I understand about the P-I-T-A aspect of the booster, but you'll understand when I explain my philosophy when it comes to Fire Engine Restoration. I don't actually call it restoration - I call it "Return to Service". My personal standard is that, if we went back 50 years, and a call came in, this truck will be ready to serve, in all aspects. Heck, my '69 has a bed full of brand-new 2.5 inch cotton-double-jacket hose, 'cause that's what the NFPA standard calls for (the standard for that truck's year, anyway . . .) Also have the appropriate nozzles, tools, even 2 period-correct SCBA in cases on board, again, it was the standard.
Yep, I'm certifiable when it comes to fire trucks. For Rosie, it's a lot easier (relatively speaking, that is!), since 1941 trucks only really had to deal with fire fighting. I've got the new hose with old brass couplings - polished, of course - ready to be laid in the bed. The punch list is still long, but it's getting shorter!
Hoo-Rah!
-Michael
