My '47 Sheriff's Car

[dwick01]

I have updated my '47 fordor into a sheriff's car. It has a siren, red lights on the fenders and other things. I just wanted to share what I have been doing lately. The county sheriff sponsored me by donating the decals. These are the same as on all their cars. Hopefully, the picture will show up.

 

[J Franklin]

Nice

 

[Tinker]

Like it

 

[5851a]

That looks great and a really nice gesture from your law enforcement.

 

[tubman]

I think it needs a "Gumball" on top! Looks like there is something missing the way it sits.

 

[dwick01]

I totally agree tubman. Probably will be a winter addition.

 

[RKS.PA]

Looks like a prime candidate to represent the Sheriff's Department in your parades there in Wellington!!.....particularly with the siren!!

 

[JSeery]

Looking good.

 

[rotorwrench]

Federal Sign & Signal started making the Beacon Ray model 17 rotating beacon units sometime in 1948 so it's cutting it close on time frame. I used to install and repair the Federal PA systems for the local SA police helicopters back when they sub contracted their maintenance.

You can still find the old 6-volt model 17 units but they can be expensive. Even more so when they are in better condition. A lot of the older police cars used the Sterling sirenlights. They sometimes mounted them on the fender since they were kind of heavy. They are expensive too if they are in workable condition.

 

[Vintage Copper 47]

I think it needs a "Gumball" on top! Looks like there is something missing the way it sits.

I wouldn't put a "gumball" on the roof unless your local Sheriff had them.. your cowl mount light looks great as well as your siren on the fender..

My car has the original 1930's era *** single light on the cowl.. they also mounted one light over the driver's side roof.. Later *** created the "tin can" lights of Adam 12 fame.. My siren is the original B&M for 1946...

You should try to find old photos of the sheriff's office you are representing.. do it right & restore it to how they ran em in the 40's.. just my opinion.. the last two photos are of my friend Tom Fiske from the Maine State Police with his '42 two door sedan.. just as my car is exact to LAPD standards of the time, Tom's car is exact for MSP.

There is a whole subculture of police car restorers & replica owners.. and no offense.. the guys that put modern lightbars, flashers, & LEDs are called "clown cars" and for good reason.. Just a little research goes a long way towards a more authentic car.. But as they say, everyone has an opinion...

 

[Vintage Copper 47]

My goal is only to encourage a nice car becoming an even better representation! I also have included the *** flashing amber on the rear deck. Also, some photos of the original cars.. and one of Laverne Police Chief, the famous Tex Shoemaker (holster maker) in 1937... Best of luck!

 

[rotorwrench]

They probably only used a badge type decal on the doors back in day. Some smaller communities had the stuff hand painted on there. The local newspaper or library may have photos of the cars back in that time frame but a person would have to do some research.

I knew of an old fellow from back home in Kansas that was the local county sheriff for a while. When he died he still had an old 56 Ford police car with the Y-block and 3-deuces on the engine. A friend of mine bought it from the estate and that old car ran pretty good.

 

[corvette8n]

Cool car

 

[Vintage Copper 47]

They probably only used a badge type decal on the doors back in day. Some smaller communities had the stuff hand painted on there. The local newspaper or library may have photos of the cars back in that time frame but a person would have to do some research.

I knew of an old fellow from back home in Kansas that was the local county sheriff for a while. When he died he still had an old 56 Ford police car with the Y-block and 3-deuces on the engine. A friend of mine bought it from the estate and that old car ran pretty good.

Rotorwrench.. I am a big fan of the simple decals, etc.. One of our members is a former Dodge City cop.. I will ask him if he has any old photos from Kansas Sheriff's Offices...

 

[fourfords]

Pull me over anytime! Arrest me for anything! Too coo!l

 

[dwick01]

Thanks for all the reply's and suggestions. I am/was reluctant to put a cherry top on it. I was afraid it would get too far from originality, even though I think it would probably look pretty cool. I didn't think about asking the sheriff if they have any old pictures from the past. I will do that when I see him later this week. We are putting it in the Kansas Wheat Festival Parade here next month. The community around here seem to love the car.
Vintage Copper 47 and has been very helpful and supportive of this project. He and his car gave me the idea of doing it in the first place. Thank you Walt. Also, Sumner County Sheriff Darren Chambers and his office, has been very helpful and supportive as well.

 

[dwick01]

Some more pictures.

 

[rotorwrench]

As far as external equipment goes, I think it looks very original the way it is. Now finding a vintage Motorola police pack radio might be hard to do but I don't know if you want to go that far with it. Here is a link to the big radio receivers and transmitters they had back then. http://www.wb6nvh.com/Moto42/Moto42.htm

They were so big, you had to put the components in the trunk.

 

[Vintage Copper 47]

As far as external equipment goes, I think it looks very original the way it is. Now finding a vintage Motorola police pack radio might be hard to do but I don't know if you want to go that far with it. Here is a link to the big radio receivers and transmitters they had back then. http://www.wb6nvh.com/Moto42/Moto42.htm

They were so big, you had to put the components in the trunk.

I just messaged Danny, I have an extra radio head for under the dash as is shown in my previous photo post (just below the hot sheet)

Yes the cowl light and the fender mounted siren is perfect! Here are some photos of my partner & I with nearly matching 47 prowl cars!

 

[drolston]

A bit off topic, but I have been looking for a 1956 or 1957 Ford Interceptor (police configuration) for years with no luck. Generally stick shift with overdrive, and beefed up suspension.