1973 Ward - Restored 2012
2012 Restoration
Engine 51 has been restored because of your generosity.
Please consider a donation today to help restore the funds
we used for the restoration.
Or see our DONATIONS page for more information.
The Museum is accepting donations toward the restoration of Engine 51. It cost us $50,000 to get her back to the condition you remember from the TV show.
Here you see where we are toward our goal. We have a long way to go before we can recoup our expenses. We have more to do as well as maintenance, please consider donating toward the restoration. Every dollar counts. Thank you!
Engine 51 Restored and In Quarters - 2012
So, what did it take to restore an icon?
Do a complete mechanical check (appx $5000)
- "PM" (preventive maintenance).
- Includes hoses, belts, fluids, brakes, etc
- Also includes all maintenance of the main pump, transmission and rear end
The exterior of the rig
- Removing all of the chrome, windows, handles
- Body work
- Send the rig to paint (appx $10,000 to $15,000
- All the handles and trim go to the polisher and/or plater (appx $1,000)
- New tires (appx $1,000)
- Wheels restoration to match the original look (appx $2,000)
- Restore numerous items for the rig, including the deck gun, blower, etc.(appx $2,000)
- Transportation fees, to move the rig to and from the paint shop and other vendor shops (appx $1,000)
- Misc. sandblasting, component replacement (lights, switches, gauges) (appx $1,000)
- Our goal is to keep as many original items on the rig as we can
- Lettering, and markings (appx $500)
- Misc materials, polish, undercoatings,
The interior of the rig
- Upholstery, headliner, etc (appx $2,000)
- Upgrades - seat belts, etc (appx $1,000)
Museum labor, $0
Videos were shot prior to restoration
