1949 Seagrave 66EB
Moline Firefighters I.A.F.F. Local 581
Moline Fire Department
1949 Seagrave Serial #E1800
The City of Moline, Illinois Fire Department on June 30, 1948, ordered this 1949 Seagrave Model 66EB. It was delivered in April for the price was $14,495.00. It’s serial number is E-1800 and the engine served faithfully until 1965. At that time it’s operation was turned over to the Moline Second Alarmers organization. It however remained city property and was used for parades and rides. In 1991 the Moline Firefighters, IAFF Local 581, purchased the truck.
After several years of maintaining the truck in original condition the Members of Local
581 began to repair and recondition the mechanics of the vehicle. This included the brakes and electrical system. The motor was also inspected and ran fine.
In 1998 it was time for the big project…a complete paint job. The first problem was locating a paint shop that could handle the project. Some shops wanted the job but just did not have the room for such a large vehicle. Through a bit of luck the members located a body shop that did a lot of restoration projects. The individual that took on the project was also the volunteer fire chief in his small town. He therefore had an appreciation for the historical value of the truck and the price was right.
The truck was then driven 25 miles to the paint shop for prep work. To remove the original paint the truck was completely bead blasted. The metal on the truck was in remarkably good condition after 50 years of service. This was due to the truck had always been kept inside and clean. The heavy gauge and the quality of the steel also was a factor in the metals preservation. The firefighters also found evidence that only one hose bed panel had been replace over the years.
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At this time the artist that was going to do the gold leaf made tracings of the original artwork. The firefighters also located some old stencils of the logos that would help him in his work.
The new gold leaf artwork was applied. This came out beautiful and identical to the original artwork. The firefighters did add "IAFF Local 581" to the doors.
While this work was being performed the running boards were being prepped by one of 581's members. There were nearly 100 holes that were plug welded before the running boards were delivered to the paint shop.
While the truck was away the parts that were not painted were cleaned, polished made ready. The original folding ladder was restored as was the wood planking from the hose bed. A new seat cover was also made that incorporated the Union logo and a script "Seagrave" in the back cushion.
Not long after finishing the restoration, disaster struck. Major engine trouble. A rod bearing spun. Many months of trying to locate the repair parts proved fruitless. Sending the engine out for complete rebuilding was too expensive. Fortunately the members searched the web and on the SPAAMFAA classified site located a truck nearby with a running engine. 581 bought the entire truck, removed the engine, cleaned it and swapped it. It has been three years with no problems.
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This entire project took several months to complete. Without the efforts of many it would have taken even longer. The first public showing was at the funeral of a retired firefighter. Many retirees were on hand to honor the fallen who served on the engine.
The truck has been in many public events and winning several trophies. Hopefully this truck will continue to serve in its new capacity for many years to come. The firefighters hope to have the truck in St. Louis this summer if they can arrange transportation.
Contact Moline Firefighters Local #581
