1950 (?) Studebaker Fire Truck Photos

[dadondemand]

My uncle, who was the Studebaker dealer in Benld (Ben - Eld'), IL, always told me he had sold this Studebaker truck to the Benld Volunteer Fire Department. The volunteers tell me it starts and runs, but sees only parade duty nowadays.

I know there's at least one sharp-eyed Stude expert that can confirm what truck model, chassis and year this would be. Looks like it was outfitted by Central in St. Louis.

Thanks for the help! And thanks for all the free advice I've lifted from these pages for my Avanti R1-4557.

[2R5]

Well its definitely a 49 to 53 R series truck .
The horn button looks to be a '49 in my opinion ....a 50 horn button was a different design . But that doesn't mean much after all these years.
.....just my opinion

[9echo]

Did this truck help in fighting the fire in Benld at the Coliseum Ball Room last July?

[dadondemand]

Did this truck help in fighting the fire in Benld at the Coliseum Ball Room last July?

It did not, but the photo was taken the following morning at the fire house while the volunteers were drying out hoses and their gear.

Always meant to get a photo of my Avanti in front of that Route 66 landmark. Guess its a little late now.

[Lothar]

My juvenile mind focused right away on the fire department abbreviation on the hood of the truck: "B.F.D." Nice pix of a well-preserved, working truck.

[sasquatch]

Same horn button as my 49 2R15 came with.

[52 Ragtop]

The Cicero FD in Cicero Indiana has a 49 or 50 C-cab truck still in their fleet. Although NOT used for fires, it appears in almost all of their parades. The "sister" truck to that one, is now owned by 5 or 6 of the Westfield FD, and they are trying to get it roadworthy again.

Jim

[studelark]

I know there's at least one sharp-eyed Stude expert that can confirm what truck model, chassis and year this would be.

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Thanks, dadondemand; Enjoyed your photos. If you could post the serial number and model code for this truck, I will be happy to decode both so you'll know where exactly your fire truck fits in the scheme of Studebaker things. Both the serial number (chassis) and the model code are stamped on a plate attached to the wall of the driver's side step well. If you wish to include the information on a second tag to the right and at a 90 degree angle behind the door facing, I'll try to decode those also. That information should include the cab number, color code and trim code. None of this last group has any thing to do with the trucks identification.

As I also own a fire truck, a 1948 model M16-52 Studebaker, serial number 52435X, I am trying to put together a Studebaker Firetruck Register. I have so few recorded that I haven't put it together, but I'm getting close. Your truck will help.

Of course, the term 'Studebaker firetruck', is a misnomer as Studebaker never built one, they only produced the chassis. I do not know how many times I've had to explain this when I'm confronted with, "I didn't know Studebaker built fire trucks!". Enjoy yours and let me hear from you.

Frank Drumheller
Locust Grove, VA
60S-W6
1948 Boyer-bodied M16-52 fire truck

[BobPalma]

Looks like a pleasantly well-preserved unit.
'Good you're able to keep an eye on it, and thanks for the pics. BP

[studelark]

[QUOTE=dadondemand;576493] I know there's at least one ... Stude expert that can confirm what truck model, chassis and year this would be.

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dadondemand; My offer is still open. Hope to hear from you.

Frank Drumheller
M16-52@hotmail
Locust Grove, VA