This 1947 General-Detroit, now owned by Wylie, Texas, was originally purchased by the Dallas Fire Department.  This engine served Dallas, Texas, as Engine 22 until 1960 when the engine was retired and purchased by the Wylie Fire Department.  By 1982, it was decommissioned and forgotten.  In 2003, members of the Wylie Fire Department found the apparatus and raised the funds to restore their beloved fire engine. 

It was brought to Texas Fire Museum in 2004 to undergo a frame-off restoration.  Members and friends of the Wylie Fire Department assisted Texas Fire Museum in the four month restoration project.  Over twenty men assisted in this monumental project and replaced every rusty fastener as well as the original gasoline motor.  The fire pump was rebuilt along with much of the driveline components and brakes.  The apparatus was painted in the department color using a two-stage paint system then decorated.

Some exceptions taken during the restoration process were how the apparatus should be decorated.  Upon delivery to Dallas Fire Department in 1948, this engine was decorated using only pin stripes.  When the engine was refurbished by the Dallas Fire Department in the late 1950s and later sold to Wylie, Texas, it was decorated with gold leaf.  In the spirit of authenticity and as a compromise, it was decided that the back-half of the engine would be decorated as it was purchased by Wylie.  The front-half would be decorated as it was delivered to Dallas in 1948.

This once rusty and forgotten engine is now a beautifully restored piece of fire department history.  No matter what the weather worn condition of a vehicle may be, this is a fine example of a piece of history that was saved, restored and now preserved for many years to come.      

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