What to Expect From an Antique American LaFrance Fire Truck!

I purchased an antique 1952 American LaFrance fire truck, sight unseen, on eBay. I barely knew anything about it when I bid! In fact, I bid with only a few seconds left in the auction and, to my surprise, I won! Woohoo!
After it got delivered, which is another story for another day, I washed the exterior and checked out the inside to see what the rig would need to be road ready. Join me on this tour of my 1952 American LaFrance pumper to see what to expect from a nearly-70-year-old antique fire truck!
Fortunately for me, this fire truck is in good shape given its age! Join me in checking out the cab, upholstery, hoses, gauges, hose bed, a compartment. It's a pretty quick tour, more of an overview than a detailed inspection. I'll keep you updated on projects as I get to them.
Wondering about the specs? Here ya go!
Length: 25 ft
Width: 8 ft
Height (from ground to beacon light): 9 ft
Weight: 12,000 lbs
This old ALF first ran in Inkster, Michigan, and then in McKinley Township, MI. It was retired about 35 years and 25,000 road miles later. At that point, in 1990, the fire truck was purchased from McKinley Twp by a collector from in Coopersville, MI. In 2020, this 700 Foamite was purchased by a private citizen and shipped to Buffalo, NY. About 6 months later in 2021, this 6-cylinder fire truck was listed on eBay and I bid... that's the history condensed.
I hope you enjoy this video. The engine and siren are really incredible, I'll get into them in another video. If there's anything you want to see or hear about, let me know in the comments!

[@Bbbuddy]

Greatest siren smile ever.

[@mustangGT500boy]

Sparky

[@DrFruikenstein]

Just subscribed. Over the next few days, I'll catch up on the other videos. In the late 80's, Freeport Illinois found themselves with a broken modern ladder truck. They brought an old American LeFrance hook and ladder from (I believe) the early sixties to use as a spare. One of the guys at the station said it was a dream when at a fire scene, and was a lot more stable with the ladder raised than the modern truck. The only challenge with it was learning the trailer steering. The combination required two drivers.

[@breegoldstein]

That's really cool, thanks for sharing!

[@petertropp7676]

The electrical system is probably still a 12volt positive ground. This you will find positive ground will be the biggest challenge. I have a 1956. Labor of love.

[@breegoldstein]

It is... or was... a positive ground. We took out the wires because they're rotted and haven't rewired it yet. Very much a labor of love. How's your '56?

[@whiteguyfifty]

There is (or was) a American LaFrance Fire engine museum in Georgia and they may be a terrific resource for you to repair and how to operate your fire engine. I drove on like that in my department in the 1980s before they sold it. Ours was gasoline engine as well. I will be glad to share with you what I know about that truck as you may need a lot of new knowledge and resources in your future.

[@breegoldstein]

Thanks! It was hot grounded, so we pulled the wires. It's waiting for me to rewire it to neutral ground it. It's an immense task and I haven't had a chance to learn about wiring to get started.

[@IronicallyVague]

I'd imagine the reason they repainted both doors was because the truck had been sold to a different city or town & they quickly repainted the doors in their standard color real nice find

[@breegoldstein]

Absolutely! It started in Inkster, Michigan, and was then transferd about 120 miles north to McKinley.

[@IronicallyVague]

@@breegoldstein I'm looking into buying one of these & am looking for info how much does it weigh? how fast will the engine go? 65mph? V12 must sip gasoline how wide is the truck bed body?

[@breegoldstein]

@@IronicallyVague this one weighs 12,500 lbs. I have a smaller, 1996 Isuzu Elf that weighs 10,207 lbs, for comparison. Not sure of this one's top speed.

[@ashwill117]

In 1952 2-1/2" or 3" hose was as big as they came..

[@thejankinator5595]

I got a 56 700 series I'm so happy I found a resto series

[@breegoldstein]

Awesome! Is yours an open cab? The 56’s are sleek! Glad you’re here!

[@thejankinator5595]

@@breegoldstein mine is the closed cab but it's got the Lycoming v12 gasser in it

[@breegoldstein]

Very cool. Keep me posted about it!

[@Retro_Spectrum97]

This is very helpful to know!! I'm saving up to get an ALF 700 series just like that one, I've already found one that needs a little work for a great price and only $376 in shipping!!

[@breegoldstein]

Awesome that's a great shipping price! Be sure you find a legit shipper.

[@petertropp7676]

Triple flow pump.......

[@CaptRich-bi3gp]

Myrtle...

[@breegoldstein]

I'm not sure I understand.

[@CaptRich-bi3gp]

@@breegoldstein The Pumper Truck; her front end, her face, she looks like a Myrtle to me. But I suppose at this point you've named her? I'm envious, I'd love an old firetruck as a project. I wasn't a firefighter just a grown kid (58 LoL). I used to imagine having an older (40s-50s) hook and ladder, paint it that odd yellow/green you'll see on firetrucks occasionally, then gold leaf lettering on the door; Margaritaville F.D.. Yeah I'm a Parrothead. ✌

[@breegoldstein]

@@CaptRich-bi3gp haha that's awesome. I named her Carlisle, after the burrough where I was a structure fire fighter. Our second truck is called Tiller; which was a small town I lived in when I was a FF with the forest service. I like Myrtle though :) You're never too old to play with fire trucks! :)

[@CaptRich-bi3gp]

@@breegoldstein Very cool!

[@breegoldstein]

@@CaptRich-bi3gp thank you!

[@michaelginter3312]

How much are you asking for the Fire Engine

[@breegoldstein]

It’s not for sale at this time.

[@michaelginter3312]

ok is this Fire Engine for sale I'm from PA I'm in Blair county you say you are from PA l wood like to no or not thank you

[@breegoldstein]

Maybe one day, check back :)