Flatbedding a 1960's Firetruck - Ultimate Toy Hauler Build!

[@GrindHardPlumbingCo]

Enter to win our Yamaha Banshee and support the channel here! www.grindhardplumbingco.com

[@DawsonTyson]

The "Jackery Solar Generator" wouldn't survive a massive solar event. Just saying. 😏

[@wolfslair9000]

Cash the brass that will really help you guys good luck keep up the awesome job.

[@rsharney1111]

Love the drone shot intro. But with as bad ass as you guys are, you should have an Fpv guy do it. It looks more organic and has the ability to flow through your property (even your shop).

[@brentdenholm668]

@@wolfslair9000 my thoughts exactly or would look cool polished up and re used somewhere on the truck

[@ReadMichaelParenti]

Best cinematography yet guys! Steven is awesome!

[@fuzzbob5]

You have the space to work on this in the new shed, I'd love to see progress on this build. And my 4yo boy demands firetruck in the snow every time I'm watching any of you're videos, so I'd love to watch the new one with him.

[@seansysig]

Cool PowerWheels toy hauler. Hang a LS low between the frame rails to minimize top heaviness.The ramps need to be twice as long. The hauler needs a generator & air compressor onboard. How about a winch crane off the rear corner you could use the heavy scrap pipe from the fire truck.

[@geoffrey6000]

also needs a welding machine etc. But i think a big diesel would be much more practical and reliable.

[@bashr52]

12 valve would be perfect for this. Being all mechanical all you need to do it get it started and then never have to worry about being stranded with a dead battery!

[@cloakdaggercustoms3903]

@@bashr52 I'd go with something a bit bigger. Like an old CAT engine or an IH DT466. Still all mechanical but a bigger engine made for semi trucks and fire trucks.

[@cheerdiver]

I don't get it, would be a natural for a hydraulic setup. In addition, a POWER PLANT could be run off the PTO. ie large welder Go radical get a modern low speed hydraulic FRONT WHEEL DRIVE, update the front end at the same time.

[@dw600]

I’d say go 12 valve with enough mods to run compounds for towing with a hater pipe coming out the side like the Camaro easy to attach compressor to motor and even a hydraulic pump if needed 12 valves are versatile plenty of room to work on a 12 valve In that fire truck

[@ryanroberts3793]

a really good idea would be to take the PTO from the pump and turn that into a generator to power tools and outlets and such. not to mention it would be great for a power outage if you needed to run your house off of it. Edit: there's also a lot of other PTO options you could do, winch, snow plow/ snowblower, all kinds of stuff. hell PTO 4WD could've useful

[@palmettoraised8882]

I CANT WAIT TO SEE THIS THING GET A FULL MAKEOVER WITH THE NEW SHOP!!! SO EXCITED FOR ALL THE NEW PROJECTS!!!!

[@datbager420]

24:30 Yes He's a LEGEND. Ethan thinks a completely different way about things than I ever would. And I'm pretty keen on ingenuity. That's why I love these videos. Craftsmanship hands down is the best on youtube.

[@GrindHardPlumbingCo]

Thanks man! Really appreciate that!

[@somethingelse2740]

Might want to consider making two piece ramps that form an arch, with adjustable supports in the center of the ramps. Straight ramps to a bed that tall is just asking for loading/unloading trouble.

[@calebbelflower1132]

You guys should add air bags in the rear so the ramps don’t have to be as tall

[@GrindHardPlumbingCo]

That would be so cool!

[@Lucas12v]

And it will ride better because it's going to be way too stiff after the weight reduction.

[@UmmmmmmmWhat]

The same bags that make a city bus squat would probably work, maybe you can find some online.

[@apexalaska]

Or take it way crazy and do a four link setup with airbags like the Diesel Brothers did to that deuce and half.

[@jaxonmiller691]

Yes this needs to happen

[@krober37]

I like the xylophone music and more candid photography. The things captured more behind the scenes like hooking the forks on the bobcat were nice to see.

[@alessiocarlevaro6934]

i don't know if you read it the first time but i'll try again. Consider making a "two story" bed with the sides over the wheel wells for wider vehicles and a lower "lane" in the middle for the smaller vehicles like karts and stuff. you could fit more vehicles by using the space between the wheels and below the other bigger vehicles

[@57629589]

Watching your video when the wife walks buy, "those guys sound like you." I was pleased to see you live in Idaho, I grew up in Southern Idaho near Twin Falls, now residing in Arkansas for the past 40 years. 😎

[@christophersnyder7002]

Without a doubt. Ethan is a legend. The creator of gas powerd power wheels.

[@stephenvondette9716]

There is no reason that you can't win them all! And with your ingenuity you have better odds than most!!

[@bluechevycummins5738]

Dt466 with an auto out of a 1987 international s1600 would be perfect. Loads of power easily modified like a 12 valve Cummins and you can normally find just the front half of one for fairly cheap. A lot of them were dump trucks/grain haulers. So people trashed the rear frame sections with overloading.

[@lavasiouxwindwater9789]

DT466! My favorite! Got a 93 Firetruck :)

[@quadbrothers7517]

This Channel is the definition of work smarter not harder

[@suzukiest]

you could use the pto shaft that used to power the pump to put a generator to have electricity

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

and a battery to store it

[@soundboydesign1373]

Canada here...one word playa'... Awesome!! Keep turning that wrench... one love

[@LevvyyEdits]

i would love more content on this build

[@polarbearspeedco]

I used to work on fire pumps, 1200 gpm is A LOT more water in person than I ever imagined in my minds eye. I’d run 750 gpm electric and diesel driven pumps and it would turn a parking lot into a lake!

[@tgsubie]

I appreciate the realistic angles of the work being done. Its hard, its being up all night, its cold, its a struggle. We all know that its not the pretty slo-mo in real life and to get snippits of how hard you guys actually grind is great to see. Physically and figuratively. Good job guys. Btw, you gotta have the coolest girlfriends/wives for them to be like "okay honey, have fun at work today." Knowing youre going to do this lmao.

[@thomasreimer1767]

You guys are the true proof that men newer grew up and that it's just the size of their toys that increases. That's so awesome! 😃👍

[@Squishyharibo]

I know everybody is harping on about ramps… but have you thought of a swing out winch arm or a hi - ab style situation? I absolutely love your builds and I know this one is going to be ridiculous, can’t wait to watch it unfold. Thanks for being an inspiration to build fun overkill things!

[@johnkosakowski3047]

sooo cool it cannot be measured! every car guy has considered this project at least once

[@tedium37]

Imagine the blueprints, time and expense that went into building this monster originally. What a nice hauler it'll be.

[@brianatkins8217]

I'm doing an 80 Ford C8000 tanker and switched 255/70-22.5 tires to get the bed height down a lot. Thank you I've been waiting on this build

[@bryanbarnes3019]

You guys should include a 5 wheel hitch. If you ever want to tow a trailer

[@owendodman3037]

I'd go for a goose neck, much more readily available on flat deck trailers

[@IeeIee778]

@@owendodman3037 both

[@albea1695]

Get with a youtube paint restoration specialist like AMMO. That red would come back. Just keep the patina. Awesome job guys. Shout out from your neighbor next door in Spokane.

[@BayerischeMeisterWerke]

You just have to keep the original engine and make it run decent if that's possible, because it just sounds so amazing!

[@danw1955]

They sound great, but they only get about 4 miles to the gallon of gas, loaded or unloaded, so they're going to need something newer and preferably fuel injected if they want to drive it more than 10 miles at a time!😉

[@DukeTheSPO0K]

I've got a 1972 LaFrance (nearly identical) sitting in my backyard right now that I have plans to do this with. Mines got a "Screaming" Detroit Diesel with an Alison automatic though :) My plan was to scrap everything behind the engine. I was then going to put a lowered deck on it with a dove tail. I like the suggestions others have made about air bags in the rear to get it lower when loading.

[@ronfrance4041]

Which Detroit does yours have?

[@ianuproar447]

This is going to be a sweet toy hauler!! Needs a Cummins/ Allison swap🤙

[@GrindHardPlumbingCo]

It really does!

[@haroldphipps3457]

@@GrindHardPlumbingCo an 8.3 Cummins! Not a 6BT!

[@dmach9631]

The suspension of that firetruck has never been happier

[@GrindHardPlumbingCo]

Haha! True!

[@jimmyjones8311]

I’d personally 12valve swap. But move the engine as far forward as possible and convert that back area to seating/camping space

[@aaronboucher2519]

Airbags in the rear to drop for loading and unloading would be sick. Help the break over angle too. That unit is sick.

[@awright9183]

Hey guys just wanted to say awesome job on the channel and all the builds. That beach run you did recently was the most coolest place to take your toys to, looked alot of fun. Can't wait to see how this fire truck toy hauler turns out, I can visualise it finished already. Once again awesome builds guys, best channel online, stay well. Ad from Oz. 🇦🇺🙃👎p.s. If ii win the Banshi will their be and issue with delivery...lol

[@onlygaming69]

I feel like ik u that name firmila

[@Rudder2]

Really love your channel. Is anyone else kinda sad seeing that old firetruck cut apart? It will make for an awesome flat bed but man I loved the original firetruck no matter how impractical it was. When you guys bought it I told my wife "lucky for you they found and bough it or we would have a firetruck in our yard"...LOL!

[@IeeIee778]

Just think of it as its getting a new life

[@davidschmidt9862]

you should use the clutch that is connected to the fire truck water pump and attach alternators converting it into a mobile high powered generator

[@tstricklin4808]

And or a pto for a wench

[@zoomert1204]

I vote pink camo for the paint job, with your skull emblem on the doors! Would be sick

[@lennym1273]

Or just Barbie pink lol...

[@GrindHardPlumbingCo]

That would be super cool! We kind of like the old patina though…

[@zoomert1204]

You made me think of it when you said it looks like a military truck with the flat bed. Lol

[@Timmy6216]

Hey for a motor and transmission swap in that thing I think you should simply go and try to find the drive train out of a 25 or 3500 Dodge ram the motor and transmission combo will make plenty of power enough to drag that thing around and it will be more reliable and simple to work on the most any other thing

[@AccAkut1987]

They've already said they probably go down the Cummins route

[@YouTubeneedstostopcensoring]

@The Gator Bandit why? Everyone knows the 68rfe is the best trans you can get? Ram literally already mated the Cummins with the goat of transmissions. Everything else will be a downgrade.

[@diyspeed]

Gonna want to do a dodge delete on that 12 valve before it catches fire 🔥

[@devisionhun]

Ooooh that gauge panel would be awesome decoration on the truck somewhere! It gives that real old timey firetruck vibe…

[@AHFarms]

Would be cool to have a side load option also. You could fit more power wheels.

[@JR-yr8xm]

Somewhere out there, a person that's into restoring fire trucks is losing their mind watching this.

[@roostingthe6520]

That level/speed square idea was badass!

[@paulyzee]

I like how they take apart the firetruck right after one of their projects catches on fire. 😂

[@notinside1]

So much potential in that chassis. You could hook up pto generator on the pump drive shaft. On board power. Some bunks in the old pump area.

[@benwood04]

You know for a fact that if you were to attempt unbolting every other bolt head would round off, and bolt shafts would snap. For the ones that did want to come out, it would take at least 69 metric ugga duggas to pop them loose.

[@thomasevans3097]

Project Binky follower?

[@michaelb268]

I personally think a 12valve Cummins would be a cost effective and reliable option. It’ll make plenty of power for what you need, they’re not break the bank expensive, they’re a lot simpler that you’d imagine an engine of that size could be and theres so many people that have built them, the information available and the parts that are available would make it fairly easy for someone like Ethan. You can also soup them up and crank out some decent HP/TQ.

[@Steeler_]

y'll need to see if you can get any help from power driven diesel, banks power or any other company for a lot of horsepower and torque in a reliable engine!

[@neiljean-louis3372]

Hi there, Neil from Dominican Republic. Can't wait for the next episode.

[@alraybaca6235]

HOPE TO WIN THAT (BANSHEE )JUST GOT MY HOODIE IN THE MAIL TODAY

[@uaukraina8784]

Hello from Ukraine, you have very cool stories, I love you, watch your success and continue in that spirit🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦👍👍

[@jesseshelby4383]

You gonna have all the local tweakers pilfering through your scrapile with all the Iron and brass u just showed all of them.😂 Great job on the fire truck, interesting to see how you build it out 🚒💯

[@drgiggleshit]

You guys should notch and airbag the rear. The ramps will be smaller and it’ll sit closer to the ground for max coolness!

[@ProlificInvention]

A Detroit 2 stroke diesel would be an interesting option, there's a couple KZbin channels I watch that specialize in that engine.

[@biguprochester]

I knew you’d do a build with that baby. I’m stoked

[@alexmercer7475]

You should have just used the water tanks for extra gas on trips

[@NolanGerald]

I love the multitasking. Rigging up your own skid steer while wearing a welding mask haha.

[@haroldphipps3457]

Too bad they don't have a tri pod so camera person can put down the camera and help.

[@frankensteincreations4740]

12v Cummins be nice, and simple. Or p-pumped 24v! 👍

[@zacharycash8543]

Hell yea

[@Amgc4]

Your a legend bud don't let nobody tell you wrong

[@lloydbaker7099]

The PTO drive for the pumps makes a perfect place for a PTO driving winch

[@MadOmega]

I would think about getting a old roll back flat bed from a wrecker. It would solve a few issues you guys have on occasions.

[@thomasbailey8306]

The scrap alone Paid for the Firetruck purchase no Doubt..LOL..And its going to be a badass Hauler. Its too bad you couldnt put a rollback bed on it. That way you wouldnt need ramps. Or use those Rolloffs Hyd with a Flat bed attachment. You know where theres a Hook That Hinges over to grab the dumpster. Just make a Flat bed. They sell them for pickups. That go ontop of bed sides. Just some ideas .Great video. Your plasma cutter works slick...

[@cortniesmith3138]

Grind hard slowly but surely cementing themselves into KZbin/internet history

[@jok3yjesu339]

I think keeping the water pump or like doing some sort of smaller water pump for a truck/toy washer would be cool

[@larrylenz7723]

Was that Gilagan I seen helping to take apart firetruck! Couldn't miss him he had white hat and red shirt on!!! Lol Firetruck is going to look awesome with all the toy's sitting on back and it driving down the road can't wait to see!

[@turtleman5.9]

Holy rusted metal batman! Actual plumbing parts!!!

[@larrydavidson3402]

Going to be a great power wheels hauler. Can't wait to see the finished build and after Ethan works his magic.

[@lifeworthlivingnz]

Please paint that fire truck it’s original colour, that will be so cool. You guys do amazing projects 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@IeeIee778]

That's not a good idea

[@markthomasen789]

Put the 2jz in the fire truck! Nice turbo etc it was ment for it. Love what you do guys, keep it up

[@Northwoods208]

There's a guy in PR with a school bus he put a flatbed on, and gave a mystery machine paint job, and he hauls his matching VW van that's his wheeler...it's pretty epic lol

[@that1guy302]

This project is sick, a really great idea

[@GrindHardPlumbingCo]

Thanks man!

[@RatsnRods]

you guys need to buff that beast out! itll take a couple weeks but itll do absolute wonders

[@janoel6822]

Those fire trucks were properly made . 🚒🚒

[@LeeMooEez]

Here I come again to enjoy my eyes with the built 😍

[@Pats-Shed]

I think that you should reassemble the main pump and attach it to an engine to use for a white water rafting channel . Create a pond at the bottom of a hill , dig a channel into the hill and line with plastic sheet, use the pump to circulate the water to the top of the hill and now you have a whitewater run for some fun on hot summer days.

[@Kami8705]

Would have been cool to keep the side boxes for tools/storage, if you could fit vehicles in the center. It would work for smaller stuff, but it sounds like you might be hauling full size vehicles too

[@jagtan13]

With the Jackery I imagine taking a few poles and some nice work lights can make some awesome impromptu street lights to work by!

[@GrindHardPlumbingCo]

Yeah! We want to have all sorts of stuff like that when this is done!

[@Johnb1723]

Ethan is a LEGEND.

[@bengelman2600]

All those baffles in the tank so it didn't slosh when this thing went around corners. Pretty cool.

[@HillSideKonnection]

That gauge panel would be a good addition to the new shop (commenting before finishing video)

[@williambrouwers5664]

It would be fun to see you scrap all that, and to see how much you make! Maybe use the toy hauler to bring it to the scrap yard?

[@django2467]

Who would of thought that grind hard plumbing would own a fire breathing fire truck 🚒

[@charlespletcher6330]

Love how this video ended of them walking in slow motion to refuel that gas guzzler of an engine. Can't wait to see the new garage next spring and the rest of the builds progressing

[@elijahbaker8248]

If u turn them sideways when they get up there, it looks like you could put almost the whole power wheels fleet on that truck. Killer build. Can't wait to see what's to come

[@milsimr0b069]

I was just thinking on how cool it would be if you completed the Flat Bed, and then somehow fabricated a Roof Rack over the entirety of the Flat Bed, and then put 1-2 Rooftop Tents up there. So whenever you take the PowerWheels vehicles anywhere, you also have a place to sleep as well. Just a thought. Keep up the grind. 🤙🏻

[@kbar150]

There is alot of options for that. Diesel swap - 12 valve for simplicity, 3116/3126 cat isn't horrible and found in tons of busses, dt466 is a box truck dream. Could have a welder /compressor built in Could have a fuel cell too. The extra battery space for overnight. That small water pump would be handy too

[@Patrioticmonkie]

Years after this you will look at that wrench and say why is this thing so short and then you remember this. Edit: When I saw the firetruck shoot flames out of the exhaust I was so amazed. This fire truck is the most badass work fire truck ever!!

[@mando719ad]

Definitely gotta put a duramax in there and a retractable ramps for convenience. Only you can do something like this. Keep up the great work

[@Covabernard67]

You should try to incorporate a welding machine, saw and stuff to repair your builds. There are already compartments on the sides of the fire truck that can hold supplies and stuff like that.

[@michaelblacktree]

Great idea. I bet there's room in there to fit a generator too.

[@randombrian4232]

Can't wait till you guys start working on this again in the new shop

[@amberaerojack5800]

I think this is my favourite video so far, the editing style, music, the shooting and actual shots. chiefs kiss* the content combined with the editing was absolutely amazing good job everyone :)

[@adrockey]

Awesome video!!! Ever see Jay Leno's party fire truck? He also has hauled motorcycles on it. Great story on how he got it too.

[@CJLeTeff]

Dude you should make enough recycling that red brass to pay for the whole project! 👍👍🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@koncrete_kahuna818]

I can only imagine what u guys will be able to do when u get a better shop

[@jasonpetrich4141]

There is abit of money in that brass, copper right there in scrap!!!! Could probably get back a few hundred bucks, for the build. Scrap is up alot right now with shortages on metals/ and probably should make some long ramps with that flat stock you have now !! Gonna need it

[@andyd5321]

you shoul do a roalercoaster style rack on the back that can be adapted into a jump, looking good so far!!

[@AndyJayLark]

I remember seeing the thumbnail of this video when it came out, and I was like: ’’nah, I’m not interested, not going to watch it." But now after seeing You on Kirstens channel I know, I’ve been missing out on a lot of play and a lot of heart. Foolish me, I suppose. Yet again.

[@mrgmc6314]

Maybe make a water collection system and use the old pump system as a irrigation system for the track .... have your own Reservoir and use that to keep the dust down

[@rsharney1111]

Love you you guys really should make an extension cord out of 8 gauge 3 conductor S0 cord. Just put a watertight 2 gang j box at one end and a 40 amp. Breaker on the other. I've seen box, tool, and shop fires with extensions.

[@GrindHardPlumbingCo]

Thanks man! That’s probably a good idea!

[@massimofalsone4784]

Change the powertrain do what ever you want but please keep the mansmission don't go putting sum auto allison transmission in it. Auto is for wussys. Love your videos keep it up👍👍

[@GrindHardPlumbingCo]

We’ll see what happens… thanks man!

[@robertmarshall4143]

All gauges, including pump panel gauges, electrical parts, lights etc from that truck are collectable and have value to Restoration groups of antique Fire engine owners.

[@aaronh5567]

You need to leave the center of the bed open, not just for ramps but also for a crawl space to work under the vehicle… now that would be epic