Looking for other C series owners
 

I am in the process of restoring a 1964 C-1000 fire truck and would like to connect with other people who have a passion for the C series. I currently have the cab taken apart and prepping it for paint. The fire body has been sandblasted and primered with epoxy paint and will be painted along with the cab. The biggest challenge I have right now is finding the components to restore the window tracks. Any suggestions would be appreciated. This truck has a 534, an Allison MT-42 automatic transmission, air brakes, PTO driven winch and PTO driven auxiallary pump. The history of the truck can be seen at www.fire32.org.

Hi Mike,
I have a 1971 C-900 That started its life as a Ward LaFrance Pumper. I bought it at auction in 1997, took the fire apparatus and put a 16' Scott grain body on it. Sure is a good truck and does a lot of work for us. It's truck # was 511 as a fire truck and if you look close you can see a small 511 right ahead of the doors.

1973 Ford 600 DUMP TRUCK - $1650 (spokane,valley)

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Date: 2010-01-03, 8:50AM PST
Reply to: sale-ecj5b-1535228868@craigslist.org [Errors
thought maybe somebody would be interested in this,looks good

Thats awsome you were able to save a truck with so much family history! When I go to look at any old car thats beat up, broke, or just wore out I always think "When someone brought this home from the dealership it was thier pride and joy.". Good job. I also just got a c series, c7000 dump. haven't got it home yet but I did get to do some work on it and drive it around the lot at the p.o. landscape business saturday. Possably look at the mid fiftys fords for window tracks, these trucks were designed in the fiftys so maybe they share the same style of track? From what I'm finding (in my area at least) the mechanicals are fairly easy to find but the body trinkets are a pain to source. I'm looking for a pas. wind wing and a drivers door window for mine.

Thanks Jason. This truck definately means alot to me and I am looking forward to the day it is complete. If things go as planned, I hope to have paint on it this spring. This will likely be a lifelong project, as it will take alot of time and effort to restore everything, especiallyl the air operated valves on the pump. I am fortunate that I work in the fire apparatus industry, so I have access to parts and equipment.

http://pnwspaamfaa.com/images/App_pi...F32_new_lg.jpg
The picture is of the truck just before it went into service in May 1965.

http://pnwspaamfaa.com/images/App_pi...3_wreck_lg.jpg

This is what happens when stupidity reigns. The two wrecked trucks were combined to make one and that is what I have now. This happened in July 1968.

http://www.pnwspaamfaa.com/images/Ap...station_lg.jpg
This picture was taken in 1977 after the department made the change to yellow apparatus.

Hi Mike,

I've got an old 1965 C-850 with a 477 motor (real tired). She's an old farm beater with a dump box- was used to haul grain and then left - fuel tanks full of rust etc. Still can make it run and have hauled gravel etc (although pretty slow and getting gallons per mile in fuel consumption):-X10.
Have you heard anything on "easy" engine swaps for these rigs as I've heard parts for rebuild are essentially unavailable?

BTW- I have the shop manuals for these vehicles so let me know if there's something you might need a copy of and I'll see if I can help.

Geoff

Hey Geoff,

Boy, can I relate to the gallons per mile comment. I can watch the needle drop as I go down the road. I think the truck burns fuel even when it's not running.

As for the engine swap, I always figured since the 429 (I believe) was offered in the C series you could find one to drop in or maybe find a 460, which would probably be more readily available. These engines would not have the torque of the 477/534, but would certainly get you around just fine, and maybe a few miles further on a tank of gas. I had thought about swapping engines in mine, like dropping in a 3208 CAT with a newer Allinson behind it, but I want to keep everything as original as possible.

I have a '62 C600. Personally I think the C series should get more respect. Anything that went basically unchanged for 35 years had to have something going for it. Plus, if you have a '59 and you need a door or a windshield, you just get one of an '89. It's great!

Well I guess that should have been 33 years, '57 -' 90, since the earlier COE C-series of the 50's was obviously different.

There is something to be said about the strength of the cabs. Look at the picture of the wrecked trucks above; this collision occured at the bottom of a hill, sent both trucks across the intersection and was hard enough to buckle the fire body in front of the rear axle....yet the driver went home that night! And he was not wearing his seat belt. The center post of the windshield kept him from being ejected.

I don't know of any simple gas engine replacements, but the cat 3208 is basically a dieselized version of the Ford Super Duty, I've been told. My neighbor swapped his 534 for a 3208 and i think it was pretty straight forward.

I am here to tell you the 534 gasser and the 3208 Cat are not related at all. Completely different animals. However, it is true that it is usually very easy to swap a 534 for a 3208 (or the earlier Cat small V-8's like the 1140, 1150, and 1160). These small Cat V-8's were built for Ford in the first place, and were basically designed to be interchangeable with the 534's.

Thanks for the clarification, Louisville Joe.
Here's my stubby truck. 16 1/2' box on a 11' wheelbase. Pretty handy.
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo...03359634IGIoPhIMG_0589 pictures from friends & fun photos on webshots

C900 Fire Trucks
 

Hello everyone,
I'm not exactly the owner but among my other duties is trying to keep a whole country full of Ford fire trucks running. ( there are more C900's per capita in Panama than any where else I know of outside the US of A) also F700, F600 and a lot of other Fords from the Fifties ,sixties and seventies. so all and any help is greatly appreciated.
At present trying to locate parts for 534 SD engine connected to Allison trans circa 1973 in a 750 gl pumper that is main truck for local Fire Dept.
It has been sitting for over 5 months on account of snapped valve(intake),and now that dry season( or fire season, as they say down here )has set in,is sorely missed.
I clarify that this is a a volunteer position thru the National EMS system. Greetings from paradise ............................Peter F:-fire

Trying to figure out year and model
 

I have a C- series Ford jet fuel truck that we use to fuel our helicopter and I am trying to figure out what model, year and what size engine it has so I can get parts to keep it running. The only markings it has are on the nose it has three stars above a lightening bolt and in the door it has a data plate that reads C80EUF56321 and a bunch of other codes underneath it. I will take pics and post them soon. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

1972 C600/1974C800
 

I've got a couple ex-pumper trucks I'm trying to convert into a ramp truck and a pickup. Figuring out the emergency brake setup and driveshaft on the fly. Stumped about how to fil the master cylinder and bleed hyd brakes, though. Help?

I have the '61 - '63 instructions from the shop manual, but your system, being newer, may be more advanced. However I will post them if you want them. Basically you bleed the booster first, then the wheel lines and cylinders, and lastly the master cylinder. On mine you bleed the MC by cracking the line nut, holding a rag around the line while pushing the pedal by hand, tightening the nut, etc. Sounds amateurish but that's right out of the manual.

That would be appreciated!! I have a 1974 shop manual, but it does not reference how to fill the master cylinder. I see no bolt or port to fill ..... I've popped the rubber boot at the top where the pushrod goes in and awkwardly managed to pour in a bunch of fluid .... that seems to work, but surely that can't be right? Thanks ... I appreciate any help!

I have a 1962 Mercury M950 pumper. Can't post pictures yet so my avatar will have to do for now. It was the fire truck for the little community where my wife's Mom and Dad had property since the mid '60s. It came up for sale a year or so ago, but could not justify buying it when I have so many other projects on the go. Earlier this year they came back to me with an offer I could not refuse. Brought it home 3 weeks ago, spent the last 3 weeks thrashing through it getting it clean enough for vintage plate application. With only 32,000 miles it is a very nice and solid truck. Had it towed up to the lake yesterday (did not want to drive it 300 miles and over 4 summits!). When I retire I will be detailling it a bit and using it as a play thing. When I get a chance to figure out the pump it will be a nice standby in case of fire on the property with it's 1,000 gal water tank.

Rob

Owner of a Unique 1960 C550
 

Hello I,m new to the forum I just found it last week ,but it is great to see that there are other people like me that think this is the best truck Ford ever made . I have owned a C series from every decade . I like them so much I built a motorhome on a 1960 C550 ,it has alot of modifications to it . I took parts from a C 550 , 750 and an 8000 to make my motorhome . It is a 42 foot 3 bedroom ,fullbath and a full kitchen . Me and my family use it for our missionary trips to Mexico . I will try to put pics as soon as possable . If I can help with any of your Qustions let me know . I have been around these trucks since i was a kid . My Grandpa bought the first one of are families C series in 1959 . It was quite a truck . Thanks keith GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS AND OUR COUNTRY!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't get pictures to upload here . I got them in to a album folder in FTE.

I'm new to the forum, just registered today. Glad to see there are other C truck enthusiasts out there. Mine is a 83 C-700 tractor with a 8.2 Detroit Diesel, 4 speed Allison AT, and air brakes. It started life with the Pennsylvania State Forestry Dept who used it to move trailers around various parks. Bought it in Binghamton NY this March. Just turned 40,000 miles on the trip back (original miles) to Pennsylvania. No body rust and good shine left in that old paint. Planning to restore it with occasional use pulling my 33 ft 5th wheel RV. Have Ford factory service manuals (D) Medium/Heavy duty body,
chassis, electrical and (E) Engines, as well as various wiring diagrams for the C series, H series, and some F series medium/Heavy trucks. So if anyone out there needs some info, let me know and I will gladly share what ever I have. Will post a picture later after I get the new stainless steel mirrors and quarter fenders installed.

Hello,Id like some pics and info on the rear brakes for an F 600 ,88 vintage ,pics and text ,so Ill know how they are put together ,thanks in advance ,Tim

The Ford dealer service manuals are model year specific. Ford issued manuals each and every year. I have the 83 medium/heavy body,chassis, electrical manual which may or may not be the same for model year 1988. I copied the rear brake info and have it available as a pdf file. Can't do attachments on this site but can send to an e-mail address if you want to provide one.

Bought a 1966 C-750 that once was a NASCAR car hauler belonging to 3 time Daytona winner Bobby Allison. Gets lots of attention at car shows... but has been sitting waiting some needed restoration on the wire'n.

Just picked up a chrome NOS dual air horn for $17 at a local auction.... step by step I get one step closer...!

That may have been the case in the 1980's, but it was not the case in the 1960's, not sure inre to the 1970's, as it's been awhile since I've seen any.

Ford issued a complete service manual when a model changeover occured, then issued yearly supplements until the next major change.

For example, the full shop manual was issued in 1961, then there were yearly supplements for 1962/63.

In 1964, Ford introduced FT engines which replaced the Lincoln based Y blocks, so the full 1964 shop manual is not the same as 1961.

All FoMoCo manuals have been printed by Helm (helminc.com) since the late 1940's.

faxonautolit.com has used and reprints of Ford shop manuals. Helm has very little available prior to 1980.

Is anyone still following this thread? I just joined the forum mainly for this topic, the C-cab Ford. I'm hoping to take delivery of one real soon, a 1980, and am joining to share the experience here, as well as learn what I might need to as well. Dan

I am still following it -

I am a big fan of these cab overs! I have a little C600 that has been working around the property almost everyday now.

David

Welcome to the Family
 

Hello Dan, I'm still following the thread. Congrats on the purchase of your C - series truck. If you have any Questions on your new truck I'll try to help if i can. Congrats and God Bless You

1960camper - I have a question for you. How do you tilt the cab? Or have you arranged engine access otherwise?

I am like a cat - curious, Thanks

David

Always happy to talk about tilt cabs.
 

Hello David ,
I have 2 ways to get to the engine. one is in the cab i made an acces to get to the top easily. The other is , truck is detachable from the camper . The tag axle is made on the camper and stays put and you drop the levelers that are mounted to the camper and you drive the truck out from under the camper . this is for major repairs when needed. Thank God it has not needed any major engine repairs. Hopefully this answers your Questions if you have any more ,let me know, always happy to talk to fellow tilt cab enthusiat. God Bless Our Troops and God Bless You.

Hats off to all the owners showing their C's. All good looking rigs. Mine wont be so good looking, but it's a real catch anyway. I'm sure you'll agree when I get some decent pictures to post. I'll probably have a few questions too.

I know this much already. It needs a fuel pump, and has had a history of going through them (mechanical), so I'll probably install an electric pump.

And, the master cylinder leaks down when it doesn't get used often. just a couple little things to deal with. More later! Dan

Thank you. I have to say you were very creative in dealing with the tilt cab. I had not really thought about approaching it that way. Sure seems like a good way to go about it though!

I was driving thru Seattle the other day, and lo and behold there was a C series still earning its keep toting one of those scrap metal bins down the road - wow that is about one that I have seen in the last couple of years! What a blast from the past so to speak.

Take care, David

I was told by a knowledgeable mechanic that is exactly how it is done - at least on my 1967 C700 anyways.

C-600 Hydraulic Clutch
 

I recently inherited a 1960 C-600 farm truck from my Dad. The truck runs and has a good grain body/hydrualic hoist on it. Unfortunately, both cylinders (master/slave) for the hydraulic clutch are shot. Not sure what happened while Dad was driving it, but all the seals are completely shot. I have searched for replacement/rebuild parts, but have so far come up empty handed. Does anyone know where I might get repair/replacement parts, or if there is something I could swap out from a later/different model?

Thanks,

Welcome to FTE!

Granger industrial supply has quite a bit of stuff. Next would be a hydralic repair shop or a dump truck repair facility.

Beyong that it might just not be made any longer and you are going to have to convert to something a bit newer as far the hydralics go.

I am dealing with the air release tail gate valve for my own C600 (1970) dump truck, seems that the style that I have went obsolete long ago when they went to the newer "saftey" pull up then move style. As the origional is leaking, i guess I am going to have to break down and convert over.

Good luck in your search!

David

C-600 hydraulic clutch
 

David, thanks for the welcome and the quick response. This looks like a good forum. I will definately check out Graingers. In the meantime, I received a response back from:

Dorman Products
Asst.Product Manager/Tech Services
215-712-5429 Desk
215-712-5929 Fax
Or Toll Free
1-800-868-5777 ext.5429

They claim to have a part number that crosses to application for this truck. Guess we will see. I have been searching for a year and just so happened across these guys a few days ago. Maybe they can help you and others out too.

Good luck on your tail gate latch. I'll keep you posted on my clutch experience. It is a bit of a problem as I live in VA and the truck is in MO where Dad lived and Mom still does. The good news is as long as Mom is there, I don't have to be in a hurry to get the truck running, the bad news is working on something 1000 miles away is a bit of a timing hassle!!

Thanks again,

Jim

Welcome to the Family
 

Hello Jim , I'm Keith I live in missouri ,where abouts is your truck located? I now of a salvage yard that has 2 c -series trucks I believe they are still there , i haven't been there in a while , but might have parts if you or anybody else needs them. I had some of those clutch master and slave cylinders for a while but I think I got rid of all of them? but can check. Good luck with your truck and God Bless You .

Jim,

Those long distance projecs can be a killer! Thank you for the info,

David

Could you show us how you did that?

Excellent thread, just got the title to a 78 C600 with a 16' flat bed and a 5er hitch recessed into the rear of the bed. Can't post pics, no url, but subscribing to this thread. Thanks!!
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