I have the opportunity to purchase a 1922 fire truck. It is in fair condition, motor runs OK(besides the 12" brazed crack in the head) unknown internals, sheet metal is fair as well, but it is missing most of the era correct parts that it should have including the pump. Anyone have an idea on the value of this?
Sounds like one of those worth what you are willing to pay for it. Lots of other info concerns value, is it a one ton or car chassis, wood body, chemical stuff all gone? Sounds like a $2300-1500 piece unless there are some really neat special items there.
It is a TT Chassis. I believe the tank behind the seat is the chemical tank, but I am not sure what else would go with the chemical system.
Also the body is steel and was produced by a fire apparatus company in 1922.
Lorien,
Join here & ask .....
@ http://forums.aa-fords.com/viewforum.php?f=1
Even though is an AA Forum - there is a better chance of finding information about a fire truck there ...
Jim
When restoring a Model T fire truck, the Model T chassis is the easy part. Finding the correct missing pieces of fire apparatus can be difficult to impossible. You may never find some parts. I have been looking for some pieces, for my fire trucks, for years now. Fabricating some items from other examples can become the only choice you have.
With this in mind, the amount of missing fire hardware can have a great effect on the value of a fire truck.
Who built the fire truck you are looking at? If you don't know, you could post some photos of it and I might be able to identify it for you. If you don't want to post them, you could email them to me. My email is tfiretrucks@charter.net
Tod
I am going ahead with the purchase of the truck. I am sure I will have questions along the way.
Lorien,
Sounds like the right decision. Look forward to seeing some photos.
Andrew
If I can help you out send me a PM with items you are looking for. For over 30 years I have reproduced several related fire truck parts used on many of these early trucks. I have a still unfinished "21" T truck outfitted with Prospect apparatus and a restored "28" AA outfitted with Southern apparatus. I also keep up our first motorized "24" TT also outfitted with Prospect apparatus still kept by my fire dept. that I serviced on for 22 years and that I now keep in running order for them to use in parades.
Your first thing is to determine what apparatus company the truck used. Some trucks weren't built using a professional apparatus company but were just built up by the dept. with whatever was available so in these situations the job become less involved. Some the other popular companies that made apparatus for T's were the Boyer, American La France, Seagrave and Howe companies. I have several patterns of parts from these trucks used for casting a missing part. I can also fabricate parts as well. Bob
This my "28" AA restored fire truck.
Our Fire Dept's first motorized "24" TT fire truck.
This is my still unfinished "21" fire truck. Bob
Lorien, in addition to what Bob said above, fire trucks were also made by Pirsch here in Kenosha, WI, on TT chassis. Since you are in Wisconsin, your truck may have been Pirsch built.
Look for a data plate somewhere, maybe on the firewall or on the side of the body near where the pump controls are or were.
If you could post pictures that would help us to identify it.
Keith
Here are a few pics from yesterday. As you can see it is blue. It was purchased/given to the American Legion in the 40's. I do know the truck was built by Waterous Fire Company in MN and delivered 8/2/22. I work for Pierce Manufacturing and Waterous is one of our suppliers. They were gracious enough to look up info on this truck and send me the original build sheet from my truck including the delivery date. Still more research to do, but I am off to a good start. Unfortunately the original pump is missing so that will be one of my biggest treasures to find. Any information on parts is appreciated.
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Here is an older post of a Waterous Model T fire engine.
There is a B/W photo showing this same style as your pictures.....neat project!
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/331880/359714.html?1367798534
What I wouldn't give to have that Rockville Vol. Fire Dept truck!! When we built our house here ten years ago, we had so much rock to excavate for the basement, we dubbed the whole area "Rockville", and it seemed to have stuck. Now everyone out here calls it that...damn rocks are a pain in the butt!
Made for an expensive basement, and hard to keep grass good and green without rain every three days.
That's not been a problem this year though. Now it won't quit raining!
Lorien-
Looks like a fun rig. I'd like to see some close-ups of the runningboards. Are the non-Ford, or were are the lengthened Ford?
The overflow on the radiator and the cooling system water pump looks interesting. On my ALF, a pipe and valve goes from the (big)pump to the engine. If the rig was sitting still, pumping water at a fire and getting hot, the operator would open a valve and water from the (big) pump would be added to the engine cooling system. The large overflow pipe from the radiator was plumbed into the exhaust system and worked as a spark arrestor. It looks like yours just dumps the excess water down.
Have fun and please keep us up to date with pictures. Do you have Bill Killien's Model T fire engine books?
: ^ )
Keith
Looks like it would be good in a museum, parade, or car show, but very slow for touring.
Norm
My home town still has their 1921 Waterous with original paint and decals.
They have it in good running order now and are trying to discover the secret of getting that pump apart to rebuild it.
They also need to find an original hose reel, if anyone has an extra one.
James that is an outstanding original truck. I have sent you a message regarding getting some pictures to aid me in my restoration.
Keith I found the overflow arrangement unique as well. It was something I had never seen before on a T that's why I snapped a photo of it. I will have to take a closer look at it.