Progress ... hanging sheetmetal!!
FTE fan
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,674
Likes: 11
From: paradise, northern calif.
Keith, I ran out of words and ways to compliment your excelent workmanship along time ago, so Ill just say, Im still following your build, and Im more impressed each and every time I check in. Awsome, just awsome!
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,432
Likes: 13
Bobby,
I have thought about upgrading the brake system. I am sure how to go about it. I am going to rebuild the system one more time and see how it goes. They worked fine in the day so they should be OK in these times. I dropped off the booster at a local old school brake rebuilder this morning. He said brake fluid is hard on the rubber seals ( that are from China) and they just don't hold up as well as the original ones did. He will have it back to me this week.
Jim, Thanks for continuing to follow my build. Your words have been an inspiration to me. Most of what you posted will be in my book on the truck.
I dedicated a few pages to the comments made on my build from FTE members.
I have thought about upgrading the brake system. I am sure how to go about it. I am going to rebuild the system one more time and see how it goes. They worked fine in the day so they should be OK in these times. I dropped off the booster at a local old school brake rebuilder this morning. He said brake fluid is hard on the rubber seals ( that are from China) and they just don't hold up as well as the original ones did. He will have it back to me this week.
Jim, Thanks for continuing to follow my build. Your words have been an inspiration to me. Most of what you posted will be in my book on the truck.
I dedicated a few pages to the comments made on my build from FTE members.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,432
Likes: 13
Got a few things done this morning. Rear bench seat trim installed and removed and bent into the correct shape, the front brake line. Played around with the Motorola radio to see if we could at least get the 2 indicator lights to come on. I have a new master cylinder and my booster should be rebuilt the first part of the week. I hope to be driving her this week! 
I scored a nice used speedometer off eBay for $40 and it has decent chrome.
1951 1952 Ford Truck Speedometer | eBay
I scored a nice used speedometer off eBay for $40 and it has decent chrome.
1951 1952 Ford Truck Speedometer | eBay
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14,325
Likes: 14
From: Island Southeast Alaska
Well $40 bucks aint bad for what ya need. and having spare parts or sellin off what ya don't need or want when you get done both are options that work.
That got me to thinking. Just how much do you have just in money into this if I may ask? $40 bucks here and there adds up don't it?
That got me to thinking. Just how much do you have just in money into this if I may ask? $40 bucks here and there adds up don't it?
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14,325
Likes: 14
From: Island Southeast Alaska
Video, and pics please. Burnouts and like that in the vids. 
Outside in the sun pics for sure. This is gonna be soooo sweet to see her out and about Keith, OH YAAA!!!! WOW HOO!!!. I am so ready as I am sure you are as well.
Outside in the sun pics for sure. This is gonna be soooo sweet to see her out and about Keith, OH YAAA!!!! WOW HOO!!!. I am so ready as I am sure you are as well.
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Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,432
Likes: 13
Rich, I stopped counting a long time ago. I have a figure in my head but I can't post it here in case my wife ever reads this thread 
.
I will definitely shoot some video!!
Bobby- I am getting excited again. We are shooting to be completely finished by the end of next month. On Feb 23rd, I hope to have her in the Davie Orange Blossom Parade!!
.I will definitely shoot some video!!
Bobby- I am getting excited again. We are shooting to be completely finished by the end of next month. On Feb 23rd, I hope to have her in the Davie Orange Blossom Parade!!
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,927
Likes: 135
From: Houston
I completely agree with South of BC; we definitely need pictures and video of the truck in that parade! It sounds like a great presentation for your restored fire truck.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,212
Likes: 0
From: Central, IL
Bobby,
I have thought about upgrading the brake system. I am sure how to go about it. I am going to rebuild the system one more time and see how it goes. They worked fine in the day so they should be OK in these times. I dropped off the booster at a local old school brake rebuilder this morning. He said brake fluid is hard on the rubber seals ( that are from China) and they just don't hold up as well as the original ones did. He will have it back to me this week.
Jim, Thanks for continuing to follow my build. Your words have been an inspiration to me. Most of what you posted will be in my book on the truck.
I dedicated a few pages to the comments made on my build from FTE members.
I have thought about upgrading the brake system. I am sure how to go about it. I am going to rebuild the system one more time and see how it goes. They worked fine in the day so they should be OK in these times. I dropped off the booster at a local old school brake rebuilder this morning. He said brake fluid is hard on the rubber seals ( that are from China) and they just don't hold up as well as the original ones did. He will have it back to me this week.
Jim, Thanks for continuing to follow my build. Your words have been an inspiration to me. Most of what you posted will be in my book on the truck.
I dedicated a few pages to the comments made on my build from FTE members.
Keith I hope I've said something witty or quotable somewhere in this thread so I make the FTE comments section of your book!
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,017
Likes: 9,975
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Now THAT would be an interesting video
I sure hope you make your target and can run it in the parade. It will steal the show for sure
Bobby
I sure hope you make your target and can run it in the parade. It will steal the show for sure
Bobby
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,432
Likes: 13
Rob some of your comments are there. I have posted the introduction to the FTE comments before so here it is again in case you missed it:
The long haul. Throughout the long restoration I had encouragement from my family, friends and co-workers. But there was another source of encouragement I never would have imagined. People I had never met in person before! About half way through the restoration, I decided to start a thread on the Ford Truck Enthusiasts website to document my build. A number of FTE members from all over the United States took an interest in my truck and were there to support me. They always had words of encouragement and plenty of good advice. One member even supported my project financially when he bought a copy of my book on the Patrol. There were many highs and lows during the restoration and it was the following FTE members who have encouraged me along the way to keep the project going when honestly there had been times I have wondered what I have got myself into. I thought I would share their comments:
Rojak (Rob, Central IL) - What a great project and thanks for the detailed updates which are very interesting. Great to see this piece of history... trucking / firefighting & Chicago being preserved. Probably not many of those trucks left. Hopefully I'll be able to see this one in person someday.
Congrats for getting the badges. Your pride in family is inspiring. I agree on shooting video of the first start/drive etc. You've got to take all of us along on the maiden voyage!
The long haul. Throughout the long restoration I had encouragement from my family, friends and co-workers. But there was another source of encouragement I never would have imagined. People I had never met in person before! About half way through the restoration, I decided to start a thread on the Ford Truck Enthusiasts website to document my build. A number of FTE members from all over the United States took an interest in my truck and were there to support me. They always had words of encouragement and plenty of good advice. One member even supported my project financially when he bought a copy of my book on the Patrol. There were many highs and lows during the restoration and it was the following FTE members who have encouraged me along the way to keep the project going when honestly there had been times I have wondered what I have got myself into. I thought I would share their comments:
Rojak (Rob, Central IL) - What a great project and thanks for the detailed updates which are very interesting. Great to see this piece of history... trucking / firefighting & Chicago being preserved. Probably not many of those trucks left. Hopefully I'll be able to see this one in person someday.
Congrats for getting the badges. Your pride in family is inspiring. I agree on shooting video of the first start/drive etc. You've got to take all of us along on the maiden voyage!