Pipers Practicing Out-of-Doors

History and Purpose

This van was purchased in October 2002. It was totally re-modeled to have its current appearance. It has been used for many events in various capacities, but is most often seen in parades across Minnesota. The band has chosen to be the only known float trailer mounted pipe band in Minnesota, and, perhaps, in the entire US, as seen in the photo above. This vehicle and float trailer make a striking entry in any parade.

The vehicle was slowly transformed. The intended function of this vehicle was to be multi-purpose. To include the following:

  1. Transport band members to a funeral, memorial service, or performance site.
  2. A mobile office.
  3. A dressing room for band members
  4. To be used in parades to promote and advertise MSFSM Pipe Band.

The transformation took quite some time and effort, and was possible only with the help of the following sponsors.

Sponsors and Supporters

  • BT DESIGN, West St. Paul, donated a pair of signs and striping.
  • K & K Tire & Auto Center, Foley, provided new tires and rims.
  • Maaco, West St. Paul/Burnsville, provided a complete paint makeover.
  • Northland Off-Road, Grand Rapids, provided solenoids.
  • Crow River Glass, Inc., Hutchinson, donated tinted glass.
  • Discount Steel, Inc, Minneapolis, donated structural aluminum for the interior.
  • North Star International Trucks, Inc., Minneapolis, provided clearance lights.
  • NAPA, West St. Paul, provided many wiring and mechanical parts.
  • Bretschneider Sandblasting & Painting, Hastings, provided understructure treatment.
  • AAMCO Transmissions, West St. Paul, provide maintenance service.
  • Great Fans & Blinds, St. Paul, provided blinds for all the windows.
  • Steel Products & Aluminum Inc, Eden Prairie, provided diamond plate bumpers and accessories.
  • J. Brenna’s Rustproofing and Exhaust, West St. Paul, provided undercoating and exhaust system.
  • BatteriesPlus, West St. Paul, provided two vehicle batteries.
  • Menards, Inc., West St. Paul, provided replacement interior paneling.
  • East Side Auto, St. Paul Park, provided a replacement passenger seat.
  • Uniforms Unlimited, St. Paul, provided a Federal siren.
  • Imperial Camper Sales, Newport, provided interior lighting and a ventilation system.
  • Federal Signal Corp., University Park, IL, provided red warning light lenses.
  • Liberty Art Works, Inc., Dutzow, MO, provided a bell for the front bumper.