I like that plan.

After seeing what you did... how long it took and how much work was involved, most people would be scared to undertake such a project. Your final results are beautiful.

But considering the shape that one's in, which is worse than yours when you started, anyone would have to be really wanting to invest a ton of time and money into restoring it.

Anyway, I'm glad I just checked in to see what was going on.

 

After a few weeks of retirement with you being underfoot 24/7 she'll change her mind....LOL
She'll be ready for you to be spending time out in the shop

 

Gee, talk about an emotional roller coaster, I was excited to read the post of the rig being rescued, then read the new owners possible plans for it. Of course it is his to do with what he sees fit. He is a Fire Fighter, so I know He is a good person, a hero, and will make a good decision. After all He just got it, and probably needs some time to think about what to do. PS It would make a great Father Son project for your household.

 

Joe, I totally agree with you. I realize its in much worse shape then my truck but was hoping he'd have a passion to restore it. Well, the end is written yet! Lets hope for the best. If he decides to sell it maybe the next owner with have the time and resources to bring her back to life.

 

Bobby, that's a good possibility!! LOL

 

Jim, you are right. I think he may be a little overwhelmed as any of us would with the its condition. Hey, he saved it so far, so we are already a head of the game. Father and son project I agree. If only I can convince the wife!!

 

Lets hope Moe!!!

 

Here is the email I sent AL.

It was nice talking with you the other day. I want to thank you again for saving one of the last 3 patrol rigs from the Patrol. I completely understand your situation about restoring the rig. It is in worse shape then my rig was so I know it will be a timely and costly restoration. I probably wouldn't of gotten involved in restoring mine if my grandfather had not been a member of the Patrol and had not used the actual rig. If you decide to sell, maybe the next owner will have the time and resources to get her back on the road. It took 5 years to restore mine and mainly due to the money situation. When I had extra money or worked some OT then I got back on the project.

There have been a few people who are interested in your rig and were wondering if you would consider joining the (FTE) Ford Truck enthusiasts website. Its free and you can create your own thread about the truck. You would be surprised how many people would respond to pictues and information you post. Even if it ends up on display at the business you mentioned it would be interesting to see what work you do to facilitate that! By creating your thread you may find an interested buyer if that's what you ultimately decide to do. Here is a link to my thread. I have to mention its rather lengthy but interesting to say the least!

 

This was my first thought.
Congratulations on your future retirement!

Hopefully the guy will change his mind. At least so a little clean up.

 

Thanks Joe!

 

Post 2263 by Rich "Arctic Y Block" is sad news.
Rich, if you're reading this blog please give us an update.
God speed with your recovery.
Pete

 

I am still checking in here most every day

 

Hello everyone Happy New Year to all. Rich I'm glad your doing better! A little update on the other rig. It has been sold to a business without the engine and tranny. Here is the email I received from the firefighter:As you may or may not know, a few months ago I took possesion of the 49 Ford Insurance Patrol Rig which was being stored down in LaSalle Illinois. I commissioned a tow for it and had it shipped to the Eastwood company near my house. Two of the right rear tires shredded during the trip but still hold air.
After ten years of storage the 337 Flathead V8 engine was frozen. (Someone pulled and left a spark plug out of it. ) I lubricated the open cylnder let it sit, and tried to break it free several times with the aid of an industrial forklift with no avail.

With no hope of getting it to run again under its own power I realised that this was to large and expensive of a project for me to deal with.

I think Keith Seafield spent about $80 grand restoring the 1953 version.(Wrong)

I advertised this online for sale where it garnered an incredible amount of interest from all over the country. I offered it with and without the drivetrain. Many folk were interested in it to make a hot rod toy hauler out of. After a few deals that fell through Patrick Holohan, owner of the Fire Barn in Kankakee, Illanoys found it at Eastwood by accident! A few days later we struck a deal. I spent a few days out inn the frozen tundra pulling the motor and transmission (with a forklift) I reassembled the front sheet metal, and it was towed at his expense to his place where it will be on display outside of his museum.

He plans on refurbishing the bed and body a bit (it's really rough now adays) and painting it to withstand the weather. I offered to help him paint it if I'm availible when the time comes in the spring.

As far as the motor goes, sooner or later I'll open it up to see if there's any chance of it running again. If so, I'll try using it to power my 1929 hot rod essex coupe project. If not, I think that I'll be hauling it out to the Early Ford V-8 museum in Auburn Indiana. This is one of my favorite museums that I visit every year. While they have over a dozen different Flathead Ford motors on display they have nothing like this Monster 337 motor and trans. I spoke with them last fall and they would be thrilled to detail it and display it even if it is internally Junk.

I just wanted to let everyone know what is going on with this old patrol wagon. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask me in person.




I'm pretty disappointed in the disposition of old Patrol 7. I get it that it would take a lot of money and time to tackle the project. I would feel better if was was stored indoors. I don't know what paint they are going to use on it to protect it from the Chicago weather! I guess they can't all be saved but it would of been nice to save another relic from a long disbanded, long forgotten part of firefighting history. I hope everyone is doing well and their projects are coming along to their satisfaction.

 

Here is what she looked like in the 90's:

 

Picture of the rig on a Chicago street during the 50's!