Truck Restoration

Truck Specifications: 1947 Dodge, flat bed, 2 Ω ton; Model #WHA45; 15,000 lb. gross weight capacity; 4.2 L Flathead 6-cyl. Engine; 1bbl. Carburetor; 6 Volt system; 5-speed non-synchronized transmission; 4-wheel drum brakes; 2-speed rear axle.

Among the many activities that the Wilton History Group (WHG) are involved in is the restoration of an old 1947 Dodge 2 Ω-ton hay truck formerly used by the Nix family. Robert Nix donated the truck to the WHG in 2006. That same year a truck fundraiser generated a total of $1,300.00, which served as start-up money to begin restoration. A committee of volunteer WHG members was then formed to do the restoration. The original crew consisted of Gene Rose, Greg Dysart, Gary Cassidy, John Robinson, Wayne Gallup, Bill Kutzer and Rich Cable and on occasion Ron Stevenson. The group of today consists of Gene Rose, Greg Dysart, Gary Cassidy, John Robinson, Wayne Gallup, Bill Kutzer, and new volunteer Don Smith.

The site chosen for the truck restoration was deemed to be the Rose Ranch, a generous offer on the part of Gene and Bonnie as this has proven to be (understatement) a lengthy undertaking.

The first meeting (strictly a planning session) of the Truck Restoration Committee (TRC) was on January 13, 2007. It is now 2011 so one can quite easily surmise that the committee is most meticulous and patient. While four (4) years may seem to be a quite a long time, it is easily explained with a timeline:

First, the committee determined not to establish a project end date, allowing the opportunity for thorough research, adaptation, and correction of components for originality during the restoration process.

Secondly, the committee has suffered from time to time from low finances, but has been quite resilient and creative in finding new ways to raise funds. Although our goal of raising $3.5 million with monthly Bingo Nights and annual Tri-Tip Dinners has fallen somewhat short, we have still done quite well, thanks in great part to the many generous people of the WHG who have helped us out along the way with monetary donations as well as parts, services, and equipment. Most notably WHG and truck member John Robinson has donated an engine and numerous other parts, as well as volunteering to do the bodywork and painting. Another long time Wilton resident also generously donated a replacement flatbed.

Thirdly, and the key to the committee's thoroughness, every meeting (through unanimous consent) must begin with coffee and doughnuts to allow for ample planning time and nutrition for that day's work. There is then general discussion on a variety of important topics (gossip if you wish) and news pertinent to the community, also known as a Wiltonian Bull Session. At the end of each day's work (also by unanimous consent) rehydration is provided by a round of Gene's Famous Root Beer Freezes in the bunkhouse kitchen. The Rose bunkhouse, therefore, serves as an excellent location for all working sessions and was another excellent reason for having the restoration work take place at the Rose Ranch.

The first actual work session was on January 18, 2007. From that point on the committee decided on one meeting per month with an occasional extra session thrown in depending upon the task needing completion. The TRC has made steady progress in completing the restoration in great part because of a nice blend of very experienced mechanics and some who are not so experienced but eager and willing to learn. This approach has led to a high standard of repair and assembly and a very copasetic crew that functions well together. All said and done, we are having a great time restoring the truck.

The TRC is now nearing the completion of the restoration project. The future will soon be upon us and we are hoping to have the truck ready for its maiden voyage in time for Wilton History Day this October. Although much work still remains to be done, the tasks of dismantling, cleaning, painting and reassembly of major components are for the most part complete and we are quickly making progress.