Ken Gordon's Bell Canada
Installation/Repair Van Website

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Check out all the new photos on all the pages of Ken's
Y2000 Trip Across Canada!!

1947 Ford

This vehicle was used by telephone installers and cable repairmen. It provided space for new phones on 2 curb side, slide out trays. From the rear, there was room for cable repair apparatus, such as, nitrogen tanks, aerial tents, and seats. The rack on top carried wooden ladders from 6' to 24'. The body was installed on the chassis and then delivered to the Telephone Company. This particular version of a universal telephone company repair van was used across Canada and the U.S.A. from the early 30's to the mid 1960's when it became more economical to purchase closed vans manufactured by the automobile companies.

photo by G. Burbidge


Specifications Standard Equipment Optional Equipment Body
Greetings from
Ken & Carole
Y2000 Trip
Across Canada
Sponsorship Links


Specifications

Cab & Chassis; Ford Motor Company
Model 69C-81
114 inch Wheelbase
Gross Vehicle Weight - 4700lbs / Curb Weight - 3050lbs


Standard Equipment

4 Double Action Shock Absorbers / Hydraulic Brakes, 12in Drums
3 Speed Manual Transmission
100 H.P., V8 Engine / Tires - 65Oxl6 6ply


Optional Equipment

4 Speed Heater/Defroster / Sport Rear Window / Cigar Lighter & Ash Tray


Body

Bell Telephone Company of Canada, Installation/Repair Van Model I.U.V. 78
Manufactured November 2, 1947. Westeel Products, Montreal Quebec.


Carole & Ken Gordon
Carole & Ken Gordon.
Nepean, Ontario, Canada
Greetings from Carole & Ken!

The year 2000 will be our 45th wedding anniversary.

Together we were looking for a different way to celebrate our anniversary and the new millenium.

Since Ken is a regular reader of the publication, "Old Autos," we read about a cross Canada Tour, sponsored by the NAAACCC, in the March 1998 issue. After a short time, we sent in our application and it was returned by June and we were registered as #147. Shortly after the 200 vehicle quota had been reached, a waiting list was implemented. Several applicants have had to decline and their registration was given to the waiting list. Applicants are not able to trade their registrations or change the vehicles.

Carole & Ken Gordon
Click on images
to see enlarged view
After we received our registration it was time to check the Ford truck to determine what work would have to be done to the vehicle to complete this 20,000km trip. The engine and all the accessories were completely rebuilt during the winter of '98. It was re-installed in the spring and was road tested on a 1700km trip to Detroit for the "Woodward Avenue Dream Cruise." The only problems on the trip were a minor overheating and a failed generator. Both problems have been corrected. The mechanical part of the vehicle is ready to go.

Contact Ken via email at kengordon3502@sympatico.ca


Y2000 Trip Across Canada
Trip Log


April - June

July

August - September

Epilogue

Rogue's Gallery

Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal article

Ottawa Citizen article


Sponsorship

Bruce Compton Engines - Kemptville, Ontario
Wilf McBain - Manotick, Ontario
K.A.R. Electric - Carleton Place, Ontario
Hugh Dolan Lubricants - Nepean, Ontario
Geof H. Burbidge Photography - Chelsea Quebec
Keith Summers, Early Ford Parts - Ottawa, Ontario
Britton's Airport Car Care Center, 3326 Limebank Rd, Ottawa, Ontario


Gospel Grass Website

Ken's Bluegrass

Band Site
Rideau Lakes Antique Auto Club

Rideau Lakes

Antique Auto Club
Antique Automobile Club Of Ottawa Website

Antique Automobile

Club Of Ottawa


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