What Have I Got Myself Into Now....???

We've had a pretty eclectic mix of cars lately but this one takes the cake!!
#ford #fordf700 #f700 #fireengines #fireengine #vintagefireengine #fordtrucks #fordtruck #gooddeeds #gooddeed #feelgood

[@brucegreg1859]

Looks like you Won't have to do, Floors, Rails Inner Rockers and Torque Boxes...that's different! Cheers.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

lol, good point😁😎👍

[@davidedgar2818]

Ask Steve Magnate about what this engine could be. He runs a you tube channel about all kinds of older classic vehicles. Steve did a whole series on trucks of that era. There is also a fund raiser for Steve. Due to a serious illness he has huge medical bills and is currently selling everything including his house. His collection is incredible and should not be broken up.

[@stevetaylor9265]

They all use the same basic systems. Don't doubt your self.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Thanks man😎👍

[@randolph2231]

Most of the heavy truck engines were RPM governed. The system relied on a matched carburetor and distributor to function properly. If the carburetor is not the factory unit you may need to modify or change the distributor for proper advance function. Since it idles well but won’t pull that is the place to look first

[@jamesjohnroe3741]

We had an international fire truck that would do the same. Fought it for years. Someone put plug wires that you cut to fit. Didn't leave the center of the wire to fold under the clip. Had spark at idle, was intermittent while driving

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Hmm, that wound cause a problem for sure. I'll be sure and check that, thanks man!!

[@markr.k8260]

Dad was a firefighter in Oakland, CA. He said any time you park the rig to shift the transmission into pump otherwise somebody might steal it. The rig won’t move in the pump position so maybe check that.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

It did move but was really struggling, it's going to be figuring out this thing, thanks for the tip!

[@deanstevenson6527]

Valve springs. All Y block 292 trucks are like that. The normal Pertronics, Holley 7448 350 transfer slot and Autolite ignition mess ups. You'll fix it easy. 🥝✔️🇺🇸

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

I'm quietly confident😉👍

[@edbeck8925]

Putting an aluminum radiator in that is a step backwards. Brass can always be repaired.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Yeah I grimaced when I saw that😟

[@derekhobbs1102]

Hopefully it's just temporary while real thing gets repaired.

[@billywird]

Yes sir any competent radiator shop could service the original radiator. It most likely was a cost decision to install the aluminum radiator, but it does detract from the original piece as well as the Holley 2300 series carburetor unless that type Holley was original equipment, and unless any rebuild kits or parts were unavailable the original carburetor should have been serviced. These fire trucks do not have a lot of miles on them and do not have a lot of wear on the usual parts that are common. Of course these units suffer from exposure more than wear and tear and of course being out in the sun all of the time this unit will suffer as well.

[@nicholasagnew2792]

The Holley is the weird thing for me. Its not a muscle car and Edelbrocks are so much more reliable, easy to work on, cheaper...

[@derekhobbs1102]

@@billywird I call it "stand still syndrome", nothing breaks, just sat too long.

[@pl5624]

Youre helping preserve history....its well worth the time.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

First responders saved my ass a few years back so I'm really hoping I can make this right for them.!

[@pl5624]

@@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160 im sure you will.

[@jeffsr8300]

I'd most definitely bypass that ballast resistor either way it'll burn up the distributor. Then see if it'll pull.👍👍

[@robertwest3093]

I love seeing those old fire trucks from the forties and fifties.

[@TonyGeneseo]

Hell yea ! Fuel air spark … 😁🍺🍺

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

It's a proven combination 😁😁😎👍

[@Rx4Lyfe]

Compression helps too 😊

[@Tepictoton]

She's a beauty that Big Job! What fun!

[@paulshea2560]

Lots of great advice in the comments👍 , something I would like to mention, the ignition coil looks to be a MSD , sometimes they don't work with older style (points ) ignition systems. They'll run fine until under a load. Something to do with resistance wizard tree. Hope this helps you out. 👍 speaking from experience. Have a great day.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Thanks man, I'm making mental notes of all the suggestions. I think it'll be a couple of simple thinks causing the issue.

[@Jkush463]

this should be easy for you compared to the total rebuild messes you deal with, im sure you can get it. Love your content!

[@Jstme303]

looking forward to seeing it running.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Me too!!😁👍

[@CAROLDDISCOVER-FINDER2525]

KEEP TRUCKING 👍

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

😁👍😎

[@CAROLDDISCOVER-FINDER2525]

I have an f-800 Ford fire truck. Completely different beast. Joe out at the rust ranch Wichita Kansas goes through these types of trucks quite a bit. But I don't see this fire truck needing parts

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Just engine and fuel system maybe...

[@CAROLDDISCOVER-FINDER2525]

@@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160 I know where there's a number of these pickups at. Is there a scattered around the country. I'm not sure why they were hate it for so long. Call refrigerator trucks. Look at the box body Chevy it's so popular right now! This refrigerator forward to getting more popular. Joe out at the rust ranch. He knows who I am. But let's keep that to ourselves. Misty good players has a very nice original survivor pickup. Joe at the restaurant had some bigger Ford trucks of this era, not that long ago. Silas over at adventures made from scratch. Not one of the bigger ones that he gets in but as far as numbers he does get a few come through his way. Well they do really want to keep it original but otherwise I'd pay later model engine in it myself. You know Google rust ranch. Talk to Joe. I don't think he really knows me as car old. I've had channels before. It's shot in dark but there's a Southeastern Tennessee salvage yard. You can always reach out to half broke garage. I'll throw more names your way if you need them. Find a shopping list and send it to me. I'll see what I can find for you. No locator fees. Man I just enjoy your channel so much.

[@beljames1563]

Cool old truck. You'll get it.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Thanks man and thanks for watching!!

[@LetGaiaLive]

Overall, it’s just an engine in a vehicle - you can do it, it’s what you do 😃👍

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Thanks man and thanks for watching!!

[@steve6992]

I was helping Lee with the car out here in El Cajon California. It was a 426 Hemi Roadrunner, we use a pertronix ignition it would misfire backfire sputter and everything else. Will we come to find is that there is an issue with the ignition going out of phase when the vacuum advance begin to work. Ultimately things were returned to original with the dual point distributor and all the pertronix problems went away . I'm guessing that this truck may have got the pertronix ignition, if so this is just something to look for. We were pulling our hair out over this to figure it out the finally came to the conclusion the pertronix ignition was our problem

[@larryreece1403]

The Ford trucks of that size ran the Lincoln Y Blocks.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Ohhh. Yes!! First car I restored here in the states was 53 Lincoln Capri that had a 317 Y block. I'd never heard of that size before......

[@daviddykes3026]

Cool vintage fire truck & they picked the right man to get it running well! Wish you were located in Connecticut Kiwi - my 1959 Rambler American Super needs some attention. Trying to find someone to work on her isn't going to be easy.

[@barrycuda3769]

Clogged fuel filter ? , sounds unlikely ?, but it was a reality on a Holden Camira I had years ago, same symptoms , very easy fix.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Gotta have fuel bud😁😎👍

[@Smurphenstein]

Variety is the spice of life as they say. It's really just a Ford truck with some additions, you can do it.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

I think so yes !

[@georgecooke9010]

DON'T WORRY KIWI, IT'S JUST AN OLD Y BLOCK. I DROVE A 58 F600 AND IT HAD A 302/332 Y BLOCK IN IT. THE MEDIUM DUTY TRUCK ENGINS ARE HEAVIER DUTY THAN THE 292 / 312 ENGINES AND ALMOST NOTHING INTERCHANGES. I FOUND OUT WHEN I NEEDED A FUEL PUMP.

[@hubiesgarage]

I just retired from the fire dept after 35 years. I was an engineer and did many repairs and worked with our shop mechanics during preventative maintenance. I have worked with our fire museum for the last 10 or 15 years and worked on a lot of our past rigs too. There have been sooo many builders over the years and even some homemade units that were built out of commercial chassis'd cabs. Many of these have had many weird add ons such as PTO's to run the pump, Direct and indirect coolers for the pump and radiator, auxiliary equipment run off of the engine, etc. All that said, this issue sounds completely engine related and nothing to do with any of the add on items used for the pump or the other components. I would treat it just like any other Y-Block related vehicle and trouble shoot from there. If there are any auxiliary related components, try to leave them as is or intact. If they are in the way and need to be moved, document with pictures before and try to put back as it was. With these older rigs, the fuel systems get gummed up pretty bad as they are not driven much at all. This one sounds almost as if the exhaust system is partially plugged up. Good luck with this Kiwi! I am betting you will figure it out and get it handled! Take care!

[@pedroequis9396]

Just an old Lincoln Y-block,332hp. Check the timing chain.

[@buffdelcampo]

It's likely a 272. They were the only engines in 1957 big trucks that had the crossover exhaust up front.

[@u.p.tinkering]

Great video Kiwi, what a cool piece of history right there!

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Thanks man and thanks for watching!!

[@u.p.tinkering]

@@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160 Thanks for the replies Kiwi, that alone makes you one of my favorite channels. So many creators never take the time to engage their subscribers.

[@countswing284]

It's a y- block for sure. Displacement unknown at this point. Ford also used the Lincoln y-block in some of their trucks. It's a similar design but larger and parts do not interchange between Ford and Lincoln. You'll have to check the numbers. Good luck! Should be a fun project! Cheers! 😎👍🚒🔥

[@ianlangley987]

Us KIWI's can do anything so I am sure you will solve the problem. It looks like the same engine that was in my old 54 Customline back in the old day. Cheers Ian. New Zealand

[@paintucation]

This is sooo cool!!!!!! I've got a soft spot for the 57 Fords... I used to have an F100 in school... I cant wait to watch you revive this one.!!! Go KIWI!!!

[@brettmcintyre4956]

looks like a 272 a 292 or 312! I wish I was there to help... They are a unicorn but one of the old work horses. You will figure it out easy enough as they are basic and simple. Just be sure to start from the beginning and work up from there as you usually do... 1) compression 2) timing 3) ignition 4) fuel I wish I could teleport, best wishes! It could be something simple like clogged fuel filter or pickup lines. The tank behind the seat has a fuel pickup riser in the tank that could be under scale in the bottom. A rubber connection under the cab that I find doesn't usually get replaced and tendsto collapse on the inside and could be a good thing to look at (that era truck).

[@davidcoudriet8439]

Tune up time. It will be awesome!

[@johnnoble1790]

Like a giant Tonka fire truck.

[@kwslife116]

What a sweet truck!.I'm no expert , but most of the time when an engine runs fine but under load I found it was an ignition problem. Enough spark to run is about it. Good luck with it. I'm sure you will fight out.

[@TheDasbull]

Beautiful old fire engine! Myguess from far away is electical (bad condenser) or fuel delivery (plugged screen/filter). Cheers and Best Wishes 😊

[@Thunderbird1968]

Never knew you need one till you see one. I think some of those old ford trucks came with 360s or 390s but not sure when they started doing that

[@robertwells6454]

Very nice looking bit of kit. 🔥Truck for the win .... 😁👌

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

😁😎👍

[@buffdelcampo]

Kiwi, you know all the steps, but I would check the canister fuel filter that's on the fuel pump. It's likely original and those are almost always full of sediment.

[@hickeyskustomresto]

The condition is a nice change, all them flipper cars have been giving me nightmares

[@RandyMUNSOn-fe2tb]

It old. Happy fishing !

[@bbarnett3469]

Be sure to make sure all wheels spin freely (jack up & spin). One of the brake hoses could be collapsed (internally) so every time ya hit the brake pedal the brakes get tighter & tighter. May release a liil' if parked. If automatic tranny, check torque converter, sometimes they fail & bog down motor once load/throttle is applied. If you could show (on video) the avtual symptoms in-situ, the symptoms may trigger someone's (old) memory! Good luck, enjoy da journey. Spicey Life.......

[@randomoldguy3967]

That’s a cool piece of history!

[@LongIslandMopars]

Love those old fire trucks. She's in good hands.🥝

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Thanks man!! 😎👍

[@LongIslandMopars]

@@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160 🥝👍

[@dlyrag755]

Great project. Go at it.

[@forthwithtx5852]

Looks like fun!

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

That's what I'm thinking....😎

[@jeepsblackpowderandlights4305]

I did always want to be a fireman when i was a kid like you said.. i watched back draft in the 90s and knew i wanted to do that. So about 23 i joined the volunteer fire dept.. was only in for 3 years.. but hey at least i did what i wanted to do as a kid :-). If it bogs down at load im going to say its timing and fuel issue. But i dont know much about 50s stuff. Looks like it has a new carb on it though. Water in the fuel maybe ? Id disconnect the fuel pump to the tank and run it to an external can or something and see.

[@MrMartinious]

So cool kiwi! Love old firetrucks! Brings back memories as a kid helping the local volunteer fire crews roll up hoses after practice in the local park in Alexandra. Looking forward to the challenge 😊

[@hhplymouth9473]

I look forward to more videos on this. That thing looks cool.

[@michaelteasdale2919]

That’s beautiful

[@ipaddlemyowncanoe.7441]

Add fire truck somebody put a lot of money yeah I'm looking forward to your video it'll be interesting. 👍👍🙂🇨🇦

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Should be, thanks for watching!!

[@abcullens2328]

The carb appears to be a Holley 4412 - 500cfm, it has a center hung float and manual choke. If it is a 4412 check the jet size, jets might be to big. (carb might be to big also) Also there is no vacuum advance hooked up, check the action of the internal mechanical advance. Some high performance coils can damage the Pertronix Ign. system. (check voltage to coil) When you pull the valve covers check valve lash, Y blocks oil thru the rocker arm shafts, remove them and verify all the small oil holes are open and clear. The most common V8 engine in 1957 F700 Big Job trucks was the 272 ci engine. 312 Y blocks were not an option. The truck has very low mileage and was probably lugged its whole life on duty and left idling for long periods time. Also when used to pump water (PTO) the engine would run at a steady RPM for long periods. This could lead to sticky/stuck piston rings. I would recommend draining two quarts of oil and adding two quarts of ATF or diesel fuel and run the engine (warmed up) at various RPMs (DO NOT REV!) for ten or fifteen mins, this might loosen the rings. Drain old oil/ add new oil and filter. Check all the basic things, like manifold vacuum and for vacuum leaks, (base of carb and manifold to cylinder heads). Good Luck, hope this helps. (I am 72 and have been working on cars and trucks large and small since I was 11 in 1963, and I'm a FORD guy to boot)

[@robbieautrey3158]

How cool is that Kiwi to see an old RED Fire Truck like that?!! I'm sure you will be able to get it running smooth as glass once you get it to your shop.

[@johnmollet2637]

I think you got this, but it's going to be interesting to see what you find. From what you said I'm going with diminished fuel volume or weak spark. Now that I've said toss you can cross them off the list, it will be something else. Good luck!

[@raidmagic]

I'd love to get an old fire truck to make a ramp truck out of.

[@franklincormorant8312]

Recommendation #1: Buy a bigger stool! My back aches just thinking about bending over those fenders.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Mate it's a ladder I need!!!

[@fishgeralding9224]

I'd have to bypass that ballast resistor first thing, easy to do. Might give it enough umpf to baby it to your shop? If not, well firetruck.....begins with an F and ends in.....😂. Good of you to offer to get her going right! Civic minded you are! 👍

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

First responders saved my ass a few years back so it's the least I can do.

[@fishgeralding9224]

@@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160 same here my friend, only a few decades back. Head on collision on my motorcycle with a school bus. I walk funny, but my ass is still here, thanks to First responders!

[@romannumeral5547]

That's pretty cool! Hope you get the old girl working right.

[@roballen5404]

Tighten the bolts on the carb. I had a similar problem after I adjusted the float bowls on my new Edelbrock and didn't tighten the top down enough

[@jayh1947]

Can't wait to see it in your shop...................Jay

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Getting it in will be the trick😳😁😎👍

[@boilerroomed3682]

You can do it Kiwi! With a ladder....

[@John-bq3ff]

Well done Kiwi ! ! That truck is in great shape. Actually, I wouldn't be shocked to find that most of the truck is original, with the interior being refinished at some point. Some of these fire vehicles do get to live charmed lives. I once came across an almost 65 year old pumper at an airport close to my home. It really looked almost new, and had spent all it's time parked in a hanger. The guy there told me that during it's entire life, it only ever saw training duty once a month as the small airport had never had an emergency that required it's use. Amazing!

[@ericwilson2585]

What is it, impulse buy day today? Hey Kiwi, I kinda did the same type of thing today too, I ordered myself a Cadillac XLR 4.6 liter LH2 version Northstar engine earlier today, you know, the one that everybody absolutely despises??? Lol. Now I've GOT to buy a beater C4 Corvette body to put it into. Then I'm going to Holley EFI and twin turbo it. I hope it fits in without to much major modifications. Lol😮

[@edbeck8925]

Looks like a " bolt on performance " mechanic was working on it. Check that work

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Yeah it's got that look about it unfortunately!!

[@fredflintstone8048]

One of the things that's always impressed me is how well fire departments take care of their vehicles no matter how old they are. That thing is in beautiful condition. Should be an interesting project to get it mechanically in order which Kiwi should have no problem doing...

[@bbb462cid]

Actually Kiwi this is exactly in your wheelhouse Pretty on the outside, an enthusiastic mess under the hood

[@NathansMoparGarage]

That will be fun to drive around

[@Mark-um7ey]

Hahahaha all the copper coils and that big tank, it would make a helluva still... after all it's Tennessee

[@davidlobaugh4490]

Good on ya mate🤠

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Cheers mate !!👍😎😎

[@nicholasagnew2792]

Holy crap! I didn't expect that!

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

LOL. I never expected to be asked😁😎👍

[@czarwright]

i bet it just needs a good tune and blow it out on the hwy a little , a big truck like that needs to be open up a little. ( also check the mufflers maybe full)

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Good point, it's probably been decades since it saw an interstate .....

[@DarkFlamage]

I'd sure give it a try.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Ya gotta stretch yourself sometimes right😎😁

[@jamesdeans2614]

That's a wicked old rig. I'm pretty sure you'll get it running sweet.

[@TheJoefussGarage]

Hey there, you've got this... I believe, on fire trucks, vehicles like this, had redundant ignition systems, and possibly others systems as well.. It should be fun 😊!!!!

[@randysinger2673]

You Got this, A Gas Motor is a Gas Motor.

[@gulfy09]

Kinda like the exhaust manifold setup/// easy turbo setup..

[@RestInPeaceParanormal-Ohio]

You'll do fine with it - its not much different than what you're used to.....just way bigger! Only problem i see is that aluminum radiator - just ruins the look when you pop the hood!

[@edge2sword186]

Look for a clapsed exhaust . Loosten the pipes from the exhaust manifolds and see if it helps .

[@jamessharp9790]

Fun project

[@user-ry1eq9ng7c]

Check the air filter, if its an oil bath it may be plugged, i had a 56 merc. With the same problem when i went to a dry filter problem went away

[@eugenecandelaria4651]

If Marge is Large this one is King Kong

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

🤣😂. Good point!!😎👍

[@larryreece1403]

My money is on the centrifugal advance!

[@DanEBoyd]

I guessed low fuel pressure!

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

I'm thinking it's a combo of those issues ...

[@FenderTele]

Kiwi i cant wait for the test drive when you get the lights and sirens going!!! Your not going to have a lot of elbow room in the shop, , it makes Marge look like a compact!!

[@donolbers]

Yes, its probably been maintained by volunteers to the best of their ability, and now it needs your ability. You got this, and yes, the mileage will be real.

[@Kenjh71]

When you thought you were the coolest guy in the parking lot, then Kiwi shows up in a doggam fire truck.

[@user-io4rf4ml5e]

The 57 Fire Truck I owned a while back had a 272 engine

[@jamesford2942]

It has the same interworking as a 55 thunderbird. Just treat it as such and it will be just fine.

[@al_dente4777]

That's a gorgeous truck. It it wasn't in such good a shape, I'd be tempted into removing all of the fire-fighting gear and then attach a mobile home unit onto its exposed frame

[@deang9061]

Sounds like a fuel starving issue. Bet the fuel filter is chocked with rust.

[@ldnwholesale8552]

I got to drive a big white fire trucks about 50 years ago. I never drove the red one. Country Fire Service in South Oz. At that time we had a D5N Dodge with 318 which while a good unit was not really suited for backing down gorges etc. Great on level surfaces. A 40 series Landcruiser that was good for small fires. I put out BBQd VW a couple of times! And a 40s? Ford with flathead V8 that was red and would go down gullies etc. My father was the one who normally drove that one. It was built by volounteers when the brigade was established after the 1939 Fires. It was then a developing area and we had plenty of members weekends and nights. Bus hours? Very few hence me taking the Landcruiser by myself to put out VWs and other small fires. At least here in Oz those late 50s Fords got 292s. Nothing larger.

[@derekhobbs1102]

Current CFS trucks are so much different now. Former work college worked at local emergency vehicle builder before he started with us, and he said trying to convince the older volunteers to embrace modern tech was hard.

[@Grandadsjunk]

It's a boot leggers descise brother what a cool truck it will.l be in good hands

[@RustyFuel]

What fun

[@robertmoffett3486]

My sister's neighbor has two small pumpers, a 46, and 47 Chevy. They're preserved, not restored. Many old fire rigs are in nice shape. Very low miles, and well cared for, they ought to be

[@ericwilson2585]

That's a nice F700 by the way.

[@Daniel-fd3wp]

Looks like a lot off polishing Kiwi. 👍

[@henryschilling1120]

We’ll see what you find but fuel is what came to me first. Could be as easy as the float is too low.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Pretty sure fuel is part of the issue ....

[@dartvader9939]

Other than crawling around in the engine bay shouldn't be an issue getting the old girl going

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

That's what I'm hoping😁😎👍

[@debbiebermudez5890]

Mr. B. Here ! 🍩☕️👀😎👍. Very cool ! Perfect man to check it out ! 🇺🇸

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Thanks Mr B😁😎👍

[@DanEBoyd]

Howdy Mr. B.!!!

[@LongIslandMopars]

Mr B🐝!!!!

[@leegathers6845]

Gorgeous 57"! I had a 1960 F600 ex Firetruck. Love my Y-block engines.

[@kiwiclassicsandcustoms9160]

Nice!! Great truck engines, good torque