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ABANDONED 1974 Fire Truck - Will It Run and Drive After 15 Years?

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  • Опубликовано: 7 июл 2022
  • "But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." -1 Corinthians 15:10
    I may have a problem. This fire truck is all the way from 1974, and it sports a whopping 534 cubic inch Super Duty Ford engine! It was previously used as a water truck for a horse show arena, but has since been left to wither away in the years following. Not only will we have to make it run and drive again, but we also have to celebrate the 4th of July by attending a parade! Think we can make it? Stick around to the end of the video to find out!
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Комментарии • 2 тыс.

  • @chippowell1
    @chippowell1 2 года назад +246

    Word of advise, as a Firefighter, Once you get it up to where it's reliable on the road, take it around to local fire stations, and ask them if they have any out of date hoses, equipment, or any equipment such as ladders, extinguishers ect, that have failed inspection, if they do, they most likely will let you have it, so you can outfit the truck and make it look like it's "in service" as far as light bars, and the rear rotators, sirens, ect check your county garage, they may know where some are, or even have one they will let you have, you may have to do some work on them to get them working again, but that's not hard to do. One thing about Firefighters, we love our history, and are willing to help Keep these old girls on the road, for the kids to see.

    • @Firechu_2011
      @Firechu_2011 6 месяцев назад +1

      If I ever buy a fire truck plus I am planning on it I will keep that in mind thanks! Not exactly a full on fire engine like a mini pumper or a truck and just dash lights

    • @thatbultay5931
      @thatbultay5931 6 месяцев назад

      Question, does the siren sound come from pa speakers?

    • @8b0000
      @8b0000 5 месяцев назад

      @@thatbultay5931Yes

  • @zendoargos4988
    @zendoargos4988 2 года назад +198

    You don't see a lot of emergency service equipment revivals. This was cool. Great job putting it on the road and in the parade.

    • @alan6832
      @alan6832 2 года назад +2

      It can also be adapted into a tow vehicle for car trailers and utility for tools as it already has a bunch of cabinets, though not much use for the water tank and pumps etc. , except maybe irrigation work, or pressure washing?
      I didn't see him stomp hard on the clutch pedal to try to free the old slave cylinder piston. He certainly should have done so before removing it for replacement.

    • @alan6832
      @alan6832 2 года назад

      Are Fouth of July parades full of liberals even in liberal towns? This effects the latest shooter, who was a Trumper who went to TWO liberal towns to shoot; but don't liberals go to Labor Day parades instead? so did he actually kill liberals? I guess for once I need to know more about the victims, but I feel like this was goofier than the Norwegian island shooter.

    • @jeffreyrigged
      @jeffreyrigged 2 года назад +1

      @@alan6832you could make a great mechanics truck out of one

    • @paxhumana2015
      @paxhumana2015 2 года назад +1

      @@jeffreyrigged , I would prefer him to have his own fire truck, as he seems to live out in the middle of nowhere, as well as has a lot of property to maintain. Moreover, having his own fire truck could also be far speedier than having to get fire departments that have vehicles that are maybe 10, 20, or more miles away from him if things go wrong on his property.

    • @jeffreyrigged
      @jeffreyrigged 2 года назад +3

      @@paxhumana2015 thats a pumper truck so it has no water storage. which means he would have run hose line to a creek river tanker truck or hydrant (which hydrant is doubtful to be around his property). most fds in the area where he lives im only about 3 hours away from me are volunteer but are within five miles of a large community. but my point is by the time he as one man hooked up the hoses ran them to a water source, fired up the pump and started to spray water on it a entire crew would have been able to respond and already have the fire managed. if fires are a concern a shop fire suppression or sprinkler system would be idea.

  • @kenbass3862
    @kenbass3862 2 года назад +27

    Being a Volunteer Firefighter since 1981 and a paid Firefighter/Paramedic since 1986, we had a 1973 Ford truck like that on our department. What a great find. I'd love to see that restored back to it's original glory. Thanks for the video and bringing back old times. 👍

  • @stevenroyce8643
    @stevenroyce8643 Год назад +6

    Being a volunteer firefighter for over 30 years. It was awesome to see you bring that truck back to life and put it in a July 4th parade. Your are great. Thank you.

  • @Scoots71
    @Scoots71 2 года назад +60

    I'd love to see a mini series on this truck. It's so unique and deserves a good cleaning and once over.

  • @timgallimore1678
    @timgallimore1678 2 года назад +96

    Awesome video!! I am a retired firefighter. I spent 27 years at the Madisonville Fire Department here in Western Ky. Man it does my heart good to see this old girl get a new life. I hope to see more videos with this truck. Wish i lived closer, I'd be over there every day I could helping you clean her up. I retired as a Major (shift commander.) But i still remember how to use a chamoises and wax on , wax off. I can even do auto upholstery. Good luck !

    • @bluegrassman3040
      @bluegrassman3040 2 года назад +6

      I used to know Mark Boaz, from that department.

    • @timgallimore1678
      @timgallimore1678 2 года назад +7

      @@bluegrassman3040 Mark was a great friend of mine. I miss him. He was a good man and the fire service lost a knowledgeable man in his passing.

    • @bluegrassman3040
      @bluegrassman3040 2 года назад +6

      @@timgallimore1678 I used to be on one of the volunteer fire departments in Henderson county, and our department would try to get him to come teach class as much as possible. I always enjoyed the way he taught, as opposed to many of the other instructors. He made the class interesting. I knew he had passed away, but it was several years since I’d have seen him, as I have not been on a fire department in about 8 years now. Mark was definitely a nice guy.

  • @KA7IIV
    @KA7IIV 2 года назад +5

    I love to see old fire trucks back on the road. I was a volunteer fireman years ago and you are doing a great thing by getting the truck fixed up.

  • @kennethangel5368
    @kennethangel5368 2 года назад +6

    Im sure I’m not alone when I say, Dylan is out in Tennessee somewhere living out every little boys dream right now having his very own fire truck. Great job on another great video.

  • @afarley17
    @afarley17 2 года назад +52

    Usually when a department retires a fire truck, it's simply due to its age. They are typically still in very good shape. Low miles and definitely all there. (Many years left in that old truck) nice find man.

    • @bluegrassman3040
      @bluegrassman3040 2 года назад +3

      Sometimes those low miles can be hard miles. Depending on how much the truck went out and was pumping on scene, etc.

    • @tomlin7863
      @tomlin7863 2 года назад +1

      @@bluegrassman3040 they usually more pumping time than road time. and yes they are kept up, and hard mile yes form sitting for awhile then start and go, plus usually the different operators .

    • @bluegrassman3040
      @bluegrassman3040 2 года назад +1

      @@tomlin7863 I was on a volunteer fire department. We had a 25 year old pumper than had only about 25-35,000. Our brush truck was a 95 Dodge that only had maybe 1500 miles on it, by the time I quit nearly ten years ago. If a pumper goes out for every single medical run, like on some paid departments, it would average more.

    • @googleusergp
      @googleusergp 2 года назад +2

      @@tomlin7863 That is correct. Oftentimes you will see more "pump hours" than "road hours" because it might stay in one place and pump for several hours, even if it's only traveled a mile to get there. Sometimes they will have two hour meters just for this reason.

  • @rocktoonzz
    @rocktoonzz 2 года назад +29

    You looked like you were living every little boy's dream that wanted to grow up to be a fireman. Absolute glee!

  • @patrickmcneilly4293
    @patrickmcneilly4293 2 года назад +8

    Seeing this reminds me of how I almost bought my town’s brush truck in 2018, the department decided to keep it for parade and funeral duty but it would’ve been cool to own. It was a 1980 GMC Sierra with either the 350 or the 454, and has roughly 10k miles.

  • @stevenperrott9266
    @stevenperrott9266 2 года назад +16

    Great video Dylan. It was pleasant to see a retired emergency vehicle revived and what a nice rig to boot! Personally, I would enjoy seeing the paint and aluminum polished and some of the period correct lights, sirens and electronics reinstalled just for parade purposes. Great that you ran it in the local July 4th parade. Keep up the great content and hard work!

  • @jeefcake9269
    @jeefcake9269 2 года назад +142

    I'd like to see the fire truck gone through and turned into something reliable that can be used in shows, parades, or towing stuff. It can surely hold a lot right?

    • @bluegrassman3040
      @bluegrassman3040 2 года назад +7

      I’ve seen an old IH Loadstar pumper, turned into a service truck for a farmer.

    • @grooveguy
      @grooveguy 2 года назад +2

      Shoot tshirts outta the hoses using the pumps onboard!!!

    • @Steve1766
      @Steve1766 2 года назад

      yeah

  • @csterett
    @csterett 2 года назад +67

    One of the extra solenoids was probably for the siren. The truck likely had a electro-mechanical siren such as a Federal Q2B. That would pull around 100 amps. The other may have been for the emergency lights. It probably had a bar top with two "bubble gum" lights on each side with the siren in the middle and two flashing lights on rear. As a retired volunteer firefighter who was in the fire service for 32+ years, all the controls on the pump panel look familiar!

  • @j.scottmcclain3338
    @j.scottmcclain3338 2 года назад +1

    Great job Dylan. I am a retired Firefighter. This is the same type truck I started with. Research and restore it to it’s glory!!

  • @emergencyresponsevideosand4423
    @emergencyresponsevideosand4423 Год назад +4

    i have a passion for fire trucks and love to record em. Seeing people like you makes me so happy, we need more people like you

  • @darrinproehl4675
    @darrinproehl4675 2 года назад +11

    Nice find!!! I was a firefighter in the panhandle of Florida for 14 years. I have driven a few Ford fire trucks just like that one. Here are a few tidbit about your apparatus. First off, 2nd is the preferred gear for starting off. The pump runs off the PTO and it should be pneumatic. There is a transfer switch either a leaver or a twist and pull to engage the PTO. I wouldn’t engage the PTO until you have done a good inspection of the PTO and the pump itself. The pump is either a Hale or Waterous pump and needs water flowing through it from the tank or a hydrant to keep it cool and lubricated. I know you have a lot of work to do on her and I am sure if you visit your local fire department they would be more than happy to help you learn more about your “Engine 414”. Best of luck on the restoration and I look forward to seeing more of her.

    • @googleusergp
      @googleusergp 2 года назад

      That is correct. Most departments are happy to see their old equipment has lived on and is still around.

    • @richardjaneway8499
      @richardjaneway8499 Год назад

      Pumped in 5th gear

  • @bigdavesoutdoors9761
    @bigdavesoutdoors9761 2 года назад +21

    Nothing like a small town! Love seeing an old FD truck. Was a Vol for 11years in the 80's👍

  • @johnrich902
    @johnrich902 2 года назад

    I stumbled across your channel and stopped to watch because of the fire truck. My wife and I each spent 30+ years as volunteer firefighter's/EMT's and your episode brought back a lot of memories. The last truck I pumped at an active fire was a 1964 Hahn, stick shift, double clutch, manual steering. It acted just like your Ford! I hope you take the time to restore the rest of the truck. Thanks for the memories!

  • @jamesoldaker2434
    @jamesoldaker2434 2 года назад +4

    I'd love to see more videos on this old girl, totally deserves to be brought back to all of her glory. Keep up the great videos

  • @brianjacobson5701
    @brianjacobson5701 2 года назад +42

    Loved this revival. As a 30 year active member on our volunteer fire department, It is cool to see the old equipment running! A lot different from our current trucks, but very cool! Bless you Dylan!!

  • @ProjectMercuryMarauder
    @ProjectMercuryMarauder 2 года назад +38

    Would like to see it get polished up next and have that air brake leak fixed I guess. lol. Awesome job with making the parade! I love seeing this old stuff get a second chance at life!

  • @charleshudson1680
    @charleshudson1680 2 года назад +1

    Dylan, as a former volunteer firefighter of 8 years this video was so wonderful to watch. Thank you for sharing it with us. God Bless!!

  • @hgbarnes1584
    @hgbarnes1584 2 года назад +2

    THAT was one of he most unique you tube videos I've seen in 10 years of watching. Can't wait to see it all shined up. Thanks Dylan, smiled through the entire show. God Bless from your Canadian brother in Christ.

  • @RobertThomas-vr2qn
    @RobertThomas-vr2qn 2 года назад +10

    That was really nice. The fire department my dad served on for 26yrs before he recently passed had a truck exactly like it. That video brought back alot of memories. Keep up the good work

  • @waynegouin939
    @waynegouin939 2 года назад +18

    Hi Dylan. THANK YOU! For getting that old fire truck running and driving it in the parade. AWSOME!! is an understatement. All those people and children smiling and waving! At the end, it must have a air leak. It should be easy to find and fix. The tach cable can be repaired with a speedometer cable repair kit from eBay, cheap. I'm convinced God was smiling, you made his day too! Happy Independence Day!

  • @joe08867
    @joe08867 2 года назад

    The first time I drove a cabover fire truck is when I turned 18 and volunteered at my local fire company. She was a big old girl that looked just like your truck. We called her by her communications number of 3361. Loved that dang old truck. Learned a lot about fire and life driving that old girl.
    Thanks for bringing back some fun memories.
    Oh and by the way everyone is nervous the first time they drive a cabover like this. Sitting over the front wheels takes some getting used to.
    Great job

  • @johnheckler4185
    @johnheckler4185 2 года назад

    Hi Dylan. Volunteet firefighter of 48 years here. Our Dept. had 3 of the "C" model Fords like that. Drove them all.
    Looks like it might be an American LaFrance pumper, judging from the dust that was on the front panel.
    Great video, good luck with the truck!

  • @markkeller1778
    @markkeller1778 2 года назад +26

    I would love to see her gone through and fully functional again. This was great Dylan 👌

    • @charleshudson1680
      @charleshudson1680 2 года назад +1

      I wish I could hit the like button on you're comment a 1,000,000 time but I can only do it one time. P. S. Former volunteer firefighter for 8 years I love fire trucks of all kinds.

  • @marks93cobra
    @marks93cobra 2 года назад +28

    Another great job Dylan, sure do enjoy seeing stuff like this getting revived, kinda like Kevin reviving farm equipment and planting corn on his channel, it's all awesome to watch!

  • @nickcormier3307
    @nickcormier3307 2 года назад +1

    Watching you grin as you pulled away in your newly running firetruck was priceless! This was a very wholesome video. Thank you

  • @seannichols5623
    @seannichols5623 2 года назад +14

    When removing those Dayton style wheels, back all the lug nuts off, but don't remove them until they're all loose. Those keepers can fly off at high speed if the wheel is in any sort of a bind. You don't want one of those keepers coming back at you.

  • @tdp78_RHF
    @tdp78_RHF 2 года назад +30

    Dylan, thank you so much for bringing a piece of history back to the road. I truly appreciate your channel!

  • @jrranch9712
    @jrranch9712 2 года назад +9

    My dad was a fireman for many years. I grew up around the fire house basically. This truck reminds of one at one of the stations he worked at in town. Thank you for this new project of yours.
    God bless.

  • @unclejustin7267
    @unclejustin7267 2 года назад +4

    Amazing recovery in such a short time. It just attests to the quality of those vehicles. Great video. I was forced to drive a vehicle that size for work when I had zero experience. It was a harrowing ordeal.

  • @BB-Gamaing
    @BB-Gamaing 2 года назад +3

    Really liked seeing someone go out there and save these older emergency vehicles. Would like to see more people doing things like this where I am from so keep up the good work and I hope the fire truck serves you well

  • @BlueSpectre
    @BlueSpectre 2 года назад +10

    Love it, when I was firefighting my favorite truck in the fleet wasn't the fancy new 700 thousand dollar pumper or ladders, but the old 70s Seagrave and late 60s mack we had out in the reserve stations. Something just so venerable and hallowed about the old veterans thats are still rollin under their own power, having carried many generations of firefighters in their time.

  • @NorthRiverTV
    @NorthRiverTV 2 года назад +10

    My absolute favorite of fire truck chassis.... love those cab over Fords. Our local VFD had two of them from the late 60's til the mid 80's. Pretty when cleaned up, esp tankers.

  • @mikewallace1067
    @mikewallace1067 2 года назад +4

    Thank you for your videos I love watching you, vice grig, thunderhead289, and junk yard digs, you guys all have the best quality stuff and I really appreciate and look forward to your videos

  • @usemeinstead2
    @usemeinstead2 2 года назад +7

    Thanks for this video! I’ve always wanted to have an old fire truck and I was thrilled to see you got one! I would like to see it totally decked out with lights and siren, and I’d love to see the fire pump up and running! Keep up the great content!

  • @garycarter8332
    @garycarter8332 2 года назад +14

    When you install a two piece wheel. It’s best to put hammer next to wheel and spin. Making sure it stays same distance from hammer as it goes round. They will bounce down the road if not centered on hub. Way to adjust is just tighten in circular motion till stays same distance from hammer. Something I learned when working on old dump trucks!

    • @mjc8248
      @mjc8248 2 года назад +4

      Same here, i used an old 4x4 piece of wood. I drove and worked on a lot of these trucks in the 80's and 90's. He got pretty lucky because it didn't look like it had any crazy vibrations.

  • @kphedges707
    @kphedges707 2 года назад +6

    "IT'S MOSTLY ALL THERE." needs to be a t-shirt

  • @doc8683
    @doc8683 2 года назад +6

    You probably need to double clutch it to shift it easier. I don’t remember what year you said it is but I would check to see if the transmission has synchronizers. That might solve your problems

  • @dennisdollar3953
    @dennisdollar3953 2 года назад +1

    I lived in toney for many years great to see you get the old truck going again

  • @jefferymorin9883
    @jefferymorin9883 2 года назад +11

    needs a partial rebuild to get everything in working order. Just working nothing crazy. Loved it. thanks for the great content.

  • @dustindonald9862
    @dustindonald9862 2 года назад +9

    It would be an awesome restoration with the old red rotator lights on the roof, and the old rev up fire siren. Sweet old truck Dylan!! Keep up the great content!

  • @KiwiStag74
    @KiwiStag74 2 года назад +3

    Wow! I was utterly amazed that she just came back to life pretty much at the first turn of the key once you had the fuel and spark sorted. That big block sounds amazing! I love a good revival, but with the beast being a Civic Duty / Emergency vehicle, it means a whole lot more. So many of these beasties just disappear. That one still looks real solid and I reckon if you hit her old paint with a buffer, she'd shine right up for you too. I'd love to see it looking as good as it did back in the day, but the fact she's running and moving under her own power is just fantastic!
    Just for ref, the way the needle on the rev counter was bouncing, it looks to be a cable-driven tach as opposed to an electrical one. They are usually driven off the distributor, so it should be fairly easy to figure out if the cable broke or it's something more serious like the gauge mechanism seizing or the drive on the distributor giving out. She's no major though.
    As to what you could do with the beast long-term....well, it would make one heck of a pressure washer, but maybe that's a bit too mundane. Taking her on the next Power Tour would be a unique idea....or maybe turning her into an over-the-top Mobile Workshop? Those are all too obvious though, but if I think of something more fun and fitting for the beast, I'll jump back on and suggest it. For now, all I'd love to see done is her being cleaned up and preserved as is until a more fitting idea comes along.....but if she's down the list a ways in the priority, that's no major either. Good on ya for bringing her back to life though, eh... All the best - and just for ref, I ALWAYS watch your videos to the end😉

  • @machinist5828
    @machinist5828 2 года назад +3

    Thank you for saving this old truck. I also want to thank the previous owner for keeping it in a covered storage shed. Those big Ford industrial engines are built to last. I know they made some huge ones but not sure how big they went. We used to get them in the machine shop I worked at and the only time I ever saw one get bored oversize was if it rusted up and had pits in the cylinders. I'm not too sure how many parts interchange with other big blocks. Something keeps whispering in my head that they were a beast of their own.
    I left that shop in 1978 so my information may be a little out dated. I know my memory is......LOL!
    I kept saying release the parking brake🤦‍♂️🙄😁👍.
    Cheers
    Terry from South Carolina
    🚨🚒🚨💦🔥

    • @MaxGiganteum
      @MaxGiganteum 2 года назад

      As far as I know, they are a different animal from the MEL and FE engine families... along with all the others Ford designed and built. They were built for low speed ops with high, consistent torque which makes sense considering what Ford installed them in. They are big, heavy engines built for big, heavy trucks. There is some info available on the WWW for those that search for it... but if you're looking for performance at all, don't bother - you won't get it. Peace & good vibes! 🇺🇸👍🏻
      - Max Giganteum

  • @goptools
    @goptools 2 года назад +7

    Hey Dylan,
    Congrats on taking ownership of that classic beauty! If it were me, I would buff out the paint, fix whatever is wrong with the air brakes and maybe polish up the aluminum a bit. That was pretty amazing how it started right up after sitting so long. It think opportunities to show it off will come along. Thanks for the video!
    -mike

  • @discgolftrainnut
    @discgolftrainnut 2 года назад +3

    A friend of mine found an old faded out 1940s fire truck in a farm field that had been sitting for over 20 years. He pumped up the tires, ran temporary fuel lines, put in a battery and 2 hours later he drove it home 45 miles away. The paint was pink, the chrome was pitted. etc . It took a couple years but he completely restored it and drives it in parades.

  • @justingillott1184
    @justingillott1184 2 года назад +1

    That really brings back memories. Our local VFD had a Ford/LaFrance pumper that was an '84. I drove that thing for almost 15 years before they replaced it in 2006. CAT 3208, straight 5-speed, 1000 GPM pump, and 1000 gal tank. 55 mph max floored full of water.
    Great truck and always got the job done.

  • @billvanderpol
    @billvanderpol 2 года назад

    I’m sure there were a lot of truckers yellin ‘Release the spring brakes ‘ as you were trying to get it going. Good job figuring that out! Up here, we need to have the right designation on our license to drive a vehicle equipped with air brakes. Cant believe how quickly the old girl fired up!

  • @bulldogsautomotiveadventur4387
    @bulldogsautomotiveadventur4387 2 года назад +29

    Interesting tidbit, if it has “extra” dimmer switches in the floorboard they were for the old wind up sirens, the extra solenoid might be for one of those since they took a huge amount of power.

    • @accousticdecay
      @accousticdecay 2 года назад +5

      I worked on a 60's model fire truck that was much like this one, and you are very likely correct. Sirens (well, the good ones) actually employed starter motors!

    • @BronzeGiant
      @BronzeGiant 2 года назад +2

      @@accousticdecay You beat me to it.

  • @ricadams
    @ricadams 2 года назад +5

    Love that you got it back on the road. Give it a bit care. It will make a real showstopper. Keep up the great work

  • @J2498
    @J2498 2 года назад

    Great video from a volunteer fireman of 38 year's that has driven trucks like that and older again thanks for the memories 👍

  • @bulldogsautomotiveadventur4387
    @bulldogsautomotiveadventur4387 2 года назад

    It’s nice to read the comments from fellow firefighters on here, I watched it last night after getting home from a fellow firefighter’s memorial service.

  • @markhenry5294
    @markhenry5294 2 года назад +66

    I love these old Super Duty engines, and ever since I've learned about them, I've been researching as much as I can about them. There's not a lot of information out there about them, but they sure are powerful. They also used to come as Seamaster Bi-Turbo boat engines. Awesome stuff! Like everyone else, I would love to see you fix a few things on this truck, and get it to a reliable condition. As always, great video, hope you have a Blessed Day!

    • @BD-xz6te
      @BD-xz6te 2 года назад +1

      I have a 63 with the 534. I didn't know the SD existed until I bought it. I've since fallen in love with them and have researched them quite a bit myself. It's kinda sad that they are mostly forgotten.

    • @markhenry5294
      @markhenry5294 2 года назад +2

      @@BD-xz6te I haven't bought one, (yet) but I did find a lot of info from the Ford Heritage Vault where they keep digitized old brochures of the specs and options of all the vehicles they've ever made. It's pretty cool, and I don't mean to be an advertisement, just spreading the word. I really do wish more people knew about these big old things. They're just really cool and powerful. Have a Blessed Day.

    • @BD-xz6te
      @BD-xz6te 2 года назад +1

      @@markhenry5294 I wasn’t aware of that site. Thanks for that reference. If you ever find yourself in central Ky, let me know. I’ll let you check out the cabover with the 534.

    • @nhzxboi
      @nhzxboi 2 года назад +1

      I don't know. I've rebuilt and worked on many of those in my early mechanic career. They were neither powerful nor all that reliable(exhaust leaks always). Certainly they were very heavy and fuel thirsty....a fully loaded tanker could expect about 2 gallons to the mile...Yes, < 1 MPG. They'd backfire a lot if out of tune and start the air cleaner on fire routinely. They were cool in that you could get them to idle low enough(150RPM or so) that you could actually distinguish suck squeeze bang blow sounds. Very very heavy low RPM engine, combustion chambers are in the block(PITA to bore). The block was very high in chrome(hard as hell) which would wear out a boring bit quickly. Nostalgic but still would go diesel over the SDs. When they 'afterfired' (out the exhaust during shifting), They'd drop a ball of fire on the road that scared people driving behind the rig.

    • @BD-xz6te
      @BD-xz6te 2 года назад +1

      @@nhzxboi If yours were backfiring and getting 1 >mpg it sounds like something was wrong or they were being used for the wrong application. I've heard of 2mpg fully loaded on the highway for the big tandem axle trucks but my single axle routinely gets 9mpg around town. I'm sure it's considerably less with a big load but I seldom average less than 6 or 7 mpg overall. Mine had an intermittent popping out of the exhaust on the right side until I adjusted the valves. Sure enough it looked like whoever was in there the last time didn't know what they were doing. They were all over the place and one was so tight I it couldn't have been seating fully when things got warm. The mileage isn't great but I rarely leave town with mine and anything diesel remotely roadworthy that can do what I need was more than 4 times the price. That was before covid drove prices through the roof. Overall I'm quite happy with the thing. It easily climbs the steep hills around here without constantly downshifting. I had a warped exhaust manifold that blew a couple of gaskets before I spent a few minutes flattening it on a big belt sander. That seems to have fixed it. I picked up another complete engine and transmission with 17k from an old fire truck for $500 so I should be set for many years to come. Meanwhile I get to have a cool nostalgic truck that is useful and makes a good noise. Would I love to have an old detroit 2 stroke? Absolutely! I just couldn't justify spending the money on one.

  • @braxtonnelson7422
    @braxtonnelson7422 2 года назад +25

    I guess most guys dream of having their own fire truck one day... Would love to see more content on the cosmetic and mechanical repairs to get this old girl looking and running great again, and maybe even putting some lights and a siren on her! Firetrucks, like most emergency equipment are built stout and simple to insure that they run when needed with minimal breakdowns. Also, they usually don't have a ton of miles on them, and are maintained pretty well. Looking forward to the next installment of Fire Chief Dylan and his new truck!

    • @airplanemaniacgaming7877
      @airplanemaniacgaming7877 2 года назад

      I for one would love to get an old Crown Firecoach from the late 60s early 70s (Y'know, the Emergency! TV show's time.) and make it look like Engine 51 did.

  • @orgella
    @orgella 2 года назад +1

    That's so great that you got it running for the parade. I figure if you do parades on Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day that's probably a nice life for that truck. Then go to where kids can climb on it once in a while. Like any retiree, it should have a gentle life.

  • @claztube
    @claztube Год назад +1

    Hi Dylan, I enjoyed like so many others here this revival and fourth of July parade video.
    Many years back (1990's) I worked as a driver guide doing tours with motor coaches in San Francisco. When an opportunity came up to work on a vintage open cab Mack fire engine I jumped at the opportunity. Just fitting behind the huge diameter steering wheel for a bloke with some girth around the middle was challenging but to add the double clutching and doing so smoothly as this truch was modified to carry tourists, well that was the most difficult aspect of the experience.
    If you can imagine doing this while in San Francisco traffic dealing also with a few hills, though the route stayed mostly along the edge of the city's waterfront which is fairly flat and level, as a side note to add to the difficulty, I was asked to also give commentary on the sights along the route.
    They still have a compan y in S.F that is wildly popular doing such exciting tours for their guests and imagine as a tourist crossing the Golden Gate Bridge riding onboard an open air old time Mack Fire Truck. I know you'd love to try it some day. (sadly S.F. has become a cess pool today and I'd advise not going☹)
    Maybe you can start a "Ride on the 1974 Fire Truck Tour" on special occasions. How about a ride-a-long for special needs children in your community to lift their spirits?
    Have fun with your new/old time fire truck Dylan, i am looking now through green tinted eye balls that are, well quite envious though I'll add to finish the thought, I started my senior yaer in high school when that truck was brand spanking new...
    Peace Out

  • @daviduglem3213
    @daviduglem3213 2 года назад +3

    Dylan, your smile when it fired up and started idling right away his priceless buddy. I can tell you love this stuff! Always get a kick out of your videos. Thanks for your time. Dave

  • @inibrius5380
    @inibrius5380 2 года назад +7

    That giant air filter is because if the truck is by a fire with a lot of smoke it'll still run. You should see the size of the filters on modern day fire trucks. Almost as big as the engine block.

  • @Jb42996
    @Jb42996 2 года назад

    Brought back some memories with this , I drove one of these for twelve years as a fireman it's quite the hand full to drive talk on the radio and shift going to a call.

  • @jasonpatterson9175
    @jasonpatterson9175 Год назад

    Great find and love those old Ford fire trucks. My old department ran three of them. 67,81,86 tandem.

  • @justicefall1917
    @justicefall1917 2 года назад +9

    I absolutely loved this video! Seeing this old but awesome public servant come back to life and bring so much joy to your community was wonderful! I never miss your videos and as long as you make them I’ll be there to watch and enjoy them! Thank you Brother and God bless!!

  • @BeatlePete910
    @BeatlePete910 2 года назад +6

    This was probably my favorite of all your videos! Your enthusiasm is contageous! I hope you can keep this fire truck running.

  • @joeharkins7476
    @joeharkins7476 2 года назад +1

    I wish I was as talented as you are. There are so many classic vehicles like this that with a little TLC could be back on the road and serving in another function or capacity. Thanks for all you do to entertain us and teach us a little bit more about reviving these old beauties each time.

  • @francadrin1330
    @francadrin1330 2 года назад +1

    Thank you for saving a part of history my dad was a volunteer firefighter and drove a truck jest like that ! Shes got a great home now great video 🔥

  • @FTAfiretrucks
    @FTAfiretrucks 2 года назад +6

    Nice truck. Balance the front tire you installed. I own a similar truck so if you ever have questions just contact me. Please don't cut it up into a car hauler like everyone else that's all I beg. Just clean it up, re equip it and keep doing parades.

  • @Adrian-Pryke
    @Adrian-Pryke 2 года назад +11

    That cleaned up really well 😎
    Hopefully it is an easy fix for the air brakes, will be well worth going through and replacing most of the lines to be safe though.
    Can’t wait for you to work out how to use the pump, will be fun watching you wash everything in the future… 🤣

  • @jesterr7133
    @jesterr7133 2 года назад

    I love this. I love seeing someone bring back an old service vehicle. No one really shows them any love. There are actually some old models of service trucks that have no known surviving examples. I love to see someone taking an interest in one.

  • @pd9717
    @pd9717 2 года назад

    Would like you to interview someone who used this truck in the past. History comes alive on your channel and you are great at what you do. God bless you 🙏.

  • @benjamintallent1527
    @benjamintallent1527 2 года назад +4

    Super amazing content Dylan! I love the retro coolness of the fire truck! Keep doing amazing car finds and revivals like this one in the future!

  • @mccathernfamilyprojectsandadv.
    @mccathernfamilyprojectsandadv. 2 года назад +4

    Cool to see it back on the road and watch everyone of your videos till the end!!

  • @Evolucion7
    @Evolucion7 2 года назад

    Rad. I always wanted one of these old mid-70s COE chassis to remove the pump body and build a custom camper body onto. Seeing this brought back to life was a lot of fun.

  • @scottnelson5050
    @scottnelson5050 2 года назад +3

    I love these old fire trucks! Cool finding that huge ford gas motor too. Can’t wait to see what you do with it!

  • @matthewmccormick7768
    @matthewmccormick7768 2 года назад +4

    It was really awesome to see how excited you were driving the fire truck. When I was working at Car Connections USA, my boss bought literally the same model fire truck, Ford with the big block 534 and 5-speed. I absolutely loved driving that thing as well, except for it's deadly hydraulic brakes. Anywho, loved your video Dylan. Congrats on ur new fire truck!

  • @tommycowger9585
    @tommycowger9585 2 года назад +9

    She's a beaut!!! I can't wait to see what you do to her next, as for the air pressure, probably need to replace the air lines they may be dry rot, happy 4th to you and everyone!!!

  • @FreedomRock44
    @FreedomRock44 2 года назад

    Dylan I love how happy you are about your New Fire Truck!!!!! Hey Dylan do you know anyone who has a fire truck???? Wait YOU DO!!!!!!

  • @Natedog-1
    @Natedog-1 2 года назад

    Having fun with these things is what the hobby is all about. May God bless you, keep up the good work 👍

  • @MattFusion92
    @MattFusion92 2 года назад +5

    This is awesome dude! can't believe it's started first time! love the videos! 🤘🏻

  • @mattclayton9165
    @mattclayton9165 2 года назад +9

    Loved the fire truck! Be great to see some more on this, perhaps you learning how it all works and demoing it? Or a more detailed cleanup? Getting the ‘fire truck’ parts back she’s lost. Whatever you do I’ll watch, great content as always. Thank you.

  • @bengone3349
    @bengone3349 2 года назад +2

    Dylan, as a former VFF, I can relate to the driving/steering sensation of wheels under you, it's different. Thanks for a great video resurrecting a classic piece of equipment. Keep working on it, hopefully someone will assist you on the operation of the pump. Notice my YT monicker?

  • @Coopdog-dp5eq
    @Coopdog-dp5eq 2 года назад

    Dylan, If anyone needs to own an old fire truck, it's you. That was awesome.

  • @proto1132
    @proto1132 2 года назад +5

    That is a cool set of wheels, it is in really good shape.

  • @ianformer
    @ianformer 2 года назад +6

    Sure would love to see full lights, sirens and operational video. Having something like that on property could be a house saver.

  • @ProjectsWithPat
    @ProjectsWithPat 2 года назад

    That’s pretty neat. I used to work on a 1978 ford f800 pierce fire truck we also drove in the 4th parade.
    About a week before it was the normal routine. Put plugs in it, grease the shift linkage and spit shine the pig.
    10 years later I’ve moved on from that business. But it was just used a few days ago.
    Unlike yours. Ours had hydraulic brakes.
    The fuel line pickup in the tank also deteriorated, Had to replace that.
    Neat video to see, brought back lots of memories working on this one.

  • @reddirtadventures5785
    @reddirtadventures5785 2 года назад +2

    One of the best revival videos ever man , really liked how ya showed it in the parade too. Keep up the good work !

  • @AshleySmith-bx3mr
    @AshleySmith-bx3mr 2 года назад +5

    Love your show and my son and I are trying to build a couple of old d150s. Lots of information and just collect to see all your vehicles

  • @marshalmyers3217
    @marshalmyers3217 2 года назад +5

    Love seeing this old fire truck back on the road. Learning about air brakes would be very helpful, completely different system. (Not trying to be mean)

    • @bingusmctingus4395
      @bingusmctingus4395 2 года назад +1

      At least it’sa forgiving system mostly. Of course this truck is an old school one that doesn’t have spring brakes.

  • @nikmilosevic1696
    @nikmilosevic1696 2 года назад

    Great purchase. I hope you restore it a bit, get all the functions working again, no rush just every so often a video with some more bits overhauled and running or some more bits made shiny. Love seeing all these old service vehicles restored to running again.

  • @hectorfr91
    @hectorfr91 Год назад

    Thank you for preserving that old Ford history. God bless you brother 🙏.

  • @MrTexasDan
    @MrTexasDan 2 года назад +3

    Dylan, this is outstanding!
    I'd like to see lights and sirens re-installed ... and especially the pumps and fire gear up and running!
    Great video.

    • @dalehadley3283
      @dalehadley3283 2 года назад

      For demonstration purposes only,of course

    • @MrTexasDan
      @MrTexasDan 2 года назад

      @@dalehadley3283 Of course. (unless there's a fire to fight, in which case go blazing down the road with sirens a'blaring, lights a'flashing, and pumps ... umm ... a'pumping)

  • @evanmoses9437
    @evanmoses9437 2 года назад +10

    I really enjoyed your videos and content. They are part of my Saturday routine. Cool to see you work on a firetruck. Would be cool to make it reliable and fully road worthy and bring it back to its former glory if budget allows. Regardless, kudos for keeping a piece of history alive and letting others enjoy it in the parade.

  • @benhowe5506
    @benhowe5506 2 года назад +1

    Very cool old truck Mr Dylan, it was great to see you save that old girl. I hope you get to make some great memories with her. Take care and cheers from Australia 🤠🤝🇦🇺

  • @scottfinn3805
    @scottfinn3805 2 года назад +3

    Dylan, still absolutely love all the content you put out bud, I would love to see if you could potentially get all the fire hose pumps and things operating once again on that big, beautiful Ford! Take care my friend and I look forward to all your future videos!

  • @chrisburnett6698
    @chrisburnett6698 2 года назад +3

    I'd LOVE to see u get it properly and fully restored with lights sirens and everything working the way it's supposed to. That would be awesome.

  • @dookiemane
    @dookiemane 2 года назад +4

    love this classic. would love to see a full or mostly full restoration of this classic workhrose. great channel and keep up the good work. i do want my like though haha

  • @four20team
    @four20team 2 года назад

    Very nice video. Awesome to see all those kids faces light up when they saw the truck. I miss my small town Tennessee parades

  • @josiahracing4468
    @josiahracing4468 2 года назад +2

    Great to see old equipment being revived liked this it's absolutely amazing mate and hey from Australia