Restoration of Engine Company 37
#86510
Owners: Brett Peabody, Doug Wilson
Firefighters in the Klein Volunteer Fire Department
Home Start From Day One And Scroll Up
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Engine company 37's no expense spared, complete, and accurate restoration began July 5th, 2002 and ended March 9th, 2005.
Numerous members of Station 37 have helped in this effort. It has been an honor and privilege to bring this truck to her former
glory with the band of brothers from Station 37. The following firefighters have made significant work contributions to the truck;
Richard Chapman, Eric Hames, Bobby Redmon, Lance Wilson, Phil Elkins, Dennis Sewell, and Greg Gellethin. Be sure to
watch the special events website for future appearances.
NEWS...March 2005 (2 years, 8 months)
We found some problems with the distributor and after Chuck rebuilt them it ran perfectly. We drove home taking the
same route we took three years ago and she drove very tight and smooth. It's a dream come true. The following pictures are
from Chuck's shop where we took her for the first test drive and toasted to the completed restoration.
NEWS...February 2005 (2 years, 7 months)
We were able to get the engine started a couple of weeks ago. First of all we had the wrong firing order but after studying
Chucks '37 and with his help we got that straightened out and it started right up. It's making a popping or missing noise
on throttle up and we're still trying to figure out what is causing the problem. Chuck checked and gapped all the plugs.
We hope to drive her back home to Station 37 by mid March.
This is the month that Engine Company 37 will be finished. Chuck Buschardt came to have a look and help us with the
startup. Unfortunately, we needed some new points. The points have been located and we'll try to start her up at the muster
on Saturday February 12th. We installed the drive shaft, mounted the hard suction, completed the hose reels and worked on the
fuel system. Now all we have to do is figure out what to do on Saturday nights because we won't be working on the pumper!
Be sure to check the Special Events page for pictures from the muster. Come see Engine Company 37's debut at Clear Lake
park on Nasa Rd. 1 Saturday February 12th from 10-3.
NEWS...January 2005 (2 years, 6 months)
Robert Nouis and family delivered the hood on a chilly night in mid January. It took a little work to fit it in place but have
a look at the spectacular results. Engine Company 37 is very close to a full return to her former glory. We began working
on the wiring and have made good progress. We've had some setbacks on the ladder restoration (part of the learning
process) but all seems to be on track for her debut at the SPAAMFA convention next month. We also mounted the newly
reconstructed the twin matching hose reels.
The final four weeks. Old Engine 37 is back at the station and the gold leaf is finished. The hood will be delivered in one week.
Re-manufactured hose reels are off to the paint shop and all that remains is to complete the wiring and get her running. We're so
close now. There is a picture of the gold leaf artist (Robert) shown below.
NEWS...December 2004 (2 years, 5 months)
Old Engine 37 is at the gold leaf specialist and should be there until just after Christmas. She rode there on the back
of a flat bed wrecker on a rainy November day. After the gold leaf work is complete, she'll be on her way back to where
we found her at Chuck's for final checks and startup. There's a picture of Billy from Enviroclean where all of the paint work
was done doing finishing touches on the hood. The barn is where the gold leaf work is being done and have a look at
this. It's beautiful!
NEWS...October 2004 (2 years, 3 months)
We're working hard to be ready for the SPAAMFAA convention in February. We installed the linoleum and trim on the running
boards. The detailed plumbing work has begun in earnest including fuel and vacuum lines. We also installed the speedometer
cable and wrapped the exhaust. The new muffler and tailpipe were installed this month also. There is still a lot to do but we
are making progress. The gold leaf is scheduled for next month.
NEWS...September 2004 (2 years, 2 months)
We have been concentrating on the trim pieces for the running boards. They are ready for installation of the battleship
linoleum which has been ordered. The headlights and siren have been installed and the front is looking very finished. We
had new hood accent strips manufactured and the tool box covers have been installed. We're also working on wiring and
plumbing. Chuck Buschardt and his wife Marla visited and consulted this month.
NEWS...August 2004 (2 years, 1 month)
The wood work is pretty much finished. The running boards, tail board, hose bed, and fuel tank mount have been cut,
sanded, sealed, and installed. The running boards are ready for the linoleum templates which will cover the wood. The
hose bed has been installed. We finished some plumbing around the pumps and installed the fuel tank. Ninety percent of
body pieces have been installed. Some of the most difficult tasks are now behind us. Next we'll concentrate on completing the
wiring harness.
NEWS...July 2004 (2 years)
We're still making good progress. The running boards have been cut, sanded, and sealed. The passenger side running
boards and front fender have been installed. The hose bed wood has been cut and sanded. It is ready to be installed but
first the rear wiring needs to be completed. The gold leaf on the fuel tank is finished. Click on the small picture for a
high resolution view of this excellent detail work. There is also a picture of the band of brothers after a house fire on antique
night.
NEWS...May 2004 (1 year, 11 months restoration work)
Work continues as she comes to life. We have made a record amount of progress this month.
We installed the skirt panels and the water tank last night.
Lots of red! Body and pump parts are flying on the truck now. We installed several pump parts and the body
skirts. In addition we fitted the rear fender.
NEWS...April 2004 (1 year, 10 months restoration work)
There was quite a bit of concern over cracks found in the pump transfer case. We decided to continue and
monitor the cracks closely as part of regular maintenance. We mounted the newly restored vacuum brake booster,
tow hook, and Richard's favorite part on the truck, the pump primer. Also note several photos of the new pump
transfer gear we had manufactured. Finally, the drive shaft to the pump was packed and installed. All in all, it was
a good night for completing major mechanical work from the firewall to the back of the pump. The hose bed has
also been installed. More red parts should appear soon!
NEWS...February 2004 (1 year, 8 months restoration work)
We started the month by installing the spark plug cables and various items on the firewall including the pressure relief valve. We also
worked on the throttle and timing levers in the steering wheel. We finished the pump packing in the front.
NEWS...January 2004 (1 year, 7 months restoration work)
So far this month we installed the firewall, finished the hood lace, windshield, red warning lights, and the magneto, fuel pump,
and roto ray switches. We also replaced all of the grease fittings and installed the pulley and fan.
old less old old less old
NEWS...December 2003 (1 year, 6 months restoration work)
We moved the truck back into the station for final assembly. Also shown below are some pictures from the storage facility
just before the move. Be sure to check out the picture of Chuck Buschardt looking over our work.
NEWS...November 2003 (1 year, 5 months restoration work)
Almost all of the body parts have been painted. Gold leaf has been applied to the wheels. We're planning on moving back to the
station in the next few weeks. "The Bolt" dropped into a wedged position and took an hour to remove. The instrument cluster and
other gauges have been restored. Assembly is slow but sure.
NEWS...September 2003 (1 yr, 2 months restoration work)
We have turned the corner! We finished cleaning and painting the frame. We began the re-assembly on September 27th. Brett has
done a fantastic job keeping this project moving forward. Coach, you're with us every night!
(photos taken in the offsite storage garage, not at the station)
NEWS...August 2003 (1 yr, 1 month restoration work)
It's been awhile and there has been significant progress in the old girl's restoration. In July, almost one year to the day from day one
of the restoration, Old Engine 37 was towed to the paint shop (Enviro Clean on Spring Cypress).
Her first stop was the plasti-bead blasting station where all of the old paint and grease
accumulated for 66 years was lifted away. Bill the owner of Enviro Clean is shown looking the
truck over with Brett in the picture on the right.
Here's a shot of the primer being applied. She's starting to look like new.
Richard and I ponder the fact that this 1937 Seagrave will be a world class restoration.
She'll be out of the paint shop by the end of the week. We plan to detail the engine and
pump. Look for major assembly progress by Christmas!
NEWS...December 2002 (6 months restoration work)
Body parts are at the shop for repair and paint. The "wheels" project is progressing. We need to replace the brake pads on the
front wheels. All the bearings look pretty good. When we get her rolling again, she'll be ready for the paint shop. Look for
major progress by Spring. (UPDATE, the brakes were re-lined at Heitmann down near the ship channel. All bearings were repacked.
The wheels where cleaned and painted black.)
NEWS...November 2002 (4 months restoration work)
Brett visited her old home in Sydney while returning with his newest acquisition, a 1970 Seagrave pumper. While in Sydney,
he talked to some folks and thanks to Christi, we have some new photos of our baby.
NEWS...October 2002 (3 months restoration work)
Just when I think there is no more to take off the truck, Brett says it has to be removed. We have taken her almost completely
down to the frame.The parts are at the shop to be painted and some chrome has been sent out to be refurbished. The pump still needs
some work and we're going to have the water tank re-lined.
NEWS...July 2002 Restoration Begins
The restoration has begun. We have started removing hardware for the paint. We've had two minor problems in the last month.
First, the starter quit working, but thanks to the efforts of Chuck Buschardt, we had her running for the parades. Second, the radiator
hose slipped off.
Here's the list of folks who have done some of the quality work on this truck:
1937 Seagrave Vendors
Chrome Restoration: NEL Metal Restoration, 2127-35 Margaret Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19124, 215-289-4944
Bodywork and Painting: EnviroClean, 4405 Spring Cypress, Bldg D, Spring, TX, 281-350-0077
Gold Leaf: Nuclear Designs, 6522 Inverness Lane, Pasadena, TX 77505 281-991-9712
Speedo, Tach, and Gauge Resto: Scott Young, 332 Devon Drive, San Rafael, CA, 94903, 415-472-5126
Steering Wheel Resto: Gary’s Steering Wheel Restoration, 2977 Ritner Hwy.,
Carlisle, PA, 17013, 717-243-5646 www.dealsonwheels.com/parts/garys/