Super Super Super
Have a great time in the parade!

Thanks for all the pics and videos, I sure look forward to seeing them.

 

Hi Guys... the parade went well!! I woke up at 4 this morning. To be honest I was worried about the truck. I haven't driven it much in the past 5 years so I was worried about the brakes, engine, driving it in traffic with no mirrors etc. It all worked out OK as the truck ran perfect and the brakes were fine. If I could get that double clutching down. I hate to say it but there was some gear grinding LOL. It was funny to see the expressions on peoples faces at traffic lights on the way to the parade. People were taking pictures and talking to me. The parade was a little disorganized and there were a lot of big gaps between vehicles and floats. We all had a great time!! My friend shot some video of us and put it on You tube. Right before we got up to him the rope to the siren broke so it looks like I will have use a small cable instead of that hemp rope. After I dropped the family off I headed to the barn to get the lettering done. Dummy me forgot that I had put on the emergency brake and she stated smoking a bit before I realized what happened.

Gerald's friend Jason who has 30 years experience working at sign shops came out and placed the fire patrol decals. He didn't have time to do the striping so Gerald and I did some. We will finish on Monday. Thanks Guys for all the encouragement. Enjoy the videos and pics.

 

WOW! I just told my wife, those kids riding in the parade are going to remember that for the rest of their lives.

The gold leaf lettering looks absolutely perfect!

Fantastic video and pics! Thank you. I love that bell!

And not grinding those gears will just take more practice... so get out there and drive it. Most people who heard the grind wouldn't know what it was anyway.

I was wondering, were you able to drive at parade speed in granny first gear?

 

Thanks Joe. I kept her in 2nd gear. There was a lot of stopping.

That gold vinyl really makes the truck POP

 

Beautiful!!
Too bad about the siren rope.
Now when your grandpa's driver comes and drives it, he needs to fly down the street with the siren wailing.

 

Looks like you had an excellent day.

That board across the front flexed pretty good. Weren't you nervous?

Why not attach a thin cable next to the rope to strengthen it? This way the cable will do all of the pulling while the rope is there for aesthetics.

 

Joe, Since Ron will be driving I will be pulling the rope so it will be wailing!!


Ilya, Not a bad idea about using both. I told Jason if he was 10 pounds heavier the board would be resting on my hood!!

 

The Lettering Looks Great. First of Many Parades!

 

Thanks Walston. The next one is St Patrick's day in Deerfield where 150,000 people attend.

 

Congratulations Keith. An incredible build, story and completed project. My wife just sat down with me to watch your videos. Her reaction was short and simple. "Wow". Just like the rest of us. Thank you for taking us along on this journey.

Grant

 

I also thank you Keith "for taking us along on this journey".
I really do have tears in my eyes right now.
Thanks and waiting for even more pic's.

I kinda thought the hemp rope was a little light.
Didn't they have a kinda coated white "cloth line" rope back then?
I remember helping mom bring in the laundry and we had that.
Was prolly 56 or 58 at the latest. I still see what looks like it at the hardware store.

 

Keith,
Congrats on your first parade!! That is spectacular. I just finished with the video clip and I'm grinning from ear to ear.

That lettering is excellent
Bobby

 

every one loves a parade. Congrats Keith, A job so well done

 

What a great day for all, one that you can be proud of Keith. We here on the site are, and you know, that your gradfather is. I imagine you will spend the evening standing there staring at the new lettering and deail, that is truley dazeling. Good job!

 

Keith,
Just watched the videos again. That is some good stuff. realized that you siren is mechanically driven. Never seen one like that. Awesom.