He was able to obtain a bunch of information on the Clark from various sources over the course of the years. Based on all that I have read, things that are posted on other sites and my conversation with Mr. Swelnis, it is difficult to determine exactly how many CA-1s were actually built in Buchannan, MI. Joe has documented that 14 were built before the American Machine and Metals Company of East Moline, IL took over the contract, which, according to http://www.syltech.net was fully taken over in January of 1944. CA-1 owners will marvel at this since many of the machines bear the Clark Tractor data tag having been built in mid to late 1944. Perhaps AMM used Clark data tags until the contract was fully under them and not a sub-contracted deal. I'm not really sure, but more research is warranted. The enclosed letter provided by Mr. Swelnis will shed some light on the subject.
In any regards, Mr. Swelnis said that the company is planning to release a 100th anniversary book on the company in 2017. I believe it will go to the publishers in 2016. He indicated that they published a book for the company a few years ago and posted images of restored CA-1s. Perhaps we can all get ours ready in time for the big event!
The real good news is that he has sent me a digital copy of the original Clark Factory Manual which I will make available to anyone who asks. He also sent me some additional information that I will post/forward as required.
Page 1 of the document from Clark Tractor
Page 2 of the document from Clark Tractor
