1946 · American LaFrance Fire Truck · for Los Angeles Fireman's Museum

American LaFrance Fire Truck

The Build

A 1946 American LaFrance fire truck restoration for the Los Angeles Fireman's Museum — featured on American Restoration.

Vehicle History

American LaFrance was one of America's oldest and most storied fire apparatus builders, tracing its roots to 1832. This 1946 truck served in the postwar era when gleaming open-cab pumpers were the pride of every American firehouse.

Known for: built by America's oldest fire truck maker, founded in 1832

Gallery

1946 American LaFrance Fire Truck — headline shot

Finished at the debut — front three-quarter with chrome bumper bars and dual headlamps

Rear three-quarter showing the hose bed, gold pinstriping and diamond-plate step

Grille, headlamp and brass fittings detail

Restored pump panel — original gauges, brass inlets and chrome valve handles

Cab interior with oxblood leather bench and polished alloy dash

Crew bench and hose compartment in fresh fir and gloss red

American-LaFrance badge on the rear body

Bodie with the owner at the truck's unveiling

Build Process

Final fitment of the front bumper assembly on debut day

Final assembly under the tent — engine and pump plumbing in place

In the shop mid-build: bare metal body, hood open over the inline six

Arriving at BS Industries on the trailer in raw steel

As Seen On

HISTORY

American Restoration

Full restoration of a 1946 American LaFrance fire truck — called on-air the largest job of Bodie's career.

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