My K18C GMC C.O.E.
I have a much modified K18C that started life as a communications van built by Hicks School Bus and Body Company. They built specialized bodies for the military (K18C communications vans) in about 1939-1941. My K18C bore a door plate "Quartermaster Corps, General motors Trucks, Manufacturers Serial Number 079 Gross Weight 9800 Date Of Delivery 10/1/41, Yellow Truck & Coach Mfg. (GMC), 10/1/41, Truck K-18C, model-CF 351, 1 1/2 Ton (LC) 4x2, model CF (1941 yr, "F" =C. O. E.). Embossed on under hood plate 3/8" x 2,5", 1585- 097, another solid brass plate "ENGINE SERIAL NO, 24821530", painted over on bullnose (olive drab under color), "GOLDEN BOMBER". I have had limited success researching its history but have accumulated some information and pictures of restored and unrestored K18's. Mine will never be restored to its original state because it is too modified. I'm not sure where or when it was first modified but I found it in Mina, Nevada near the Hawthorne Ammunition Depot leading me to speculate it was modified there to handle ordinance movement on the depot accounting perhaps for its moniker, "Golden Bomber", As I understand it consisted of the tractor and a trailer combination accounting perhaps for it being equipped with air trailer brakes. I am respectful of its hard working life, first in the military, then as a civilian "spring service" vehicle and finally to supply some power for a mining operation!