1954 Tonka Mobile Fire Department MFD Ladder Fire Semi Truck Restoration

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I purchased this 1954 Tonka Mobile Fire Department MFD Ladder Fire Semi Truck on HiBid February of 2021 for $155.00. This poor fire truck has seen better days, however I was extremely excided to get it into my junkyard. This truck was entirely complete when I got it, which is surprising for its age and the quantity of parts it has. The entire truck had really bad surface rust and the paint had flaked off in sheets at some point. I assume someone tried to repaint it at one time is why the metal was showing through in spots. During restoration the steering wheel for the ladder bucket was extremely corroded and I ended up replacing it with another used one, however the used one I picked up also needed work. I had to drill and tap the handle to add new threads which worked out very well. This was definitely my most involved and difficult restoration yet to date and even tougher yet to edit. It's always a battle to decided how much or how little to show of any which one operation and ultimately I always side with show more than less, I just assume if someone doesn't want to watch as much then they can always watch on fast forward or skip around. Overall I was extremely happy with how this came out and very excited to add this to Beakers (My cat) collection. Thank you soo much for watching! If you haven't already, I ask that you help my channel grow by subscribing, liking, and commenting. Thank you!!!
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#Restoration
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[@charinabarcillo9160]

Had the 1957 version of the ladder truck, the pumper, and rescue van. Loved the hydraulic lift of the ladder as a kid. It was my favorite Enjoyed watching you restore this one 😊 Thank you

[@eeeeaaaa2179]

K

[@ajhanimarioinnocent7243]

AaaaaaaàaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAaàaAaAAaaaaaaaaaasssszzzzzz1àaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaàaaaaaaasaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarqcdu😂😘🥳😂🚴⛹️🥰

[@djevo3441]

Maybe the best tonka truck restore i ever seen.... congratulations my friend

[@lonewolfwarrior69]

Son, you sure enough know how to put a warm, good feeling in my heart. 😀 This here would have been the very same toy that my older,only brother (♥️ R.I.P) born 8 years before me in 1950, would have had and selflessly let me play with when I was old enough to push it around and have fun with. I love your channel and love what you do. Seeing your work always brings a tear of a happy memory for me. Thank you lad. God bless ya! ♥️

[@teddybombs5133]

I don't skip a thing, I appreciate the patience you have for these old trucks. Really is inspiring. Always in better condition then where it started.

[@trr94001]

I think what fascinated me most about this model was the in-Tonka-like construction methods used in its construction. Nuts and bolts? Welds? Fancy stuff.

[@rosemarymagrino772]

Could you just imagine a kid finding this under the tree Christmas morning back in the day? Well done!

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

I was one of them.. 1955 at 3 years old. Still have it! I was fire engine nuts as a child.

[@AMStationEngineer]

While restoration and repair of antique and classic radios, and communications equipment was my primary field of expertise, it is quite apparent that the work you do has set the standard for restoration of 'mid-20th Century 'rugged steel' children's toys. Each 'item' in it's heyday, served it's intended purpose, which was to pique the interest of the children that set up their back yard site preparation and construction projects. They've now come full circle, and will 'live out' the the next hundred or so years among the collections they they reside with. (and they deserve no less)

[@StudioPluche]

One of the best restoration jobs thus far. Incredible craftsmanship. And you know a Tonka is complex in its design when disassembly takes twenty minutes in the video.

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

Thank you soo much for watching! This one definitely took some time to tear apart and restore. Super happy with how it came out!

[@joallawestervelt6918]

Worth every minute. Of course we know you put more devoted time into it than what you could show. Bravo!

[@MohamedHassan-dc4lk]

The by we'd

[@ZahiirJones]

On a side thank goodness 😊​@ChipChannelRestorations

[@ZahiirJones]

1

[@rongreen4231]

Stunning. The restoration was incredible. Think about the work and attention to detail that was put into manufacturing this beautiful toy. A child would have to have been beyond thrilled to find this under the tree on Christmas morning.

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

Thank you very much! It's amazing to think of the amount of work just to make them back then, and sad to look at what we have today as toys and how they used to be so much cooler. Thanks for watching!

[@danialb52]

This is absolutely stunning. The decals and new parts, how do you locate all of the items that you need for your perfect restoration projects? I find your channel extremely interesting yet relaxing. Thank you.

[@nataliawolska8486]

T

[@narendra12d]

ok

[@shubhamlashkari6703]

@@ChipChannelRestorations👌

[@terryemery7839]

Born October 8, 1954. My body today is the the before shot: crusty, rusty, and seized up. Awesome job as usual, and say hello to Beaker!

[@robertporch8895]

I was born in December 1954. I got one of these for Christmas in 1958.

[@properfunny]

Definitely an involved job. Somebody took care of it, but man did they play with it.

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

Thanks for watching! It definitely went on many play adventures growing up and likely saved the day more than once. Now it has a second chance to do it all over again.

[@anthien5519]

Qq@@ChipChannelRestorations

[@cposwn]

Very well done. Another toy saved from the scrap heap.

[@Farm_fab]

The detail of restoration is impressive. I have a buddy that works at a scrap yard, and he saves toys like these.

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

Thank you soo much! We need people like him to save toys like these! Thanks for watching!

[@narendra12d]

nice

[@rixxroxxk1620]

This brings back so many memories for me. My Father was a Baltimore City firefighter from the mid ‘60’s to 2000. Mom would always take us to see him when he worked night shift, because that’s the only time we’d see him in four days. Back then, many stations housed an engine (pumper) and truck (ladder truck requiring a tiller, the guy who steers the rear wheels.) During one visit, he got a call and we followed his truck down the O’Donnell St. viaduct, open cab and all. It was snowing. Snowing hard, and all of the men were sitting in that truck, no heat, open cab, snow blowing in, and dad was the tiller man. I remember him steering the rear into other lanes as they were flying down the road….kinda like the little rascals would do. It’ll always live with me, but seeing you restore this made me remember that like it happened yesterday. Thank you for showing the care and TLC these old toys deserve. For some of us, it really hits home. PS- if I had to guess, the truck he was riding was a late ‘50’s-early ‘60’s Seagrave

[@ifga16]

You have awakened old memories. I had one of those trucks as a child. I can still remember the stretch of the string on the ladder as I cranked it up.

[@andrewclayterman6230]

I remember playing with one (my uncles?) in the mid 60's.. remember the string to move the ladder

[@stripedcollar335]

I am old enough to have played with Tonka trucks as a boy. Thank you for the memories.

[@PBsRetroRestorations]

What a magnificent toy and another wonderful restoration.

[@ericstoll6367]

Très belle restauration. Superbe. Bravo 👏👏👏👏

[@dMaouSama2761-f6m]

Hi I have seen many toy restoration channels but for me you are the #1 with quality skill and patience to get everything 100% hugs

[@Toystorations]

Chip is truly an inspiration with his work, it's always stunning.

[@The_Dudester]

Attention class. Dr. Chip is in session and we're going to restore, better than new, a toy left in a humid garage for fifty plus years. As a lover of fire trucks, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your work on this project.

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

Thank you soo much for the kind words! Comments like this make my day! Thank you soo much for watching my show!

[@Bebosixty9258]

Bellissimo restauro ed altrettanto bello il video... Complimenti!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@BillMulholland1]

Good morning Chip. Thanks for the video 👍

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

Good morning! Thank you for watching!!

[@geo2cv868]

The before/after is really impressive !

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

Thank you soo much! This was definitely my largest project to date. I really like how it turned out. There are some spots on the aluminum ladder that I wish would have came out a little better but overall I'm super happy to add it to the collection.

[@mehersultanameri9072]

@@ChipChannelRestorations I think its largest video on your channel.

[@brandonb1681]

One hour and 24 minutes? That is insane. I loved every minute. TY.

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

Thank you soo much! I always get nervous about the length of the videos. Thank you for watching!

[@kitt199546]

@@ChipChannelRestorations I prefer the longer videos... Just saying... Question, whats with the Sheep?

[@mariot1374]

Absolutely magnificient. 👍

[@123mvsmith]

Yeah! The sheep were rescued! If you mix a few drops of liquid soap with a cup of water, put it in a spray bottle and spray the surface before you place the decals, you can easily slide the decals around into position, then just squeegee out the excess water with a paper towel. Instead of a nervous "one shot" placement. Again, a beautiful job!

[@pegasuz71]

Well, what can I say... you're a class act! You are simply the best. Greetings from Italy.

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

Thank you soo much for watching! Thank you from the USA!

[@alcharcus8755]

Superb work. So many different techniques. I loved every minute of it from the dismantling, to the sheep rescue. Thank you so very much Chip.

[@mikeloghry9521]

Yep! Two (2) Thumbs UP (-:

[@marymasden6616]

Fantastic job Chip have a wonderful day

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

Thanks so much!! You too!

[@lowercherty]

Can't wait for that orange snowplow to hit the shop! Always wanted one of those.

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

Thanks soo much for watching! I'm excited for that one as well. The Tonka orange is one of my favorite colors!

[@stephanysoares6569]

Amazing! Your Channel is the perfect company to relax and learn more about vintage toys! Congratulations from Brazil!

[@davidaldrich3488]

And there you have it folks. All of Chip’s skills in one restore. You are the best Chip. The decals finish it off. The effort on the ladders and aluminum kick plates say it all. I will buy it if for sale Ty

[@diecast_MikeEspo]

AWESOMENESS ………. Great work as always.

[@Pressedsteelcustomsllc]

Starts watching video...one eternity later, finishes video. Great job!

[@CarlaDElisa]

Toys were made to last. So much better then the junk today. These restorations are priceless.

[@MrZlooze]

A beautiful resto! A marquis piece!

[@trudilm3864]

There won't be many toys of that quality sold this Christmas. That has to be the best Dad in the world.

[@CollectorDude01]

Wow, The finished ladder truck toy is beautiful! Your restraint not to rub all that loose paint off the old pieces as you took the truck apart, was great, lol! The sweep up debris was nice! The breakdown and build session was awesome as always with all those pieces, screws, caps, etc! The ladder extension string got me! I was wondering how you'd get that back on! Very cool how you did that! I had a yellow and black construction toy with an extension, scoop, turn wheel and string, that I got for my 8th birthday! I loved playing in our sandbox that my dad made for us kids! The raise wheel broke and I had to reattach the string as a kid! It didn't work that well after the wheel broke, sad day! As I watched you building this cool truck back to its former glory and beyond, I smiled several times! So cool! I'm in my 50's now and still love toys like this! I was a firefighter for 15 years in Ohio and I got to drive all the trucks! The small and large pumper trucks, the squad truck, that carried my fellow firefighters to fires and the ladder trucks! This type of truck was out of commission when I was on the force but I was told funny and wow stories about the one that our station had! I just want to thank you for what you did here, it brought back memories of several parts of my life and all were great! Awesome job sir!

[@paulchapman1175]

To the chip channel good luck restoring this fire truck

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

Thank you for watching!

[@maxfoeaman7584]

You're smarter than the factorys,the nicest restoration untill know ❤

[@bcroft68bc]

I can just imagine the excitement of some little boy on Christmas morning in 1954 as he runs into the living room and sees this fire truck under the Christmas tree. Beautiful job.

[@samanthadean1083]

Amazing!!! Simply amazing!!! …But I’m still waiting for the Carousel!!! 🎠

[@dryadseeker]

Thanks for the long version video!

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

Thanks soo much for watching!

[@lesleyyoung5730]

Bold choice, 1:23 minutes? That's a little, ok, a lot, more time than most people are willing to invest. Love the crickets in the background, but if you start adding owls, I'm telling AR 😉Turned out great as always.

[@КытаКытович]

Очень интересно наблюдать за мастером!. Волшебник.

[@xenogryph7169]

Absolutely beautiful restoration. You are truly a craftsman.

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

Thank you!!!

[@figueiredocarmelinda1256]

​@@ChipChannelRestorationstitkijijnnhggg

[@kjamison5951]

Thank you for saving some of the most neglected and yet clearly play-worn toys and restoring them to their former glory - and a little beyond that as well. Top work.

[@luzmariaez961]

Hermosos carritos 😱de colección!!

[@patstrailertopics5975]

Thanks very much. So engrossing I did not notice how long it was. Very nice job!

[@annettemalaski1967]

After seeing how you treat those innocent sheep, I don't think I want to be in your fire department! But that ladder truck came out a masterpiece! Your fleet of fire equipment just keeps getting better!

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

It's a good thing they have enough fluff to protect them from falls haha! Thanks for watching!

[@joallawestervelt6918]

@@ChipChannelRestorations Missed seeing the "I'm OK" or in this case "We're OK" 😋

[@CGRREDACTED]

God damn, that is one helluva Fire Truck now! A showpiece for any collector or museum.😍👏👏👍

[@jsschnc]

I watch every minute of your videos but the sandblasting is always my favorite part.

[@curtisziegler4531]

You do excellent work. You also must love sheep

[@vondabrannan7363]

Awesome job!! My husband has a barrel full of old Tonka trucks, I would love to have some of them restored for our grandboys!!

[@karlclausen5374]

The most heroic sheep rescue on KZbin i have ever seen! Outstanding restoration!!! Bravo my good friend 👏

[@waynehewitt6427]

Wow what a toy and what a great job you did! Any little kid would love to have it. Well done.👍👌

[@iwasglad122]

When kids had imaginations and not a computer screen in sight. An absolutely stunning reminder of a past that must be cherished by all of us who lived it.

[@jeffreyandreas7514]

Wow! Nothing else can describe this restoration! Beautiful job, and thanks for letting the sheep help!

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching!

[@randy1203]

Just a superb job all the way around. No strange back ground filler music, no voice repeating the steps or procedures of each technique during the restoration. Just peaceful and very relaxing to watch!!! Keep them coming. Thank you. ☆

[@Rich-uj3rk]

Some kid got his for Christmas in the 50's for sure. Just Beautiful.

[@davidcortes3399]

The quality and love of the work is incredible. A lot of effort, sorry for not being able to do anything other than subscribe and like it

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

Thank you soo much!! I greatly appreciate the support and kind words! Subscribing, Liking, Commenting, Watching the ads are all ways you can support my channel and I greatly appreciate any and all of them!

[@robertphillips6296]

Thank you for saving it!

[@samadkins843]

you did a great job restoring the red fire truck.

[@janetchristopherson4491]

Watching this is even better the second time. Thanks

[@shanemcguire170]

Suggestion on repair/chasing threads... 1. When you chase threads, you should always use some oil. Do not use your Taps and Dies dry. This keeps the taps and dies sharp, and helps remove the rust from the material you are chasing. 2. Do not wire wheel the threads after cutting/chasing. This changes the thread profile enough that should you need critical tension on the threads they will be less likely to strip out. 3. If the threads are that far gone, get a new piece of material and re-cut the threads, or plug, re-drill and re-tap. On a personal note, I try to avoid bluing the threads, bluing is a "Rusting" process. Rather use Oil Blackening for that process, maintains thread integrity. Great job on the restoration! Looks just like the one I had when I was a kid. It was my father's truck given to me... I wish I still had it. Great Job!

[@n.elliottnoorlun8304]

By the way, don't be shy to show "too much" footage!!! I love EVERY step of your restorative journeys!! ;o)

[@greggaieck4119]

I don't want too bye annthing

[@greggaieck4119]

What a Kool frie truck

[@edwardhoyenski68]

I have to agree with N. Elliot Noorlun - I could watch every bit of the process, and have often re-watched them days, weeks, or months later. Thank you!

[@pauljohansson695]

@@greggaieck4119 It is not bye but buy.

[@ahmadhadadi9259]

@@greggaieck4119 kmbOyg

[@TheWpafirephotograph]

Great job i used to a buddy L Ladder when i was little wish i still did

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

Thanks soo much! I actually restored a Buddy L ladder truck last year! Thanks for watching!

[@kirkmarrie8060]

Pentaltimate perfection! BRAVO!!!

[@chrismayer3919]

Look at all the good he’s done so far!

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

Amazing that all of the hydrants were still intact on the trailer...

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

I love it when a toy comes complete! Otherwise I spend alot of time looking for original parts if I can. Thanks soo much for watching!

[@andreacrashe9894]

I sure hope that you NEVER ever run out of toy vehicles & planes etc... to makeover... cos I do love your mahi (work). From this kiwi in Aotearoa New Zealand :-)

[@mflorest3]

Very very nice!!! Worth the time and effort!!!

[@patrickrichmond9896]

Really nice job. At 30:38, we see an up close look at the switch panel. Once you turn on the power, what I would do is to turn the fan on before turning anything else on. That way, if you are painting and your paint booth door opens by accident, the fan would have sucked the majority of the fumes out of your workspace. Those paint fumes can be pretty strong so turning on the fan is always a good idea to be the first thing to do when getting ready to paint. And you want to have an N95 mask on so that way, what ever fumes doesn't get sucked up ends up dodging you!

[@StereoSpace]

That may be the single most impressive toy Tonka ever produced. Great job restoring it.

[@Mike_Gray68]

You know these toys are better than brand new. They never looked this good new. Keep up the good work. Love your channel.

[@f100sCUSTOMSCLASSICS]

I wish I would have gotten set up with powder coating years ago. It’s so much tougher than paint! Love you work!!!❤❤❤

[@giselledeniz5722]

I love your videos and how you restore them back to life ❤💯 keep it up. Shoot how much for one❤

[@tomswindler64]

Impressive restoration 😎😎😎👍👍👍

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@molehogadventures6615]

Those troublesome sheep. Great job.

[@carloscalderon6288]

TODO MI RECONOCIMIENTO, FELICIDADES POR SU AFICIÓN Y PASIÓN. SALUDOS.

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

Thank you!

[@fabiogianotti5270]

Congratulation chip Channel the Fábio and Rafael from Brazil. The best restauration in the Tonka toys. Long life the chanel.

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

Thank you very much! This means alot to me! Thanks for watching!

[@rijkicell4332]

@@ChipChannelRestorations A

[@КсенияКочурова-е6о]

5ш5шшщшшш55555

[@mahafizrahaman703]

uufggihuuu

[@riyadhasan7581]

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[@BIGWojo68]

The Close Up on that paint powder was so nice!!

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

Thanks for watching! I'm definitely trying to show some additional angles and processes during the restorations.

[@leiatyndall8648]

We noticed! Thanks for always upping your game!!

[@svipace8220]

Excellent work as always. Love the kitty. :)

[@maryadachi4625]

My b.f. and I love watching ypur videos. He's played with a few of the toys you've restored when he was a kid, and I enjoy watching your craftsmanship.

[@heru-deshet359]

The most beautiful of your restorations that I've seen.

[@paulwilson2118]

Chip another master piece. Stunning work a true craftsman at work thank you great video, great work...

[@rajiv4972]

Awesome! Thanks.

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

Thanks for watching!

[@tomvarano3283]

Gosh I enjoy seeing these great toys come back to life. I am 59 and every time I see one of these refurbished it brings back great memories. I still have a few of them. I would love to get them refurbished. Great video

[@leedawson8438]

That was a good amount of stand blasting 😙👌

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

Thanks soo much for watching! I always overthink how much to leave in and cut out. Thanks again!

[@josettebetourne9217]

@@ChipChannelRestorations mp

[@TomPrickVixen]

That's some nice trailer, it literally leaves the truck part in shame.

[@kammer007]

That jus might be the crown of your collection!

[@Little_Red_Riding_Hoodlum]

Holy crap! That thing has tons of pieces!

[@diecastdungeon8970]

Amazing restoration, what more can be said? Your skill set is second to none. Thank You for showing us how it should be done.

[@stevedavidson8802]

WOW what a nice restoration great channel.

[@graemehansell7642]

That must be your largest model yet. Super result.

[@andrewclement1431]

It will be a collectors piece one day if not already.

[@jameslong4283]

This was your TOUR DE FORCE. Excellent. I am most sure it took you several weeks to complete. God Bless

[@lonewulf44]

Just remarkable work, for the record me and my girls love watching your videos before they go to bed. The red pop of this fire engine was astounding.

[@Reaper-wj2jw]

I'm only 34 but had these tonka toys as a kid. I guess they were given to me because they were already pretty old toys at that time. I wish toys like this were still made. Nothing like playing with basic toys where you needed to use your imagination. To many kids that have phones and computers so they are like zombies. I guess some parents prefer that so their kids aren't bothering them

[@RestorationAustralia]

Nicely done looks great.