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Fire Engine Photos
Ex Cleveland DAJ700T retrieved Oct 2010.
As stated in his comments under an earlier posting of this machine, Mr Martin Norris (of the blazing squad) has retrieved this interesting and unique vehicle for preservation.
She was retrieved from Monte's of fence houses (Co Durham) during the first week of October this year, and here she is after a wash down and clean up to remove years of grime (and spiders)which she acquired during her time exposed to the elements. It is intended that DAJ will be restored properly to it's 1980's condition, and will be used for rallies and open days.
Martin has acquired most of the missing front axle parts, and is busily preparing them for re-installing on the vehicle. Unbelievibly she fired up after the third go, and now runs sweetly. After examining this vehicle today (9th Oct 10) I find it hard to believe how well she's survived, the bodywork is in a remarkably good condition, without too much damage and there appears to be no major rot anywhere. Martin aims to have her up and running by Christmas, and I'm really looking forward to seeing here out soon.
As stated in his comments under an earlier posting of this machine, Mr Martin Norris (of the blazing squad) has retrieved this interesting and unique vehicle for preservation.
She was retrieved from Monte's of fence houses (Co Durham) during the first week of October this year, and here she is after a wash down and clean up to remove years of grime (and spiders)which she acquired during her time exposed to the elements. It is intended that DAJ will be restored properly to it's 1980's condition, and will be used for rallies and open days.
Martin has acquired most of the missing front axle parts, and is busily preparing them for re-installing on the vehicle. Unbelievibly she fired up after the third go, and now runs sweetly. After examining this vehicle today (9th Oct 10) I find it hard to believe how well she's survived, the bodywork is in a remarkably good condition, without too much damage and there appears to be no major rot anywhere. Martin aims to have her up and running by Christmas, and I'm really looking forward to seeing here out soon.
I've set myself a date in early November (my birthday) to have it roadworthy so I can have the pleasure of the first drive but mainly so I can drive it over to my fitter who has kindly offered to do any mechanical adjustments that will be required.as Chris mentioned the engine started under less than 10 seconds after I serviced it which isn't bad for an engine been stood 15 years.apart from 2 fractured injection pipes it runs spot on.my aim is to have it painted by April 2011 and perhaps attend a few shows next year.
Added by Martin on 12 October 2010.
Added by Martin on 12 October 2010.
Fantastic Martin well done, hope everything goes well for you. I will be following this project with great interest
Added by Barrie Green on 12 October 2010.
Added by Barrie Green on 12 October 2010.
Thanks Barrie, if you have any information that can help its much appreciated, I'm wanting to get a copy of the spec list on what it carried etc.
Added by Martin on 13 October 2010.
Added by Martin on 13 October 2010.
I have this list via eircom as a Dennis F133. Would an F133 have single headlights when a F131 has double. See picture 21988?
Added by Peter Williams on 13 October 2010.
Added by Peter Williams on 13 October 2010.
Unfortunately it was the Bedford ET. Unfortunately it was its predecessor, the Bedford which was on the run in my time.
Added by Barrie Green on 13 October 2010.
Added by Barrie Green on 13 October 2010.
That was the Ex Hartlepool Bedford J4/Miles LEF927 at Stockton between 1976 - 79. Theres a picture of it in Hartlepool livery on this site, but does anyone have a view of it in Cleveland livery at Stockton?
Added by Chris Hall Teesside UK on 14 October 2010.
Added by Chris Hall Teesside UK on 14 October 2010.
Hi Peter, the difference between the F131 and F133 will be the engine size. The F131 was fitted with a Perkins 540 engine whereas the 133 will most likely have the more powerful Perkins 640 fitted.
Phil.
Added by Phil on 14 October 2010.
Phil.
Added by Phil on 14 October 2010.
Peter, F131's had 640cu in engines too. The F number generally related to a wheelbase and track dimension rather than an engine size/type, if you over look the obvious distinction that F numbers below 100 are always petrol and those above are always diesel.
Added by Barry on 14 October 2010.
Added by Barry on 14 October 2010.
No Chris....Middlesbrough Bedford ET
Added by Barrie Green on 14 October 2010.
Added by Barrie Green on 14 October 2010.
What a great project. I really like the Cleveland livery.
Peter, out of interest what is the eircom website? Tried to find it without success.
Added by John D on 16 October 2010.
Peter, out of interest what is the eircom website? Tried to find it without success.
Added by John D on 16 October 2010.
Barry thanks for that. How many Dennis F series have single headlights though?
Added by Peter Williams on 16 October 2010.
Added by Peter Williams on 16 October 2010.
Got the V5 back for this today, amazing that after 15 years in the scrapyard it was still registered!was hoping to get the rest of the front axle rebuilt today but having problens removing the king pin from the old axle.should have it done and back together, up running and driving very soon.
Added by Martin on 16 October 2010.
Added by Martin on 16 October 2010.
Its quite possible that because Cleveland ran R series Dennis's they just wanted the fronts to match, and ordered single headlights on this rather than the double set? (or even changed them themselves)
It is just a case of changing the fibreglass panel and losing a set of wiring after all.
Added by Davey G on 17 October 2010.
It is just a case of changing the fibreglass panel and losing a set of wiring after all.
Added by Davey G on 17 October 2010.
does anyone have any idea how many of these shape ET'S have survived?
Added by Martin on 17 October 2010.
Added by Martin on 17 October 2010.
Barrie, I thought the Middlesbrough one DDC999C was at Stockton earlier? c1974/6 I thought the ex Hartlpool vehicle replaced it, and was in turn replaced by DAJ in 1979?
Added by Chris Hall Teesside UK on 17 October 2010.
Added by Chris Hall Teesside UK on 17 October 2010.
It was a Bedford at Middlesbrough in 1967 when I was there but I cant remember the reg
Added by Barrie Green on 18 October 2010.
Added by Barrie Green on 18 October 2010.
hi Chris I think you are spot on with et allocations at stockton
Added by Ian Mac on 19 October 2010.
Added by Ian Mac on 19 October 2010.
I have spoken to Ian Moore who confirms that the Middlesborough ET I was referring to was DDC 999C, a Bedford TKEL/Dennis "M which was new to MFB in 1965
Added by Barrie Green on 20 October 2010.
Added by Barrie Green on 20 October 2010.
Just a quick update.....I now have the axle fully rebuilt and it starts runs and drives, stopping is an issue as there are a couple of air pipes that have been replaced but no sooner to I replace one then an air leak springs up somewhere else.just a case of working through them all.I now have it taxed and insured so technically when the brakes are sorted I could drive it on the road.unfortunately I have found a problem with one of the "A" posts that will need repairing before it can be used properly.its nearly there though and I will be inviting a selected few down to see it very shortly.
Added by Martin. on 16 November 2010.
Added by Martin. on 16 November 2010.
Dennis
Added by Davey G on 12 October 2010.