No snow in Klein TX for Christmas this (or any other) year, so Santa called the Klein Volunteer Fire Department for help in delivering presents to a local boys home. We responded with our special delivery vehicle. The hat has been tested to 42 MPH, but we were afraid that the payload might have blown out of the back, so we only loaded about half the presents and covered them for the 8 mile drive. Once we got near the home we loaded the rest of the presents and came in with my truck leading the parade, followed by Santa in a pumper, a second pumper and a tower truck, all with lights and sirens. Great fun and good use of an old truck. You guys think you get lots of "thumbs up" and smiles driving your trucks? You should see the public reaction to this!
THAT IS AWESOME!!!! I LOVE the hat!!!! It didn't blow off several times, did it? Classic Parts is going to have to add "Santa's Hat" to their parts catalog now! Way to go, Bill! Great photos, too! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
The hat is attached to a loop of 1/2" electrical conduit around the bottom behind the white "fur". Conduit is tied to the wiper transmissions in the front and the bed in the back using 25 pound picture hanging wire that you can't see in these night time pictures. At 42 MPH the white fur in the front starts lifting a bit. If lots of airflow gets under the hat it'll either leave or the truck will go airborne.
Bill, in it's current "livery", I believe once it were to become airborne, it would no longer be considered a truck, but rather a Sleigh! Nicely done! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!
Well said, Mike! I can just see Bill tossing out presents from his GMC as he soars above Klein, Texas!
