Progress ... hanging sheetmetal!!

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Apr 27, 2013 | 10:33 PM

#1216

AXracer

Hotshot

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 15,882

Likes: 88

From: Durham NC

Fantastic!!!

Apr 27, 2013 | 11:34 PM

#1217

arctic y block

Post Fiend

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 14,325

Likes: 14

From: Island Southeast Alaska

What Ax said. WOW!! Luv it

Apr 27, 2013 | 11:42 PM

#1218

oldebrush

Senior User

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 168

Likes: 1

Progress ... hanging sheetmetal!!

That smile on Ron's face. He was enjoying himself, and rightly so. You made him proud Keith. Wonderful job. Waiting for more. Aloha, Tony

(the oldebrush)

Apr 28, 2013 | 07:27 AM

#1219

Chicago Fire Patrol

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 1,432

Likes: 13

Thanks Guys!! Here is the story!

 WOW, where do I start. My aunt, sister and her boyfriend flew in from Chicago on Friday afternoon. I had already driven the truck to the house and planned to leave it overnight so when we got home from the airport they were amazed at how good the truck came out. We were all excited for the parade and were waiting for Ron to show up that afternoon. While waiting for Ron, I got an important call. I had placed an ad on Craigslist looking for someone to tape us in the parade. Two of us had cameras for taking video on the truck but I needed someone to tape us as we went by the announcers stand. A man responded and said he would set up his tripod and tape the whole parade for $50 which also included a CD immediately after the parade. When Ron arrived, were waiting outside with our cameras. He couldn’t believe how nice the truck came out. You can see reaction in the video. When we got inside, he got emotional when talking about the rig and my grandfather. We all had tears in our eyes. We hung out at the house and then went out for a nice dinner. After dinner my family crowded around me and said they had a present for me. I opened the small box and inside was my grandfathers Retired Captains Badge. They said I deserved to have it after all I have done for grandpa. I’ve known about the badge and have always wanted it but didn’t want to be greedy about having all his badges. My cousin had it and decided to pass it on to me. I was floored and couldn’t stop looking at it. At that time I said I had a present for Ron. We then pulled out his Patrol pen and gave it to him. He thought it was cool that it was made with wood from hid old rig.

The parade started at 10am so we planned to meet at the house at 830. Ron asked if he could drive the truck to the parade. I was a little concerned that he wouldn’t be able to maneuver the truck through the many turns in my neighborhood. We started to the parade staging area and on the first turn I had to grab the wheel to prevent us hitting a mailbox and tree. The rest of the way there I helped him at the turns and we had no other problems. He was so excited and said this was one of the best days of his life. The parade went great especially when the announcer said Ron DiRenzo, the original driver was behind the wheel. People started clapping and cheering!! I took over the wheel at the end of the parade route. We then when back to the house for a quick lunch and then off to the park for the festivities.

I parked the truck on the soccer field and we set up our tent and tables which displayed Patrol artifacts. We had many visitors to the truck and after a few hours Ron and his wife Carol had to leave. We stayed a few more hours and packed everything up. My family went back to Chicago this morning. Greg, my sister’s boyfriend will be posting an edited version of the parade later on Youtube.

This weekend was one for the memory books!! I will never forget what a great day it was for our family and of course Ron and his wife!!
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My Grandfather's two daughters. On my left my mother, Pat and my aunt Rose on my right.

Ron in the driver's seat again getting ready to head to the parade.

Just before the parade started!!

We hung the banner on the parade route.

Aunt Rose and Mom by their Dad's banner.

At the park. Gerald stopped by. He is the mastermind behind the restoration.

Ron wearing a Patrol 5 helmet just like he did almost 60 years ago.

My wife Gloria and I stand near our display tent.

Back in the barn, my oldest son Ethan helps cleaning.

Here is some videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKtxA...ature=youtu.be

Apr 28, 2013 | 10:26 AM

#1220

bobbytnm

Roast em' if you got 'em

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 22,017

Likes: 9,975

From: Rio Rancho, NM

Keith,
Wow.....just.....WOW! Its been a fantastic ride following along on this journey with you. I am very glad you chose to share it with us. Its nice to see all of your hard work paying off. You have done a wonderful thing, not only have you restored and preserved a fantastic truck but you've also documented and preserved a great bit of Fire Patrol history and, most important, your family history. My hats off to you sir.

I sure hope a lot of the finished truck pictures and parade pictures make it into the book.

Three Cheers for Keith!! Hurrah! Hurrah!! HURRAH!!!

Bobby

Apr 28, 2013 | 10:35 AM

#1221

raytasch

Believe Nothing

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 7,519

Likes: 403

From: W. Central FL.

Fantastic. One beautiful restoration story, one beautiful result. Thanks and many reps.

Apr 28, 2013 | 10:39 AM

#1222

Jolly Roger Joe

Lead Driver

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 6,599

Likes: 34

From: Rockingham, VA

Keith, I just viewed all the videos and read the story of Ron's arrival and the drive in the parade.

It brought tears to my eyes to watch Ron reliving his past. This is a wonderful thread, and you did a remarkable job on the truck and in gathering the history. But reuniting Ron with the truck he drove 60 years ago takes the cake.

Absolutely wonderful!

Apr 28, 2013 | 11:08 AM

#1223

Chicago Fire Patrol

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 1,432

Likes: 13

Guys thanks for the really nice comments. What an ending to a great story. Thanks for everyone's support. This material will be added in the book. I hope to have the books ordered in a few weeks.

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Apr 28, 2013 | 11:25 AM

#1224

arctic y block

Post Fiend

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 14,325

Likes: 14

From: Island Southeast Alaska

Wow!! Just WoW!! I am all teared up right now. Wow

Apr 28, 2013 | 11:27 AM

#1225

Chicago Fire Patrol

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 1,432

Likes: 13

Rich, I get teared up too!!

Apr 28, 2013 | 12:02 PM

#1226

arctic y block

Post Fiend

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 14,325

Likes: 14

From: Island Southeast Alaska

I've not been able to watch the Vid's yet. Can't see very well with wet eye's. Keith, The family thing you have done here is just awesome. just awesome. I hope the pages in the book are water proof.

Apr 28, 2013 | 01:09 PM

#1227

51PanelMan

Lead Driver

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 7,669

Likes: 13

From: San Jose, CA

Keith,

You never fail to amaze! This is a wonderful thing that you've done that has affected many people in an extremely positive way.

My hat's off to you!

Apr 28, 2013 | 02:28 PM

#1228

Harrier

Lead Driver

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 9,690

Likes: 1,255

From: Jefferson City, MO

There are no words to truly describe this, Keith.
Add my name to the list of guys that has tears in their eyes reading and watching the videos. I'm sure it's a long list. I'm honored that you have taken the time to share this story with us.

You are an inspiration!!!

Apr 28, 2013 | 02:42 PM

#1229

Chicago Fire Patrol

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 1,432

Likes: 13

WOW guys!! What nice things to say!! Here is the shortened parade video!

Apr 29, 2013 | 05:50 AM

#1230

JimG1098

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 1,847

Likes: 37

From: Eastern shore,Salisbur,MD

Keith
Absolutly priceless. To see Ron's face while driving. What a day for you