Unrestored US6

[Guido]

Yes, Gary, I imagine that you are correct. I didn't remember that there were two fire trucks in Asa's collection/auction.

There were, the '53 that Dr. Cade bought previously was still there at the time of the auction. I think that Asa had purchased the fire truck not long before he passed away. I do know that the 1948 M-16 grain truck that I bought from Sharon that was at Vern Ediger's place in Kansas was the last truck Asa bought before his death. I think that 6 or 7 of Asa's vehicles ended up here in Virginia including both the 4x4's.

[studegary]

Gary,

I believe you are thinking of the 1949 2R17A that I bought at the auction that Sharon had after Asa's death. The fire house was just down the hill from Asa's father's house. The truck had approximately 5800 miles on it when I bought it. It now under the care of George Orphanidys (george o on the forum). I gave George all the documentation with it, as I recall it was featured in the Studebaker Spotlight. I met the grandson of the dealer who originally sold the truck at the auction.

Gary

Yes, Gary, I imagine that you are correct. I didn't remember that there were two fire trucks in Asa's collection/auction.

[Guido]

IIRC, the fire truck was bought as a bare cab and chassis from Studebaker by the East Litchfield (?), Connecticut fire department. Asa's father built the fire truck body part on it. I remember Asa driving the fire truck to an SDC meet when the fire company still owned it (many years ago). Asa sought to buy this particular truck due to the connection to his father.

Gary,

I believe you are thinking of the 1949 2R17A that I bought at the auction that Sharon had after Asa's death. The fire house was just down the hill from Asa's father's house. The truck had approximately 5800 miles on it when I bought it. It now under the care of George Orphanidys (george o on the forum). I gave George all the documentation with it, as I recall it was featured in the Studebaker Spotlight. I met the grandson of the dealer who originally sold the truck at the auction.

Gary

[studegary]

Gary, yes, this was Asa's truck. The '53 2R17 fire truck that's parked in front of the US6 was his as well.

IIRC, the fire truck was bought as a bare cab and chassis from Studebaker by the East Litchfield (?), Connecticut fire department. Asa's father built the fire truck body part on it. I remember Asa driving the fire truck to an SDC meet when the fire company still owned it (many years ago). Asa sought to buy this particular truck due to the connection to his father.

[Jeff_H]

I think the "patina" is more from low quality paint and prep, and less from poor storage. I don't think anyone intended on this truck lasting as long as it has.

Thanks Matt, I hope nobody thinks I am "dissing" the truck with that comment. Anything that's been around this long unless kept in climate controlled area (and even then....) is going to show some "patina".

Seems to me a TW article about these trucks some years ago mentioned something to the effect that most of them in war/combat conditions didn't get more than a few 100 miles on them before getting damaged/destroyed so this one with 1200 is even more of a survivor in contrast.

I am amazed those tires look so good w/o cracks.

[8E45E]

More on US6's here: http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.c...ghlight=benter

Craig

[tsenecal]

I have one of these also. It is in pretty rough condition due to a rough life of civilian work. It still has US NAVY with a number in yellow lettering. I did notice the Studebaker wheel on the manifold. It has the serial number plate on the frame, and is still legible. Does anybody know if the museum has any info available based on serial number?

[mbstude]

I know that the exhaust manifold has the Stude wheel logo cast into it. I'll try to get a picture when I get a chance.

Gary, yes, this was Asa's truck. The '53 2R17 fire truck that's parked in front of the US6 was his as well.

[studegary]

Is this the deuce and a half that was owned by Asa Hall for many years? I thought that his had a body (not just a cab), but the Macy's connection sounds familiar. I may have two of these confused.

[Buzzard]

Cool Matt.
Thanks for posting the great pics. I have one (not in this condition unfortunately due to being a workhorse in Montana) but the one pic I think everyone would appreciate is of the EXHAUST manifold. Check it out and you'll see what I mean. Remember, these motors were not made by Studebaker, but rather Hercules. Mine is still working for a living as a snowplow in British Columbia mountains.
Here is some good information on these wonderful trucks:

https://www.militaryfactory.com/armo...p?armor_id=703

Cheers, Bill

As a PS did you know Studebaker pioneered the use of multiple drive shafts so if they ran over a landmine and blew up a rear axle assembly they still had one more axle propelling the truck.

[SScopelli]

Nice three link traction bar, and extra heavy duty sway bar for the performance minded

IMG_1675 by Matt Burnette, on Flickr

The bottom links are hidden behind the upper one and the left frame rail.

[sals54]

That truck is sooooooo stinkin incredible, I can't believe it. I sure hope nobody touches it. It's in its most pristine original condition. I'm not always a snob about keeping originality, but this one is very special. Perhaps the only one in existence.

[JGK 940]

Wow. Just... Wow. What a time capsule. Brings up all kinds of memories. Many thanks for shooting & sharing.

[62champ]

While doing research in the Studebaker archives back in 1996, I remember seeing a booklet on these trucks. It was an assembly manual for the trucks that were shipped overseas KND. Each truck was in two crates - one for the frame (with wheels, engine on its side, etc) and one with the cab and everything needed within. IIRC, the only thing needed to assemble these trucks was an A-frame and a handful of tools - pretty amazing...

[thunderations]

Can't be..............the fire extinguisher needs to be by the left front tire according to SDC rules.

Possibly a small fire extinguisher? BP