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| Among the WW2 CMP range of trucks ( In Australia, commonly known as Blitz trucks ), the little C8AX ' Puddle Jumper ' would have to be one of the least known and rarer types. The C8AX 4X4 trucks were built by GM of Canada during 1943, they were based on the C8A 4X4 Heavy Utility ( HU ) chassis which first appeared during 1942. The C8A HU models featured a full-length van type body whereas the C8AX was built for export as a cab / chassis only. It appears that the whole production run of C8AX trucks took place around May and June of 1943 as all known surviving vehicles have delivery dates within this time span. A high percentage of surviving C8AX's have delivery dates around either 5-5-43 or 5-6-43. These odd dates suggest that possibly two production batches were built about a month apart. C8AX production figures are unknown but serial numbers into the 800's have been found, suggesting a total production figure of around 1000. Production figures for the C8A Heavy utility range are 12,967 and it is unknown if this figure includes the C8AX batch. The C8AX along with the other C8A models ( HUP, HUW, HUA etc. ) , have a 101" wheelbase and single speed transfer case, these specifications are similar to the more common 15 cwt 4X4 range ( C15A and F15A ) built in large numbers by GM and Ford of Canada during WW2. CMP spotters can easily distinguish the C8A from its beefier C15A 15 cwt brother as it has odd six stud pattern wheels and lighter axles. The C8A models also have a distinctive light chassis with smaller springs and the axles have a narrower wheel track. One unusual feature of the C8AX is the 'A' shaped pintle hook-towing frame attached to the rear chassis, this frame was unique to the C8AX, as it was not seen on the C8A HU models. Two C8A axle ratios are listed in the 1944 Chev CMP major assemblies catalogue - early examples have a 6.16 to 1 ratio and later examples are listed at 5.428 to 1. The C8A range of trucks were originally fitted with the now unobtainable low profile 9.25 X 16 tyres. Research has revealed that the C8A 4X4 chassis is actually based on the earlier 1940 / 41 C8 4X2 8 cwt chassis ( Monkey Face model ), with the following differences: A new cross member in the modified C8 chassis supports the transfer case instead of the torque tube support cross member as used in the C8 4X2. Also, on the C8A models heavier rear spring hangers and springs were utilised. Interestingly, the light front springs of the C8 were retained, but with an extra leaf added. The really odd twist that surrounds the C8AX story and adds much interest is, it appears that the whole C8AX production run was exported to New Zealand ( NZ ) in Completely Knocked Down (CKD) cab / chassis packs. The trucks were assembled at the GM plant near Wellington. Why the NZ Govt. ordered the C8AX is a complete puzzle, by 1943 the C15A was widely in use in Australia and it would have made more sense to order the C15A as many parts from the C8A models are unique ( axles etc. ) and not easy to replace. Because the vehicles were supplied without a body, a General Service (GS) body was manufactured in NZ, apparently by the government railways workshops. Probably because of a lack of manufacturing equipment, the GS body was of necessity, a simple design built from steel and wood , it featured 18 gauge steel side panels crudely oxy welded together; wooden floor planks were utilised. A crude spare wheel bracket was welded to the forward end panel. One interesting fact is little known outside of NZ. A unique NZ designed house type wireless van body was also fitted on some C8AX chassis'. The wireless van featured a complex wooden frame clad in tongue and groove planks, it was normally fitted with a NZ designed ZC1 wireless set and as few as fifty of these vans are thought to have been built. The C8AX appears to be a CMP type peculiar to the South West Pacific theatre during WW2 as it was rarely seen anywhere else. Being fully imported, the C8AX utilised a Canadian built cab, these cabs are easy to spot from the local Australian GMH manufactured cabs. The Canadian cabs feature a checker plate floor, oblong shaped side vents and are generally much neater in finish. Photographic evidence of C8AX trucks in service is almost non existent, but the few photos I have seen reveal that C8AX's were in use in the Solomon islands with the NZ 3rd Div and RNZAF during WW2. Reports indicate that the C8AX performed very well in off road use, powered by the ubiquitous 216 'cast iron wonder', the light chassis may have been a bonus, allowing the truck to walk over rough terrain. Although many C8AX vehicles were surplused out of the NZ army by 1960, some trucks remained in service with the NZ home defence forces until as late as 1968. Quite a few of the trucks have survived in New Zealand where some have been restored by military vehicle enthusiasts. About 15 examples are known of in Australia and it has always been a mystery how they ended up in Aust. because the Australian army never officially used them. A clue is, some of the C8AX trucks found in Aust. feature the NZ 3rd Division formation sign, ( a kiwi ) on the cowl beneath the passenger side windscreen. One of many surplus companies in business immediately after WW2 was a company called Torokina Spares, apparently Torokina Spares imported surplus vehicles from the Solomon Islands into Australia and then sold them to farmers and dealers. It is likely that the C8AXs' found in Aust. were imported by Torokina Spares sometime after 1945. Most C8AX's in Aust. have been found in the Tumut - Batlow area of NSW, this indicates that a batch was sold to a dealer in that area. A few restored examples exist in Australia and NZ - Len Schutt of the Victorian Military Vehicle Corps and Steve Moody of Coonabarabran NSW being two. Another nicely restored example is owned by Arthur Poll of Christchurch NZ. In New Zealand, C8AX 's are affectionately known as ' Puddle Jumpers '. If you ever come across a Chev Blitz fitted with six stud wheels, sitting on a light chassis; it will be one of the unique little C8AX CMP trucks only seen in this part of the world. By Mike Kelly: VMVC # 207 |
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| By Mike Kelly VMVC # 207 |