WLF Serial Number P-8-001 was built for the Air Force in 1978 as a prototype diesel-powered combination structural and brush pumper. The Classification A/S-32P-8 indicates that the apparatus will pump 500 GPM, carry 600 gallons of water and 55 gallons of foam, and have 4 wheel drive. Previous P-8's were gasoline powered and based on Ford C-Series chassis. The prototype P-8 was delivered along with a Ward LaFrance Patriot P-12D prototype (2 wheel drive, 750 GPM) as "First Article Test" vehicles, but only the P-12D was produced in quantity (about 60).
P-8-001 was retired from the Air Force around 1991 and served the Georgia Department of Corrections at the Wilcox State Prison in Abbeville, GA until around 2000. At that time, it became the property of the Fire Department in Subligna, GA. Subligna retired it in 2005, selling it to a truck repair shop in Dalton, GA. Today, P-8-001 became mine.
This shot shows the original lime-yellow color where a bracket was removed. In time, P-8-001 will return to it's former color. The plan is to restore it to original appearance, including paint, graphics and warning lights. It has less than 20,000 miles on it and runs great. It's powered by a 216 Hp. Detroit Diesel 6V53 and has an Allison MT-643 automatic transmission. I'll be bringing it home on Tuesday.
Here's where I get to sit! <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/luxhello.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />
Dave - Looks and sounds like you got a real GEM. That front is very unique would love to see her refinished in the Military scheme Any chance will you be able to bring her up to FireHouse EXPO. If not it looks like another member that will now join the ranks of "Line-Up" photos as they will also be driving during the parades.
Since I am former USAF, i would vote to see this in her official colors of Lime or OD Green! But that is up to her owner. If you want to see MORE P-8's check out the DOD site....
Nice buy Dave. What is really sweet about it is that it's unique, at least to me because you don't see that many in the hands of a private owner. Can you post pics as you progress along with this project. Would be cool to see !! Good luck <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumbsup.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />
Dave, I know you posted this truck in another thread, I mentioned I knew where there was another one, so a couple of saturdays ago I took a drive over to see if it was still there. It is not. It sat in lot with some heavy equipment for a year or two and I never seen one before. This is only the second, from where is sat I never knew what it was. If it show back up in the area I grab a few pic of it!
Good deal Dave!Everyone needs a firetruck,Right?Does your unit have a Hale pump like most of the other WLF rigs I've seen?Real happy for you...............Bruce
if you need parts, i know aristies fire in columbia county pa has a patriot under a tarp with blown motor sitting outside their station
tom bretz a ffII,retired disabled ff/emt from Kingston PA F D,own 2 wardlafranceengs a 49,a66,member of iaff 840,six cnty fire asso,pa state firemen's assoc, pa pump primers,schuylkill historic fire soc(spaamfaa's newest chapter--black diamond),luzerne cnty fire/rescue,life mem of columbian fire co kingston,former app op at laflin,edwrdsvlle,forty fort all in pa
Thanks, everyone! I've waited a long time for this, but this truck seemed to be the right one, so I plan to do it right. It will take time and money, but the idea is to make it look like it did when the Air Force got it in 1978. Before I even begin that part of the project, I need to make it mechanically sound and that may take a bit of time and money. The electrical system is a mess and the 4 wheel drive is disconnected, so those things need to be addressed first. I haven't even gotten it home yet, so please be patient. I plan to keep you all informed through this forum as to the progress I make. At this point, I'm not making any plans to attend anything with it, it's just too early to know. And if anyone wants to stop by and get their hands dirty, you are always welcome!
Nice purchase Dave. So you are gooing to return it to lime, I guess it will need a RED deck gun <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hysterical.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />
[color="#CC0000"]Young: The Cadillac Of Fire Apparatus.
01-23-2007, 09:11 AM (This post was last modified: 01-23-2007, 09:12 AM by 1958 F.W.D..)
I'm sure this has probably been covered in other forums, but if anyone needs Ward Lafrance information (factory photos, blueprints, etc.) or SOME parts, contact Mr. John Burzichelli, through www.wardlafrance.com
John is a New Jersey State Assemblyman, and either currently is or was the mayor of Paulsboro, NJ. John owns what is left of WLF, including all factory archives- blueprints, photos, etc etc etc. John also has a LIMITED amount of parts.
If you email him or call him, be prepared to wait a few days for a reply- he is a busy man as most politicians are, but he loves fire trucks, and will get back to you in a few days to talk "shop."
And good luck Dave! Stock up on Detroit parts now while you can! They're beginning to become hard to come by!
I don't know if John is a friend of yours or not, but I recomend looking elsewhere. I was in contact with Johns partner because he was too busy for me. This guy kept forgetting he talked to me and I called once a week for over a month. Up until then he still had not looked for the blueprints of my engine and he finally found the factory photo. They, or he, or John wouldn't sell me just the photo, I was told I had to buy it framed for a large amount of money. Well what if I didn't want it framed or wanted it framed in something that matched my home, they or he didn't want to hear that. I finally gave up on these guys.
This sucks because I have all the info on my engine, including the original purchasing paperwork, but am missing the factory photo and prints. If you guys know John, good luck and I hope he can help you out. Tell him I said Hi.
[color="#CC0000"]Young: The Cadillac Of Fire Apparatus.
Hey Dave,something was said about looking for insurance for your rig.I've been with J.C.Taylor out of Upper Darby,Pa.for insurance on the Old Gray 47' ALF for years.They have agent in Indianapolis that I deal with.I have all the stuff I need to be legal in Indiana plus I have her covered for to $10k if something really bad happends,all for $108.00 this year.Just for your information.......................Best wishes,Bruce
[quote name='GA_Dave' post='68895' date='Jan 18 2007, 21:59 ']WLF Serial Number P-8-001 was built for the Air Force in 1978 as a prototype diesel-powered combination structural and brush pumper. The Classification A/S-32P-8 indicates that the apparatus will pump 500 GPM, carry 600 gallons of water and 55 gallons of foam, and have 4 wheel drive. Previous P-8's were gasoline powered and based on Ford C-Series chassis. The prototype P-8 was delivered along with a Ward LaFrance Patriot P-12D prototype (2 wheel drive, 750 GPM) as "First Article Test" vehicles, but only the P-12D was produced in quantity (about 60).
P-8-001 was retired from the Air Force around 1991 and served the Georgia Department of Corrections at the Wilcox State Prison in Abbeville, GA until around 2000. At that time, it became the property of the Fire Department in Subligna, GA. Subligna retired it in 2005, selling it to a truck repair shop in Dalton, GA. Today, P-8-001 became mine.[/quote]
Unfreakinbelievable! You BOUGHT that thing? Well, I guess we need to discuss my finders fee. Hmmmmm, I don't know what the fee will beeee, but it won't beeee freeeeee, because without meeee, your own personal fire truck wouldn't beee!
Seriously, congratulations on the purchase. Where ya gonna hide it from the wife? If you need to, park it in my front yard. I have 5 acres just north of Dalton. If not, let me know when your going to move it, I'll help out where I can.
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