10/03/2025
The evolution of Dirty AL to ARSON!
Just over 2 years ago we met a guy at a show that had a 1942 American Lafrance firetruck that he wanted turned into a Duramax Diesel powered RatRod. He had a 2016 4 door longbox 4x4 D-max that was totaled due to a cab crush. He wanted to take the engine and trans and put them in the 42. Upon looking at the 2 trucks after the show I told him that we should put the firetruck body on the 2016 drivetrain as all the major systems are done and it will drive like a 2016 not a 42 with a newer engine. That I would make the 42 look like it was born on the new chassis.
A deal was made, requirements were roomy/comfortable, (he is 6'4" 250lbs) tripple digit speed capable and has to do burnouts, Can do.
The trucks arrived at my shop the following weekend to claim their place in line. The process began in Dec of 23, grew into much more than a Diesel powered RatRod. The decision was made to incorporate all the systems from the 16 into the 42. Gauge cluster, factory trailer brake controller, traction control, exhaust brake, touch-screen infotainment, heat, defrost and air conditioning ( used and Acadia condensor to fit the 42's nose and integrate with the 2016's components. Every system on the 2016 other than airbags was incorporated into the 42.
We also have the factory reciever hitch behind the hinged rear plate and a 5th wheel hitch to pull a gooseneck trailer with a couple cars to shows if wanted.
It was road ready for back to the 50's in June but has been back between shows and the owner driving it every chance he has to have a few finishing touches completed.
When it was nearly complete the decision was made that the name DirtyAL was no longer fitting as we pretty much lit the budget on fire and it really isn't a RatRod firetruck as we set out to build initially. So the new name of this one of a kind machine became ARSON.
