Grandfathers 1951 F7 Ex- Chicago Fire Patrol Rig

[Guest]

Hello everyone!! This is Keith I am a Lieutenant with Miami-Dade Fire Department. I recently found this great website and I thought I would share pictures of my rig. It is a 1951 Ford F7 that was used by my grandfather when he was employed by the Chicago Fire Patrol. The Fire Museum of Greater Chicago had this truck in their collection and due to storage problems offered the truck to me because of my family ties to this vehicle. My grandfather was a 35 veteran of the Fire Patrol and was employed from 1924-59. What is a Fire patrol you may ask? Their mission was to respond to fire alarms along with the municipal fire departments and reduce the damage caused by smoke and water. They fought their way into burning buildings to save business records, other valuable items and cover property with their waterproof tarpaulins. The fire patrolmen braved the heat and smoke along side firefighters from the engines and ladder trucks – facing the same dangers while suffering the same painful and, sometimes fatal injuries.

If anyone is interested in the history of the Patrol then please visit my website at www.chicagofirepatrol.com. (I wrote a book on this subject). The truck is in pretty good shape considering its age and history. Its body was custom built by General Body of Chicago. Believe it or not, it is wood framed covered with metal. I have started a ground up restoration which included new tires, restored rims and a completely rebuilt brake system. Thanks for looking!!

[Guest]

Welcome aboard!



What a great piece of fire service history you have. Good luck with the restoration



Regards

[Marc]

Welcome aboard Keith, nice to have you as a member here! I purchased your book a few months ago and have to admit that it's one of the best books in my collection! We've communicated previously over emails.



Can't wait to see progress pics of your grandfathers rig!



Stay safe,



Marc Dore'

46 Engine

F.D.N.Y.

[Guest]

Hi Marc



Hope all is well! Thanks again for buying my book. This is a cool site so I thought I would spread the word about my grandfather unique rig. I finally got to drive it for the first time a few months ago and it broke down. It needs some engine work. Since I plan on keeping it a long time I am going to pull the motor and have it rebuilt. I have a long road ahead of me but it will all be worth it. Nice to hear from you.

Stay safe

Keith

[Guest]

WOW, that rig is in great shape, that is very interesting, good luck with it!

[Guest]

Thanks Paul



A few weeks ago i pulled the front cap off and removed the motor for a rebuild. The motor is done and will be back in the truck soon. i will post some pics when when i get a chance.



Stay safe

keith

[Guest]

I posted some recent video clips of the truck on liveleak.com

Here are the links:



[url="http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=832_1221954160"]http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=832_1221954160[/url]







[url="http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=a47_1221953108"]http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=a47_1221953108[/url]







[url="http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=fcc_1221924232"]http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=fcc_1221924232[/url]







Keith

[Truckman]

[quote name='Chicago Fire Patrol' post='248980' date='Sep 23 2008, 09:51 ']I posted some recent video clips of the truck on liveleak.com

Here are the links:



[url="http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=832_1221954160"]http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=832_1221954160[/url]







[url="http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=a47_1221953108"]http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=a47_1221953108[/url]







[url="http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=fcc_1221924232"]http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=fcc_1221924232[/url]







Keith[/quote]





Nice. Waiting for the finished product!!

[fyrfoto]

Very impressive piece of history-what is its history before the fire museum got her-it is very lucky that a commercial chassised workhorse like this survived-and we are all better for it-good luck!



J

[Guest]

History of the truck:

1951-59 Chicago Fire Patrol

1960-81 Village of Lombard, IL Fire Department (converted into a 65ft ladder/ with front mounted pump for a few years- then ladder was removed and it became their light truck with large generator in bed)

Vehicle sat out side 10-15 years in commercial lot

Amusement Company purchased it around 2000? and was going to rent it out for childrens parties.

Museum of Greater Chicago purchased it in 2001 for $400 (was running)

I bought it from the Museum in May 2007 for $800



Pretty impressive that it had fire service duty for 30 years!!

[Guest]

Same truck around 1955.