Please help with new project
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New User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Please help with new project
Hi all,
I am new at all this and came here to see where we should start...I am a fireman and our department has a 1951 F7 Big Job fire engine that was purchased new. It has been sitting in a storage shop for over 2 decades. Was running when put up. Motor and drive train intact. This is an open cab truck with no heater, radio, etc. Does anyone have contacts or experience with rebuilding fire trucks? We think we are going to need help finding trim pieces and specialty parts. Truck was manf. by Peter Pirsch (out of business now). Any help, hints, or comments will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan
I am new at all this and came here to see where we should start...I am a fireman and our department has a 1951 F7 Big Job fire engine that was purchased new. It has been sitting in a storage shop for over 2 decades. Was running when put up. Motor and drive train intact. This is an open cab truck with no heater, radio, etc. Does anyone have contacts or experience with rebuilding fire trucks? We think we are going to need help finding trim pieces and specialty parts. Truck was manf. by Peter Pirsch (out of business now). Any help, hints, or comments will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan
See A Man About A Horse
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,901
Likes: 660
From: Mariposa, Ca.
Hi,Dan.I can't be of much help,since my truck is newer.But,I can recommend that you post up as many photos as possible, include ones of any Data plates,etc.There are some guys here into the larger trucks who will be able to give input.That truck was probably shipped stripped down from the factory,and up-fitted at an independent coach-builder,so any of that kind of info that you have will be helpful.In addition,try to add your location in your profile,so it shows at the top of your posts.Again, post a lot of photos,if possible.Good luck,welcome to FTE.
FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283,540
Likes: 8,223
From: northwestern Ontario
We'' I don't have the experience or knowledge to help you but welcome to the site. There is quite a few on here with the big jobs that I'm sure will be along shortly to help out. Post some pictures of the truck when you get the chance.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,160
Likes: 4,763
From: Burbank, WA
Hi Dan, welcome to the forum!
Fire trucks are very cool, and we'd love to see some pictures. One of the more unique things about them is they rarely see a lot of miles and are very well cared for. Consequently, they are excellent restoration projects because they are such nice pieces to start with.
Mechanically, it shouldn't be hard to get the old girl back on it's feet, so to speak. The running gear and drivetrain stuff is all standard Ford. You probably won't know what you really need until you start to dig into it. But if you have any specific questions, we're definitely here to help. Someone here will surely have the answers.
Fire trucks are very cool, and we'd love to see some pictures. One of the more unique things about them is they rarely see a lot of miles and are very well cared for. Consequently, they are excellent restoration projects because they are such nice pieces to start with.
Mechanically, it shouldn't be hard to get the old girl back on it's feet, so to speak. The running gear and drivetrain stuff is all standard Ford. You probably won't know what you really need until you start to dig into it. But if you have any specific questions, we're definitely here to help. Someone here will surely have the answers.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,288
Likes: 1,053
From: NM
One of our fireman members from Chicago has written books and been on TV; Chicago Fire Patrol, 1951 Ford F550+ 4x2 - Fire Patrol F7 rig
He has a '51 F7 fire truck, but it's closed cab.
He has a '51 F7 fire truck, but it's closed cab.
Marmon-Herrington Man
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,984
Likes: 444
From: Central Illinois
I'll add my welcome. I can recommend Chuck Mantiglia of Chuck's Trucks in CT for mechanical and Ford body parts. He has both an F-7 and an F-8 of his own so knows them well. Below is a link to his web site. Another parts only source that deals with Ford's bigger models is Job Lot Automotive in NY. I'll post a link for them too. If you are in need of fire apparatus, however, I'm of no help there. You might do a Google search for fire equipment collector groups to find those unique pieces/parts. Good luck with the project. Stu
Chucks Trucks LLC., Chuck's Trucks, Chucks Trucks
JobLot Automotive
Chucks Trucks LLC., Chuck's Trucks, Chucks Trucks
JobLot Automotive
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: rochester n.y.
fire trucks
SPAMFA society for the preservation of antique motorized fire apparatis or something like that is a national organization,with many local chapters may be a big help with parts and info. RED
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 758
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Hello and welcome Dan. What part of Georgia are you from? Have you tried to start the truck? Changed all the fluids? Points, plugs? Get it running and as stated above post the data plate and Vin #'s lots of info in those numbers. Post some pics and we can go from there. Good luck sounds like a great project! If your close to me when it gets warm I'd like to take a bike ride over and see your project.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14,325
Likes: 14
From: Island Southeast Alaska
WOW!! I want to see this
Quote:
Originally Posted by 76f350spercamprspeal
Welcome to FTE, Best Damn Forum EVER!
------------------------
Here's How to Post Pictures:
1. Login to FTE.
2.Click User CP (In the Top Left Hand Corner)
3.(On the Left, There will be a list, The 5th Option Down, will say "Pictures & Albums) Click That.
4.Then, Click Add Album, Enter a title, and description, if ya want to.
5. Click Upload Pictures, Then click Browse, Locate the Files of your truck. (You can add 3 files at a time)
5. Click Upload.
6. Add a description to the individual pictures, then click save.
7. Add more files if ya want.
8. Click The Picture you want to post, it will give you two codes at the bottom, Right Click The Second one (It say's BB Code, Then Say's [IMG]http:blahblahblah...[/IMG])
Then, Once that is highlighted, Right Click, Then Copy, Then Paste it into your post.
You can add up to 30 Images in one FTE Post.
If, Ya need any help, Don't hesitate to ask.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 76f350spercamprspeal
Welcome to FTE, Best Damn Forum EVER!
------------------------
Here's How to Post Pictures:
1. Login to FTE.
2.Click User CP (In the Top Left Hand Corner)
3.(On the Left, There will be a list, The 5th Option Down, will say "Pictures & Albums) Click That.
4.Then, Click Add Album, Enter a title, and description, if ya want to.
5. Click Upload Pictures, Then click Browse, Locate the Files of your truck. (You can add 3 files at a time)
5. Click Upload.
6. Add a description to the individual pictures, then click save.
7. Add more files if ya want.
8. Click The Picture you want to post, it will give you two codes at the bottom, Right Click The Second one (It say's BB Code, Then Say's [IMG]http:blahblahblah...[/IMG])
Then, Once that is highlighted, Right Click, Then Copy, Then Paste it into your post.
You can add up to 30 Images in one FTE Post.
If, Ya need any help, Don't hesitate to ask.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,272
Likes: 3
i have a HUGE fire truck museum 4 miles away. many pirsch trucks there. if you would like, i can get contact info for you. these folks buy and sell all over the continent. also have quite a few parts trucks in the wings.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6
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UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE-
Our truck only has 9100 miles. Going to try and turn the engine over today!! Found most of the Ford chrome trim. Still looking for the siren. Will post pics very soon. Thanks to everyone for all the help and support.
Dan
Our truck only has 9100 miles. Going to try and turn the engine over today!! Found most of the Ford chrome trim. Still looking for the siren. Will post pics very soon. Thanks to everyone for all the help and support.
Dan
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 29
From: northeast Ga
There is a large truck group{ antique truck association], many of those members have old fire trucks.Also try Wilde fire equipment Mayfield NY 518 661 6147.The owner Paul Wilde is a car guy and one of his guys made me a new gas tank for my panel.I am sure he could send you in the right direction for old fire equipment.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 11
From: Crossville, Tn
I think DR is referring to the ATHS (Antique Truck Historical Society). I'm not a member, but I have entered my F5 at some of their shows so I am on the local chapter mailing list and stay in touch with them quite a bit. You still have not listed your location, but there are two ATHS chapters in Ga. an Atlanta chapter and a North Ga. chapter. Tell us what part of Ga you are in and I will send you the contact info for the closer chapter.