1943 Chevy 325 class Fire Truck

This truck, one of the last remaining version's still in service was built by Chevrolet and was sent to Howe Fire truck Company for completion. It is a hybrid between (2) different fire trucks. May 1944 this truck was shipped from New York naval yard to England and was issued to front line fighter squadron's where it stayed and was later moved to France in support of front line airfields. Its last known duty station was the Frankfort airfield in May 1945.
Shipped back to the states in 1945, it was going to be a display along with other USAAF units; this truck was put in storage and sold to a local fire company in Lakeside, Co. It serviced for 50 yrs only making few fire calls. Mr. John Lind purchased it in 2000 and after a restoration project; this truck is once again running and in its formal great shape. This truck is marked in honor of the 362nd fighter squadron; it serviced many different units in its tour of duty traveling from front line airfield's in France and Germany. This truly is a "Crash Truck". Waiting at the end or sides of the runway, these trucks would spring into action to chase wounded fighters and bomber's to put out fires and aid in the medical treatment of their crews. Most forward runways were made in great haste and the area around them would be muddy or soft, these trucks were 4x4 drive and could plow through where others couldn't. Upon the crash site men would spring into action with water that they carried and medical personnel. Countless crew members were saved by their brave actions.

 

1947 Ford SOLD in 2006

This truck was built by Ford and competed by the General Fire Truck Company in Detroit Mi. It still carries the prewar design and shape. A V-8 flat head motor and a 2-speed rear end power this truck. It can pump from either side, from a connector or a water source. It carries 500 ft. of hose and 2 small service lines for grass or smaller fires. It carries 500 gallons of water.

This truck was first in service at the Ford River Rouge Plant in 1947 and then sold after one year to New Baltimore Fire Dept., New Baltimore, Mi. It served from 1948 to 1984. Sold to highest bidder, it was not cared for and later sold to Mr. Lester Terry of Clinton Twp. Mi, Restoration process began and Mr. Terry put the truck in many events for years. Mr. Lind purchased the truck in 1999 and began a new restoration process. The truck travels to many of the great summer time events in the Mid West and Canada. It’s a great show stopper where ever she goes. The truck’s named in honor of Mr. Terry, ‘Old Les’.

1950 American LaFrance SOLD in 2005

This version of ladder truck was to aid fire companies in fire fighting of medium to tall building. This is a LADDER TRUCK, it does not pump water, it carries (9) different types and sizes of ladders. The lower ladders are different sizes to help in reaching 2-4 story building; they are carried in the rear of the truck and pulled out for use.

The main 85-foot ladder is can be raised and lower to correct height as needed in a 360-degree radius. There are other fire fighting equipment on the truck, such as axes, saws, ropes and lights to aid the firemen. Detroit Diesel is the power plant for this truck

This truck was first used in Red Lion, Pa, and then sold to Rochester Fire Dept, Rochester, MI. Mr. Lind purchased the truck in 2001 and restoration is on going process with this truck. It takes part in many parades and events throughout the year.

1944 GMC DUKW

The DUKW is capable of carrying a 2 1/2 ton payload over land or water. It is equipped with a GMC 270 cubic inch 6 cylinder gasoline engine. It has a 5 speed transmission with a 2 speed transfer case. This gives a total of 10 forward speeds and 2 in reverse. It has 6 wheel drive, a water propeller and a 10 ton winch. All or any of these can be run separately or together in any combination. Top speed on land is 50 to 55 mph while on the water top speed is only 6 mph (land miles per hour not knots). It also has a tire inflation system with a 2 cylinder air compressor and air storage tank. This allows the driver to inflate or deflate any one or all six tires at the same time from the dashboard. The dashboard also has a tire pressure gauge so that air pressure can be monitored. The front brake lines are protected in steel conduit with barbed wire cutters on the outside. The DUKW weighs 7 1/2 tons empty and is 31 feet long. DUKWs were manufactured from 1942 to 1945 by General Motors Corporation.

What does DUKW stand for?
D=First year of production code "D" is for 1942
U=Body style "U" utility truck (amphibious)
K=Front wheel drive. GMC still uses that on trucks today (K5 Chevy Blazer)
W=Two rear driving wheels (tandem axle)

The 1944 DUKW was produced at the GMC truck plant in Pontiac, Mi. in early 1944. Our DUKW is in the process of a complete restoration, after which it will be able to swim
and drive again.