Ed,
I hope we can relax the "no Ferds" rule, at least as far as the firebolts forum is concerned.
Here goes:
We actually tracked down a Ford 1960 C-850 (I think) Howe pumper that a good friend once worked on, and got it for him. Since then, we've had the carb rebuilt, replaced the clutch discs (Yes, there are two
), pressure plate and throw-out bearing, and chased down a myriad of problems.
His truck has the V-8, 435 gas motor, HUGE gas guzzler, but strong as an ox.
My advice - stick with Stovebolts!!! There's not a darn thing on that stupid truck that isn't twice as complicated as it needs to be! Sheesh, even the DA*! AIR CLEANER takes a schematic to understand!!! :mad: The 4-barrel Holly carb weighs a ton and costs a fortune to rebuild, there's so much junk mounted on the engine, you can't work on it . . . one of the best days at the warehouse was the day he finally drove that stupid thing off the lot!!!
And that's from someone who loves ALL firetrucks!!!
Buy the ford to save it from the crusher, but part it out. For the poor souls who have these trucks, parts are not as easy as calling Jim Carter's. For a truck that was made millions of, you'd think their was better after-market support, but I haven't found it!!!
OK . . . deep breath . . . count to 10 . . . go to my happy place . . .
ahh, all better now.
-Michael
