Here is my first book cover.

 

The split scheme might work well, actually, as it would mimic the truck. I'd suggest the 'Chicago Fire Patrol 5' in gold lettering like the truck. The picture should then still be framed in black to give separation of the red on the truck from the red on the cover. The lettering at the bottom could be in black or gold.

 

The cover of your first book works for me because the picture isn't surrounded by red on all sides, so my eye is drawn to it. Maybe you could mock up a cover for your new book in the same style.

 

James,

I like the idea of the lettering to be in gold like the original gold leafing on the truck.

By the way I went to the upholstery shop this morning and picked out the material for the seats. Of course the material was the most expensive at $30 a yard, but the backing was of a much better quality then the other samples. He said I need 5 yards. I am waiting for his call on the price.

 

Something like this?

 

I really didn't like the original red, it overshadowed the truck, but I think this can work.

By the way, put me on the list for a signed copy of the book.

 

Bob,

Wow that looks great!! Thanks alot!!

I think it looks better with the whole truck on the cover.

 

I have one question about the truck and it's usage. How were they able to drive the truck at night with the colored headlights? Even if the patrol was a first shift operation they had to work into the late afternoons during the winter when it gets dark before 5:00 pm.

 

Bob is a true master. I like the cover too!

 

Bob,

The Patrol was a 24/7 operation. The headlights were actually split in half so they were not solid color. In 1956 they put additional colored lights on the bumper like this actual pic of the truck.

 

Kieth, that's a great picture. It reminds of little.neighborhood restaurants my dad used take me to when I was kid.

 

Keith,

Glad you liked the idea. And that's a nice mock up Bob made.

If it makes you feel any better, the original fabric for my '56 was $55 a yard. Fortunately I only needed a yard and a half.

 

I like the cover Bob made. Just one opinion...

 

Bob, I agree that is a great picture.

<O</OThanks guys!! Still haven't completely decided on the title. I've been getting a lot of recommendations from family & friends but still not completely sure yet what I’m going to use. Here are some:

<O</O"The 60 Year Journey of a <ST1</ST1Fire Patrol Truck."<O</O<O</O

“My quest to document and restore my grandfather's fire truck.”

<O</O</O
THE 60 YEAR FIRE PATROL TRUCK JOURNEY.”<O</O

<O</O
“My quest to document and restore my grandfather's fire truck.”

<O</OI still like

<O</OChicago Fire Patrol<O</O
#5<O</O
“My quest to document and restore my grandfather's fire truck.”
The Story and Restoration of My Grandfather's Fire Truck.

<O</O</OI got the price to recover the seats: $800 I don't think that’s too bad. My bench seat in the back alone is 6 feet long.<O</O
I told him to go ahead and do the job. Friday he was going to take everything apart and he should have the seats done next week. I will be sure to post pics. That will be another big ticket done!! <O</O
<O</O
Other big ticket items I have left is to order the imitation gold leaf pinstripes and Fire patrol decals and have them installed.

<O</OThe only other thing is the middle bins that I dropped off at the fabrication shop. One we get them back they will need to be painted, wet sanded and buffed and installed. <O</O<O</O
Then its just miscellaneous little stuff like buying and installing the mirrors, wiper motors etc.<O</O<O</O

 

This continues to be a great thread and build to follow. I plan on buying a book.

Grant