I'm trying to dig up some history on a 1952 Ford F6 that I'm in the process of putting together and wondered if anyone might have some info on a Kansas Navy Base from the 1950's. I've done some Google searches and found one Navy Air Base that would have been open during the 50's. I'm not really looking for the history of the truck but more of Navy Ordnance operations in Kansas. It would be great to find someone who may have served at a Navy location in Kansas.

I bought the truck in Missouri last summer and hauled it back to Ohio. The hood is marked Kansas Navy Ordnance as well as a stamped aluminum data plate screwed in the glove box. Also a couple of the tires are stamped KNO. I've been tossing it around in my head to maybe keep the truck as somewhat of a restored military truck. The truck still with original paint is an off white but needs repainted and the hood markings are almost completely gone. I'm keeping the truck mostly original except its getting a flathead 337 motor (bigger is better).

If I could find some pictures of a Kansas Navy Air Base during the 50's and enough history on this truck or the Kansas Navy Ordnance I would keep it as a Navy Ordnance truck. It would be interesting since I've worked ordnance in the Air Force going on 17 years now.

If anyone has any info to share or any suggestions on if I should keep it as a Military vehicle, I'm open for suggestions.


Thanks

 

We need pictures,, we like pictures!

 

The closest Navy I know of is now called New Century Airport formally call Olathe Naval Air Station. Located on the southwest corner of the Kansas City metro area. Was a active pilot training airbase from WWII to Vietnam period. The last military there trained chopper crews. Goggle: Olathe Naval Air Station.Have a great day,chuck

 

The Military had this thing back then of placing Ordenance Depots far away from "Normal" Bases.

 

The Olathe Naval Air Base was the only one I could find with Google that was open during the time this truck would have been serving. I'm not sure if there was any other smaller Navy Units like 4tl8ford mentioned. I imagine during this time frame their was a lot of expermental locations testing all sorts of munitions, jets, and probably even a nuke or two. It might be cool to redo the Kansas Navy Ordance on the hood, just for conversation if nothing else.

I plan on posting pictures as soon as I can get some taken. It's in pieces and spread out all over the place now.

 

That's easy, just take pictures of all the individual parts and then put the pictures together, simple

 

The war department may provide some information for you. A lot of times, you can contact the department of whatever branch you are looking for, and explain what you are interested in and why, and they will try and help in what ever fashion possible. This is how most of the military rigs are restored from way back then. They can point you to where the archives are, and how to get photos, and such. You may even get lucky enough to find original acquistition orders for your particular piece of equipment. With due diligance, this is often achieved. You will find more info through the Department of the Navy, than you will google. Also, if I may make a suggestion, since it was Navy, the color was most likely a light "Gull Gray", and not off white. It is likely very oxidized. Also, since it has so many original tags and such, it may be more valuable to your particular idea of restoring it militarily, and such to restore the original motor as well. If the point is to preserve a piece of military, american, and truck history all in one, most enthusiasts, restorists will frown on altering from the original equipment unless it is a matter of neccesity. My 2 cents on that one. I would pursue info through the Navy Department though.