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My 1943 Chevy Fire Truck almost fully restored and ready to hit the parades!

http://s545.photobucket.com/albums/hh392/chasenfires_2009/

Congrads and a great looking Firebolt!!
You will be amazed at the attention it will get just parking it in your yard on weekends.

Don

Beautiful truck!!

Thanks, In the process of finding equipment now!

Wow, good lookin!

I'm gonna sound like a snob here, but my opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it.

If I were you, the first thing I'd find would be proper suction caps for the steamer inlets (the 4.5 inch pump inputs). The hydrant caps on there now don't do the truck any favors. (there, I said it. I'll shut up now.)

Then, a proper wooden extension ladder to hang on the captain's side - you'll be amazed how proud you are of it when you get one!

Truck looks like it's in fine shape. Military truck originally? What engine, the 216 or the 235?

Welcome to the stovebolt site, great people here. Hope you enjoy your truck!

-Michael

Thanks Michael, I'm in the process of hunting down a ladder now. I havent had much luck finding one locally that fits my needs. As far as the steamer caps, I agree. In the future I will change them out. Just got the truck almost complete so now I'm doing the odds and ends one day at a time. As far as the history, I havent traced down the background info yet and I'm not quite sure on how to? Fill free to give me any suggestions if you have any? Yes is had the 216. Thanks

Nice truck! Take your time and get it right. No need to rush and spend money on equipment that doesn't fit your era.

Try the national SPAAMFAA organization (http://www.spaamfaa.org) and fire truck clubs as they are always welcome to help. Google search is your friend!

Well, I'm gonna go out on a limb and bet that that truck is a military issue Caysler - Is that, by chance, what the guages are labeled as? Here's why I think so:

Fire Trucks of WWII

Vehicles of Victory - Fire Trucks


Though I don't see any photos of Chevy/Caysler trucks, the pump mechanism sure looks the same as the fords. I'm no military truck expert, but I think they ALL came with a id plate on the dash. Any holes in a rectangular pattern in the center/right side of the dash?

As for figuring out what unit, etc., no idea. Maybe contact someone who owns a military engine.

Pretty neat. That's a cool paint job on it now. Be neat to trick it out with all the gear of a military fire engine. Unless, of course, I'm totally wrong . . .


-Michael

Yes Michael, you are correct! It is a Caysler. All the I.D. plates with all the numbers are still in place so I just need to figure out where to check all the I.D. #'s so maybe I can find out a little history. Thanks for the info!

Super nice!

I like the bed style with the open pump.

I wish I could fit my ft on a pull behind trailer! - Bob

Just found some great info on my truck. It served at the Army Air Forces Convalescent Hospital, Plattsburgh Barracks, NY. It carried USA number 505117.

Outstanding research! Now, you can try finding photos of it in service! Very exciting. People love seeing old photos of the truck - it connects the dots between the history, and what's right in front of them.

Hope you have a terrific muster season!

-Michael

Actually It carried USA 505118 and not 17. 17 was its sister truck. My truck is now on the http://www.firetrucks-atwar.com/ website under the New Gallery 1. I also now have pictures of the truck back in 1943. Woo Hooo! If you guys ever need help hunting down info, these guys are a super great deal of help. They have lots of old records from the military fire trucks and pictures to.

Chase, glad we were able to help you in locating where your Army Class 500 fire truck served during the war. Is there any indication that the truck was originally painted OD? FYI..Another Chev-Cayasler 505120 also served at the AAF Conv. Hospital it carried motor # 231809, pump # 9941.

Ted

www.firetrucks-atwar.com

I would love to see more photos if you have them. What you have is a really nice truck!

Very Nice - I like the black fenders and running boards. I may just have to go that route with mine.

Strong work!

Great Looking Truck! nice color scheme