SMFire History

Albert- Thanks for the info.

We have the 707.

All- As many of you may be aware Santa Monica Firefighters Relief Fund purchased one of our older Mack engines several years ago. It's a 52 LS125 and we have spent a small amount ($12,000) purchasing the rig, registering, insuring, and getting it safely on the road. It needs a lot of repairs to be a full functioning rig but it will putt around town at 25 MPH. We are in the initial stages of making a budget for a complete refurbishment/restoration and I'm looking for help in determining costs. We're not shooting for an NCRS type restoration but want it to be very nice. It will be in our community for the next 100 years (I hope) and used to raise money for our Relief Fund which allows us to support worthy causes throughout Santa Monica. My initial BIG number I think would be $150k but I am trying to determine if that's about right. We have a few donors that are willing to make significant contributions but would like some type of estimate for the project. There is not a shop around here that I can drop it off and have it completely restored. Are there shops outside SoCal that specialize in Macks and can make this like new? Even then we are really trying to get our members and the community involved in the restoration rather than just farming it out. I have access to a local rig and it's receipts that had a significant restoration a few years ago so that helps. It has some common items that needed attention but our rig has more to be done. Any assistance in determining costs would be helpful. Here's a partial list of things I think MAY need significant attention. Just looking for ballpark figures until I can get real quotes: Located in SoCal so that may increase costs. 1- Engine seems fine but I will do a compression test. Rebuild Cost? Will need cleaning/painting/gaskets, etc. 2- Transmission is noisy (unless it's the rear end). Shifts fine but could use a rebuild. Cost? 3- Rear end is noisy (unless it's the tranny). Rebuild? 4- Hale Pump is inop. Also missing the shift pieces at the panel. Has not been run since mid 80's. I'm going to try to see if it spins this week. 5- Paint/Body: Very little rust. This I think is going to run anywhere between $25-30K but may have a donor lined up for this. We may customize for seating in the rear. 6- Chrome: $8-12K? 7- Gauges- We have 9 that need to be done at $4500? 8- Complete Rewire $2-3k with everything new. 9- Air brakes- No clue. I replaced the maxi switch and two rear cans already. Lots of air leaks (Or one big one!) 10- Generator & Starter rebuild $1000 11- Need Rostand Bell- $1000 12-Carb Rebuild $300-500 13- Custom Stainless Fuel Tank $3000 14- Glass-All...? 15- Stainless fasteners $3000 16-Upholstery- $750-1000 17-Steering box rebuild ? 18- All New exhaust (manifolds seem fine) but will replace gaskets 19- Radiator recored ? Water pump rebuild? 20- Clutch- Needs adjustment or repair 21-Driveshaft u-joints repaired/repainted 22-Repair one small dent in wheel 23- Manual parking brake rebuilt 24- Frame cleanup and paint 25-Switches in cab (some of these may need to be replaced) 26- Rebuild growler 27- We need some warning lights, etc. TBD 28-May consider adding the small PTO pump that Oceanside's rig has? Anyone have a line on one of these or know the cost? 29- Fuel pump rebuild $350? Obviously labor is a big cost for the items that we cannot do ourselves. We have some motorheads so the basics of removing generators/carbs/ etc and sending them out is no big deal. But I'm not sure our guys are willing to do the clutch, etc. Oceanside's main mechanic that works on their 52 is more than willing to help. Thank you for taking the time to read through this long post and sharing any insight. Dom

Thanks for the info guys. The bracket on the one in Houston doesn't look to be what I prefer. Our rig did not have a bell when it was delivered but since we are shooting for a very nicely restored rig to use in the community I'd like to add one. Anyone have Paul's contact info? I'll also reach out to Cal. fxfymn- I'd hate to see you split it up as well. I'll do my best to source one as a set. I'll keep everyone posted. Dom

We are looking for an original Rostand Bell for our 52 Mack. Also need the mounting bracket that I believe would be the three arm type? Here's a pic of OFD's 52 Mack bell. Any leads are appreciated. Thanks, Dom

We are looking for some parts/equipment for our 1952 LS125 project. Would be interested in seeing what you have. history@smfire.org Thanks, Dom

^^^^^ I like these light bulbs. Unfortunately we don't have any back up lights. Certainly something to consider adding...

Thank you for all the input guys. I'd like to at least try the bell and go from there. If we can add an unobtrusive screen to the cab then I think the backup camera is a great idea as well.

Thanks for the replies. I was under the impression that there was a mechanical bell version I could install on the inside of the wheel. We do have the buzzer which was used when it was in service but would like something audible for its new life as a fundraiser/special event rig. It will be around kids a lot and a bell would be nice. We would just need one.

Can anyone post up what a mechanical backup alarm would (or could) have been on our 52 L Model Mack? Pic or model # would be great! Thanks and Merry Christmas. Dom

There is no buzzer audible with low air. There are a lot of small leaks so it bleeds down to zero overnight. I would imagine if it had a buzzer it would have been disconnected because it would always be on when you first got her going.

Thanks for the info guys. The truck shop has a replacement but it looks nothing like this old style switch. I held off for now and think I'll pull this apart and see what I can do.

Anyone have a pic of the buzzer so I know what I'm looking for under the dash?

Thanks for the tips. Nothing noted when wires are connected but our harness is a rats nest so no telling whether it's connected to anything at the other end. Brakes and brake lights work fine without it installed. I had to fix that once before and it's on the drivers side frame rail. Still not sure what this is but I'll get a replacement and wire it back up. For now the air line is capped. I'll reply if I get any good info on it's purpose. Dom

Thanks Maddog. I'll take it to my local truck shop with that in mind.

Tracking down some air leaks on our 52 LS125 with air brakes and broke a threaded post off the bottom of this valve (old red one) located at the passenger side firewall. Air line goes to a 8 way air tee. Top wire goes to ground, bottom wire to the harness and then to who knows where. I don't think it's the brake valve as that's at the frame rail on the drivers side IIRC. Any suggestions as to what it is? Replacements available? Thanks, Dom

Picked up a brand new switch today. Less than $40.

I'll take a look at a rebuild kit and see what I can do. Looks like replacements are still available as well. Thanks.

We have a 52 LS fire engine with air brakes. The system is sound (although it leaks down over time) except that the maxi brake switch leaks like mad from 0-50 psi. It stops leaking once the air pressure is up and functions normally. It will also stop leaking in the 0-50psi range if I pull and hold the switch (disengage mode). I did remove the switch and cleaned it out with compressed air with no better results. Spring problem? Pics attached. Suggestions where to start? Shows a minor repair kit available: http://www.sealcocvp.com/prod/catalog/099600/index.htm Thank you, Dominic Smith Santa Monica Firefighters Historical Society

Pics...

We have finally purchased new tires for our girl. We went with a Hankook AM06 10R20 Radial tire that really looks great. This page has a little bit of info on them: http://www.commercialtireservices.com/hankook-tires-am06-tire-detail.htm?productid=4392355 We purchsed them through our local tire dealer that sells the city the tires for our front line apparatus as they are a Hankkok dealer. I looked long and hard for 9R20 tires and the selection just wasn't there for the radial tires in 9.00. I'm happy with these slightly larger tires and they fill up the fenders a little better and have a bit of a more aggressive "old-school" look. I'll post pics soon. Not cheap though. Mobile installation with new flaps and tubes $3500

Unfortunately no. I've been off work for 9 months with a work injury but back now and just getting started on this project actually. We have taken care of a few issues but the main teardown/rebuild is probably 1-2 years out.

Hi guys- We're finalizing tires for our 1952 LS125 and wanted to confirm that running 10.00 20's (or 10R20's) would be no problem on the stock Mack rims? Currently 9.00 20's but I have seen a few with 10.00's including Brunicinni's. The selection of 10's is much better than the 9.00's in radials. Input? Thanks, Dom

I did find a little info on some of the Grether lanterns here: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?215287-My-antique-electric-lantern-and-flashlight-collection-(many-pics) I have not had time to do much digging on that site yet.

Thanks guys. I was trying not to call for fear that he might not want to be called out of the blue, but I suppose if he listed it then maybe it's ok?