Off Subject-Fire Truck Build

[Labrauer]

You know sometimes you just do what you have to do no matter what the cost or what time it takes you to do the project. I have a six year old grandson that has Curable Pulse (CP) that just loves Fire Trucks. He has ask me if I would build him one. Well as you know what the answer to his question was I just didn't quite know how big nor if it was in my ability to build one. I started thinking that I have a couple of old lawn mowers in the back that I could possible turn into a Fire Truck so the old mind started turning with great speed. If I was to build one that was motorized his older brother would have to drive it or I would which to me would be a pleasure seeing him smiling all the way.

 

 

So here's my story: I got one of the old lawn mowers out of the pasture and began to disassemble it piece by piece until just the frame was there. Worked on the engine and made sure it ran and was alright. Took the frame and cut into just to add 20" to it and welded it up again. Took some measurements and went to a Iron Works place to purchase square tubing in 11 gauge. After a few scratch ups on paper I decided in order for me to drive this thing I was going to have to make it large. What I came out with is from bumper to bumper 9' and side to side 45" wide. Welded up a frame that size and welded it to the mower frame as you can see in the pictures. Had some sheets of 4 x 8 x 1/2" plywood in the wood shop that was just the old sheathing type that I am using for the body. Now I know what his favorite color is but I ask him what color would his Fire Truck be if he had one and just as I suspected he answered his color of Orange. I tried to explain that most Fire Trucks were red but he wouldn't have it, it had to be orange his favorite color. This is what I have got constructed so far in the picks and let me tell you I have had a hard time keeping the secret from him as this is going to be his Christmas Present this year and by the way watch out for those darn saw blades they will get you when you least expect it.  

 

Edited October 2, 2015 by Labrauer

[BobT-47P15]

Nice Larry.  Looking real good.  I'm sure he will like it.

[blue p15]

Aweso e!!  Make sure you let us know howyour project turns out!!

[Dan Hiebert]

Nice project, but I'd like to know how your finger turns out, too....that looks like it may have stung a little bit!

[Niel Hoback]

Great looking truck you're building there. What kid wouldn't love that?

[Brent B3B]

Look out "Pinterest" what a cool idea!

Are you or will you need to line the hood area to reflect heat?

Chevron stock is low, you might invest before Christmas LOL :^)

[deathbound]

Was wondering how long it would take.

[Oldguy48]

I'd love to see the look on your grandson's face when he sees that for the first time. Looks like it will turn out great. Good for you to tackle the job.

Wayne

[casper50]

Been there, done that.

 

 

[Labrauer]

Thanks for the comments guys. I have started to hook up all the emergency lights and wire the ignition switch. Today I installed the siren and the megaphone and tomorrow I will put the handles on the hood install the battery to test it all. Hopefully it will all work as planned. I'll keep posting pictures of the progress if interested. 

[Brent B3B]

Christmas is closing in on us..... Are you going to make it?

[Labrauer]

Yes it is just about finished with just a few miner touches to add. I have to still mount the fire hose real that I made and the water tank with the 12 volt pump so he can put out fires or chase me around the yard getting me wet. All the electrical is done and put into place gas is hooked up engine is running but I haven't taken it for a spin just yet. I have mounted all the tools to the side that I made and also the latter. I have been doing other Christmas projects that people want like building eight foot candy canes for my daughter-n-laws front of the house and building animal bird houses. I have also been building football logo signs for my son and his wife out of wood. I have to get back to work on the fire truck with the little things that need to be done. I can't wait to see his little face Christmas morning and I have already warned the neighbors that if they are not awake early Christmas morning they will be from the sire-rings and flashing lights. LOL I'll post pictures when the project is completely done probably next week. Thanks for asking.

[Brent B3B]

So, how did it go? Any you tube video?

[Labrauer]

Not yet I can't seem to get the video's to down load from my phone for some ungodly reason. I have a guy that is a computer wiz that is coming one day this week so I will have him look at it to see what is wrong or what I am doing wrong. As far as it going it went great. He had the biggest smile on his face and wanted to go riding first off. I got his older brother to take him and two of his cousins the same age as he for a ride around the property that night. The next morning all three of them woke me up at the crack of dawn wanting to go for another ride but we waited till around 9:30 am because I didn't want to wake the neighbors up to early with the siren. We road about a quarter of a mile on the county road then turned around and came back to ride in the yard. I don't know how many times he has said thank you pa pa I love my firetruck. Makes a man feel good inside knowing you have satisfied a kid with his wish. 

[Brent B3B]

....... Makes a man feel good inside knowing you have satisfied a kid with his wish. 

yeah, I think I've read it somewhere  "No man stands taller than when he stoops to help a child."  

 

hope the video works out, thanks for the update. (grandkids are fun! )