For the students of Liberty High School’s Auto Club, an old Brentwood 1961 American LaFrance fire truck has become much more than a restoration project; it’s a hands-on testament to their skill, teamwork, and dedication. After two years of tireless work and countless hours in the school shop, the truck was proudly displayed at the 2024 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, a remarkable achievement for a group of high school students.

“The kids did a full engine swap, electrical work, and refurbished most of the truck,” said Jon Dorr, Liberty High School’s Auto Club instructor. “We’re working to get it roadworthy for parade and car show use.”

The 1961 American LaFrance Fire Truck: A Project Built by Students

The centerpiece of the Auto Club’s accomplishments, this 1961 American LaFrance fire truck underwent a full transformation under the guidance of Dorr and the hands-on effort of his students. They removed the stock engine and pumps, replacing them with a donor drivetrain sourced from a school bus — a 12-valve Cummins engine, paired with an Allison transmission. Additionally, students installed a new turbo and exhaust manifold, providing the engine with improved power and efficiency.

The project included so many technical challenges for the students to overcome. Main tasks included a power brake system with hydro-boost technology, complete cleaning and painting of the whole engine, and paint correction to remove years of oxidation, giving the truck a new shine. Students installed a new suspension, gas tank, AirDog lift pump, and an entirely customized wiring harness to give it some durability and performance to keep the truck up to all the demands on the roads.

Mechanics and Community Pride: More than Just Bolts and Parts

For Dorr and his students, working on the fire truck has been about more than nuts and bolts—it’s been about preserving a piece of Brentwood’s history and seeing what they can accomplish through hands-on learning. Through each complex challenge, from custom wiring to restoring the truck’s exterior, students experienced what only real-world projects can teach. “The fire truck has taught them so much about persistence and teamwork,” Dorr said. “They saw what they could accomplish when they all put in the effort, step by step.”

Showcasing the fire truck at SEMA allowed the students to see their work recognized and celebrated by industry professionals, custom builders, and automotive enthusiasts. This validation of their hard work has inspired a sense of pride that reaches beyond the typical classroom experience.

The Legacy of the Fire Truck Project

Now, the fully restored fire truck is ready to participate in local parades and community car shows, where it will stand as a testament to the skill, dedication, and heart of Liberty High School’s Auto Club. For the students, seeing their work displayed at a major event like SEMA is an experience they’ll never forget, adding to the sense of accomplishment that has come from each stage of the project.

Through this fire truck, Liberty High School’s Auto Club is not only showcasing what’s possible through dedication and hands-on learning, but they’re also setting a legacy for future students to follow. As Dorr put it, “I just want to continue to offer the program and keep the club funded so kids can continue to learn the trade and work on cars. Even if we eventually switch to all-electric cars, there will still be a need for skilled mechanics; cars will still have brakes, tires, and computer sensors that will need to be diagnosed and repaired by hand.”

From an old fire truck to a proud showpiece, this project embodies the spirit of Liberty High School’s Auto Club and the power of real-world, student-driven learning.