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Thanks. Yes, I am considering the event in Winchester if I can get it back and running well by then. I'd say it should be easy but there is always the unknown to consider when building one of these rigs.

I hope to know more in the coming week but I'm off to visit one of my children in Georgia next week. We'll pull the motor and turn the crank with new bearings and see how it turns out. Its frustrating to be almost done yet have to pull that motor again.

Well I have started the process of pulling the motor from the firetruck. It seems the crankshaft is scored and so are the rod bearings. If you have been following along, you know that my motor was rebuilt for free back in 2005. It came with a warranty but the rebuilder died about six months later so they closed the company and hence no warranty... So I'm repulling the motor and saving money to rebuild it again. Today I removed the hood and shortly will pull the motor... I'm being very careful so I don't mess up the paint or anything else along the way. And I'm reading many stovebolt posts about engines as I get ready to do this thing again.

Pictures are located here: http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2909360510080243953qYKYaL

So sorry about this as I can only imagine how badly you wanted to be driving the truck to shows etc already. Best of luck!

Oh man I am really sorry to hear that, I hope that the builder wasn't a good friend also if so sorry for the double loss. As you know I just put the motor in my 56 for the first fitting and it will be a wile before I fire it. Hopefully mine doesn’t meet the same unfortunate fate. I wish you better luck on the second go around you have built one of the prettiest trucks I have ever laid my eyes on.

Thanks. I've recovered from the inital disappointment and shock and have started to move forward again with the project. I've learned there are bumps on the road of life and we have to keep on moving. As for the rebuilder who died, he was just a very nice old motor builder who took the time to see the value in my old firetruck and wanted to help. It was a shame he left us.

As for the motor, we'll pull it, rebuild it and reinstall it. It will take a little more time and alot more money but I'll get it done. It will be drivable once again and the "good news" is it will not take almost three years to reach that point. Again thanks everyone for your support.

Bill

I've added some pictures from today: http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2832892490080243953TjPUbp

I had Igor of Igors Custom Signs come out to finish off pinstripeing the rims on the firetruck. He also hand painted the originial hood emblem (I had purchased a repop version that didn't fit well enough for me.) as a donation to help the firetruck restoration project. While he was painting, I installed the Mocom 70 base radio in the cab. I haven't hard wired it yet as I haven't figured out why I should bother since there is nobody to talk on the radio with.

Anyway, the motor starts coming out in the morning but I thought I's share a few more pictures that were fun before I get going with the engine removal stuff.

Wow, that truck is looking awesome. Those pinstripes are very nice.

Sorry to hear about the engine woes. Been there, done that, sorda. What about finding a good used 235 to drop in so you can drive/enjoy the truck while you have the bad 235 rebuilt over the winter? Just a thought.

Also, Sweet and another Va 'bolter have had great success with having their vintage engines rebuilt by Jasper. Might get a better price, faster turn around, and a nationwide warranty.

Thanks. The pinstripes are exactly how Oren painted the firetruck when it was delivered in jun 52. I'm planning to have the motor out of the truck this week and rebuilt by the end of next week. I hope to be back on the road by the end of September! We'll see how this thing goes...

Started taking the firetruck apart this morning. I hate doing this as I do not want to scratch the paint. Already noticed the paint on the bolts is coming off everytime I put a wrench or socket to them. Anyway it has to get done. New pictures are here: http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2380088100080243953NyfIMG

FYI: motor is out and pictures to follow but I'm going to watch the Raven's game and go to bed. It will go to the shop to be rebuilt in the morning and I'll post the pictures. Take care.

bill

Here are the pictures I promised: http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2870098250080243953LURKyX

Motor is out and at the engine shop for rebuild (again). They say about a week but that usually means two or three!

Today the motor was disassembled to find the crank shaft and bearings were really scored. The crankshaft was taken to be turned as the rest of the motor was completely taken apart. So far other than the crankshaft, the rest of the motor appears to be perfectly fine. As soon as I get the crankshaft back, we'll put new bearings in and put it back together. I'll shoot a few pictures in the morning and post them.

Good luck with that. I have had to spend most of my free time getting my tractor ready for assembly and will get to the truck when that job is done. You are an inspiration to us beginnners.

Thanks. I don't know about the "inspiration" part. Its more like frustration than inspiration if you ask me! It is starting to cool off around here and I really want to drive it!

Here are five new pictures I took this morning:
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2233289110080243953xLmgzM

Just one new picture today and it tells the whole story: http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2431606470080243953IZwktp

After clean up, pressure testing and magnafluxing, my head is cracked in two places. You can see in the picture where the yellow lines are located the cracks. Now I'm hunting a new head. When will it ever end?????? Now that that is out of my system, I'll get busy looking for a new one.

I found a replacement head. I'll get it early next week so I can get the motor rebuilt. BTW: The cost to rebulid the motor came in at $2,400 this time around.

I also want to thank Stovebolt member "Spanky" sending me the two windshield trim parts I was hunting. I've sandblasted and primed both parts.

And check out this car show web site as my truck is on the home page! www.vafallclassic.org Now if I can just get that motor done in time!

Update: Head is at the motor shop getting "hardened valve seals" installed and steam holes drilled for use on my 261 block. Got to drill for the water pump adapter also. BTW: I read (on Stovebolt) the 235 head gives a little more compression than the 261 head so I stuck with the 235 version. I want to say thanks to the posters for that info because I would have switched to the 261 head just to make the numbers match. Since its not the original motor, I figured I'd keep it as it was when I aquired it.

Also installing the water pump adapter to move the fan higher in the radiator. I've ordered the 216 water pump but it has not arrived. BTW: Whoever posted you could get one of those 216 waterpumps in a local auto parts store doesn't live in Virginia Beach! I've been to Advance Auto, NAPA, Atvantage and PEP Boys and nobody has them instock. Sorry but it's just the way it goes sometimes. But I've ordered one from NAPA and they say it will arrive on Friday(I hope).

Thanks to everyone for your support!

Wow! Very nice.
Virginiafiretruck, You're a huge inspiration for my old big bolt project.
Thanks for all the hard work.

Thanks it is a very good looking rig if I have to say so myself. ;-)

But honestly, there are many inspiring stories and trucks on the Stovebolt web site that one can't help but want to bring them back to life. I have been inspired by those who came here before me as I search back thru the old posts and look at the pictures to gain knowledge and inspiration (and sometimes even courage) to tackle my truck. It hasn't been easy but I've been lucky. There have been many folks who contributed to get the firetruck back to a better than new condition and I can't thank them enough.

I think they all look great no matter what state of restoration including those just getting started and those that are finished or the daily drivers. Example: I saw a 1953 3600 this morning in Vinton, Va that was just sitting by the side of the house and I couldn't help but admire it. I even slowe down to take a better look... I don't even know if it even runs but it still brings joy to me and hopefully its owner.

Enough rambling... Thanks again

bill

Bill,
I'm in the proccess of swapping the motor in my 53 Two Ton to a 261 I got from a friend of mine, the old girl just didn't have the pep she used to and this motor should be a good runner. Anyway something you might consider while you've got it torn down. (And I don't know if it matters to you but thought I'd mention it while it's apart) I'm planning on installing the two valve train bolts from an earlier motor (216 or Loadmaster 235) in my 261 and putting the earlier style 2 top bolt style valve cover on it. That way it will look stock. Most people won't care, some will be fooled and the few that really look and see your Captains Bars will likely be fun to talk too. It's kinda like a car show stovebolter finder. I thought I remembered the truck had the later style engine in it when you got it so it might not be a big deal to you.
Food for Thought.
MONGO

Thanks for the suggestion. I have considered it but with so many "issues" surounding just getting it rebuilt again and back in the truck, I have moved on. I'm starting to face a time crunch for several dates in October where the truck will need to be running and on display. October 18th is the 55th anniversary of the Thalia Vol. Fire Department formation and I have a TV news crew coming to the fire house that day and they need to film the truck "on the road" in Thalia.

So I might get back to your suggestion over time but right now, I have my hands full. Thanks for the idea.

Bill

Cool, I understand that, I've got to get my truck back on the road by Oct 13th to haul my mom's graduating class (50th reunion), in the homecoming parade back in my home town. So I'm under a time crunch too, but I'm not doing a rebuild on the one I'm putting in, just an aerosol overhaul.
Good luck!
Steve

Thanks, good luck and take pictures!!!

The good news update for today has three new pictures that show that I'm still making progress: http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2658860960080243953WWcYQl

The bad news update is that the UPS guy has already dropped by for his visit but no new 216 water pump from NAPA nor has the new engine rebuild set of gaskets arrived yet. Looks like I'm on hold over the weekend waiting for Monday's UPS delivery... That sucks! I hoped to get it all today so we could get it ready over the weekend for install on Monday. Nothng more I can do but wait... Stay tuned as it has to get better next week!

I guess that means I'm going to have to cut my yard instead of working on the firetruck.

Eleven new pictures from today: http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2479036650080243953VhlYSJ

Installed original VIN plate on door frame with the rivets, installed cam bearings and gasket set finally arrived. Bad new is still no 216 waterpump and NAPA now can't find it!!! They just make me laugh with the excuses and attenpted answers as where the water pump that was supposed to arrive last week is currently located. They don't know...

Twenty-two new pictures from today: http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2285043180080243953viXyqk

Today, installed the cardboard radio grill filler in place, added the windshield trim that Stovebolter "Spanky" donated and continued with the motor rebuild. I painted the windshield trim and cardboard radio grill filler to match the dash color. Additionally, steam holes were drilled in the 848 head and the valves were installed as well. Bad news on the waterpump as it seems NAPA found my waterpump but it has a 5/8" pulley and I need a 3/8" pulley. I ordered a new one today. That sucked!!! Still no waterpump adapter plate has been installed yet as I'm afraid to drill those holes until I can see exactly how it fits together. Soon I hope...

Motor will likely be done on Friday(I hope) and I expect to install it over the weekend or early next week. Thanks for following along and at any point you have an idea or suggestion, please let me know!

Is there a Fishers Auto parts store in your area. They have a warehouse in Staunton Va. I bought some wheel cylinders etc. at a Fishers in my area. Have no idea how big the company is.

No. I checked online and there is no Fisher's in my area. Thanks. Still waiting on a waterpump...

Update from this morning: All the parts to rebuild the motor have arrived including fan blade, radiator shroud except for the 3/8" pulley water pump. That isn't supposed to arrive until Monday. Anyway I shot a few quick pictures this morning and I'm headed back to work(I really just watch them) on the motor this afternoon. Pictures: http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2370221670080243953ZkvfFo

Thanks for the help on the water pump, shroud and fan blade!

Second update from today: Motor was (mostly) put back together and found a 216 3/8" water pump at a local auto parts`store! The motor will be done by lunch on Friday!!! Man am I a happy camper today!

Twenty five new pictures from this afternoon's rebuild: http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2072326470080243953QyzZdm

I see the light in the tunnel!!!

Update from today: motor finished with rebuilding, water pump adapter installed and motor transported back to the firehouse! Nineteen new pictures from today: http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2800053830080243953wIOwRc

I've got to work on Saturday so I can't install the motor until Monday but it is ready to go. Might even make that wedding on the 13th...

Spent the day chasing oil lines in a couple of parts stores but did manage to get the motor ready to be put in the truck in the morning.

Updated pictires: http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2486684590080243953jOoyuc

I really would like to say thank you to you all as you have saved my rear again. The old oil lines were not going to allow enough oil to flow and thanks to the members on the Stovebolt, I've fixed that problem. Thank you.

Update: three new pictures as motor goes into firetruck again. link: http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2845707140080243953LUvjZi

Update: Motor is back in the firetruck! I've got to go to work so I can't finish it today but we're on the way. Installed a remote oil filter mount and new oil lines. Also working on a radiator shroud. Anyway, eleven new pictures: http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2587806810080243953dZeZCu

Update from today: Nine new pictures as grille, radiator, fan shroud, heater hoses and other parts were reassembled: http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2510026320080243953RdOFyp

Ran out of time this afternoon but we'll be back at it in the morning trying to get it running again!

Today I finished connecting oil lines, added water to the radiator(that was a problem), and made sure everything was properly torqued. Should try turning it over soon!

But no new pictures as I forgot and left the camera in the firehouse. I'll pick it up in the morning and post a few new pictures on Thursday.

Here are the oil lines, filter and water pump pictures I shot yesterday or a day ago: http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2439809570080243953ROPeWb

I just never got around to working on the truck today so maybe on Saturday morning.

I got around to working on the firetruck but it leaked at the water pump again. I removed the adapter plate, 216 water pump and shroud. I reinstalled the short shaft water pump as I want this thing running this week as I want to make sure the engine is operating properly. Here are a few quick pictures I shot today: http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2318769830080243953zVXDnf

I'll go back to the adapter plate once I'm sure the truck is running good and I don't have "other issues" lerking in the background. Very frustrating but I'm still learning about the rig. Again thanks to all of you for your support, advice and assistance.

Bill

It was a great day to be a Stovebolter in Virginia Beach!!! No pictures from today but I drove the firetruck around most of the afternoon! I'll shoot some on Tuesday and get them posted. No leaks, great oil pressure and no over heating issues so far... Man was it nice to be able to drive it again! Thanks everybody!!!