When you hear “refurbishment” of a fire truck, in all likelihood, a wide variety of possibilities (and potential costs) begin to emerge. However, as with anything, fire apparatus and ambulance refurbishment and remounts can be scoped to meet budget constraints as well as provide important utility or external upgrades to a rig’s present condition.
One basic place to start is with exterior restoration or revitalization. Let’s face it, oftentimes the paint finish on the fire truck or ambulance cab and body has seen better days. Even though a previous fire department may have done their best with routine cleaning, washing, and polishing, years of exposure to all manner of weather conditions from extreme heat and intense sunshine (and UV) to storms, floods, and blizzards takes a toll. Additionally, perhaps the previous fire department’s exterior color selection doesn’t align with the new owner’s (fire department’s) preference or choice.
At Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus, with sound fire apparatus painting operations, this fundamental new exterior coating refurbishment or restoration can readily be accomplished. This can be a complete apparatus repaint to the color or colors (for two-tone) that a fire department selects - and then, results in a like new appearance to a fire truck with several years of prior service.
Further, since “beauty is only skin deep” with fire trucks, Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus can also offer and provide a specialized undercoating application to assist with surface rust corrosion that may have emerged over the years. In order to potentially assist with further rust mitigation, after the appropriate prep work is executed on a used vehicle, a specialized chemically engineered coating is applied under the fire truck. It is actually a product that is often utilized with premium classic car restorations and performs incredibly well. In the high-end classic car market, this undercoating product is utilized when the owner wants to retain the existing metal of the vehicle to keep as much of the original car’s structure as possible.
After the new exterior coatings are complete, Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus can also apply new custom graphics (lettering, striping, and decals) to personalize the apparatus for a fire department. This truly identifies - with great pride - the new owner!
Other basic refurbishment can also be done in conjunction with new paint and graphics to add an even more enhanced exterior appearance. This includes buffing and polishing diamond-plate or chrome surfaces particularly with front bumpers. Plus, new polished wheel covers or even just new polished wheel hubs and lug nut covers can add a special “sparkle” to an older fire truck.
So, no need to be intimidated by fire apparatus refurbishment. It doesn’t have to be an extent that requires a significant overhaul and the associated budget. Let Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus (www.firetruckmall.com) help revitalize the exterior of your newly purchased used fire truck to make you proud and to make it yours!
