Hi John,
Check the mileage, most fire trucks are low. If it had a mid-shaft pump
then the odometer will reflect the stationary pump time as well as the
Hi-way miles. If the pump was PTO driven then the odometer will only show
Hi-way miles. It wont reflect the pump "run time" and the motor will have
allot more actual hours than what the mileage would leave you to believe.
If the brakes have never been redone (new steel and rubber lines, rebuilt MC
and Hydrovac, new wheel cylinders, etc.), than they should be, they are 50
years old now!!! Depending on whether you need the shoes relined, expect
to spend at least $500 on parts. I'm doing all of this work right now on my
'57 and I have over $700 invested (I have 2 wheel cylinders per wheel).
When done the entire system will be better than new.
Look on "that" auction site to see how cheap fire trucks are selling, $2000
might be TOP dollar for that truck. Not to many people looking to rebuild
the BIG trucks.
Things to look at next time. Does it have 4 or 5 speed transmission?
Single or 2 speed rear (if single than top speed will be about 50mph)? Does
it have split rims or Bud wheels (tubeless)? Power steering? 6 or 12 volt
system?
Take pictures so we can all see it!!
Good luck!
Mike Boteler
'56 4400 Stake
'56 6400 Stake
'56 8400 Wrecker
'56 9200 Tractor w/Powermatic
'57 10500 Fire Truck
Hughesville, MD
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Howard" <debjonjd@vianet.ca>
To: "Carl & Becky Ham" <the_hams@hotmail.com>; <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2003 11:08 PM
Subject: Re: [oletrucks] big truck (Your Opinion)
> You know I drove away after looking at this 52 GMC fire truck not even
> taking
> the time to check out the serial number or anything like that. I'm going
> back next
> week and I will make sure to get some ID's. Not sure what size the motor
is
> all I know is that when he started it ...it ran beautiful..Whats really
neat
> is there
> is a big blue flashing globe on top and Two Chrome light that come out
about
> near the top of each side of the windshield...the handles come through in
> toward
> the cab. He had already taken off the back assembly all that fire truck
> stuff..
> It didn't seem to have a very long wheel base..And what I really like is
> it's all
> painted gray inside...don't know if that all original...all in all the
body
> is in
> great shape....all tires look in good shape...there is a PTO on it...and
he
> is
> throwing in a..I think a two ton dump truck..I think it's a 48 or 49. It
has
> no
> vent window.....The only thing he said is the brake boaster is not working
> and
> therefore no brakes...And here it is the price...$2000.00 Oh ya he sold
> the
> siren.. dang!........... well thats the story...what do you think...should
> my son
> pick it up....
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Carl & Becky Ham" <the_hams@hotmail.com>
> To: <debjonjd@vianet.ca>; <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
> Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2003 7:11 PM
> Subject: Re: [oletrucks] big truck (Your Opinion)
>
>
> > John:
> >
> > It might be helpful if you gave us a little more information on the
truck.
> > For example:
> >
> > If you go tow truck, you'll have to have a tranny with an option to
> install
> > a PTO (power take off). Most wreckers used a cable winch driven off the
> > trans or the newer ones use a hydraulic pump (still driven off the
trans).
> > Would this project be a hobby or are you planning to make real use of
the
> > truck (like for a business?).
> >
> > Snow plow means you'll be doing a lot of stopping, turning, backing up.
> > Does the truck have power steering, manual trans? Most newer snow plows
> use
> > a 12 volt motor driving a hydraulic pump. Does the truck have an
> alternator
> > or generator?
> >
> > Car hauler, you mentioned the truck appears to have a short wheelbase.
> Any
> > flatbed may require you lengthen the frame and again, a tip-up/roll-off
> bed
> > and winch may require a PTO on the trans to work well.
> >
> > Not trying to discourage you, but think carefully about what you want to
> do
> > with the truck and make sure you aren't in for a lot of 'hidden' costs
> after
> > you've started the project. Whatever you do, good luck! It's great to
> see
> > someone willing to keep the 'big' trucks rolling.
> >
> > Carl Ham
> > '56 Chevy Stepside
> > Pontiac, IL
> >
> > >From: "John Howard" <debjonjd@vianet.ca>
> > >Reply-To: "John Howard" <debjonjd@vianet.ca>
> > >To: <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
> > >Subject: [oletrucks] big truck (Your Opinion)
> > >Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 08:46:02 -0600
> > >
> > >My son is thinking of buying a big truck that is for sale around here
> > >It is a 1952 GMC and was a fire truck..the cab is absolutely
outstanding
> > >I think 261 motor with dual wheels..Wheel base is not that long. The
back
> > >end (fire truck box) has been taken off. He would like to hear your
> > >opinions..should he
> > >
> > >1. build it as a tow truck
> > >2. Put a plow on the front of it
> > >3 .build it as a car hauler
> > >oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
> >
> >
> > _________________________________________________________________
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> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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