mattb73lt

Dean on the left, Matt on the right.

Had a visit from Dean (1961H67) and his wife all the way from North Carolina and on their way to Maine, stop in and visit. Great finally putting a face with a name.

That's not a bad idea.

I did roll up some shop towels to put between the skin and bracing to give it some support, while holding the front and back edges as I worked those areas. Seemed to help.

Three rounds of high build primer and block sanding got these hood halves about as straight and smooth as I can get them. First layer of epoxy primer/sealer. This will get wet sanded and one more coat before a final wet sand, then....color. Not the easiest aluminum panels to sand. The cowl and radiator give them a lot of rigidity, so when they're loose like this they deform if you sand with too much pressure causing waves in the primer.

I’ve been using a schematic, both air and electric from a B42 maintenance manual. It shows parts for both a straight truck and tractor. The electrical and air circuits are roughly the same for a gas or diesel truck. My air system was completely botched up and had way too many things that I wouldn’t need for my build. So I basically copied how my B42 was done, it’s really just a slightly larger version. Same with the electrics, then I just modified it for the alternator. I’ll try to take a picture of them for you, but don’t know if the resolution would be good enough. I would think if you could locate an LJ/LT manual, with air brakes, that would work, too?

Yeah, I definitely dug deep into it!!

Working up the LAST two panels to paint, the hood halves!! Great feeling to be at this point. Still some small stuff to paint, but these two finish the cab!

Brake lights should be hot at all times, not keyed/switched. Same with your turn signals for the hazard lights. If you've located the switch, test it with a test light to see if one side is hot, it should be. You can also jump the terminals on the switch and the brake lights should light. This sounds like it may be a feed issue if both the turn and brake light don't operate. If you only have single tail lights with brake lights that also operate as turn signals, the brake light circuit runs through the turn signal switch which causes them to flash. Check your feeds first make sure both have power and work out from there. If you have power to everything and you jump the brake light switch, your problem could be your turn signal switch. These are just reasonable suggestions and things to try, as we can't see what you're looking at or the condition.

I wonder if the Mack museum could help with an LJ schematic? That might be worth a call and maybe get the build sheet, too?

Thanks!! That post really hit it on the head. I’ve never chronicled any of my work like this before. It’s been a fun and at times frustrating project. But writing it down like this and conversing on the comments has really helped push it along.

If you can get a schematic diagram, that would be helpful. All the wiring supplies are available that you would need, like fabric covered wires and loom wrap for a period looking harness. Or you could just use modern wire. Then just sourcing the correct gauge wire, most of it will be 14 Ga. and 10 gauge for heavier leads, like off the alternator on the charging circuit. Do you still have the old harness? Even if trashed, it could be useful as a pattern.

Thanks, Dean!! I've been getting a lot done in the last month. For years that vision has been in my head, now it sits in my driveway!!!

More and more complete every day. Adjusted the front end, filled all the bolt holes with fresh hardware, added fender welting, aligned the fenders, added the catwalks and new fasteners for them. Had to crawl up inside the fenders to do a lot of that. Still finding little things to finish, that I missed. Last big thing to paint is the hood, and I'll start prepping for that tomorrow. Lots of progress over the last month. I told my friend, where I store the roll back deck, that I'll be coming to get it in the next couple of weeks. So, lots going on.

I would agree with the rear mud flaps, like bookends. But the front ones need to face out in concert with the hood dogs and the radiator dog. Like the American flag, the field of blue always moves forward and never retreats.

It would have to be a pretty big sum at the moment. But, who knows down the road, after I get some enjoyment and miles out of it.

And the other fender, plus the front mud flaps. Really loving the lines of this truck as it goes back together.

Every piece I hang back on this truck, it just keeps getting better and amazes me from what it was. First fender back on today, DAMN!!!!

Yeah, first look, “oh, it’s not that bad.” Then you start poking and looking and moving stuff around. Then the issues start adding up.

That’s some great work!! It’s really looking good. Great video, too.

First repower was a 1957 END-673. Ran that for 10 years and then it ate an exhaust seat. Current engine is a 1973 ENDT-675, totally different truck with that engine.

The '63 B42 really was. Around 67K miles when I found it. Gas powered, local truck that last saw service with a tree company. Only used in the summer months and garage kept. No rust, factory paint intact on the floor that was covered in an chainsaw oil soaked shag carpet. I added the roll back deck to it on the factory wheelbase. Then re powered it and cosmetically restored it. It's been a great truck for almost 25 years.

Helped move six vintage cruisers this morning over to the Farmington Polo Grounds. THere's a group coming from Australia, too! Mostly a car event, giving rides to the special olympians and their families. Lots of smiles will be had and a lot of funds, too.

It’s the Dreamride event in Farmington at the Polo Grounds. My employer’s huge annual fund raiser for the CT Special Olympics. The main Dreamride is on Saturday, but the whole thing runs Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Big car show on Sunday. I’m helping move some vintage State Police cruisers up there Friday. I’ll be driving a ‘41 Ford cruiser Saturday. The show Bob was speaking of is up in Lancaster, Ma. The Bay State Chapter’s 20th anniversary show, Saturday and Sunday.

Thanks, Dean. It’s been a pleasure working “with” you on our projects and I’m glad it’s been helpful on several levels. I’ve really enjoyed watching your progress, too!!