Wobblin-Goblin

Today's progress: 1. Finished up the exhaust. The old (original?) support bracket failed, causing the new 4" exhaust to fall off the manifold. Bracket is replaced with new and exhaust is now up and tight to the manifold. Cab is quieter and no more smoke inside. 2. Finished the defroster. I had to re-route the main air line behind the dash to fit the defroster hose. Also, could not find 2.5" flexible hose anywhere (I even thought about using the hose from a shop-vac), so I bought 1.5" sump pump hose and used two rubber fittings to neck each end down to the 1.5" diameter hose. Once it was all done, we tested it out and it works well, with plenty of air being moved and put on the windshield. All that's left is to put in an air brake switch, get the radiator shutters working again, and paint the rear wheels, then 'Mater is done.

Tell the owner "shut up and take my money."

Part of the reason for lax demand is the reduced reliability of trucks nowadays with all the emissions crap on them. If trucks were as reliable as they were 20, 30, 40 years ago, demand wouldn't have taken such a large hit. You just can't roll the dice as easily when it comes to new diesels.

Pan out a little bit on the pics so we can have a better perspective what it is we're looking at.

This exactly. For things that are visible like lights and trim, I prefer stock or period correct items. For unseen things like wiring, modern is not only OK, but preferable in some instances. If I had the money, I'd switch all the wheels and tires over to 24.5" tubeless, though.

As soon as I get 'Mater finished up, my plan is to move it outside and bring the B81 in for a closer look at everything. It will be neat having it in the garage, given how big it is (it's three feet longer and over a foot taller than 'Mater).

Heheheh. It's just the way I operate. BTW, here are the remaining items on the list: 1. Fix the radiator shutter issue 2. Fix the power steering issue (sometimes it works well, sometimes it doesn't) 3. Install Maxis (spring brakes) 4. Fix/replace brake light sensor switch 5. Paint rear wheels 6. Install hose from heater to defroster 7. Install glove box insert Then the truck is done.

Today's progress: 1. Installed the wiper actuating arm (under the dash). 2. Installed the wipers themselves and adjusted them. I now have functional wipers. 3. Installed a manual shut-off valve on the air filler for the air tank. This way, I can turn air on or off easily while charging the tanks from an outside air compressor.

You are 100% correct about Rs and Bs. Anybody with any exposure to trucking at all would answer the same way, IMO.

My uncle has a single axle LJ tractor with integrated sleeper cab like we see in these pics. I wonder what the chances are that his is one of those pictured.

Not sure. For the time being, I will leave it as is. Maybe in the future I'll cover it, but I have to say it looks pretty close to the cardboard visor that came with the truck.

Today's progress: 1. The new windshield and rubber leaked, so I pulled out the spline and squirted goop under the rubber. Then I put the spline back in (easy to do with WD40 lubing things up). It looks good and I'll bet it won't leak any more. 2. Installed door hinge covers that I bought from Roser a short while back. After cleaning them up with a wire brush attachment on my hand-held grinder, I primed and painted them. Primed and painted the screws, too. The covers and fasteners look good, too. 3. Installed a mud flap on the driver's side in between the battery box and rear axle to cut down on stuff hitting the back of the cab and battery box. Passenger side will come tomorrow (hopefully). 4. The actuating arm (connecting arm) that operates the passenger side wiper was missing its bushing, so we made one out of brake air line fittings because the wiper shaft would fit the hollow inside. We had to hack saw off most of each (the bolt and nut portions) to make it thin enough to fit on the shaft and still allow the clip to fit on the end of the shaft, holding the arm in place. It was a very profitable day. One by one the items on the "finish up 'Mater" list are getting done.

After driving Macks for years, my dad was put into a new Autocar mixer in '70 or '71. It had 11/24" rubber, a 230 Cummins, and a Road Ranger 10spd. He said at the time he didn't care for it because he had Mack in his blood, but, looking back, he said there was nothing wrong with the truck and it was a nice machine. The biggest gripe he had about it was the sometimes wishy-washy rear suspension.

No Easy Run - Johnny Cash

My uncle has a refurbished 1958 B65LT. First pic is a photo of a photo from 1974 when my dad owned the truck. Second photo is what it looks like today. It is a very light truck. Has an air starter.

I for one will be happy when the Kenyan usurper is out of office.

Nothing wrong with Christmas pictures!

Couple of shots before my dad and I had some fun.

Another video of me and my dad in the two Macks.

Finished the new sun visor today. Used a piece of 1/4" luan plywood and bolted it together. It actually looks somewhat like the original pressed cardboard original. I like it.

My dad and I having fun in the Macks. He's driving 'Mater and I'm in the B81.

Noted.

In order to try and cut down on rodents, I added screens to the air holes under and behind all four cushions. Anyone ever do this?

They get turned off because they know they will be paying for them.

You are correct. Besides, part of the pride of driving these beasts is knowing you did the work yourself. I think it would detract from the experience if the only investment in the truck was money.