The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Back up Warning Bell

I am curious if anyone has the backup warning bells that mount on the rear hub of the axle on their Big bolts. Were they a universal type? Did GM make a specific warning bell for the early trucks? When did they first appear, and when did the electronic warning beep-beep take over?
Thanks,

Dale

ive been wanting to put one on the ashton but its still too far down on the list of "nice to have items" but this is what i was going to get when the time comes
http://www.fedsig.com/products/index.php?id=72

Cool!

Thank you 51 ashton,
I called the Federal Signal Corporation and discussed with a nice lady about the Models 660 & 861, both are reverse only, right rear mount, 87dB and 105dB. A little pricy, add to that the mounting bracket and shipping looks like I will need to save some $$$.
They also have a tech support department and are willing to assist me with proper fitting for my tow-truck. According to Jerry, (the lady I spoke to), Federal Signal Corporation has been in business for 100 years. 100 years! She said that tech support may assist with proper documentation for the rotating beacon that I am missing as well.

Thanks for the great resource.

Dale

I have the 6" version on my truck, I looked for a good while and found one on eBay for about 1/3 what they want from FS. There are a couple places out there that sell them cheaper as well if you search around.
It's loud enough to get attention, dings every 1/4 turn. You'll notice the balls clack when you're driving around at lower speeds. It was easy to put on too, the brackets center the bell on the hub.
The down side is if you have to pull the wheel/s off you have to dismount the whole setup first.

Check with your local fire departments. Many government fleets have converted to electronic signals. Why? The electronic versions signal as soon as you select reverse and the mechanical signals don't signal until the vehicle moves backwards.

I remember those bells on the American LaFrance trucks I volunteered on many years ago. Brings back memories. I wonder how many of these things are sitting on shelves in the mechanics shops in fire houses around the country.
Weren't the devices used on other trucks, not just fire equipment?

Billy

I remeber them on all kinds of trucks growing up, I think our school busses even had them. They're out there if you keep looking, the question is if the mounting kit is with them or not. Really, if you can get ahold of even one bracket you can fabricate others, and the backing plate of the bell has several slots and holes for hubs with markings to fit various numbers of bolts and hub diameters.

.... hysters, or tow motors, also had them.

They were required by all cities, counties and state vehicles as well as the FD and ambulances. It doubt if any of those old trucks are still lying around but you might also check with some of the smaller gov't facilities to see it they have something laying around too.

You know, it would seem like a part many older junk yards would toss in a box somewhere in the back corner of a shed and forget about. Since many of them had to be removed to get the wheel off, it's not a stretch.