PLATE WIEGHT CLASSIFICATION "3" DODGE WC51
Bridge Classification Plate "3" Dodge WC51
Bridge Classification Plate for 3/4 ton Weapons Carrier
Round yellow classification plate with black numeral "3" for the Dodge WC51. From 1943 onwards, this plate indicated the bridge weight class and was mounted on the front bumper, wing or grille, enabling military police and engineer units to quickly determine whether a vehicle could safely cross a bridge.
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Design Round, yellow with black numeral "3" |
Application Dodge WC51 (without winch) |
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Period 1943-1945 |
Mounting Bumper, wing or grille |
Features
- Round plate, 6 to 9 inches diameter (approx. 15-23 cm)
- Yellow background with black numeral "3"
- Indicates bridge weight classification, not exact tonnage
- Introduced by US Army from 1943 (Sicily/Italy)
- WC51 (without winch) had classification "3", WC52 (with winch) had "4"
★ Authentic reproduction of the WWII bridge classification plate as prescribed by US Army TM 5-277 (1943). This plate was mandatory on tactical vehicles to control bridge loading.
Application
Specific to Dodge WC51 Truck, Cargo, 3/4 ton, 4x4 w/o Winch (G502) Weapons Carrier, production 1942-1945. It was mounted on the right-hand side of the front bumper, on the right wing, or in some cases as a replacement for the right headlamp. The WC52 (with Braden MU-2 winch) carried classification "4" instead of "3".
Installation notes
Plate was mounted on the right-hand front of the vehicle — on bumper, wing or grille. Can be screwed, riveted or painted. Introduced from mid-1943, initially as a rectangular sign, later as a round yellow plate with black numeral. In frontline areas, the bright yellow colour was sometimes toned down or omitted due to visibility to the enemy.
Compatibility
ONLY for Dodge WC51 (without winch) — classification "3". The WC52 (with winch), WC54 (ambulance) and other WC variants had classification "4". Jeeps carried "2", WC62/63 6x6 carried "5" or "6". The numeral is NOT exact tonnage but a weight classification based on gross weight, axle loading, wheelbase and speed.
Historical context
The bridge classification system was developed by the British in 1940 and adopted by the US Army in 1943 during the Sicily and Italy campaign. The round yellow plate with black numeral replaced earlier rectangular markings and made it possible to quickly determine whether vehicles could safely cross field bridge constructions without structural damage.
This description was generated automatically. Unsure about fitment? Contact us at info@willys.be.
This part is intended for the restoration of historic military vehicles. Fitting, aligning, deburring or reworking is part of that work and is inherent to the nature of these goods. Dimensional variation also exists between original vehicles.
Installation requires technical knowledge of the vehicle. Unsure whether this part suits your version? Ask us before purchase at info@willys.be.
This part fits:
| Model | Years |
|---|---|
| Dodge | |
| Dodge WC51 (early) | 1942 |
📐 Diagrams & technical drawings
From the original Technical Manual TM 9-808 — Technical Manual — only for Dodge ¾-ton 4×4 (WC series)
