Jamaican Bulldog

Yes and I thought the 70s would have been a boom time for Mack especially with their technology hat allowed greater fuel efficiency.

Oh, makes sense. That would have been an advantage too for us too in the Caribbean islands with all the salt air.

Yes, that is so true especially since modern components need to be able to 'electronically talk' with each other. It is not easy to mix and match components like used to be.

Wow! What was the reasoning for the fiberglass R model cab? Weight?

This makes sense, but I also wonder too that while Mack built a great reputation of quality by designing and building their own truck and components, it may also have sapped capital and spread themselves thin. Most heavy truck makers designed and built the cab and chassis but relied on suppliers for the powertrain components.

I have read on here under numerous topics where people mention Mack having serious financial hardships during different periods such as the 60s and onwards. However, with such high reputation for high quality, why did mack struggle financially during a period where their innovative products were so well regarded? Where they considerable more expensive than competitors? Did they miss certain market opportunities or failed in some ways to keep up in certain aspects of the market? Years ago an old timer told me that Mack trucks were too good for their own good. Meaning than the trucks and the parts lasted so long people didn't replace them too often. I remember a factory rep telling me that they were built to last 30 yrs. Not sure if that had anything to do with the topic. I am actually surprised that Mack didn't have a stronger foothold in more international markets like some of the European competitors did. Especially after their reputation after the 2 World Wars, and having very efficient engines during the oil crisis.

The Chinese over the years have shown little regard for intellectual property rights and have shamelessly and sometimes comically copied the designs of reputable brands. Not sure if this policy is still in effect, but many if not all foreign competitors can't produce products in China unless the facility is a joint venture with at least 51% Chinese ownership.

I learn something everyday on this site. I didn't realize there was such overlap of production of the mack COE models. I always thought the Cruiseliner replaced the F model then the (still modern looking and beautiful) MH replaced that one. Was the WL/WS the Cruiseliner? I actually think older G model actually looked more modern than the F and Cruiseliner. Also I used to think the F model got it's styling cues from the R model but it seems it was the other way around as the R came out after the F.

To paraphrase " the demise of the internal combustion engine is greatly exaggerated". Same thing happening in the car end and right truck end of the auto industry where I am. Constant advances in the good old internal composition tech will keep them viable foe many years to come. However there are so many interest groups often funded by tax payer money trying to undermine it to make alternatives seem more viable future powertrain

What year and on which model did the gold hood ornament start signifying that a Mack truck has a 'pure bred' powertrain components?

Who or what is AVL?

Wow a Australian Mack int he U.S? Oh I would love to see that in person

What chassis was the earlier F models put on?

Welcome on board Leonardo. I have travelled to Brazil a few times and was fascinated with the trucks. I noticed that Scanias and Mercedes are well respected there. Lots of old ones still working. Only saw a few American heavies such as Internationals but many medium/heavy Brazilian Fords. Regarding Scanias in the U.S. I still see a heavy Scania conventional dump truck still working in Mount Vernon NY. I wouldn't be surprised if it is owned by a Brazilians because Mount Vernon has a large Brazilian community, and as mentioned before Brazilian truckers have a lot of respect fro Scanias.

Thanks for that explanation. I didn't know there where two types of the twin stick 5 speeds. I guess my uncle's 74 DM with a 237 and twin stick had the later version because he could shift through the gears in reverse.

Does that mean that the twin stick was actually a 5sp with an auxiliary gear box attached?

Were the twin stick 5sp that was common in DM models the same as the regular 5sp transmission but with a Hi and Lo? Those were indestructible.

I know the legendary 5sp Maxitorque transmission was used in the 237hp and higher output engines, but was it used in engines with more than 300hp such as the V8 and 350 hp sixes? Did the multiple speed transmissions such the 9sp have the same design concept as the 5sp with high torque rise engines? In other words did the 9sp in higher horsepower engines reduce the need t use 13 or more speed transmissions.

Inline sixes and V12 engines are often considered the most balanced configuration for engines to deliver smooth power. That is one reason why BMW kept inline sixes when others went to V designs. One of the reasons V designs for 6s replaced many of their inline predecessors was because the V design allowed the engines to fit in more compact spaces. This especially as many car and SUV platforms shifted from longitudinal powertrain configuration ( engine mounted north to south with rear wheels as main driving wheels) to transverse set ups ( engine mounted east/west or vice versa or front wheel drive based). The inlines are definitely easier to work on especially with so many accessories mounted on engines nowadays.

Yes interesting. Must have an interesting story behind it.

Oh, I saw these at Macungie. I also have a video of a old Pete bring off loaded that the MH was hauling.

I once met a guy who had a Superliner with over 4 million miles. Not sure when and how often he overhauled or replaced major components though.

I am planning to visit Australia within the next year during Australian football (AFL) season and was hoping I could coordinate the trip with attending a major Antique truck show. I am also planning to visit the U.K and would also love to visit a similar show. When and where are the major annual antique truck shows in these countries similar to our Macungie and ATHS shows in the U.S?

The town of Greenburgh NY still has some great running manual shift RM sanders and plows. They also sound great and driver that does my street prefers it over the newer trucks they have. I look forward to hearing them whenever we have snow because I know that its only a matter of time before they are all replaced.

When I worked in Greenwich in the early 2000s, two companies Deluca & Sons and Riccardi Bros had great looking Macks. I am not sure if they are around or still have Macks.