The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Driving a '52 GMC Fire Engine across the country

Hello all, new here and a new owner of a 1952 GMC 454 Fire Truck. It is currently in IL and I will be moving it back to Oregon, quite a drive.
The truck runs great, has new brakes, upgraded rims and tires, only 2,000 miles on the 302 powering it.
My question is what would you experienced 'bolters recommend for making this drive.
Extra parts to bring? tools? Things to look out for or be aware of. Other resources I should be looking at?
I was considering trying to find a spare water pump to bring along.

Thanks for any help you can offer. I am sure I will have many more questions once I get the truck back here and can begin working on it.

Lebn Schuyler

Some additional details below

19,000 original miles
New fuel pump and fan belt
207 VO 5 speed Clark overdrive transmission, checked out & new fluid
Vacuum over hydraulic brakes completely gone thru last winter, new: lines, master cylinder , wheel cylinders, seals & hardware
2 spd Eaton rear works great, new seals & fluid & brg packed Ratio : 6.5 / 1 & 9.04 / 1
Custom built drive shaft & new midship bearing

Take a spare belt, ignition parts, generator if you have one, thermostat, and a water pump is a good idea. Otherwise some misc. stuff like hose, nuts and bolts, tools.

And don't forget to take PLENTY of gas money!

Grigg

A camera, definitely. Sounds like a great adventure.

A GPS so you can find local fire houses along the route. The folks will want to see the rig and they'll likely offer help if you need it.

Good luck!

Some things I've found useful on my cross country old truck adventures:

fire extinguisher (Believe me, there are few things more embarassing than to be on the side of the Interstate with a burning firetruck ... )

spare fuel pump and fuel filters (to go with Grigg's spare hoses and fuel line)

Rags

Flash light

Tire goo (fix a flat)

wire repair kit (electrical tape, wire, stripper, cutter, splicers)

Duct tape (The handyman's friend)

Hand cleaner

Cell phone

safety wire and a couple of bungee cords (you never know what will start flapping)

CB radio with weather channel

Electric fuel pump with enough wire to hot wire it into a temporary kill switch located in the cab and fuse holder with extra fuses. We've done many fuel pumps while convoying over the years...right John

If you have room take a 4-way tire wrench (with a 5' cheater pipe) that fits your wheel lugs. In an emergency you can put a rear tire on the front and just run one wheel on the rear to get you to the next town.

Are you a member of the ATHS? If so take the membership directory and if you need help start calling...

If you time it right you could take the truck to South Bend Indiana in late May for the ATHS National Show and then hook-up with other guys going west after the show.

Don't forget reflective safety triangles.

Mike B

And a wheel chock, a jack that you know will lift the truck high enough to change a tire. A tool box stocked with hand tools.

Hey John....

You fergot the Imported Dodge Mechanic!

Thanks for all the great suggestions guys, I really appreciate it.
I will be heading out on this great adventure april 20th, so hopefully in a couple weeks I will have some good stories for you guys. I will definitely be taking pictures along the way.
I like the idea of stopping at fire houses as we go, first stop will be the one this engine served for 57 years.
Unfortunately the timing isn't right for the ATHS meeting, otherwise that would have been great.

Here is the ebay page for the truck
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/190513146526
Perhaps not the best price, but it was worth it to me, and it comes with tons of extras to finish the conversion.
Being able to sleep onboard helps alleviate a bit of the concern about breaking down in the middle of nowhere.
Any suggestions on charging a cell phone/gps/laptop while on the road? It is still 6 volt (100 amp generator apparently), so the normal 12v inverters wouldn't work. Maybe I'll just pick up a 12v deep cycle battery and charge all the electronics off that.
Any other tools you can think of that wouldn't be in a standard set? Most common wrench and socket sizes that I might want to bring a couple of?
Who do you guys usually go through for ordering parts?
Thanks again for all the great responses, I'll post more questions as I think of them.


Lebn Schuyler

If you are interested, here is my current traveling home (1981 Iveco) that I built up, not entirely finished but what project ever is...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lebnjay/sets/72157622413848623/

Also the shop manual is great to have, looks like one is included with the truck.
A cardboard box makes a great creeper if you need one, pick one up along the way.

For parts I get stuff from NAPA, for on the road repairs they have most all the stuff you'll need. You want to make your list and shop for spares before you start because some things might take a day or two to get in.

The biggest thing is trust that the truck can make it, do all you can to ensure it will, then hop in and drive. So many people are afraid to drive their old trucks very far from home, and that's foolish, how many miles do they rack up around town without trouble, think how far those miles would string out if you started driving and kept it pointed one way! They were all new once, and without hesitation were driven wherever they needed to go, no reason with a little care now they won't do it again.

A few years ago I made about an 8,000 mile around the country trip in my 52 1 ton, mechanically sound but nothing pretty. With exceptions of a generator bearing and a fan blade we had a great time, and even those problems didn't take more than a few hours to resolve.

Grigg

I think you need a couple of peace signs and some tie-died curtains and you would be good to go.

Seriously, have a great time.

She looks heavy, you better double that "PLENTY" on the gas money.

A seat cushion that will provide ventilation around your back, you'll be plenty warm. There are inverters that will convert 6v to 12v to run small things like phone charger. I got one at radio shack a few years ago but haven't hooked it up yet. Patience that body is going to create a lot of drag and the wind in the Midwest never stops. Look forward to hearing how your adventure goes. Extra coolant incase a leak developes.

i carry a small 12 volt lawnmower batttery with the appropriate plugs for charging my ipod, cell phone, and small electronic gadgets. make sure it has a full charge and it will make trip with plenty of voltage left over with no dead batteries.

Find fellow Stovebolters along the way and shake their hands. It's amazing the friends you will make.

Might I recommend a set of "larger than normal" wrenches and perhaps a 3/4 drive socket set. These 3 ton trucks have some really large fastners. I've used up to 1 1/8" when servicing the hydrovac unit. And the lug nuts are like 1 3/8". You might want to have a tire shop brake them loose for you, then tighten them up with whatever you carry so you won't have any surprises on the road.
Oh and my '52 450 COE with a 302 and the Clark OD is knocking down 4-5 mpg and 47 mph tops. Just something for you to figure on.
Scott

Hey all,
more great responses and suggestions guys, thanks again.
Doesn't look like radioshack still has that 6v to 12v inverter, and i couldn't find much comparable. I like the idea of just picking up a separate 12v to power electronics for the drive.
4-5mpg would be lower than i was hoping, PO says he gets closer to 8-10mpg. Is that way too high to expect?
What do others think about cruising speed with the Clark OD and the two speed rear? I was hoping for 55mph, think it'll do it?
Thanks for the suggestion of the larger wrenches and sockets. Anyone know the likely lug size, 1 3/8"?
If I end up needing parts on the road, are there any lists out there that will help figure out what is compatible to this engine/truck. NAPA sure doesn't list much if you enter in the 454 30 as your vehicle.
I haven't settled on a route yet, I'll try to post it when I do.
Lebn

That's more like a Fire House on wheels .You will need plenty of fuel for that trip .Great looking truck and have a safe trip.

I'd think 8-10 mpg would be the right figure. With that rear end, I'd think 45-50 mph is about where you will end up. Much faster and your just asking for trouble...

And make sure you check the height of the rig so you can clear your route home(bridges and underpasses). Good luck!

You might just want to pick up a 1 inch drive socket set. Even the cheaper ones are heavy enough you shouldn't be able to break them and a cheater bar. Proably be good to carry a couple of 5 gallon gas cans so you don't run out in middle of nowhere.

Gas cans for sure, I had 15 gallons extra on my cross country trip and a couple times needed one or two to make it to the next stop, and that was over 10-12 MPG.

I thought that truck has Dayton wheels, and if so your lug/clamp nuts are smaller than 1-3/8", and not that difficult to deal with.
For sure take the tools necessary to deal with them, but I think a 1" drive socket set is completely unnecessary, and 3/4" would be nice but other than lug nuts probably unnecessary too.
I'd say at the most you'd be pulling wheels and drums off, and nothing all that big or difficult there.
Take a large 18" or better adjustable just because, a good hammer and a few punches and chisels can't hurt either.

Don't expect or try to be in a rush, just get in and drive and see what how it does. I predict mileage less than 10, for your sake I hope better than 5...

Grigg

I bow to grigg's expertise on 1inch drive set. How much of this stuff are you bringing from home? From your concern about cell phone, computer etc my assumption is you are flying in or taking bus to Illnois then driving home.

That is one behemoth of a rig,... I like it!!! You gotta show us the inside of that beast when you get a chance, I'd like to see what they did with the interior.

As for what to bring,... Lots of great sugestions here, but I can not believe nobody said bailing wire, y'all dissapoint me. lol

Anyway, when ya get there goto the nearest Napa and see if they have the proper wrench for the lugs, dont guess. And as was mentioned before, having a tire shop losen them for you could save some headaches later, the nuts on my truck needed a LOT of torque to get off the 1st time (also dont forget the whole L/H & R/H thread thing, embarassing move there).
If it doesn't have a functioning one, a portable radio may be a good idea too. Nothing to listen to but the roar of the engine and wind gets a bit old after the 1st couple hours.
Oh, and a stick to beat the curious lookie loos away with, that's one unique rig there.

Rubber strap to hold in 5th gear,not the best solution but may help. May only pop out of gear when you are decelerating and be alright rest of time, you'll soon know.

Um ... *I* did

Ahh, a house car, lot of those started life up in Oregon, check out Mr Sharkeys home page for house car stories and such.
Nice straight truck I don't think you'll see anywhere close to 10 mpg with that over head on there, unless you run the back roads at a leasurey 40 mph, Greigg's is correct Napa will have or can get in most cases over night many small parts, if the tires have some age on them, like maybe 5 to 7 years old you may want to purchase one as a spare, a lot of tire shops don't carry 10:20 anymore and it never fails something will go haywire on a Friday.
This will be a fun adventure, enjoy it.

It already comes with the rubber strap to hold fifth in, although he says it is still pretty rare that it wants to pop out.
I was budgeting about $1000 for gas on the way back, hopefully it ends up somewhere around there. I am giving myself about a week and plan to take it slow, but i can stay out longer if something comes up. I will definitely be picking up some spare gas cans, what is the tank size likely to be on this?
Yep a house truck, will be our second. I have seen mr sharkeys page, and the classic rolling homes book. We can't afford to build a regular house now, and love the mobile lifestyle, so parking one of these on some land is the plan for now.
I hope to restore this one a bit as well, and hope to keep the box on back fairly classic in styling and accessories.

The legality of driving it back seems a little fuzzy. It is currently registered as a pickup, i plan on registering it as an rv once i get it back to oregon. I will be getting a trip permit in IL to drive it back on. Seems like if it is registered as an RV I definitely avoid the CDL and DOT card requirements. As for the drive back, I am not using it for commercial purposes and with the intention of it being registered as an rv once i get it home, i may be relying on the lenience of any officers who want to check it out.
I found an agent for progressive that will insure it, and even offered roadside assistance, any of you have any experience with this? Apparently the roadside assistance gives you free towing for 15 miles, or to the nearest service station if none are within 15 miles. I am thinking if I need it towed, could i get away with a large rollback, or will something this size need to go on a lowboy or similar?

Looks like it will be a family trip now, my dad has decided to join me, and we'll be picking up my brother in Salt Lake if all goes well. it will certainly be and adventure.
Lebn

fuel tank should be about 16 gallons, and as said above, you'll be lucky to get 10 mpg on the flats if you keep the revs down, carry plenty of extra gas ..... and roadside on your insurance would be an excellent backstop for the trip at least ... living small is great, especially for retirement

Bill

If you got insurance for it and they think it's a pickup then don't expect a "free" tow to be free when they find out how big it really is.

Another way might be to ask your insurance company about adding a vehicle IF you buy one. In my case I was going to look at and probably buy a truck, but didn't want to get insurance ahead of time if I wasn't going to buy it. They said no problem, you'll be covered under your other policy and you have a week (or two?) to let us know you bought the vehicle, just let us know when you get home with it.

You should be OK to drive it home on antique tags or a trip permit.... but how long is a trip permit good for?
In VA last I got one it was only good for a couple days. and last time I needed one was on a drive with a 61 ford truck from CA to VA, The trip was about a week, and longer than the permit would have been good for. I could buy and print the permit online for about $5, so I figured I'd drive till I got asked about it, and if not having one was a problem then with the lap top I'd buy one on the spot... I thought that might be a tad better than finishing the trip on an expired one. In the end no one asked and I never bought one, so that worked out well. May have helped that the truck still had CA plates on it... previous owner forgot to take them off.

If you chose antique tags you can either legitimately skip scales, or try to and probably get away with it. That same 61 ford this time with antique tags I later drove from VA to CO to WA to PA to NY and back home to VA, all in 14 days and half of it towing a 54 GMC COE, not once did I cross a scale or get pulled over. I did skip South Dakota on the advice of several truckers though.

Grigg

With the rv conversion I doubt anyone would consider a dot check. Pass scales and let it be. there are many RV's out there much larger than yours though not as eyecatching. The original gvwr would be under 26,001 lbs and no air brakes or hazarduos materials involved non commercial use. should be no cdl, no logbook,no fuel tax reports,no dot number required. Have fun. Good your family supports your adventure.

My 1957 Fire Engine gets 6.2 mpg on the road empty...I'll be amazed if you do much better than that.

For 12v take a battery jumper/booster pack with you. Most have power outlets to plug in your cell phone charger and they can be recharged along the way. In a pinch you can also use it to jump start the truck it won't hurt the starter motor, but will blow anything else that's turned on like light bulbs.

Have you thought about taking a CB radio. Truckers still use them and they could advise you on who to call if you need roadside assistance. Mine is hooked up and looks like a Fire radio. My trucks is to noisy to listen to music, so I listen to the CB.

Have Fun!

Mike B

Safety wire is NOT bailing wire. Whole other animal. :p


Roadside is great thing to have, and if you're insuring it as an RV they'll cover the extra expense of the oversize vehicle. Most times you have to call the company and they call the tow company. Best thing is to ask them to have the driver call you before he heads out so you can accurately explain what you have. A class-B tow truck should be able to handle that beast, that's what we got 'Tater home with when I bought her. And even tho I doubt it tips 10K at the scale and many of the 20'+ rollbacks can handle it, I dont think they'd feel real good with something that long & tall on the back. At least I'd question the sanity of anyone that did.

I bet that trucks weighs closer to 15k than it does to 10k...my '57 weighs 14,200 puonds empty and I don't have a house on top...lol!

Mike B

My two cents......bring a voltage regulator on top of the previously mentioned items. Have fun!

Freq: :P back at ya -- Puppy/Small dog happy/glad -- Same concept. Now, baling *twine* and safety wire -- *That's* a totally different concept.

So nice try but I still get the point. Score still stands at Marines 1, Navy Zip

JM

As to the 12volt problem, use a solar charger and bring a 12v battery and park it somewhere. The solar panel can sit on top of the cab and run the wires to a compartment where the battery is hiding, just don't pinch the wires and fuse it as appropriate.

well the adventure was scheduled to start yesterday anybody heard anything?

Hey all,
a quick update, don't have much for internet but i can use my phone a bit
in schuyler, nebraska (also my last name) and hope to make some good miles tomorrow
was bogging down under full throttle once hot so i replaced the fuel pump and things are going much smoother
getting 7.5mpg
doing just under 55mph, could do more, up to 60, but don't want to push it too hard and trying to keep mpg up
gonna stay on 30 through nebraska, then 80 through wyoming to salt lake, not exactly sure of the route after there, probably stay on 80, up through boise, then on to bend
anyone along the way?
it's a pretty loud ride, glad i brought ear protection, little concerned about some of the noise but i imagine it's pretty normal for these, engine noise isn't too bad, seems to be everything else
everyone loves it, getting pictures taken and questions every time we stop
had our first run-in with the police today, they just wanted to see it like everyone else. our trip permit had fallen off the back window (back up now) and he didn't even mention it, no plates on it or anything
still getting used to shifting it, grinding gears less now, although still a bit
don't have a way to post pictures yet, but i'll put some up when i get home
if anything seriously goes wrong, any ideas on what shipping it would cost? not that it will come to that, everything is going to go smooth, at least that's been my mantra
i'll let you know more when i can
thanks again for all the advice and suggestions
lebn schuyler, reporting from the city park in schuyler, nebraska

Awesome! Glad to hear things are going well, keep it up!

Glad to hear you are making progress.