Rebuilt for Two-Thirds Less
features
The Lake Jackson, Texas, Volunteer Fire Department’s 1951 Mack pumper is good for another 30 years—officially.
In 1978 the 750-gpm apparatus had a sound chassis and 12,000 miles behind it. Chief Paul Israel could see no reason to take the pumper out of service and buy a new one just because the Mack was nearing 30 years old.
A series of telephone calls and letters between Israel, the state board of insurance, and Simms Fire Equipment Company in San Antonio put the job into perspective. In October 1979, Israel sent the pumper to Simms for extensive rebuilding.
The power plant was replaced by a Detroit Diesel 671 engine and the drive line was revamped. The generator was replaced by an alternator. The Hale pump was overhauled, a Hale PM relief valve was put in place of the old pressure governor, and a 2 1/2-inch rear discharge was installed. The rear fenders were replaced by compartments. These and a number of other changes cost about $28,000, one-third the cost of a new pumper.
UL certification tests were conducted in May 1980, and in July the state board of insurance wrote the letter Israel had been waiting for: “This letter is to advise you that this unit will be carried on our records as a 1980 model and considered the same as a new pumper which is presently recognized for 30 years. Hope this pumper gives you good service.”
Paul Israel is sure it will.