The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts The Stovebolt Volunteer Fire Department Rookie to the forum

I'm new to this website/forum but I've heard nothing but good things about it. I thought I'd introduce myself first. My name is Russell. I'm a 30 veteran of the Houston Fire Dept. I have served virtually all of my career in District 68, the busiest district in the city of Houston, Texas. I am retiring in a few months and plan to spend my time working on old Chevy's.

I own a '67 Camaro and recently purchased a '31 Chevrolet/Howe pumper. (click this link for pics http://sites.google.com/site/hfdstreetmachines/fire-apparatus) The vehicle is in unbelievably good condition. I have many questions about these old vehicles, first and foremost has to do with vehicle registration. Did the manufacturers issue an actual title for these vehicles?
I also have a question for all of you. I am a Hot Rodder at heart and have a strong urge to stuff a V8 in this thing along with a few other mild changes to make it more drivable. I can't stand owning a vehicle that sits unused in the garage. Under no circumstance will I cut this thing up. I plan to looking for a few opinions. I know I'll hear many differing opinions from the purest to the radical custom crowd. So, what do you think.......restore it or Hot Rod?
Let's not get nasty. I'm looking for some good, logical feedback.

I believe GOD wants us to turn all Chevy's into Hot Rods.

Welcome to the site. The truck looks great. It is in nice original condition for a '31. I would definitely have to keep it original if it were mine. It would be a beautiful piece fully restored, but would also be a nice non-museum truck. I'm sure the 'ol six will still power the truck around town with no problem.

Keep us posted.

Bill

Im afraid I would have to side with Bill, especially since it is such good condition and its a fire truck. How about seeing if you can find another truck of that vintage for your hot rod project? Most folks turn COE's like mine into car haulers. With the comments and interest I get, I'm glad I restored it stock-ish.

Nice truck and welcome to the bolt. In the end its up to you, its your truck. Do what makes you happy.

Billy

Russell,

Congrats on topping off a great career in the fire service!

I have to chime in on the restore/stock side. '30s fire trucks are not nearly as common as '50s trucks, and it seems appropriate to maintain it as a noble piece of history.

On the other hand, if you just won't be interested in driving it if it's stock, I guess upgrading the driveline would make sense, though I'd rather see it happen to a less rare model truck.

What about living with it for a year or two stock, and seeing how it treats you?

-Michael

Welcome. I'd never cut that truck up to make a hotrod. It should live forever as it served the community.

Capt:
I have been retired for one year after 28 years. Youll be glad you did. There is more to hot rodding that stuffing in a V8, you got to make the thing stop and handle corners. All expensive and difficult to do on a 1931. Leave orginal update as necessary for safety.

Thanks for all the input. Please, keep them coming.

Michael, your suggestion of waiting a year or two is exactly where I stand on the issue. I know it's a rare truck but I won't let it sit idle. This thing needs to be seen.

capt68,

I think you should take that truck to a few antique car/truck shows exactly as it is. There are not many un-touched originals left. Do what you need to do to make it safe to drive as-is and go have fun. I bet if you take it to the local cruize-night you will be the hit of the show.

I bought my 1957 Fire Engine to make it a car hauler...father inlaw asked me not to and I've never regreted it. I get comments everywhere I go. I've driven it over 15,000 miles to shows.

Welcome to the group!

Mike B

Check out Virginiafiretruck's rig ... restore stock and then you'll have an excuse to get *another* cool old truck to do a diesel hotrod upgrade on to make a hauler rig for your beautiful original firetruck (on a trailer) to take to parades/shows/musters. In fact, I have the perfect hauler for you --- a '49 Big Bolt my wife wants me to sell ...

Does the '31 still pump?

As long as it's a pumper, it will be the hit of the show .... so far, the only person at a parade/show who thought *my* tanker was the coolest thing going was a drunk drug addict ...


John

LOL John, I remember that drunk...had me running!

Mike B

That is a pretty old truck!

First question.....I was attempting to take the rear wheels off the fire truck. The inner wheels are stuck. PRY BAR?????? SLEDGE HAMMER????? I want to make sure I'm not missing something before I beat the snot outta this thing.