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Everything posted by mattb73lt
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B-73 Restoration
mattb73lt replied to mattb73lt's topic in Antique and Classic Mack Trucks General Discussion
Back on its feet. Rebuilt and shortened my dolly, it was starting to sag and I need it more stable for the work ahead. Man, this cab looks good now. -
B-73 Restoration
mattb73lt replied to mattb73lt's topic in Antique and Classic Mack Trucks General Discussion
Thanks, I’m really happy how it came out. That’s a lot of reading, never thought this would be such a long story. But it’s getting done. Faster now that the cab is done. Matt -
B-73 Restoration
mattb73lt replied to mattb73lt's topic in Antique and Classic Mack Trucks General Discussion
harrybarbon, Yes, I spent a lot of time getting into all the nooks and crannies, making sure everything was well coated. I got a little overzealous in one area and started a sag by going too quickly. For the firewall, I’m going to do the inside and cover it with the firewall mat. My thought there was to use it to cover up all the unused holes and to better seal it. There’s a lot that gets mounted to the engine side an I wanted a cleaner look. I’m also going to coat the underside of the cowl, back wall, roof and door inners. So far it seems like a good product. I’ll need more to finish, as I was surprised how much I used on the bottom of the cab. Regardless, it’ll still have more soundproofing than the factory. Now, do I straight pipe it or put a muffler on it to defeat all of what I’m trying to do? -
B-73 Restoration
mattb73lt replied to mattb73lt's topic in Antique and Classic Mack Trucks General Discussion
And then there was COLOR!!! Big bright RED!! Thanks to my Australian contributors, fully coated with Lizard Skin for sound and heat. This should be the last time the cab is on its back!! I’ll let it sit for a few days before righting it. Then on to bodywork and more RED!! -
AC Hood
mattb73lt replied to paulbrook's topic in Antique and Classic Mack Trucks General Discussion
Wow, that’s looking really good. Great effort and will look beautiful when you’re done. -
Assembly Begun
mattb73lt replied to h67st's topic in Antique and Classic Mack Trucks General Discussion
Nice, those are some big, heavy parts!! -
Assembly Begun
mattb73lt replied to h67st's topic in Antique and Classic Mack Trucks General Discussion
Looks great! Nice clean start going back together. -
B-73 Restoration
mattb73lt replied to mattb73lt's topic in Antique and Classic Mack Trucks General Discussion
I’d love to have this done. But, I’ll keep picking away at it until it is. -
B-73 Restoration
mattb73lt replied to mattb73lt's topic in Antique and Classic Mack Trucks General Discussion
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B-73 Restoration
mattb73lt replied to mattb73lt's topic in Antique and Classic Mack Trucks General Discussion
I was, but you beat me to that rearend so now I have other things to do, LOL. While this truck was mostly there when I found it, it was really used up. Everything I’ve worked on needs attention and that takes time. It wasn’t designed for construction, which is where it spent its final years. The good news is that it will be literally brand new when I’m done. -
B-73 Restoration
mattb73lt replied to mattb73lt's topic in Antique and Classic Mack Trucks General Discussion
After finishing the cab, I put all the parts away I don’t need and made some space for other parts that need attention. Brought the front axle assembly in yesterday and broke it down all the way to the bare axle. Spent today breaking all those parts down for inspection and cleaning. It all came apart without too much of a fight, but it really shows how hard this truck was used (read abused). Now to start sourcing parts I need and get on to some bodywork. -
Parting out U685T
mattb73lt replied to JoeH's topic in Antique and Classic Mack Trucks General Discussion
Ok, thanks. -
Parting out U685T
mattb73lt replied to JoeH's topic in Antique and Classic Mack Trucks General Discussion
Ok, no problem. Looks like that is a 4.25(?) ratio. Let me know if Yarnell doesn’t take it as could come down and get it anytime. -
Parting out U685T
mattb73lt replied to JoeH's topic in Antique and Classic Mack Trucks General Discussion
What’s it have for a rear end? Specifically the carrier and ratio. I’m looking for a CRD 117 in about a 4.50 ratio. But, I’d take the whole axle if it’s easier. -
B-73 Restoration
mattb73lt replied to mattb73lt's topic in Antique and Classic Mack Trucks General Discussion
Thank you all for the comments, they actually help keep me motivated. Two Winter seasons to get it done. I’m not going to say years because there was a lot of pauses during that time. The end result was a nearly brand new cab which should serve me a long time. A few photos to show some perspective on how it went. Now, back to work or play. -
B-73 Restoration
mattb73lt replied to mattb73lt's topic in Antique and Classic Mack Trucks General Discussion
DONE, DONE, DONE!!!! Final patches on the lower windshield pillars installed and cleaned up the gutters. Test fit the doors and all is well with no rubbing. Obviously, I need to tweak a lot of little stuff. Looking at my last couple of posts, it doesn’t look like a lot of progress. But, there was, as it was all the hard stuff that shows. I am amazed I brought this cab back and now my big headache is behind me!! -
1958 Mack B-73 Tractor
mattb73lt replied to j hancock's topic in Antique and Classic Mack Trucks General Discussion
It’s coming into sight!! I need a couple days to finish my metal work, I’m thinking by the end of this week. Then body work/paint by the end of May. This crazy shutdown has certainly given me a lot more time on it. -
1958 Mack B-73 Tractor
mattb73lt replied to j hancock's topic in Antique and Classic Mack Trucks General Discussion
I drove that truck!! I was visiting the gentleman who owned it at the time back in 2001, just East of Dallas, when I was down that way doing some training. Went to look at it and take some pictures of it as I had picked up my B-73 a few years before. It's changed hand a couple of times since. Very nice truck. -
B-73 Restoration
mattb73lt replied to mattb73lt's topic in Antique and Classic Mack Trucks General Discussion
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B81-87 floor plan
mattb73lt replied to hicrop10's topic in Antique and Classic Mack Trucks General Discussion
I found this on a Facebook page, don't know if it would help? Looks like someone was repairing their's. -
Connecticut Construction Trucks
mattb73lt replied to BKrois's topic in Antique and Classic Mack Trucks General Discussion
Matt Pfahl has the B81, still. He also had the R model, but I believe he sold it recently. -
B-73 Restoration
mattb73lt replied to mattb73lt's topic in Antique and Classic Mack Trucks General Discussion
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B-73 Restoration
mattb73lt replied to mattb73lt's topic in Antique and Classic Mack Trucks General Discussion
Into the daylight and off to the fabricator to build some gutters for it. Just a few more things to complete then bodywork/paint. Getting close to making some major progress and having this looking like a truck instead of a huge pile of parts spread everywhere. -
Out for a stroll in the RS700L
mattb73lt replied to Lmackattack's topic in Antique and Classic Mack Trucks General Discussion
Nice, I guess I'm not the only one driving around! I burned up a whole tank of gas driving in circles "exercising" my truck as there's nowhere to go, yet..........
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