Just keeps getting better and better... closer and closer.

Just out of curiosity, why are the Mars lights not both red?

 

Joe,

I found this explanation on the internet:

Why does the Chicago Fire Department outfit their trucks and stations with Green Lights?

Between myths, legends, and even superstitions there is real history behind the green lights that the Chicago Fire Department (CFD) mount on their trucks, apparatus, and stations. Is it to make all of the other cities green with envy over the special color, is it to respect a fallen fire fighter; or is it to protect them through each call? To put it simply, yes. Chicago is a city based on tradition, and these green lights represent exactly that.

This tradition can be followed back to 1927, when Albert Goodrich became the Fire Commissioner. Commissioner Goodrich brought his strong family ties to the steamship industry with him. Continued even today, a ship requires a red light on the port (left) side and a green light on the starboard (right) of its vessel. These warning lights allowed safe passage during inclement weather and travel through the breakwaters. When Goodrich started as commissioner this is one of the things he first implemented on CFD's completely motorized fleet.
Chicago Ridge

These green lights have come to represent a strong tradition comprised of courage and sense of belonging among firefighters in the Chicago area. Green lights that appear on apparatus, command vehicles, and stations have also become a symbol for fallen fighters. This tradition is so embedded that many of the surrounding communities have adopted it. You will see green lights on several vehicles throughout the Chicago suburbs.
Firehouse.com

 

Keith,

Thats a interesting bit of history. This has been a fantastic thread, great history, great truck. Keep at it, its coming along nicely

Bobby

 

Thanks Keith,

That should be in your book.

 

Thanks Bobby! Slowly making progress ... I wish it was faster.

Joe, thats a very good idea. I probably should also mention about the red/black color scheme. From Wikipedia:

Another tradition associated with the CFD is the black over red color scheme of the fire apparatus. The choice of this paint design is attributed to an order of Ford Model A cars purchased in the late twenties, to be used as Battalion Chief "Buggies". The factory rain canopies on the cars came coated in tar, which would not allow paint to stick. CFD personnel liked the black over red look and adopted it for all of their apparatus.

 

Keith,

I've noticed that here in Albuquerque, NM a lot of the newer fire trucks are black over red. It sure makes for a striking truck, really stands out.

Bobby

 

Same here Bobby, I have noticed the same colors on my local department's trucks. Not my department with our lime green trucks.

Gerald and I will be putting in a few hours tomorrow morning. On the agenda: Mount the other rail. The other rail has issues with 2 of the mounting posts (holes too big) so I bought a heilcoil kit to repair the problem. Then I can permanently install all the interior bed sheet metal which was not installed so we could have access to the rail bolts. Also going to make a template for the bell bracket. I bought some 1/4 copper tubing to make a mock -up bracket. I am bringing the bell so we can set it in place and using period pictures as reference, make an accurate as possible bracket example. Then with pictures of an original bracket, drop it off at the metal shop so they can do their magic.

I posted these before:



This bracket is a lot shorter than the one originally used on my truck. See the difference in the pics:

 

Pictures from today's work:

 

Looks better than new...

 

MMMMMM Chrome!!!!

That bell is truly fantastic. those rails really came out looking good, I'm gald you were able to have them straightened and chromed.

Looks great Keith!

Bobby

 

Thanks Guys!!

Bobby, I am glad I got the original rails restored and back on the truck.

Working with the bell today was a pain in the ***. I plan on going by the metal shop tomorrow and see what they think of our template. Its not going to be easy making the bracket.

 

Keith,

Moving right along. Looks like it could be finished some time soon, maybe like the middle of September? Like the weeked of the 14th to the 16th? Sure would look nice going through the mountains of SE Kentucky.

 

I can imagine you spending the whole day cleaning and polishing the truck for a parade. It's getting close. Great job on that bracket.

 

Bob, mid-September is a possibility. I just keep plugging along. If I had the $ it would be done sooner.

Thanks Ilya

I just came home from the metal shop. They said they could do it no problem. I will call next Wednesday and see what day is good for them to bring the bell by.

 

My helpers came out to see the progress so I put them to work!!