Mikesbucketlistmack

Wow, I wish mine was like that. I get a top speed of 53 MPH in the top 6th gear (overdrive) at 2100 RPM !

I went to check the oil on my 1980 Mack R611ST (250 hp) the other day and the flat end of the dipstick with the low and full marks seems to have broken off and is gone. First of all, is tt safe to run the engine with that end piece in the oil system ? Hopefully, the oil filters will catch it, And second, does anyone know where I can get another dipstick ? I tried my local Mack parts man and he doesn't have any for a truck that old. Thanks !

I know it's impossible to do it now, but once Spring comes get yourself one of those Shelter Logic shelters to store the truck in if you can't afford or have access to a regular garage. I keep mine in there year round with the batteries on chargers. During the winter I put additive in the fuel and start it up once a month. This is the second year and it does a good job of keeping the weather and wind out. Just make sure you knock the snow off the roof to prevent it from collapsing. Check out northerntool.com to see their shelters large enough for your Mack.

Thanks, Superdog. I can always count on you for the amswer.

Does anyone know why some older (70s and 80s) R and DM models have two hoses going from the exterior air cleaner to the engine and some have only one, like my R 611ST ? Thanks !

Happy Anniversary, JD, from me and my Mack !

Thanks, guys. I'll look up Berube's and Superdog is going to give me the number of the place he has in mind.

I am having the hardest time finding a 4" diameter chrome short curved exhaust stack for my R 600 dump. It can't be any longer than 22" max or it'll hit the dump body (see picture). It seems that the smallest out there is 5" in diameter at 16" long, but the required 5" to 4" reducer is 8" long making the whole set up too high. Other than taking a chop saw to the stack, which I'm not too keen on, I'd appreciate any suggestions from you guys who always know where to find stuff. Thanks !

Yup. I went to tat site that Big Dog gave us the link to and the door panels are "no longer available". Guess it's off to a Mack junkyard. Anybody know of any ?

Thanks, guys, especially Big Dog. I found it on that link you gave me. They have them and they are pricey ($600+), but I'm going to get them. Do they install by with the present screws and washers on the interior door panel ?

Since you ol' Mackaholics are so good at finding parts for this Mack newbee owner, do you know where I can find the upholstery panels that were installed on the interior door panels of the R model Macks in the late 1980s ? Everyone I've asked so far, including the local Mack dealer doesn't know. Thanks, again !

Thanks, gents, good info. I looked up Watts and they sell American made square horns with the gaskets, pedestal, and hardware. I ordered one and it's on the way. Thanks, again !

My R model was formerly a municipal truck. They put a master kill switch in the cab of all their trucks to prevent something drawing juice by being left on but more importantly I was told that there was a case when something short circuited in a truck overnight and the thing caught fire and was destroyed. Nice truck you have, by the way. I like the red rims and fuel tank. You don't see that everyday. What does it have for a transmission ?

Hi fellow Mackaholics ! I'm in the process of changing my original round air horn on my 1980 R 600 to a square rectangular horn. I was wondering if any of you guys know If Mack makes the horn kit and where it is available. I ordered one from a local place that sells used Macks and claims to get authentic Mack parts. When I got it, it was in a box from the "Excel" company and on the bottom of the horn was a sticker that said "made in Taiwain". There was nothing in the box except the horn: no brackets; gaskets; or bolts and when I started to install it the bolt and air connection holes didn't line up with the holes on the roof or the bracket in the headliner. All that was included was a sticker which said "Mack" to stick on the snow shield over the "Excel" writing. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks !

Do it whatever you like. Just make sure to take care of any rust and body damage thoroughly before having it painted. Are you going to paint the frame, too ? A nice, shiny black would be a good contrast to the body colors.

Hello fellow Mackaholics ! I would like to replace the factory single round air horn on my truck (1981 R) with a square horn. I've never done this before and would like some advice on how to do it. Do I have to take off the interior roof panels ? Or what will I find when I unscrew the original horn from the roof, etc. ? Thank you !

Jim. it says 250 hp on the engine plate. It used to be a former State truck from MA.