The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts The Stovebolt Volunteer Fire Department Fire Truck Show

Thinking about going to this show.
But, I don't trust mine enough yet to drive it that far.
It still needs some work.
I'll be a "walk in" of shame.

http://www.gatewayfirestlouis.com/

Don

I like fire truck shows! You should go. Not everyone has a shinny new truck but it is the history and hanging out with those like you who enjoy firetrucks that makes it all worth while.

In regular car shows, I find they do not know what class to put a firetruck into for judging or reviews. Sometimes it is a full size class or hybrid or done by age groups. It isnt much fun for me as they simply do not know anything about old fire engines and equipment so I don't have much to talk about with those folks. But at firetruck events, I just hangout with those guys and listen to their stories and look at their trucks. Old and rusty or shinny and restored, I don't care as I like them all.

Give it a shot and you might really make some new good friends to share your hobby with... JMO

I have already met some of these guys. They have a club house with some big shop space. Gave me a first class tour of their projects. Several really cool trucks in the restore process. Mike Stem is on here and jumps in every once in a while. Seems to have a wealth of knowledge about pumps.
Great bunch of friendly people ready to share what ever they have
Already told the wife, I'll be going to it.
The museum is a must see also, if you have not been there.

Don

Don,

Glad to hear you "pimpin" the Pistons & Pumpers event! Sorry your iron won't be there - you'd be a welcome site!

This is the 4th annual Pistons & pumpers event. It's getting better and better - the Museum has a new Visitors Center on the lower lot, and free passes to all exhibitors. It's a great, family-friendly event, and not just fire trucks. The ATHS chapter will be providing some really big iron, along with specialty vehicles of all sorts.

I agree about trucks of any condition - I think a "rusty but running" truck is as fascinating as the fully restored! We've got a club member that has a 30s vintage Seagrave engine. It's got no seat, and no windshield, and looks unfit for the land-fill. People just gape in amazement when he hand-starts it, and then PUMPS it! Real crowd pleaser.

Hope to see some of you there - Rosie will be the truck pumping from the pond!!! ;-)

-Michael

Michael
I'll be there. Hope to have the Flag Pole ready for some longer trips by the end of summer.
Looking forward to talking tech about drive train vibration and pump operation.
Sorry, I bow my head in shame again.
I have never been a Fire Fighter and have never been exposed to equipment like this.
Also, that is a young mans sport and I am too old to get into it.
But, the attention it gets when I drive it to town is amazing.
County Cops follow me to see what is going on. Then turn around when they see an old guy just stopping by to show his wife's 90 year old aunt, a fire truck.
And the smile on her face is Priceless.

Don & Vicki King

Don,

Don't ever apologize for trouble with these old trucks - heck, every one is different! We just had a truck come through with Timkin Detroit DPH brakes - that's Dual Primary, Heavy Duty. The brake shoes actually ride live in a cradle, and eject from the cradle when you pop a spring out. Niether of my Master Mechanic buddies had EVER seen anything like it!

Find me at the show, and we'll discuss any troubles you're having with Sr. the mechanic. AND, I'll TRY and remember to bring the copy of your pump manual I have for you!!!!!

Driving these old trucks sure is a head-turner. People just smile and wave - what could be better than that? Heck, most of my trucks don't have current plates on 'em - nobody cares! What trouble could I be causing with a 70 year old fire truck?

I look forward to hearing more about your truck!

-Michael

Don,

I was never a fire fighter, but I take great pride in honoring those that did every time I take my truck out. Nothing to be ashamed of...hold your head high and be proud of the memories and men that served on your truck.

If you can, take the truck back to the fire house it served in and talk to the ol-timers. It will be one of the most rewarding things you ever do...and don't forget to take pictures for your scrap book!

Mike B

I like the idea of taking it to the fire house, or better yet, to the towns county fair and parade, Vienna, Mo.
When I bought it, the local paper came out and took pictures of the truck, and about 6 members handing the over title to me.
Great bunch of guys. The picture was on the front page.
Should be at the show about 1pm. When will you be pumping?

Don King