This vehicle is said to be Fort Klamath"s 1st fire truck. It is considered a chemical wagon because it did not use a pump to charge the hose. Instead, it relies on the chemical reaction of an acid being poured into its pressure tank containing soda water and thus forcing the water through the hose.
The chassis and frame were built by the Graham Brothers Truck Co. some time after 1923 probably in 1924 and after delilver, someone added a pressurizable tank. It appears that the unit may have been converted to a fire truck by volunteers. It was originally powered by a 4-cylinder engine which was replaced with a GMC 6-cylinder engine sometime along the way.
We have been unable to find a record of it ever having been registered by the Oregon DMV.
The vehicle has not been completely restored although considerable work has been done including:
- Replacing the wooden carriage on which the tank sits
- Refurbishing the cast-iron spoke wheels
- Buying new tires
- Getting the engine running
- Repairing the hydraulic brakes
- Removing lots of peeling paint
- Applying new paint
- Replacing lots of bad wiring
- Reconstructing the bench seat (which covers the gas tank)
Note: The pressure tank was not repaired or replaced, and it leaks - the acid was not kind to it.
It does run – not great, but it does run. Located in Klamath Falls, OR. Pickup only.
Condition: | Used | Year: | 1924 |
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): | none | Vehicle Title: | Not Available |
Make: | Graham Brothers |