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G503 TYRE (TIRE) CHAINS So far, we have identified for Ford GPW's: WEED.......American
Chain & Cable Co. from York, PA Information
pertains in Willys MB's ONLY. Chains were supplied by : Ford Tyre Chains Date
Jan. 31, '45 from the Dallas plant to Dearborn. Tom Wolboldt from the Ford Archives -
WEED - I like to start with the “typical” WEED 6.00-16EH ES 422 – a heavy style Chain. This type of chain the first one from Al Brass – exist with the markings WEED 6.00-16EH E.S.422 - has the Patent No. 2.153.002 and 2.153.002 On
each side link is a cross piece attached
in this condition the chain is some side links are to long – when the
chain should fit – some seem to be cut off – so the the chain will fit
the tire – so on the last 3 – 5 links a cross links have gone
missing – so the chain have 8 cross piece There were several styles of ends, the type shown in the TM's are usually what's called the basic hook type. More than one type has been found "F" script stamped. The number of cross links also varies, usually 8 or 9, 90 degree twisted links. Not all chains show cross link to side link joiners are "WEED" marked.
For the purposes of Discussion of Time Lines Weed Chains - TYPE ONE - TYPE TWO - TYPE THREE - TYPE FOUR -
1)
1) Type I = the “S” hook is attached to the side chain with a long chain
shaped link and held with a ring.
2) Type II = the “S” hook has a “U” shaped attachment to the
side chain
3)
Type III = the “new” style hook is attached with “U
shaped attachment to the side chain 4) Type IV = a completely new design of the clasp WEED Chains to Avoid Below are Civilian WEED Brand Tyre Chains, you will notice, when compared to the above Military chains they are far lighter in construction, the clasps are considerably thinner.
- INCO - Displaying a similar style to the TM images and that of Weed.
INCO
light style 38
side links, 9 cross pieces made up with 9 twist links and 2 special end
links with Hooks ( like light WEED) Diameter side link 6mm, 54.5 mm long and 21.6 mm wide. Middle photo may have been used for the Cross Country Modification Kit (T-1 Compressor fitted jeep)
- WESCO -
- UNKNOWN BRAND - There's a possibility these are Nixdorf-Krein Mfg. Co. Chains (See MB Chain Info Above) Photographed on Australian Army jeeps in New Guinea and U.S.M.C. jeeps on Iwo Jima Have been found in Europe in quantity, the observation there is, 50% of the chains found have been this style. Sometimes referred to as the "S" end link type.
Initially, I was
suspicious of this type of chain until I was going through the Data Base on
the Australian War Memorial site http://www.awm.gov.au/database/collection.asp
NOS Chains in this style have been found in Austria with Olive Drab hooks and the remainder of the chain coated in “TOLUENE” (Austrian STEINKOHLE - TEERÖL) also know as "Coal Oil"
38
side links, 9 cross pieces, 9 twist links and 2 special end links
Side links – diameter 5.85 mm some also 6 mm, 56.5 mm long and 22 mm wide Extra photos and any information on the above Unknown chains are always welcome -
THE HODELL CHAIN CO. -Cleveland,
Ohio, U.S.A Found in Austria marked 6.00-16 TS and 6.00-16 ES . The ES chain measures slightly more (Heavy)
Side links - 6 mm diameter, 56.7 mm long and 22 mm wide Extra photos coming soon on the "Heavy" type - NOS BOXED CHAINS -
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