I am a member of a small volunteer fire department located in McDonald, Ohio (Northeast corner of the state) and we have our original 1916 Model T fire truck that was purchased for use in the steel mill located in our village. It is a chemical pumper. We have talked about restoring it for years but nothing ever seems to get done. It does run and was last driven 3 years ago. I was wondering if anyone in the club has any advice for me, or if you can point me to someone in my corner of the state that could come and look at it and give us some advice as to what to do. Any help would be appreciated.....
The very best fire engine restoration expert isn't too far from you. Contact:
Ken Soderbeck
Hand in Hand Restoration
1895 Fox Rd. | Jackson, MI 49201
Email: redpaint@dmci.net
517-789-6290
George King in Conn.
The Michigan Fire Museum in Ypsilanti has a large collection of fire trucks and can probably assist too.
There are two McDonald, Ohios If your located down by Warren your not too far from Rock Creek, Ohio.
In Rock Creek, Ohio, the Morgan Township Volunteer Fire Department has a restored Model T fire truck. I'm sure Lavern would give you some advice, He drives it in parades and events.
Stacy
I have a couple of T fire trucks of that vintage and I have done a fair amount of research on them because of it. I do not restore them for others but maybe I can be of some help with information to help in the restoration of yours.
Who was the manufacturer? Is it built on a lengthened chassis or the regular auto chassis? It would be great if you could post some photos of it so we could all see what you have.
I am working diligently on the second edition of "Firefighting With Henry's Model T" and am interested in hearing from any member who has photographs and information on MOdel T fire apparatus. Please feel free to email me at nschsto@charter.net.
The Toledo Ohio Fire Department has a beautiful Model T fire engine that was recently restored in their museum. I don't know who did the work but it is really nice. Our local "Maumee Valley Model T" club toured the museum and their restoration shop this summer.