The Last Siren In Seattle

[Sirendipity]

Read all about it:


http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/288945_siren17.html

[C. Bryant]

Wow paint job cost a tad ,too bad some of the $ was not spent
on restoration of the engine. 8)
I wonder what was wrong with the
tower itself ?

[jerrylovessirens]

I wish they would have operationally restored it too. Wouldn't have been that hard in my opinion. I remember, wasn't it faily easy for David Stall to get his running?? What was it, just a new propane tank?? If I were a resident living in seattle, I would love it to have that sound again!!

[Robert Gift]

Interesting.

Would be nice if they could restore the siren.
I agree, it may not be all that difficult.

Thanks Dip.

[L.A. sirens r us]

My brother lives not too far from this siren, and was kind enough to snap a few pictures of it for me today, even though he's not a Siern Fan (yet). Here are the best 3.




The support structure looks significantly beefier than the ones that were used in the unincorporated areas of Los Angles County years ago. I wonder if that is "original", or if was upgraded to meet "current standards"?

Also notice the driveshaft is missing.

[C. Bryant]

I thought the old siren board or Stall's site had several pictures
of this Starbucks ( ? ) unit . If I recall correctly quite a fiew
items might have been removed from one side and perhaps
a rocker arm cover , also I dont think it was hooked up
IE: Fluid drive to the siren from engine. It might be harder
to restore than the D. Stall L A. County unit.
L. A. County Sirens , NOT ALL, were still working
in early 1980's 1981, 82 etc . Anyone know when this Chrysler
was last sounded? , could be as far back is late 60's or early 70's.
I think from the newspaper story you have ,or had,
a lot of anti C. D. types in the 60-s and 70-s up in the
neighborhood. This can be death for a Siren not properly
fenced off, Or with trees allowed to shade the platform / tower
from normal street viewing.

[Jim_Ferer]

I suspect that a some sirens were installed on "off the shelf" water towers. Growing up there were some Thunderbolts installed that way, but I didn't have the notion until I worked in New York City and saw some of the New York City building water tanks.

[CABLEVision]

I wonder what happened to the drive shaft? I wouldn't mind going up to seattle and fixing the engine myself. (Technology of a 62' Chrysler isn't that far from a 2 horse Briggs & Stratton)

[kx250rider]

It's a shame that several of those have been raped for parts. There's one missing the engine in LA County, and I have seen a couple of hot rod cars with those Chrysler Industrial valve covers. I hate to think it, but I wonder if those engines were out of junked sirens

I agree with Max Headroom, in that the Chrysler Hemi is a pretty simple engine. All that siren might need is the carburetor rebuilt, and a few new hoses. If it was left open and got water in it, that could be a BAD thing though. Hope not.

I still am chasing one complete one, and also there is another one still intact and installed here in SoCal that I might go after if I can't eventually get the one that I am presently trying for.

If (NO, I mean WHEN) I get one, I will reastore it and it will be installed here in Southern Cal and will be available to be seen & heard WORKING!

Charles

[Robert Gift]

Also notice the driveshaft is missing.

Nice photos.
Tower floor planks became too rotted?

Would not the drive shaft have been too short to use for anyhing else?
Removed to silence the siren?

Were these sirens triggered by telephone line?
What kept the starter battery charged?