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This
is what the Type I rescue unit pictured at the bottom of the page
looked like before the remount.
Click Here to see
our Before and After photos of our Remounts
Modular
Ambulance Remount
A
modular ambulance remount involves a number of steps designed
to restore your truck to its original level of mechanical operation
and safety. Based on minimum requirements, here's how the process
works:
Step #1: Pre-Remount Inspection
Before
the inspection, you'll need to remove all carry-on equipment from
the module and complete an inspection form. (Radios, inverters
and other sophisticated mechanical devices will need to be removed
before the remounting phase.) During the inspection, we check
all electrical system components on the module and the chassis.
We will work out a solution with you to resolve any problems with
your unit before any work is done - unless you specify otherwise.
All items working normally before the remount will be expected
to operate afterwards.
Step
#2: Demounting Module
We
remove the module body from the old chassis using overhead slings,
taking special care to not bend, damage or disfigure the structure.
Also during this phase …
§
All HVAC and electrical harnesses connecting the module to the
chassis is disconnected on the chassis side in an environmentally
safe manner.
§
All wiring harnesses under the hood of and into the cab of your
old chassis are removed and inspected.
§
Fixtures (i.e., isolators, flashers, wigwags, solenoids, etc.)
under the hood of the old chassis are removed for future replacement
onto the new chassis.
§
Light bars, spotlights, siren, console and other items attached
to the old chassis are carefully removed for remounting to the
new chassis.
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Step #3: New Electrical Console
The electrical system from the module electrical distribution
panel is completely revamped. This process includes all new wiring
harnesses to the console, plus …
§
A wooden/Formica covered floor mounted console is mounted between
the cab bucket seats. The console will have storage and radio
mounting areas.
§
The front part of the console will be angled upward to allow better
visibility and easier access to the switch panel.
§
A new back illuminated switch panel with all new wiring and 25
amp switches will be installed on the console. The battery disconnect
switch, silent signal lights and ammeter also will be added.
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Step #4: New Chassis Preparation
Preparing
your new chassis involves a number of aspects, including:
New
wiring:
The new chassis will receive all new wiring harnesses from the
engine compartment to the cab console. Wiring specifications include:
§ All wire will be minimum of #14 gauge stranded copper with
SXL temperature rating to meet SAE J1128.
§ Large #2 gauge stranded copper or larger wire will be used
to connect the batteries to disconnect switches and alternators.
§ All wiring will conform to SAE standards and be large enough
to carry the required amperage for its respective device.
§ All wires will be color-coded and/or numbered.
§ All wiring connections will be insulated solder-less type.
§ All wiring is done in accordance to chassis manufacturer
guidelines.
New battery disconnect switch:
The chassis also will receive a new battery disconnect switch
(Cole Hersee M-2484-16 or equal). This switch will be appropriately
labeled and mounted into the floor console just to the right of
the driver's right leg.
Creating
a "circuit board" effect:
Flasher motors, wigwag, terminal blocks, solenoids, etc. that
are to be remounted onto the new chassis will be located in the
floor console or behind the drivers seat for easy access and weatherproofing.
All these items are to be attached to a flat surface to prevent
loosening and provide a "circuit board" effect to easy
maintenance.
Fixtures:
The fixtures from the old chassis will be reinstalled onto the
new chassis with new wire run to each item. Any inoperative items
removed from the old chassis will be reinstalled on the new chassis
with new wire.
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Step
#5: Remounting Module
The
module is remounted onto the new chassis using the same overhead
slings as described in Step #2: Demounting. During this phase
…
§
New subsills between the module and chassis frame are installed
using materials equal to the original subsills. The module will
NOT be welded to the chassis frame at any point.
§
New high-strength bolts (at least grade no. 5) are installed in
place of the old mounting bolts. Chassis materials and rear bumper
hardware are installed at a quality equal to those removed in
the demounting process. All fastening bolts are secured to proper
torque specifications utilizing a torque wrench.
§
All fuel filler necks and lines to standard fuel tanks are installed
according to current FMVSS regulations and chassis manufacturer
guidelines. (This may result in the relocation of some fuel filler
necks.)
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Step
#6: Reinstallation of Equipment
All electrical harnesses, hoses and mechanical devices from the
old chassis are reinstalled on the new chassis. This step also
includes the following:
§
All chassis wiring is to be in conduit or looms and grommets are
installed at all locations where wiring goes through metal or
comes into contact with any hostile surface.
§
A completely new HVAC system is installed with new hoses and fittings
utilized to connect the rear HVAC system to the OEM system at
its optimum performance locations, per chassis manufacturer guidelines.
§
All electrical harnesses and switches are installed per chassis
manufacturer guidelines and chassis body builder specifications.
§
Spotlights, siren, console, etc. are reinstalled and connected
for driver convenience and safety. All suction and oxygen apparatus
(if removed) is reinstalled in good working condition and thoroughly
inspected.
§
A new boot (watertight access) will be installed in the front
module opening connecting the rear window of the chassis. (The
material we use for the boot is a neoprene rubber accordion style
for longevity and flexibility.)
§
A new HVAC unit is installed at an equal or greater capacity than
the existing unit. Prior to charging the air-conditioning system,
the air and moisture will be removed from the system using a vacuum
pump for a period of 60 minutes. Afterward, the system will remain
within one inch of mercury for one hour (from the most vacuumed
state achieved by the pump). Then the air-conditioner then will
be recharged to recommended pressures prescribed by the chassis
manufacturer.
§
New bumper mount speakers are installed into the front of the
chassis. New
Whelen 700 Series grille and intersection lights also will
be installed.
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Step
#7: Final Inspection
After
the remounting and reinstallation of all accessory equipment,
we'll complete a final inspection form for each item tested prior
to remount. (All electrical system components on the module and
chassis that were operating before the remount will be working
during this test.) Also, we'll complete a minimum, 50-mile road
test to ensure all environmental systems are properly functioning.
Then we'll complete the remount inspection form and provide you
with an official copy for your records.
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Optional Services
Your remount can involve cosmetic services to restore the interior
and exterior appearance of your ambulance. These enhancements
may include:
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Completely repainting the module with PPG single stage urethane
paint system.
-
Replacing or repairing any damaged upholstery with matching material.
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Replacing the floor covering with
Lonseal flooring and replace sub-floor as needed.
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Changing virtually any cabinet configuration.
-
Repairing any damaged exterior/interior trim or components as
needed.
-
Replacing all weather-stripping on all compartment and access door
openings.
-
Changing your unit from a Type III to a Type I or vice-versa.
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Installing a
20-inch cab extension on your Type III to give an
abundance of cab room in your cutaway chassis.
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Warranty
Chassis:
The warranty will be the standard plan offered by the chassis
manufacturer and its starting date will be the delivery date of
the completed remount. Extended warranty plans are available upon
request.
Module
Remount:
The module remount including all newly installed equipment will
carry a minimum
12-month/12,000-mile warranty. A written copy of the ambulance
remounter's warranty will accompany the new vehicle's operation
manual.
Insurance
We carry the following insurance coverage:
· liability insurance of $1,000,000.00
· garage insurance of $1,000,000.00
· worker's compensation insurance for all its employees
Type I rescue unit installed onto a F-550 Crew
Cab chassis.
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