Hi Guys! I just got back from the fire truck show in Jacksonville FL. My sister and I gave a presentation on the Fire Patrol and the restoration of the truck. My wife also joined the team and helped out.

Everyone enjoyed the seminar and I sold 8 books too.

They had some neat old fire trucks in the hotel parking lot.

I ordered my gold vinyl striping and letters. The sign company said it was real 24 ct gold. We might have it installed this weekend. The parade is coming up on the 23rd. I didn't realize that was the day my grandfather died so I will have to get the truck ready and in the parade.

I picked up the bell mount from the shop and it had more pitting. The owner said he thinks the acid bath it receives is damaging the brass welds.
He said to bring it back after the show and he will coat it in lead before it gets the copper coat and that should take care of it. I am not sure what I am going to do. Its in worse condition every time I get it back from him.

Here are some pics:

 

Keith,

OUTSTANDING looking trucks. Wish I had been there

What part of FL are you in?

 

Jim I'm in Fort Lauderdale. We really had a nice time. The group invited us to do the Charleston South Carolina show next year.

 

Is that where you are based?

 

Wow Keith, that looks like it was a fantastic show, Very cool! I'm envious, we just don't have those kind of shows out here.

The 23rd is going to sneak up fast. We're all pulling for you, I'm sure you'll get it done in time.

Thats frustrating about the bell mount. I'm glad the owner is going to work with you to make it right but its still a major pain; put it on, take it off, wait for weeks, put it on, etc. Hopefully the lead coating will be the trick to a smooth job.

Thanks for the pics, I'm glad you had a good time
Bobby

 

Yes Jim, I am based out of Ft Lauderdale.

Thanks Bobby, we have a lot to do this week but I think we'll get it done. Yes, its very frustrating trying to get the mount done right. I think I first dropped it off last February. The show was fun. They were expecting 30 trucks. They wanted me to bring my truck up .... maybe next year. Today is the show and flea market. I would of wanted to stay for that but my sister had to go back to Chicago.

 

Keith,

shot you a pm

 

Gotta be satisfying to get it to that level of restoration.

Tom

 

Sounds like a great expeience, its about time you receive some of the fruits your labor, by that I meen being abel to share what you have acomplished with people that share your passion for fire trucks, and how your Grandfather ties into your truck. You have stayed the course,and not faulterd nomatter what the dificulty. You are a true craftsman , and people like you are why generations to come, will know and enjoy the story of your Grandfather, what He did, and the truck he used to do it. I for one, never knew about the Fire patroles and what they did.

 

Thanks guys!! I am so close now. At the seminar when I told the story of my grandfather's badges someone came up to me afterwards and said it was no coincidence that you got those badges.... there was some divine intervention!!

Big news this afternoon ..... the hood is back on

We got quite a few things accomplished today. I drained the cooling system so we could put the dual sending units in. The truck had really good oil pressure. I cleaned up the engine compartment, finally got the tag on, worked on the hood latch and grill brace. We are on track to make the parade on Saturday.

 

Keith,
This is the one thread that I get excited about when I see an update. This is been such a great journey and I can't wait to see video and pictures of the parade.

Your dedication to this project is inspiring. Your grandfather and all of the Chicago Fire Patrol would be proud of you efforts. I can't wait for the book.

Now for a contest. The paint is so shiny it's like a mirror. Who can name some of the items on the table? Also, is your friend really that tall and skinny or is it an effect of the door curve?

 

Congrats Joe, you are the 1000th commenter on this thread!!!

You win a free ride on the truck LOL!! I happened to look at the numbers on this thread this morning and was amazed I was near the 1000th mark and over 39 thousand views.

In all seriousness, thanks for your nice comments!!

I can't wait for the parade too. Gerald is of average height and weight so that glossy paint and curve is deceiving LOL.

 

Wow! having the hood on is like icing on the cake. That is fantastic.
I too am anxiously awaiting pics and videos from the parade. I sure wish I was closer, besides wanting to volunteer time and assistance I would very much like to see the maiden voyage. I'll have to try and be satisfied with pics and videos.

Consider your back patted and your hand thoroughly shaken. You sir, have truly accomplished an amazing build and have preserved a great bit of history for future generations. This build has ben insiring from both a purely "love of all things old truck" standpoint as well as an educational standpoint. I, for one, had no idea that a group like the Chicago Fire Patrol existed or what their roll was.

Thank you
Bobby

 

looks so good and you've come so far with it. great job.

 

Keith,

Your build thread has the most views and replies of any build thread on this forum. While there are other topics with greater views and/or replies, those are not build threads.

The truck's background and your family history add to the attraction of your thread. I, like many others have stated, react immediately to any updates to this thread. You have an onslaught of avid followers, and for good reasons.

You have done a remarkable job! Your exacting standards have resulted in a marvelous fire truck. We are all hanging by a thread to see the parade video.

And I still want my ride...