Howe Fire Apparatus built large numbers of CJ-2A Jeep Fire Engines for Willys-Overland, and later plenty of the CJ-3B version. For a couple of years in between they also converted the CJ-3A; I don't have numbers but the 3A is definitely harder to find than the others. This Howe CJ-3A photo is courtesy of Jeff Rider.
A 1952 Howe CJ-3A was purchased in early 2003 by Terry Clark, from the Kitimat Volunteer Fire Department in northern British Columbia, just south of the Alaska panhandle. The Jeep had been retired for some years, in running condition with 13,695 miles on the odometer.
The original tires had been replaced, and it appears that a new front bumper was fabricated at some point, but the Jeep is largely in original condition.
Terry comments, "The Go Devil L-134 engine (100K JPEG) starts without a problem. The fire hall mentioned that they had to charge the battery once in a while -- not bad for not using it that much."
Terry also says, "The Jeep needs work; the floors are starting to rust out, it needs a new paint job, and the pump has a hole in the bottom of it. My plans are to restore to original."
The Jeep was in fact originally purchased by the Alcan aluminum plant, the main industry in Kitimat, where it would handle any minor fires. It was retired in about 1980 to the care of the KVFD.
See the Willys-Overland VIN plate (40K JPEG) with serial number 452GB1 12113, and the Howe serial number plate (60K JPEG) with Howe serial number 8539.
The rear platform carries a small-diameter hose reel; we're not sure whether it's original or a later addition. The taillights high on the body appear to be a modification; note the original wiring holes lower on the body.
The front parking lights have been replaced with rectangular marker lights. The Barton pump, built by American-Marsh, is driven from a driveshaft connected to the crankshaft pulley. See a closer view of the Barton serial number plate (40K JPEG) showing type U40 and number C98867.
Terry is quite pleased with his find, and looking forward to restoring it.
Thanks to Terry Clark for the photos and details. -- Derek Redmond
Also on CJ3B.info, see a 1950 Howe CJ-3A.
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