Just finished restoring my grandfather's fire truck!!

Hello brothers & sisters,

 

It's been a few years since I last visited this website. My name is Keith Seafield, I am a 25-year vet of the Miami-Dade Fire Department. I just finished a 5 year restoration of my grandfather's fire truck. He actually used this vehicle in the early 50's when he was a member of the Chicago Fire Patrol. It's a 1951 Ford F7 with a custom body built by the Schukraft Company of Chicago. While writing a book about the Chicago Fire Patrol I met members of the Fire Museum of Greater Chicago who had 3 former Fire Patrol trucks in their collection. When it came time to downsize their inventory of fire trucks in 2007 they offered me first shot at buying my grandfather's truck for $800. This past April, my grandfather's original driver, former Patrol member and retired CFD Batt Chief Ron DiRenzo, drove my family in our cities annual parade. Here are some links to the event and to my website on the Chicago Fire Patrol. I also just finished writting my second book entitled, " Chicago Fire Patrol #5 The Story and Restoration of My Grandfather's Fire Truck."

My website: http://chicagofirepatrol.com/

 

The restoration of the fire truck documented on the Ford truck Enthusiasts website: http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1055675-progress-hanging-sheetmet...

 

Youtube video's of the truck:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVtenzz5F1Y

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3U0YZ1Du8c

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKtxAL76Zxk

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LirA61jiDQ

 

Photo taken 1955

 

May 2013

Views: 838

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Permalink Reply by Keith Seafield on November 27, 2013 at 2:23pm

Car Show Television just aired a segment on the rig!

http://www.carshowtelevision.com/

 

 

Permalink Reply by Norm Tindell on November 27, 2013 at 3:02pm

Awesome job on a very special truck!

I'm working on a 1952 Luverne International (with no family connection). Still have quite a bit of work to do.

Congratulations!

Permalink Reply by Keith Seafield on November 27, 2013 at 5:07pm

Thanks Norm

 

Good luck on your restoration of the 52!!

Permalink Reply by Norm Tindell on November 29, 2013 at 5:22pm

Thanks!

Here she is when we picked her up...

Permalink Reply by Timothy John Dodson on November 29, 2013 at 10:35pm

Love that truck!!!!!!

Permalink Reply by Norm Tindell on November 30, 2013 at 8:49am

We older guys love all antiques, don't we?

They should have a special place in our hearts.

I am especially touched by Keith's story!

Permalink Reply by Keith Seafield on November 30, 2013 at 10:56am

Norm,

The truck looks to be in pretty good condition. How far along are you with the restoration?

Permalink Reply by Derek J Sinesi on November 30, 2013 at 10:57am

Nice job Keith. Truck looks great.

Permalink Reply by Keith Seafield on November 30, 2013 at 11:01am

Thanks Derek!!

Permalink Reply by Norm Tindell on December 1, 2013 at 7:07am

Motor in late stages of rebuild, electrical working, body needs some touch up.

Should be rolling in 2014.

Overall in great condition for its age.

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