cored. She is definately going to be painted in Fordson Empire Blue with maybe orange wheels. Here are a couple of pics of the Dexta alongside her.

Regards
Charlie

[AdrianNPMajor]

Great machines both. Wish I lived just down the road so I could have a good look and listen!
Nice to see the buck is original (okay, wood replaced). Do you know the lorry driver's hitch? Would be impressive if you used ropes to secure the Dexta. A wander back in time!
Best, Adrian.

[Billy26F5]

Great find. Can't help you without pics of the engine and the serial number but I'll give you some data on lorry petrol engines. ET6 means a V8, so you have a 500E (not necesarily the actual model number, for that depends on max payload and wheelbase, 500E is Fordson petrol 3 ton 128"WB). Prior to 1956 they were Fordson Thames, and the whole range (ET6, ET7, 500E and 502E) were referred to by Ford as Semi-Forward Control. On Mk1 engines (prior to 500E-46803) the bore is the same as the diesel, with TVO pistons minus one compression ring (rings are also TVO), compression ratio is 6:1. From 500E-46803 the Mk2 engine came in and apart from the front mounting plate the engine was brought in line with Thames Trader specs, with all petrol parts and a compression ratio of 6.4:1. No governors although one could be fitted if you would want one (unlike tractors where it was optional on petrol models). Throttle goes through the block as on diesel Mk1 engines for Mk1 models, then changes to a cable on Mk2 models. Capacity is 220 cu in for Mk1 and 199 cu in for Mk2. Power is slightly less than diesel at same revs but the max revs are 3000 rpm instead of 2500 rpm. 4 forward one reverse non syncromesh, several axle ratios available. Payload range is 30 cwt, 2 ton, 3 ton, 4 ton, 5 ton and the County 6 wheel Sussex conversion. The last two were never available Fordson powerred, only the V8 and Perkins P6V. If you're painting it in Fordson colours look at Ford's own colours for demonstration vehicles used for transporting the show tractors. A good one I have in mind is the one that carried the 100000 Major Diesel around Britain, in Stuart Gibbard's Ford Tractor Story part 1, although it was a 502E.
Sandy

[Billy26F5]

Forgot to say that there's an id plate with the serial number and model number on it on the bulkhead and as well as that the serial number can also be found on the front of the LH chassis and the engine in the usual locations depending on age. Rotator caps came into use around February 56, with the same evolution as diesel engines with the Mk2, but not in April 61.
Sandy