"Historic" snorkel to be scrapped

[KENTucky]

The Elwood rig is even more important as it was Pierce's big break in fire apparatus.  They were primarily a utility truck outfitter up to that point, but had done some basic rural apparatus, as well as building bodies for FWD and Darley.  Pierce built the compartments on that first Pitman line truck that Chicago turned into a fire truck in 1958.  Pitman saw the gold mine and Pierce became their go-to body builder.  Pierce actually completed the Elwood rig on a 1959 Ford C chassis.  It toured the country for a few years as a demonstrator before being purchased by Elwood.  It was eventually rechassied on a 1977 Ford C chassis.  But, from 1959 on, Pierce became a household name, thanks to the Snorkel...and the rest is history! 

 

Kent Parrish

Louisville, KY