1962 - 1966 AB International MFB Hose Carriage

Hello Everyone

Its been awhile since my last post on the site, but I need some help!

I have recently saved a wrecked 1962 - 1966 AB long nose IH ex MFB Hose Carriage (Car 188) from the scrappers (I can't be more precise on the build date as all of the information plates have been removed prior to acquisition).

The wooden framed body is in pretty poor shape (literally falling to pieces) and previous unknown owners have removed the internal water tank and all of the wooden lockers, leaving just a large void behind the front seat (the rear seat has also been removed).

On the positive side, it still has its rotary pump fitted underneath the chassis, including its single delivery and outlet.

I need to get it started and moved from the drop off point onto my property, but I need to fit a new drivers side front tyre first, as it doesnt hold air.

My stupid question for the day is: are AB long nose fire appliances 12 volt or 24 volt and what size battery do I need to buy? The battery holder is located underneath the front passenger seat.

If someone could assist with providing some advice on the above, it would be greatly appreciated.

Pictures to follow when I find Choc's private email address to send photo's to (its too complicated for me to work out).

Cheers
Plucker

It would almost certainly be a 12v system.

I'd recommend an Optima 800 amp spiral cell unit.

The guys at the Fire Service Museum could probably help you with restoration info.

Cheers Beaver, much appreciated.
Is an Optima Red Top 34/78 12 volt 50 CCA 800 Spiralcell the right one?
Plucker

...Hi mate, and welcome back after a long absence

...i'm pretty sure your Inter would be 12 volt start and run...but the MFB (at the very least) had a 2nd battery set-up as a back up for any and all emergencies....this mandate followed right the way through to the district inspectors HX Holden wagon back in the day...with a battery mounted either side of the the inner headlight panel...

Cheers Beaver, much appreciated.
Is an Optima Red Top 34/78 12 volt 50 CCA 800 Spiralcell the right one?
Plucker

Any reasonably heavy duty 12v battery will do the job, but we have found that the Optimas tend to hold charge better over long periods of non-use, and seem to have a longer shelf life than conventional lead acid types.

The extra battery in MFB vehicles would be to cover the emergency lights and radios likely to be running while the vehicle was stationery for long periods.

Thanks Detective and Beaver for the additional info.

A new optima has been ordered and paid for today and the local Manager of the Bridgestone Tyre Centre is sending out the boys in the ute tomorrow to remove the front and outer rear offside tyres and have a look at rectifying the flat issues and will then refit them once sorted (no spare and havent yet been able to find a 7.50 x 20 replacement down here in the south island - perhaps old mate at the Bridgestone shop can help fix that issue).

Looking forward to this coming weekend to having it on my property, rather than parked on the side of a road (just waiting for some goose to come by and put a stone or brick through the only thing that doesn't need replacing or major repair - the front windscreen!

Beaver or Detective, do either of you know where the second battery would have been located, as there is not enough room underneath the front passenger seat box for another one to go there?

And thanks also to Jimbo51 for your PM, reminding me of something that I havent done! :-[

Cheers
plucker

Thanks Detective and Beaver for the additional info.

A new optima has been ordered and paid for today and the local Manager of the Bridgestone Tyre Centre is sending out the boys in the ute tomorrow to remove the front and outer rear offside tyres and have a look at rectifying the flat issues and will then refit them once sorted (no spare and havent yet been able to find a 7.50 x 20 replacement down here in the south island - perhaps old mate at the Bridgestone shop can help fix that issue).

Looking forward to this coming weekend to having it on my property, rather than parked on the side of a road (just waiting for some goose to come by and put a stone or brick through the only thing that doesn't need replacing or major repair - the front windscreen!

Beaver or Detective, do either of you know where the second battery would have been located, as there is not enough room underneath the front passenger seat box for another one to go there?

And thanks also to Jimbo51 for your PM, reminding me of something that I havent done! :-[

Cheers
plucker

7.50x20s should be easy to come by. If your local dealer can't/won't help, try one of the specialist vintage tyre suppliers. The tyres on it are probably getting a bit old now, so might be worth your while replacing the lot.

Probably back in the early 60s, only one battery was needed, although some places might have had 2x 6v instead of 1x 12v. If you can't find leads for a second battery, probably never had it. And you're not likely to need it.

It may also be positive earth if it still has the generator on it. You may be able to roughly workout the year by the glass or the chassis no located near the lh front spring shackle. Good luck with it.