Clarification: AMT C-series Fords

[gator52]

Looking to clarify the similarities & differences between the AMT C600/900 kits; as I understand it there is a short frame version and a longer frame version. Which versions have which length, and how much difference in frame length/wheelbase is there? Is there a boxing with both sets of frames by any chance?

Other than the frame, are there any differences in the cabs/interiors?

Thanks!

Jonah

[Chuck Most]

I don't have the measurements (I can dig out a few kits later and measure them), but here are the frames. There are three different frame rails.

On top is the tractor, in the center is the stake bed, and on the bottom is the city delivery van.

This version includes the tractor and stake bed frame rails. No version includes all three sets of rails.

There are no differences in the cab or drivetrain- other than what's on the back and the length of the frame rails (as well as a longer driveshaft and carrier bearing on the delivery version), they're all the same kit.

[gatorincebu]

Jonah,

The short frame for the tractor , was for the mail truck and short box trailers ,either in single or double hook up. The next size would most likely be for the dump/snowplow version.And the longest would be for the flatbed or city delivery box van. the two longer frames could be either for single or dual axles. So what are you looking to build?

 

 

Be Well

Gator

Edited July 29, 2015 by gatorincebu

[Jim B]

I don't think the C-Series was ever issued as a dump/snow plow. That was the LNT8000.

[Len Woodruff]

Yes what are you building?

[gator52]

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it.

I plan to use the chassis & cab as the basis for a fire-rescue truck like the one pictured below. My best guess is it's a Darley; so far I haven't found any info on fire manufacturers other than Darley that used Ford cabs.

[Jim B]

Should be an interesting project. That's a nice looking AeroChief sitting next to it.

[gator52]

Yes, the Snorkel is on my list too. I've got some better photos of it, and I've got the AMT Aero Chief kit to use as a basis. The biggest change will be the addition of a second rear axle.

Jonah

Edited July 8, 2015 by gator52

[wku88]

I can tell you for certain that Tower used Ford C cabs, and I think Pierce did as well.

[Guest]

There was also Hahn. The pictures at the below link are quite large

http://www.carsandracingstuff.com/library/h/hahn.php

[gatorincebu]

I don't think the C-Series was ever issued as a dump/snow plow. That was the LNT8000.

Jim,

You are correct. I was thinking of the LNT.

Be Well

Gator

[Brinx]

Chris, might also try "Young" we had several in the two departments I was with. Most were Ford "C" cabs with a canopy added for the jump seats (transverse).

One was a straight "C" with a 55' tele-sqirt ladder. The sqirt was about as stock a cab as you could get, automatic transmission and only two seats up front. Looking back (80's) we had a rule, if there were only 3 guys, either 2 guys had to ride the back step (driver alone in the cab) OR, the third guy would have to ride up front (sitting on the doghouse...all in the interest of safety....ah, simpler times

[explorer2770]

Lots of fire apparatus manufacturers used the Ford C cab chassis, the only way to tell which one made your truck would be to find the manufacturer plate in the photos. It could be an American LaFrance, Pierce, Sutphen, E-One, Grumman, Oren, Hahn, or any number of local/smaller fire truck builders.

Do you know if the Ford C was sold to Dixie FD? Then it could be a Fire Boss.

http://yngfire.com/index.php/topic,9557.msg59410.html#msg59410

The Century Series AeroChief (snorkel) is most likely a 1977 with serial number CE 145165.

http://yngfire.com/index.php/topic,9890.msg61689.html#msg61689

Many have made the conversion to the twin drive for the AeroChief and Ladder Chief over at the ScaleFirehouse.com Check them out.

Other Tyler TX fire trucks that might interest you:

http://yngfire.com/index.php/topic,1307.msg46011.html#msg46011

http://yngfire.com/index.php/topic,1303.msg41419.html#msg41419

http://yngfire.com/index.php/topic,2013.msg75008.html#msg75008

http://yngfire.com/index.php/topic,7250.msg35642.html#msg35642

http://yngfire.com/index.php/topic,9935.msg61907.html#msg61907

[GLMFAA1]

I think every manufacturer used the C Cab for apparatus, Just depended on cabinetry and pump configuration, I would use the long frame or splice the AMT/ALF pumper frame to the Ford.

recommend ScaleFirehouse.com for info from the fire model builders.

greg

[Aaronw]

Pretty much anybody that built fire apparatus between 1957 and 1990 built at least one on the Ford C. Ford Cs were used for everything, crash trucks, pumpers, rescues, ladders, snorkels yada yada yada.

[gator52]

^{Thanks for all the great info! Brandon, great photos; I hadn't run across any of those yet.}

^Jonah

[ShaunCN]

Any idea where the fuel tank(s) might be on a Ford c series pumper truck? Stock they were on the outside of the frame rails but with a pumper body it looks like that's not possible. Did they put one between the frame rails perhaps?. 

Thanks. 

[explorer2770]

Fuel tanks on fire trucks (custom and Ford C series) are usually mounted between the frame rails behind the rear axle(s).

[Atmobil]

I don't know anything about firetrucks so I cannot help you there but I do know that the biggest difference between the C600 stakebed and C900 tractor kit is (besides the framerails) the tires. The C900 has bigger tires in it. The kit however is according to the badge on the cabdoors a C800 and I think I have read somewhere that it should be a ca 1974 truck but with minor detailchanges one should be able to make anything from a 57 to a 90 out of the truck.

[Aaronw]

Fuel tanks on fire trucks (custom and Ford C series) are usually mounted between the frame rails behind the rear axle(s).

I agree with Brandon, if you look closely you will find most Ford C fire engines have a fuel fill (or small door covering the fuel fill) right behind the rear wheel.

 

This is a 1963 or 64 Ford C950 / Seagrave pumper

 

You can see the fuel cap behind the rear wheel

 

[ShaunCN]

Thanks Ford the help guys

[leafsprings]

 

 

This is a 1963 or 64 Ford C950 / Seagrave pumper

 

 This one can be pin pointed to '61 or '62, the  spear emblem is the give away. This truck has  the "extra long" spear emblem, so this one has the Super Duty engine. Also, note the big Eaton  22 or 23K rear axle, something the Amt kit  unfortunately never came with. The rear axle on the Amt  tilt was incorrect, it was super small, almost looks like a trailer axle cap.

[Aaronw]

You are of course right on the year, that is what I get for not checking my notes.

On the rear axle, any suggestions for the right one? Does the Louisville have a better axle to use or does it suffer from the same issue?

[junkyardjeff]

I thought I seen Mack that used a Ford C cab for one of their fire trucks.

[Chuck Most]

On the rear axle, any suggestions for the right one? Does the Louisville have a better axle to use or does it suffer from the same issue?

The Louisville axle is a near-duplicate of the one in the C-Series kits, so... short answer would be yes.