The Fire Department I work for recently acquired our first piece of equipment that we owned back in the 40's. It ended up as a advertising vehicle for a local radio station and our state fair. After the radio station changed hands it sat on a farm for several years rotting away. The firetruck is in really bad shape, but definitely restorable. Need alot of input on where to find parts(body, engine, electrical, chassis).

 

Body parts for the '41 big trucks is a bit tough to find, but certainly do-able. All the front sheetmetal is different from the more common 1/2 ton pickups. Engine parts you can find at suppliers such as Kanter Auto, Mac's, Egge, etc. Electrical is fairly easy, as long as we are talking the original wiring that Ford installed, not the aftermarket fire parts. You can get brand new, ready to install wiring harnesses for the engine and most of the cab. Anything not installed by Ford will probably be custom wired, but that is probably fairly easy, look for somebody local who knows wiring. Brake stuff, and chassis parts, JobLot Auto stocks heavy truck chassis parts, as well as Mac's in NY. Post some pix when you can, sounds like a neat project.

 

It's my understanding that Ford would have only supplied a cab and chassis to a manufacturer of fire trucks. That being said all the body parts (cab, fenders, inner wheel wells, hood, and grille) for any 1941 3/4 ton and larger truck will probably interchange. The chassis parts might be somewhat different particularly where the PTO interacts with the pumps on the truck. I have a catalogue for 1940 that shows General, American,Howe, and Darley fire apparatus manufacturers using the 1 1/2 ton Ford cab and chassis. There's some interest in restoring these large trucks. Try www.fordbarn.com early V8 posts. There's a thread dated 12-13-06 trying to get a focus group together. I have a 40 one ton which I'm doing a body off restoration, so have some knowledge about resources. I've found JobLot Auto to be the best source for large truck parts, but when it comes to common parts,eg engine, radiator, wiring, etc. there are other sources out there. Before you do anything take a THOROUGH inventory of what you have and don't be afraid to burn a LOT of film in the disassembly process. Best to use a digital camera so that you can REVIEW your photo before moving to the next step. Get plenty of ziplock sandwich bags and have someone IDENTIFY and INVENTORY the parts as they come off. That funny looking gadget with no apparent use will take on a whole new meaning two years down the road when no one will be able to identify it let alone remember where it was attached. I can assure you that you can't have enough photos and labels when it comes to restoring one of these vehicles. If I can be of help please contact me. Good Luck with your project.

 

Thanks for all the good information. I have the truck totally disassembled down to the rolling chassis. I had to cut alot of bolts off because of the rust. Reassembly should be fun, alot of sheet metal work is going to have to be done. Floorboards are gone as well as the bed area too. I will have to totally rewire the entire truck.

 

I've seen ads for replacement floorboards-can't recall offhand who has them. Try MACSAuto one of the vendors on this website. They might be able to steer you in the right direction. There's also a wrecking yard in Colorado that has a some of this old iron in case you can't fix something.

 

For floorboards try Northern Classic Trucks, they have floor boards for these trucks. www.northernclassictrucks.com

 

Expavr, Where can I get a copy of the fire apparatus catalog for the 1 1/2 Ton Trucks. Thanks, Bob

 

Bob,
What I have is a Special Equipment Directory published in 1940 by the Ford Sales Development Company. Got it on EBay. It's unique! Shows all manner of special bodies and accessories for the large truck chassis. The Fire apparatus section is a small part of this catalogue. I'll scan those pages and email to you. I'm not sure how to use this website to send photos, so email me -lawms@adelphia.net. Les

 

So, I think I've found the perfect thread for me. I too am in the process of refurbishing a 41 fire truck. BUT mine has a different story. It was in service until the 80's when it had to be taken off the line due to inadequate pump pressure. The station put it up for sale, and my dad bought it. It has since been stored in our garage and I am now looking to bring it back from it's resting state. It has 7500 miles and the original tires. Also, the paint is very faded (from washing) and as a slight tear one of the front fenders. This will be my FIRST rebuild, so ANY and ALL help will be appreciated!
Thanks
Kev

 

Hi,
I've just about finished my restoration of my 41 Ford fire truck. I'm looking for the rubber bumper grommets for the front bumper. The 41 grommets for a pickup are too small.
Thanks
Andy
firetique57@sbcglobal.net