The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts The Stovebolt Volunteer Fire Department 1951 fire truck restoration

Update: I've picked up the "repolished cap" for $120 and obtained replacement hydrant wrench (free) from one of the guys in the local historical group. Now I have to have a round replacement mount made and I'll be back in business!!!

I'll put loctite on it this time around!

Update: I've added the parts back on the rig and found the "6400" hood emblems I've been searching for.

Thanks to a Stovebolt member for providing the 6400 emblems! Ya gotta love this web site!

If you want a less permanent solution have your replacement mount made with a nylon thread locking plug installed in the threads. Similar idea to a nylon lock nut, but for a bolt, or in your case a dummy hose end. It adds enough friction to keep it from falling off, but is not impossible to remove if needed.

Grigg

Thanks.

Grigg: I'll be up in Lexington next weekend if your up to a visitor, I'd love to look at your trucks. Let me know as my wife is attending a horse class all weekend so I'm open just about all day on sat or sunday.

I'll PM you with my plans, I won't be in all weekend, but should be sometime Sunday, not sure when yet. Would be glad to have you visit.
Grigg

I'll look for it. Its not a big deal so don't change on my account as I've got to be there either way. I love your work (as seen in the pictures) but I know first hand is always a better picture! Take care and hope to see you in the near future.

Bill

Installed the 6400 emblems today.

The emblems look great! Every little improvment is a thril now I imagine! Your truck looks great!

Thanks. Now I enjoy the little steps/improvements and driving it too!

Drool - Drool - Drool !!! I hope at some point mine will look 1/2 as good as what you have done . ED H

Man is that truck lucky to have you. It is a beautiful work of art. (yes, I'm jealous)

Thanks. During this week, it sat on static display at the Virginia State Fire Chief's convention. I heard many folks commenting on it and saw them taking pictures. Seemed to make folks happy to see the old workhorse back in shape. It reminded many of the older chiefs of the rigs they rode many years ago when they first joined the fire departments across Virginia.

It was a lot of work but it seems to be well worth the effort! Thanks again to the Stovebolt members for your assistance!

Latest update: Added the draincocks that I found because of a tip from a stovebolt web member(thank you), installed a wheel handle valve and painted the whole mess.

It was a bright sunny day in Virginia Beach so I washed the fire truck

That truck looks great!!!

Thanks. I do love that truck!

Here are three pictures one of the guys shot at the Virginia State Fire Chief's Convention in VB: http://www.flickr.com/photos/odhfs/sets/72157614227842663/

I think his pictures turned out better than mine!

Those are beautiful trucks though I am partial to Chevy!

Latest update: I spent yesterday in Fredrickburg Virginia with a fellow firefighter(Carl Maurice) who owns a 1953 International/OREN pumper. He has a booster pump on his truck just like the one missing from my truck. He let me drive his rig which was great fun but even better he allowed me to take pictures of his pump compartment. I learned my truck isn't complete until I add that booster pump andsome wooden decking that mounts under the booster reels.

I'm going to get started on the wood decking in the next week but that pump is going to take a while to locate. At least now I know what it looks like!!! I hope you like the update.

Take care.

Bill

Today I added decking boards: http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2378282010080243953NIVJuR

They still need a couple of coats of clear finish but atleast they are on the truck. That is enough for one Saturday as it is hot and I just want to take the fire truck out for a drive!!!!

Take care. Thanks to everyone on the Stovebolt site for all your assistance!

Bill

Good work VFT!

You have a lot of attention to detail.

There is always one more piece to find tho'.

It is all part of the 'adventure'.

That is neat that your firetruck got to be on display at the convention.

Thanks for the update pictures.

-W

Pretty truck even though it is not a bolt!

VFT, the oak decking looks good! The more I see of your truck the more I want to throw a sheet over mine so no one can see it!

All these stovebolt trucks are worthy of admiration. I love the old rusted ones with originial paint just as much as I love mine. The joy is owning, working on it and eventually driving and finishing it.

I still have to pull it all back out to put a router to the edges and poly the boards but at least, I got it cut to fit.

And you are correct there is always one more part to located. I think the chase is all part of the joy of a stovebolt project.
Thanks again and take care.

Bill

That's a nice looking International, also. I like old Binders as much as old Bolts.

It was the first "open cab" firetruck I've ever driven. It was really cool!!!!

It was a great experiance. And I am greatful he let me experiance it.

Took it to Baltimore this weeked for a parade: http://family.webshots.com/photo/2112112740080243953xhIppX

It was interesting to have it back in Baltimore were it all started in November 1951.

Update: I found a replacement Motorola police mobile radio that was from the early 1950's to replace the 1960's version I had in the cab. Pictures: http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2608483920080243953xRNGKY

I've tried to get close to the time period of this truck as possible. And BTW: John Milliman gets the removed 1960's version for his firetruck as soon as I ship that baby out!

My firetruck made the ODHFS Newsletter on page 5: ODHFS Newsletter
Thats pretty cool!

And you might notice that I thanked(in the article) the Stovebolt.com members for all the assistance and support! Truely a group effort to get this truck back on the road. Thanks again.

Hi VFT,
I saw the picture of your truck in the TorchBearer. The online version is in full color and really looks great!!! Are you planning to be at the Waynesboro Muster on Sept 19th?
Cannonball

Yes and I have already RSVP'ed to attend. Are you going? Details are on page 6 of my above link for those who might want to attend.

Yes, we do plan to take our truck unless it is raining. I'm really looking forward to seeing your truck.

Let's hope it doesn't rain! I'll see you there.

The photos were taken by a friend of mine who is having an Oren book published in the very near future. His name is Tom Herman and he took the pictures in Va. Beach during June 2009. BTW: My truck is going to be included in his book!

Thalia Slide show on Flicker http://www.flickr.com/photos/23954745@N02/show/

WOW!!!!

What a set of pictures!!

If there ever was a truck that deserved to be in a book, it's that one. Congratulations!!

Virginiafiretruck....As Rich said,your Firetruck truly deserves a place in Toms book.
Seeing your pictures 'up close and personal' helps us mere mortals appreciate what an outstanding job you've done.

A bit O/T but I will be in Va.(NewportNews) next July/August and would be honoured if I could see her in the flesh!

Thanks guys. If you get to the beach, let me know and we'll take her out for a ride.

Thanks again.

Bill

Pictures hardley do it justice, that is a beautiful truck!
I got to see it last weekend.

Link to the Oren Book with my Stovebolt in it: Oren Book Link by Tom Herman

I think Cannonball's rig might be in there too as it is an Oren.

Cheriton Fire Parade in the Rain

I drove it 50 miles to the parade and 50 back. Not a trailer queen! Driving on The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. It ran great both ways and I enjoyed the small town community.