Oshkosh P-4 Fire Crashtruck Preservation

[m1010plowboy]

Yep, I know, I get it. And I hate to be that guy. But, everything goes back to where it came from. Everything.

Without guys like you we wouldn't have any farm fields left to sow. Imagine the mess the rest of us would have if not for practical end of use decisions. Thanks for doing it. My brother is the other guy that collects and piles and his wife's Dad was even worse.

It seems that the in-law was broadsided while driving his Chrysler 300. It was a big car and it saved his life. Well.....he thought he'd return the favor and save every Chrysler he could afford. There's over 300 of them in the field just sinking in.



Dual circuit on that P-4 brake system. She ships at 31,735lbs and gets gross at 46,600lbs so dual brakes are handy.......especially when shes's rolling out the door of the Hercules.

 

[74M35A2]

Without guys like you we wouldn't have any farm fields left to sow. Imagine the mess the rest of us would have if not for practical end of use decisions. Thanks for doing it. My brother is the other guy that collects and piles and his wife's Dad was even worse.

It seems that the in-law was broadsided while driving his Chrysler 300. It was a big car and it saved his life. Well.....he thought he'd return the favor and save every Chrysler he could afford. There's over 300 of them in the field just sinking in.

View attachment 795138

Dual circuit on that P-4 brake system. She ships at 31,735lbs and gets gross at 46,600lbs so dual brakes are handy.......especially when shes's rolling out the door of the Hercules.

View attachment 795137

Thanks bro. Don’t get me wrong, it is a very emotional thing to do and downright painful. I love mechanized toys. But from the other side, the less of them there are, the more valuable the remaining ones are, and parting one out can further support those causes.

Thanks for the info post, I may hit you up for a few more of that since you seem to have the book, if I need more insight.

 

[Another Ahab]

It seems that the in-law was broadsided while driving his Chrysler 300. It was a big car and it saved his life. Well.....he thought he'd return the favor and save every Chrysler he could afford. There's over 300 of them in the field just sinking in.

View attachment 795138

It's like "Cadillac Ranch-North"! Liking that!!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadillac_Ranch

 

[srodocker]

Great save. Love seeing these old firetrucks that look so unique get saved.

 

[74M35A2]

I’m not saving it, but you are welcome to?

 

[srodocker]

Hahah little far away and saw your other post about parting it out and the price just for the axles lol.

 

[74M35A2]

Hahah little far away and saw your other post about parting it out and the price just for the axles lol.

Yep, that’s why I bought it. The Cat 1693 engine that the owner is keeping and the 3 air locking 5t/7t axles are the only thing worth any money on it. I’d gladly donate the rest of it for scrap value to the owner of another.

 

[Another Ahab]

I’m not saving it, but you are welcome to?

View attachment 795220

View attachment 795221
View attachment 795222
View attachment 795223

That is a pretty beast!

Are those walking-treads aluminum, or steel?

Just thinking:

- If they're aluminum they sure would be handy as track for wheelbarowing concrete (or, you know, similar)...

 

[74M35A2]

That is a pretty beast!

Are those walking-treads aluminum, or steel?

Just thinking:

- If they're aluminum they sure would be handy as track for wheelbarowing concrete (or, you know, similar)...

It is huge, the size of a small locomotive. All aluminum body. Really nice, zero rust. Catwalks are aluminum as well. This was made when metals were low cost.

 

[Another Ahab]

Catwalks are aluminum as well. This was made when metals were low cost.

Oh, man...this was not on my radar. Until now:

- What's the width of the catwalk material?

If I go crazy enough, are you willing to pull some of that catwalk material off, and sell/ship me some (like say 3x 8' lengths)?

 

[74M35A2]

Oh, man...this was not on my radar. Until now:

- What's the width of the catwalk material?

If I go crazy enough, are you willing to pull some of that catwalk material off, and sell/ship me some (like say 3x 8' lengths)?

No craziness required. Let’s talk once I reach that point.

 

[Another Ahab]

No craziness required. Let’s talk once I reach that point.

Thanks for that consideration. Might even go for (4) sections...

I'm serious. Please keep me in mind when you reach that point!

Looking at that rig, you might think that some municipality in wildfire territory would consider purchasing one of these.

Competently restored, it could be a lifesaver (literally) for hosing down critical assets.

 

[m1010plowboy]

Thanks bro. Don’t get me wrong, it is a very emotional thing to do and downright painful. I love mechanized toys. But from the other side, the less of them there are, the more valuable the remaining ones are, and parting one out can further support those causes.

Thanks for the info post, I may hit you up for a few more of that since you seem to have the book, if I need more insight.

I have the manuals and get a kick out of research so anytime. We started making a needs list but everything can be replicated here, up here, way up here. We're fairly complete with the only repairs needed to the top cannons, front drive shaft, the area in the circle.....and the unknown engine repair.

Since this was just dropped on us we didn't make a plan. Ideally, some altruistic, philanthropic fire truck lover finances the rebuild here so I can drive it to the train station and get it back to Fort Indian Town Gap or an OshKosh museum. I'm only about two grand into it for hauling, fluids and diagnostic. A wonderful, dedicated, Italian/ Canadian trucker guy wanted it saved so there it is.

 

[Another Ahab]

We're fairly complete with the only repairs needed to the top cannons, front drive shaft, the area in the circle.....and the unknown engine repair.

There is more tha one? Equally sized output? How many in total?

And guessing independent "aiming" for each?

 

[dmetalmiki]

Thanks bro. Don’t get me wrong, it is a very emotional thing to do and downright painful. I love mechanized toys. But from the other side, the less of them there are, the more valuable the remaining ones are, and parting one out can further support those causes.

Thanks for the info post, I may hit you up for a few more of that since you seem to have the book, if I need more insight.

 

[dmetalmiki]

Such a shame the rare stuff seems to get scrapped.
Iv'e been after one of those for many years. And that one looks to be (Or have been!) A great example of the breed,
I used to work on them. They are a fantastic truck to drive, Once you get over the 'Scary' jerks and bangs of the transmission. (Rather like a deuce, Just much more pronounced, and L ouder.
I am still looking for a P.4. or mebb'e even a 'Stryker'......

 

[74M35A2]

I have the manuals and get a kick out of research so anytime. We started making a needs list but everything can be replicated here, up here, way up here. We're fairly complete with the only repairs needed to the top cannons, front drive shaft, the area in the circle.....and the unknown engine repair.

Since this was just dropped on us we didn't make a plan. Ideally, some altruistic, philanthropic fire truck lover finances the rebuild here so I can drive it to the train station and get it back to Fort Indian Town Gap or an OshKosh museum. I'm only about two grand into it for hauling, fluids and diagnostic. A wonderful, dedicated, Italian/ Canadian trucker guy wanted it saved so there it is.

I’ll gladly give you the items you need that you indicated, just pay the shipping. Let me know if anything else.

 

[74M35A2]

Such a shame the rare stuff seems to get scrapped.
Iv'e been after one of those for many years. And that one looks to be (Or have been!) A great example of the breed,
I used to work on them. They are a fantastic truck to drive, Once you get over the 'Scary' jerks and bangs of the transmission. (Rather like a deuce, Just much more pronounced, and L ouder.
I am still looking for a P.4. or mebb'e even a 'Stryker'......

It is, I agree. You could have this one for cheap.

 

[seano11]

are we doing a head gasket this summer ?

 

[Another Ahab]

are we doing a head gasket this summer ?

I might blow a head gasket if you don't!