50's model Deuce with Hercules Gas Engine

[NDT]

It has the number 24 in several places on the truck. The top of the cab is almost rusted through and the windshield is busted, which is a pity. The paint is peeling but the rest of the truck is in surprisingly good shape. So the generator set would have been military installed?

I don't think the number 24 is from the military. Yes, the generator powered the radar set. If it looks like a factory installation, then yes it is correct.

The Hercules is one of those super simple engines. You really don't need much in the way of manuals to work on it. Pull the choke to choke it. Clean up the points. Fresh gas and it should come to life. It needs a LOT of gas to run. I would prime it with a shot glass full of gas to start with. The transmission in non-synchromesh, you have to double clutch it. The engine has a firm redline of 2100 RPM. 30 mph tops.

 

[cutnhaul]

I don't think the number 24 is from the military. Yes, the generator powered the radar set. If it looks like a factory installation, then yes it is correct.

The Hercules is one of those super simple engines. You really don't need much in the way of manuals to work on it. Pull the choke to choke it. Clean up the points. Fresh gas and it should come to life. It needs a LOT of gas to run. I would prime it with a shot glass full of gas to start with. The transmission in non-synchromesh, you have to double clutch it. The engine has a firm redline of 2100 RPM. 30 mph tops.

There is a reservoir with a cap right above th alternator. What type of fluid if any goes in there?

 

[NDT]

There is a reservoir with a cap right above th alternator. What type of fluid if any goes in there?

That is the Hoof governor, it is greased when you rebuild it.

 

[123mack]

SCR545 training film. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zniNY6ZTbeM

 

[cutnhaul]

That is the Hoof governor, it is greased when you rebuild it.

So I dont need to put anything in there? I can see a big gear inside the reservoir.

 

[paradeduty]

Thanks 123Mack. I always love to watch the old films. Talk about just saying it the way it was - no PC phrasing here - "blow him to kingdom come" - could never say that today.

 

[NDT]

So I dont need to put anything in there? I can see a big gear inside the reservoir.[/QUOTE

OK, I made a mistake. Above the generator is the air compressor, which is lubed by the engine oil. The governor is on the opposite side of the engine, connected to the base of the carb.

 

[cutnhaul]

I hope to return to work on the truck this weekend. If I do, I will get some full-truck pictures. We pulled it out of the weeds and trees so now I can capture the whole thing.

 

[cutnhaul]

Here are some pics I took of the generator setup. It is a LeRoi power unit coupled with a Westinghouse 25kVa AC/DC generator set.

 

[Jeepsinker]

That generator is massive! I'm impressed.

 

[NDT]

Between the 855 cid gas Herc under the hood and the giant gas Buda in back, if someone started using this truck and the generator they could single-handedly end the oil price glut.

 

[cutnhaul]

Does anyone have an idea of the value of the truck? The guy's son desperately wants to get it off their property because he sees it as an eyesore. however, from what you all have been telling me, it may be a gem. I don't want to lowball him.

 

[NDT]

It's worth $3000 to me. Did you get it to run?

 

[gimpyrobb]

As I have said for every MV Start at scrap value and see if a higher value can be proven from there. Being rare just means parts are not plentiful and might be big $$$.

 

[cutnhaul]

It's worth $3000 to me. Did you get it to run?

Not yet. Havent made it back. Hope to one night this week.

 

[NDT]

Not yet. Havent made it back. Hope to one night this week.

. Im serious about the offer, just need a way to get it loaded on a drop deck trailer.

 

[cutnhaul]

Well I was able to obtain pictures of the title. The truck is a 1943 White "666" #24 as designated on the title. It is the original title from 1960 when Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC purchased the truck to use as a mobile power source.

 

[NDT]

That is too funny. A truck model "666" was owned by the most religiously conservatve christian university in the US.

 

[dmetalmiki]

A rare and fabulous looking truck, and all that original kit. That is all well worth restoring and preserving. I did think it was an Auto car or a White.

 

[cutnhaul]

well my schedule has prevented me from going back to work on the truck since early june. however, i am going to attempt to start it today. Can anyone give me a starting procedure? want to make sure all knobs and dials are in the right place. consulting the T M now...