Winter Storage
So it’s finally time to put Cornelius away for the winter. I am fortunate enough to have an extra 10 feet at the front of my garage where the truck can be kept and still allow two vehicles to park normally. And while tight, there is also enough room to get at most everything so that I can pull a part or two off for restoration over the winter.
Cornelius in Winter Storage
I’ve put together a winter storage to-do list that I have compiled from a few sources, and this is pretty much what I’ve followed for Cornelius. Have any thoughts or additions?
Read MoreNew Shoes
I looked quite while for a set of artillery rims. One fella on eBay wanted $750 for a set of four rusty “versions” of artillery wheels (yikes!!) , so I decided to go another route. Wheel Smith manufactures some gorgeous reproduction wheels, and their artillery steelies looked perfect for Cornelius. So I had a set of five made up, to have one for the spare, of 15×6″ wheels, with a 5-1/4″ bolt circle and a 3-1/4″ backspace. Powder coated red, they look amazing. I had some triple diamond stainless reproduction hub caps that I purchased at Restoration Specialties, and Wheel Smith modified them perfectly to fit the new rims. Finally, I also purchased a set of stainless trim rings from Wheel Smith to top everything off.
Wheel Smith Red Artillery Rim With Coker White Walls
So the rims are no good without a good set of tires, and for these I turned to Coker. I had been undecided as to whether to go for a set of radial “bias-ply look-a-likes” but decided to simply find a good set of bias ply tires for Cornelius instead and I am very happy that I went this route for several reasons: First, they are a LOT cheaper; second, Cornelius likely won’t be driven above 40 to 45 miles per hour occasionally – so it’s not like I will need radial drivability for highway excursions; and third, I had driven bias-ply tires on my ’53 IHC R-110 Series pickup for almost 12 years, so I am used to them, how they handle, and what their limitations are.
Read More“Cornelius”
Cornelius Specifications:
- Make: IHC
- Model: D-2
- Type: Pickup
- Capacity: 1/2 Ton
- Wheelbase: 113"
- Year Built: 1939
- Engine: HD 213