The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 1946 Chevy Fire Truck made by Central

Just bought a 1946 Chevy 1 1/2 ton convertable fire truck with conversion by Central in St Louis, Mo. Not having much luck on internet finding much info about this truck/company. I did find a 1941 on ebay right now in Texas that looks just like it.
Any help or info would be appreciated. My two boys and myself would like to get it running for parades.
Thanks Doug

Doug, I'm afraid I can't help but as a suggestion maybe a note to the editor of Old Cars Weekly would help get you in touch with some organization or club where fireengines are the vehicle of choice. They would know the name and/or a contact person or car. Just send an email note to the editor.

[email protected] Good luck on finding info you need.

bullseye,

There are lots of Fire Truck guys right here at the Stovebolt.

What do you want to know? Ask away, you might be surprised!

Don't forget we LOVE pictures

Mike B

Doug
Tell us more about your truck.
Built in St. Louis will get Mike Stemmler of http://www.gatewayfirestlouis.com/
attention.
I can't answer too many of your questions, but Mike B. and Mike S.
will be begging for more info to help you out with your FireBolt.
Just add more info on what you have.
Will be looking foreward to meeting you and your Sons next September in K.C. at the StoveBolt Reunion.

Don King

Well, I can't say much about the 46 chasis because I don't have one, but what our fire department has is a 1946 Dodge/Central. This Central form St. Louis is not the current Central Fire that is around today. The company went out of buisness and someone else started using the name. Central is now in South Dakota I believe. Try to post some pics or e-mail them to me @ [email protected] and I may be able to help you. With ours, there is a siren/light on top of the cab, and some wig wags on the front that are factory. The pump sits directly behind the cab inside a compartment. This is a 500 Gallon/Min pump, the sad part is the last person to know how the pump worked is now passed at the age of 101! To fill the water tank, is in the middle compartment of the Driver side. There is an adapter that you place on the inlet and then use buckets to fill the tank. Our's has two hand crank hose reels on the back under the tailboard. The passenger side compartments were for equipment and gear. The ladders on ours slide under the hose bed. Very cool truck and would still pump today if any of us knew how it worked. This was our cities first fire truck and we are glad to have her back. Pics would help though with me helping you. Keep us informed and I'm sure you will get many answers.