After some strong urging from Peggy, I'm finally doing a write up, on a few toys we have.
First up is the 1967 GMC fire ladder truck.
How I aquired it was kind of a accident.
A friend at work had found it in the local Craigslist and jokingly showed it to me.
I laughed it off and said "That's all I need is another truck"
It was a sealed bid by the Vienna, Mo. Volunteer Fire dept. It was a in service truck. The biding closed almost two months away.
The next week, I went in for some knee surgery and was laid up at home for several weeks.
As I was able to get around, but not able to go back to work, it was still in the back of my mind.
So I called the number and talked to the Chief, He talked me into at least come and see it, so we set a time and date. It's about 60 miles from our house.
Met the Chief at the appointed time and he had it pulled out of the station with the ladder up some just to show it works. All hoses, siren, side ladders, hardware in the side boxes and lights on it. Shined up and looking good. Started and ran smooth.
We talked a while and I told him, if by some small chance I would put a bid in on it and the small chance I would get it. It would stay original and be used for parades and shows.
Went home and thought about it some and decided I would put in a scrap value bid. To keep it from going to the scrappers. Really did not expect to win the bid, I had not told the wife anything about it. Sent an E-Mail to them with the bid and explaining what I would do with it. Also mailed them a hard copy. It had to go before the city council to be approved. About a month latter I get the call on a Thursday, they accepted the bid. Called them back and set a date and time to make the payment the next week. There is no backing out now.
The wife was at our lake house setting up for her family reunion that weekend. Remember, I did not tell her anything yet.
Went to the reunion, not knowing how to tell her, had a picture I secretly showed to some of her family.
Started by just telling her I had bought another truck. She said OK and went on about entertaining her family.
Ten minutes latter "Honey the truck is red" she said OK and went on.
Ten minute latter it was time to drop the bomb, " honey it's a firetruck", she paused this time, looked at me and said OK and went on doing what she was doing.
About a half hour latter I showed her a picture and asked, "you're not mad that I bought a firetruck?". She looked at me and said "no, I trust your judgement".
How can you not love a woman like that!
One other thing, when I went to pay for it, there were about six other Firefighters there and the hometown newspaper. Took our picture of the Chief handing the title to me. It was on the front page of the next paper, about the sale.
Now for the facts:
1967 GMC 9500, GVR 31,000, 14,000 miles miles and 880 hours.
The biggest GMC V-8 gas engine, GM ever produced. 637 CI, with a two barrel carb and five speed tranny. No two speed rearend.
Body:
American Fire Apparatus, Battle Creek Mi
Equipped with a two stage mid frame Hale pump, rated at 500 GPM.
500 gal. water holding tank.
Grove hydraulic aerial ladder with outriggers, 65 foot reach.
With me in it, no water and a half tank of gas, it weighed in last summer, at 25,800 pounds.
Here are some pictures.
http://s893.photobucket.com/user/2-Ton/library/1967%20GMC%20FiretruckSlash and hack all you want to Peg, I'm tired of the two finger typing.
Even make up something if you want to.
There are more stories about it, after I drove it home.
Thanks
Don
