1953 GMC Fire Truck Pumper 9600 ORIGINAL MILES! 248-6 / Minnesota Fire Equipment

1953 GMC Fire Truck / Pumper / 9600 miles!

248 Cu. In. Six ~ Starts / Runs / Drives

An easy project to have ready for your parade!

Nicely preserved piece of fire fighting history. This truck is a low mileage survivor and retains most of its original equipment. It was donated to a kids summer camp by a local municipality in 1985, where it enjoyed very light duty. We are offering it for sale for its present owner.

Judging by overall condition, the recorded mileage of 9548 is believed to be accurate. We put on a new starter and fuel pump, fuel lines and fuel filter. The truck starts very quickly and easily, and no choke is needed in summer. Due to corrosion concerns in the fuel tank, we are currently running off an auxiliary tank. Nevertheless, the big GMC straight six runs strong and idles smoothly: The motor feels healthy and unburstable. The transmission shifts fine (five forward, plus reverse) and the clutch bites and holds tight. (Please see links for VIDEOS on youtube listed below! )

So, it runs great, but stopping is another matter: The brakes do not work. We're told there is a leaky brake cylinder, but a prudent bidder will plan on rebuilding all four brakes to be safe. We've been using the big lever action hand brake for stopping. In any case, the tires are shot, so this vehicle will have to be towed or driven onto an accommodating trailer. That said, it will not take much effort to get it road legal again.

The gauges are clean and clear, and (with the exception of the gas gauge) they work: Oil pressure registers strong, the coolant temp has stayed under control, and the ammeter shows that the charging system works properly. The headlights work, but other lights and the windshield wipers need attention. The siren is loud and proud!

The window in the back of the cab is cracked, but the rest of the window glass is very good, with only a little haze around the edges.

There are rust holes in the foot well area of the floors from parking with the door windows rolled down (you can see many more photos on Flikr). These floors are flat sheet steel panels, and easily repaired. There is a neat 50s vintage GMC accessory heater under the dash.

The paint appears to be the original finish. We shined up the front clip for pictures, and the potential is there to bring the color and shine back to life with some buffing to cut through the oxidation. It could look fantastic again with enough elbow grease.

The owner reports that pump the runs and it should function well. We didn't prime it to test it, but the pump controls all seem to operate properly, with the exception of the pump control to drain the tank, which is missing a lever. A manual for operating the pump will be included in the sale. The unit is original to the truck: Waterous model CA-4 (up to 500 GPM @ 120 PSI), made in St Paul in 1953. Waterous is still in business in St Paul, and in the past they enthusiastically provided us with cops of original company sales records on a piece of their equipment from the early twentieth century – Great folks!

There are two hoses. One is a 5” ID, the other is 3” ID, and there is a reducer coupling included.

Overall, this is a nice, solid, honest truck, but there is work to be done, for sure: Brakes, tires, lights, to start the list...We would suggest doing belts and hoses for good measure...The floors should be repaired eventually, though they're not dangerous. A good polishing will work wonders to make it look fantastic...It really only needs light-duty repairs that would make this a great project for a 4H Club, VFW Post, a high school shop class, or a fire equipment enthusiast. The resulting truck will be a beautiful and functional piece of rolling history, perfect for parades or parties.

OVER 60 PICTURES of every detail. Please copy and paste in your browser:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/146970894@N07/sets/72157682793390580/

SEE and HEAR IT RUN! Please copy and paste these links into your browser:

https://youtu.be/sjKFh8Xg71U

https://youtu.be/8zzITegrSZg

MORE INFO:

Built by Minnesota Fire Equipment Co, North Branch, MN (still in business as “Rosenauer” in Wyoming, MN)

GMC Serial# 353 24 P 14236

“353” = Model 353: 350 Series, Year 1953, 161” Wheelbase (note, we measured WB at 179”)

“24” = 248 Cu. In. Motor

“P” = Pontiac, Michigan assembly

“14230” = Production Number.

(info courtesy of oldgmctrucks.com – Thank You!)

Data Plate Info:

104 HP at 3400 RPM

Maximum Gross Weight: 16,000 lbs.

Maximum Gross Combination Weight: 26,000 lbs.

Pump: Waterous Model CA-4, 500 GPM @ 120 PSI

(Waterous Co. is still in business, St Paul, Minnesota)

Dimensions:

Length = 24' ; Width = 95” ; Height = 78”

And Now… if You’re Serious About Bidding, Please Read….

The Fine Print:

GOOD LUCK! Please bid to the value this vehicle may hold for you. Please feel free to ask questions or add comments. Please ask questions BEFORE you bid. We will respond quickly and honestly. This vehicle is parked in Independence, Minnesota 55357, about thirty minutes west of downtown Minneapolis. Inspections are invited and encouraged!
CONDITIONS: Winning this auction constitutes a legal and binding agreement between the Buyer, the Seller (MM1000auto), and the Owner. Please bid sincerely and sensibly. Zero-feedback bidders must contact us first before bidding to establish some level of seriousness-of-intent: It's nothing personal, just business: We, and many others, have been stung on eBay Motors by too many dead-beat auction winners.
Vehicle is sold "As-Is and Where-Is". No warranty is expressed, implied or offered. Seller cannot and will not take any responsibility for this car after it leaves the premises.
PAYMENT: Buyer must make a $300 DEPOSIT by PayPal within 24 hours of the Auction Close. The Deposit will secure the Deal for all Parties involved. Failure to make Deposit within 24 hours will risk Cancellation of the Sale at Discretion of the Seller and the Owner. BALANCE MUST BE PAID within 7 BUSINESS DAYS of sale by SECURE PAYMENT. Accepting US FUNDS via WIRE TRANSFER, CERTIFIED BANK CHECK, or CASH at PICK-UP. Deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE except under circumstances deemed fair and appropriate by the Seller and the Owner.
Deposit will be payable to this eBay Seller, via PayPal, and the final balance will be made directly to the titled Owner of the Vehicle (wire transfer preferred, but certified bank check or cash at pick up is also acceptable), after which CLEAR TITLE in the Owner's name will be sent to the Buyer.
TRANSPORT: Buyer is responsible for all transportation arrangements and costs. This vehicle is parked in Independence, Minnesota 55357 about thirty minutes west of downtown Minneapolis. We do not offer quotes on shipping. Fast, competitive shipping quotes are a few keystrokes away on eBay and on Google. If you like, we will be happy to recommend some preferred carriers with whom we have had direct experience. ALL EXPORT SALE DETAILS MUST BE ARRANGED BY THE BUYER, though we can recommend an excellent overseas vehicle shipping specialist if you like.
We are happy to work with any vehicle transport company you send, and we are happy to cooperate with overseas expediters in terms of delivering documents, etc.
STORAGE: While the Auction Winner sorts out pick-up or transport arrangements, Seller can offer, free of charge, dry outdoor storage for up to 30 days after auction termination. Longer periods can be arranged at extra cost if necessary. Seller cannot accept any liability during this storage period.
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