VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Commercial Vehicles 1943 Chev military fire truck.

Is there any way to trace its history ? Especially its military background as its going back to its Army colors.
It is 100% complete with all the data plates, firewall tags, etc.
Any leads would be appreciated.
Lou
VCCA 8888

Most military stuff had military data plates as well as Chevrolet tags. The Chevrolet tags will give you info on where and when the truck was built. If you have the military tags, you may be better to try a military type of forum or ask around your local legion branch for info from people that served in motor pools or maintenance facilities.

Lou,
There were approx. 25 fire trucks built in 1943 (will try to find my reference later and get accurate number) for civilian and government service. Others for Corp of Engineers see http://www.firetrucks.mil-fire.net/ for more info on them.

There are several data plates one of which contains the serial number. With that coded number the assembly plant and month can be determined. Very few of the 1943 Chevrolet trucks remained in the USA. Most were sent to Europe. I have a truck assembled September '43 in Norwood, Ohio.

If you send me information on the data plates I can look at my references and give you more information.

Thanks so much for the replies. The Core of engineers have not responded to inquiries re this truck

Following is the ID info from the truck.
GM Serial # B6327738 11/2 T Chevrolet 2WD
Buffalo Fire Appliance Co. Serial # A2379, Buffalo C-100
Delivered to US Army Corps of Engineers 12/43
Pump is 500 gpm Hale Centifugal Pump Serial # 10228 ? (not clear)

I would like to find out where it served to use correct markings for restoration. The hood ID is 507007.

This vehicle is 100% complete and was rescued from the crusher and will be restored as was delivered.

Thanks in advance
Lou

Here are some good links.
The book in the first link is about the Buffalo company, and includes info on their WARTIME PRODUCTION!

http://www.amazon.com/history-Buffalo-Fire-Appliance-Corporation/dp/0935130047

http://www.haleproducts.com/Main/Content.aspx

By the way, the Walker Fire Dept. was located (is still) in a suburb of Grand Rapids, MI

I hope the truck is coming along well

Joe with-the-9n, MI

I just bought a 43 and would like to see a picture of yours and see if it is the same.Could you post one or email me one? Thanks

If you post the serial number on the dataplate attached to the passenger side of the firewall I can authenticate the production month and year. The military/government type serial number contains a code number corresponding to month and year of assembly. If produced during civilian production (prior to Feb, 1942 or after 1945) then the Chevrolet type serial numbers would be on the plate.

It is 1MS 12 4167
Is there a way to find out what the firetruck body is or were they all made by the same company for Chevy?

The serial number indicates that the truck is a 1 1/2 ton assembled at the Flint plant in December 1941. I was the 3167th 160" WB 1 1/2 ton Utility - single or dual wheels produced (first unit 1001). It may have been stored in an impound lot until later when a body was attached and the truck released.

If there is a body tag then the date and type body might be determined.

So for parts would I look for 41 chevy truck? Also it has the 1943 title but is it one of the 25 made. I think you posted somewhere on here? You can see the US Army still on the hood.
I originally bought this because I was going to use the cab for a hot rod truck but it is a real solid fire truck that I hate to do it. If anybody knows someone who might want it or to trade for a 30s coupe body or something I would trade it off.

No doubt its a rare truck but don't be surprised if you don't have people standing in line to trade for your truck. The market for firetrucks is very limited and they don't command high dollars.

I can't tell you if it is one of the 25 '43 fire trucks produced or not. I suspect not but it could be. Don't know where the chassis were obtained to build those trucks. If you can find a body plate or other identification it would help determine the petigree.

Since the military didn't need titles nor did some other governmental agencies the title probably was issued at a later date. Regardless the truck is one of only a few to survive and has some historical significance. I would hope that it can be preserved so future generations might have a little better understanding of that period in US history.

There is a '42 Chevrolet Fire Truck in Lake Jackson, TX (their first fire truck) that has been restored and is a honored vehicle in any local parade.

Chipper: It is a Buffalo C, Number A-2298 made 7/43
Any info would be great. I also contacted Lake Jackson Fire dept. and Randy was real nice and sent me pictures of their truck. It seems to be a Buffalo also but he didn't know. Real similar bed but the pump is covered and the back fenders are different.Still gives me an idea what should go where.Thanks for telling me about it.

Can't find my information on the Buffalo fire trucks right now. If I remember correctly they built approx. 25 trucks in 1943. Most were airport crash trucks but at least one was sent to a New York prison. Hopefully I can find the reference soon. Sure looks like your truck is one of them. I found one about 15 years ago in Florida. Since I already had two fire trucks didn't think I needed another.

Lake Jackson is proud of their truck. The display it often. Will be in the festival of lights parade next week.

Glad I could help.