Just bought a 1973 bread truck(at least thats what I call it). It has 8000 miles on it. Thats right 8000! It is an old fire and rescue truck from the local Fire Dept. There is tons of storage and perfect for hauling annuals and an irrigation vehicle. I paid $2000 for it. My mechanic said it was in good working condition as it has been maintained by the Fire Dept. I was going to get a enclosed trailer but this is even better. Anyone ever buy anything like this? I will tag it and use it this season then customize it in the off season. Harry
I have a buddy who buys and sells equipment and owns an auction yard. A few weeks ago at a sale he bought a 1960's LeFrance firetruck with a bucket. It has a 70' reach and is a convertible top. He tried to talk me into driving it home from the sale, 120 miles. Powered by a gas engine and top speed is around 30 to 40 mph. It still has all the lights and sirens on it. He paid Can$2800 for it. It will be in his sale next Monday.
Just remember low miles doesnt mean low hours. I was in the fire dept. and know that most have lots more hours on them than miles. And the age still affects the systems with any kind of liquid in them. Radiator,hoses,seals,water pump,fuel system, etc.
My friend just bought a 76 F-700 pump truck with 26,000 miles on it. It's in perfect condition. Only paid 3,000 for it. He's also selling sirens and the pump off of it on e-bay to pay for it. He got $450 just for one of the lights! The frame has original paint on it and the tires look brand new.
We just had a small town fire dept buy an old Coke truck and converted it to a rescue vehicle, they even had a small room to recover form smoke inhalation in it. Kind of opposite of your deal but it just goes to show peoples ingenuity.
if the fire dept you bought it from is like most other fire departments the truck is very well maintained. most fire departments to extensive pre maintenance and regular maintenance also. should be a great truck for you. good luck
If you can go back to the fire department that had it and see if they will give you the maint. records for it. We all keep records and it will show any problems in the past. But remember, it being an old fire dept. vehicle it has seen a rough life even with only 8000 miles. In other words, it was probably cranked and driven immediately during both cold and warm months with no warm up time and it was probably run like a bat outta hell. I work with a fire dept and I too have thought about getting an old stepvan type vehicle but I know how they have been driven. Good luck and like I said, try and get the records.
Thanks for advice but I had a change of mind and heart. My brother, (also my partner) dosent like it. I didnt really think this through because I cannot expect my wife and other bed/maint crew members to drive it. The truck has manual brakes and drives like a tank. As much as I like it I am probably going to sell it on ebay. Anyone want a good truck?lol-Harry
i disagree with starting and leaving, atleast in my company the truck sits and idles for quite a few minutes before leaving, driver is usually first there then he sits and waits for the rest of the crew. also the best drivers in the company are the ones that become truck drivers.
