I know the Weasel used the Champion engine, but where was the vehicle actually built/assembled? I'm reading an old publication that mentions Graham built the Weasel and used their Graham/Continental engine. I know the engine part ain't right, but it got me to wondering about where it was actually built.
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Where was the Weasel built?
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The Weasel was built right in the main South Bend plant 1&2, the same as the automotive line. I've seen a picture somewhere with a Weasel coming down the line with an M series military truck following behind it on the "other" line. During the war, the "main" automotive assembly plants were used for truck and weasel production and the Chippewa plant was for aircraft engines. After the war, the main plant was just for cars and the Chippewa plant was used for trucks.
For the record, the Weasel also used an Oliver cleatrac (crawler tractor) differential/rear end. The reason for this was mainly because Oliver was just across the street and parts were readily available.Last edited by Chris_Dresbach; 01-04-2012, 09:35 PM.Chris Dresbach
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You know a-lot for a yungen. thanks for your input' cheers jimmijimOriginally posted by Chris_Dresbach View PostThe Weasel was built right in the main South Bend plant 1&2, the same as the automotive line. I've seen a picture somewhere with a Weasel coming down the line with an M series military truck following behind it on the "other" line. During the war, the "main" automotive assembly plants were used for truck and weasel production and the Chippewa plant was for aircraft engines. After the war, the main plant was just for cars and the Chippewa plant was used for trucks.
For the record, the Weasel also used an Oliver cleatrac (crawler tractor) differential/rear end. The reason for this was mainly because Oliver was just across the street and parts were readily available.sigpicAnything worth doing deserves your best shot. Do it right the first time. When you're done you will know it. { I'm just the guy who thinks he knows everything, my buddy is the guy who knows everything.} cheers jimmijim*****SDC***** member
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I have a copy of a 4-page article in "Automotive and Aviation Industries", Dec. 1 1944, that describes the production process and has lots of great photos. Currently the pages add to about 6 MB, maybe too big to post here. I'll see if I can compress them.
The differential apparently also used Dana/Spicer gears.
Gary Ash
Dartmouth, Mass.
'32 Indy car replica (in progress)
’41 Commander Land Cruiser
'48 M5
'65 Wagonaire Commander
'63 Wagonaire Standard
web site at http://www.studegarage.com
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Originally posted by Guido View PostNot from the factory, Oliver used the Hercules IXB-3 engines in the OC-3 line. The 77 ag tractor engine in the OC-6 line was of Continental design.Candbstudebakers
Castro Valley,
California
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Isn't it refreshing to have such knowledge available & this forum to share it! I'm also happy to see Guido again. His experience especially with horse drawn Studes makes me itch for getting a buggy thats been in the local Craigslist for a few months now, but I'd have to borrow the neighbors horse! Keep em coming everyone!!59 Lark wagon, now V-8, H.D. auto!
60 Lark convertible V-8 auto
61 Champ 1/2 ton 4 speed
62 Champ 3/4 ton 5 speed o/drive
62 Champ 3/4 ton auto
62 Daytona convertible V-8 4 speed & 62 Cruiser, auto.
63 G.T. Hawk R-2,4 speed
63 Avanti (2) R-1 auto
64 Zip Van
66 Daytona Sport Sedan(327)V-8 4 speed
66 Cruiser V-8 auto
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Here is the magazine article from 1944 about the Weasel production line [1.7 MB].
Gary Ash
Dartmouth, Mass.
'32 Indy car replica (in progress)
’41 Commander Land Cruiser
'48 M5
'65 Wagonaire Commander
'63 Wagonaire Standard
web site at http://www.studegarage.com
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