I've got a similar rig, a 1961 American LaFrance fire truck with the 401 V6 and a 5 speed direct drive transmission. It was given to me by a fellow bolter to get it out of his driveway, and I spent a little time getting it running and drove it 100 miles to my place. If It ever comes back up on the "to do" list, I'm planning to remove the rusted out fire bed, replace the driveshaft-mounted fire pump with a 3 speed Brownie, mount a commercial fifth wheel and a gooseneck hitch, and have a 15 speed trailer towing rig that will pull stumps and cruise at highway speed. The big V6 engines are gas hogs, but they're as rugged as a rhino!
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!