Good Points
This truck needs nothing to make it road
worthy and minor repairs to make it a restoration. I have decided to make
this into a period parade vehicle. The pump is out of this, so is the
tank, the water plumbing, and the booster reels. I plan on reinstalling
the booster reels but will delay putting in the pump and leave the tank
out for the time being. In the hose bed I will install wall mounted
benches so that during a parade participants will be able to seat
themselves.
The Hardie pump is frozen and will need
heavy restoration if I ever hope to get it to work. It could still be
installed without installing the tank. I will need to reinstall the 2.5
inch discharge for visual effect.
The truck moves out with its updated 302
engine and taller trans. The system has also been converted to 12 volts.
So I can make it look original as long as you don't look to close.
Previous owners state that this rig was
originally stationed a Dow Air field in Bangor Maine. This WW2 Airbase is
now Bangor International Airport. So the vehicle does have a somewhat
local history.
Low Points
The 125 has been heavily modified and
stripped of most fire fighting equipment. Basically it is a chevy 1.5 ton
with a fire body.
Replacement of the engine and trans will
kill any hope of real MV'ers knowing it is not an original piece.
The pump left out in the elements for 12
plus years has rusted it up good. Hardie pumps have exposed pistons so
rust eating gunk will be flowing heartily. The pump transmission is
missing and it is doubtful that one could ever be acquired.
Overall
A reliable fun to drive truck with great
parade potential. A motor pool restoration to bring this rig back to WW2
outside appearance should be a joy.
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