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joemac

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Everything posted by joemac

  1. Trying to help out a fire truck museum who needs a head gasket for a '55 International with a Red Diamond engine. So far, I'm striking out, which surprises me, given how many of these trucks were on the road when I was growing up. Any ideas?
  2. Thanks. The only oil leakage is a little seepage from what would be valve covers on a four-stroke, not even enough to cause a drip. I plan on changing all of the filters at oil change time, probably next week. Taking care of the brakes and tires, first.
  3. Thanks. I failed to mention that I have a copy of the factory DD 6V53 manual that I've been studying. The operator's manual for the ALF is very limited, mostly addressing the V-12 that it originally had. It has precious little in regards to everything else. I'm already a SPAAMFAA member and in touch with a handful of ALF owners. It seems we all go through the same frustration of not having printed info to use. My intention all along has been to go through the entire rig, starting with the brake system. I'm hoping to install a tandem master cylinder in place of the single unit that was installed in 1947.
  4. 1982 450 NightHawk. Weight and handling the thing off/on the front porch was a major consideration... I love the bike. It's plenty fast enough to get into trouble, lightweight, easy on fuel and repairs/maintenance are a breeze. I'd gone 36 years without. 2012 found me deciding to give in to the annual fever I'd get and I found this little project waiting to go back on the road, having sat since 1985 with 12,300 on her. Except for tires, paint and a few cosmetic things, it's all original. Still has the factory-installed plugs in it. I knew what I was going to do when I decided to bring her home. It carries a fire engine theme and gets a fair amount of approval and compliments. She is my therapist.
  5. Hey Gang, I had to give up on the '58 Mack C I was trying to acquire. It wasn't in the cards, I guess. I recently bought a '47 American La France 700 Pumper from upstate NY in decent shape. It was re-powered in the '70s with a DD 6V-53 that starts right up and sounds healthy. A couple of experienced guys said it sounds really good. (Stay out of this, Yardo!) I'm going to go through a routine maintenance on the engine and the rest of the rig is going to be gone through thoroughly. The brakes are nonfunctional at the moment. The rear shoes appear to be hanging up when reversing. My immediate plan is to get the rear wheels off the ground, one at a time and start going through everything from there. The problem I have is that I've been used to having a manual to work from with most things I've worked on. I have the operator's manual in PDF form, but it's extremely limited in its scope, focusing mainly on the V-12 that isn't in this rig. Does anyone know of a good repair/maintenance manual for these old rigs? Failing that, any online sources of repair info? Keep in mind that I know my way around tools, having spent the last 45 years or so fixing cars. I do know a wheel cylinder when I see one. Thanks for any assistance.
  6. Thanks, I'll check that out. Now, how do I flip photos back to where they should be? Stupid computers.
  7. I'm now the owner of a 1947 American La france 775 PGC Pumper, originally serving Albion, NY for all of its service. We brought her down from upstate NY to SE Pa., last week. I'll try posting a photo, but they always seem to get flipped sideways and I can't fix 'em. This pumper was re-powered in the 70s with a Detroit 6V53 that starts right up and sounds healthy. The only diesel experience I have is some training @ VW of America, back in the 70s into the 80s. I've repaired hundreds of diesel Rabbits, probably replacing a hundred head gaskets over the years. Still have my tools, but haven't touched one in years. I understand the concept, but this is a new world for me. It's big, heavy, a six-banger and a two-stroke. Very different, for me. I was fortunate enough with the purchase to obtain a factory manual with the rig and I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with it. Where is the best place to post questions regarding this engine? TIA
  8. I was hoping this thread would help me to find suitable replacement 'old school' tires for a '47 ALF that I'm buying. I've been all over the Web and searched locally. It seems there are no USA tires being made for vintage rigs and anything that is available is not going to have the look of older tires. Oh well. Incidentally, radials are no guarantee against flat spots. Depending on the compound, they can flat as badly, or worse, than bias ply sneakers.
  9. Thanks, that's good to know. I'm just concerned that I won't be able to go over 45 and it will take forever to get to any musters that are usually a couple of hours away. And, my ears are already ringing. Too many years of abuse will do that.
  10. I'm a little late to this party, but it fits my situation. I'm in the process of buying a '47 700 pumper that was re-powered with a 6v53 that seems to run well. What I know of Diesels is from working with VW, so I know the concept and realize the difference from gasoline engines. I will be giving this DD a proper major maintenance, as well as everything else on the rig. But, will I be able to drive it? It concerns me that I will likely be looking into swapping out the rear. How complicated is this going to be? Can the gears be changed out or is the whole rear end going to be replaced? I was hoping to retain as much original as possible, at least what can be seen. If going the used school bus rear route, what's involved? Anything I know about conventional drive trucks is from a distance. I've been a rear-engine, air-cooled car guy for four and a half decades, don't know much about front engine, rear drive. Basics and what I caught from my buddies in high school. Thanks
  11. I would avoid trying to turn it over until it is known what the problem is. If it is rust in one or more cylinders and you force it, you may very well break any number of piston rings. You really don't want to do that. Follow the advice you've been given and systematically find out the cause of the lockup. You might just get lucky and get away with just having to do some routine maintenance like changing the oil and plugs. Don't guess and don't force things.
  12. I put a pair of gloves on this morning to do some yardwork and felt something itching the back of my right hand, at the base of the two small fingers. I scratched it a couple of times and then realized it was getting worse. Much worse. I removed the glove, turning it inside-out as I did, finding a white fuzzy caterpillar that was in there. I quickly stopped on it. Animal rights and PETA, be damned! My fingers, as well as a large portion of the back of my hand swelled up and the itching turned to itching/burning/stinging like nothing I've ever experienced before. I've been stung by all the usual; bees, yellow jackets, wasps, hornets and never had a reaction like this. This took place at about 9:30 AM. It is now 10:00 PM and it's still swollen and itching like I can't believe. I looked it up and found it to be the White Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar. Be on the lookout for these and don't let your kids play with them. This is the worst reaction I've ever had to an insect. http://www.asktheexterminator.com/Caterpillars/Hickory_Tussock_Moth.shtml
  13. joemac

    New Baby

    Man, talk about a thread hijacking... Hey Mike, when can I come up and see your new arrival?
  14. Here is the original model 17 beacon from the '58 C (see avatar), after some cleaning and polishing. At least I have it as a souvenir. I called the current owner this afternoon. He answered, informed me he was busy with his kids and would call me back. He didn't. Big surprise. I had a lengthy chat with the former Barto chief, who was very accommodating. We'll be getting together soon to swap stories, info and photos over a couple of brews. I called Rob's Towing. Receptionist couldn't tell me if it was there or not, suggested I call back in the morning.
  15. Well, Yardo, I wouldn't know about that. I might just take you up on going out to see the truck, if he hasn't sold it, yet. I would think that, knowing how much that thing means to me, he would contact me when he's decided to sell. He would be more likely to get more from someone who really wants it. And I want it. I just got back from picking up the original Federal Beacon model 17 from that truck. I was fortunate enough to get it for free. The guys in Barto still had it in a box, collecting dust. I bought him a case of his favorite brew and we traded boxes. Got a couple of phone numbers and email addies of someone from Barto to talk to about the old girl. Whether I end up with the truck or not, I've got the light. Hooked it up to see what it would do- it works just fine! Now I'm spending some quality time with some polish on it.
  16. I'm well aware of the problems caused by the evil ethanol and I believe the current owner is, also. The last time i talked to him, I was suggesting that the fuel system be cleaned and checked, as well as the addition of some fresh fuel with stabilizer. He said he had a guy helping him and they had already done that, as well as replacing fuel lines. I'm not saying that they've eliminated it as the source of the stalling, but at least I think we can rule out bad gas. I'm just going to hope I hear back from the current owner and he has reasonable expectations, like somewhere around $2500, which is what I think it's worth.
  17. Thanks Mike. I'm in Elverson, the truck is in Fairless Hills. Would you be available to go with me to check it out?
  18. Yes. He agreed to a barter arrangement, where I helped him get two L models ready for paint in exchange for the C. Then he ignored my voice messages. Then he denied making the arrangement. That was in April. I talked to him the other day about buying the C, outright. He said he would research it and get back to me. I have a rough idea of what it's currently worth, but I wanted some other opinions. I'm going into this with my eyes open, prepared for him to either want too much, or to make a deal and then back out of it. I'm even prepared to never hear from him again.
  19. 1958 Mack C-85, 750/500, 707C gas, Spicer w/two-speed rear, updated in the mid-sixties with power steering, in OK condition. Runs, but has at least a couple of as of yet, unknown leaks and has a stalling problem. Shows 40,xxx miles on a generic 80mph speedo. Looks to me like it will need tires. The rear step was somehow bent and then somewhat straightened (attempt at lifting with forklift?) It has a broken cable in the dash- "T" handle just dangling. Most of the paint appears to be original, with the nose and part of the cab/doors having been repainted. For some reason, there is what looks like a strip of stainless steel slipped under the rubber between the windshield halves. My guess is that it's covering rust. Truck is complete with twin boosters, pair of hard sleeves and aluminum ladders. If I remember correctly, they're 35 foot ground and 14 foot roof. I know it's impossible to give an accurate evaluation without actually seeing it, but I'd like to have some idea of what it's currently worth. The guy who owns it has absolutely no idea. He said he'll research it and let me know. I want this truck, but I'm not willing to pay too much for it, just because it holds a certain sentimental value to me.
  20. It's mid/late August. I'd managed to track down the original Fed 17 a while back. Having had time to deliberate, I thought I'd approach the owner(s), to see if I could acquire it. If I can't have the rig, the original beacon would be a great memento. On Friday, I emailed the guy who Bill had heard from about the beacon. Bill had forwarded the photos he'd gotten,and had inadvertently given me the guy's email addy. I waited until now to approach him. How's this for a reply? " Hey Joe. Yeah, we tried to find it a few times also, to no avail. I still have the light in my living room, it's just here waiting for you. I'd rather see it go to someone who will appreciate it for what it is, than sit around on a shelf collecting dust. It's yours if you want it. Let me know if you have any ideas as to how we can get together so I can get it to you. I am in XXXXXX, PA. Or, if Bill is going to be in the area, I can arrange to give it to him. Either way, let me know. Hope you are able to work something out with the guy, I'd like to see that old girl again. Stay safe." I told him I'm going to try to buy the truck, outright. Wish me luck.
  21. A scenario: You belonged to a fire department, let's call it, "Springfield Fire Company". You had a falling out, based on something that was not your fault. Although you feel no ill will towards them, you get the distinct impression that they don't want you around. Meanwhile, you've acquired an old truck that you want to restore and letter it with, "Springfield Fire Co.", and "Springfield, Va.".(Our fictitious town/state) Is there anything that the Springfield Fire Company can do to stop you?
  22. Thanks. I didn't have any money invested, just half my soul. As I said, I don't deal with people I don't trust. I trust someone until they give me reason not to. This guy is just careless and ignorant. When I first talked to him he told me how he got the three trucks for, "next to nothing". He said two of them were B models. When I got there and saw an L, I assumed it was someone else's. He came out and met me as I was walking around the rusty L. I informed him it wasn't a B, but an L. He wanted to argue with me, saying the registration said it was a B. I showed him the build plate and he still insisted it was a B. He fetched the paper from the glove box. It showed it was indeed an LS 85. I'm not interested in another truck. I have three projects going already, not including cars that I'm working on. I'll just concentrate on those and forget owning a fire truck. He blew it. I would have been more than happy to help him to clean up and fix the '58 for free. He offered the truck to me, twice. I wouldn't have asked him for it. I just wanted to find it and maybe help him get it going and become friends enough to take it to some shows and maybe a parade or two. I'll get over it.
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