Cloudy skies kept many classic car owners away from today’s Cruisin’ Hines fourth annual car cruise on Edward Hines Drive, but there were still plenty of cars for car buffs and hot rodders to ooh and ahh over.
Edward Hines Drive was closed for about six miles between Nankin Mills and the Ford Road entrance for the annual cruise so vehicle owners could show off their 25 years or older cars and trucks.
I’ve been going to the cruise every year, and have to say I enjoyed not steaming in the hot August sun for a change.
This year I came across an interesting story behind a restored 1937 Seagrave Safety Sedan commissioned for the Detroit Fire Department in 1937.
The rig was in service until 1967 as Engine #13.
Over 40 years later, Engine #13 was renovated and recommissioned as a hearse for firefighters who die in the line of duty.
I had a chance to talk with one of the fellows who worked on the restoration and learned that the almost four-year restoration included:
- New drive train was assembled
- Reconfigured modern chassis to match the original
- Local custom body shop Todd’s Customs and Rods in Howell spent almost two years of custom fabrication replicating the original look of the Seagrave Safety Sedan
- Motor City Solutions assembled the interior and completed the exterior paint and finish
- The wood floor on the inside was replaced twice
Any fire department in Michigan or in Windsor, Ontario, Canada can use the restored memorial rig.
