Underdog

I very seldom run the Ohio pike, I run rt. 20 from Fremont to Norwalk all the time. When I started driving in '79 it cost $21 to run the Pa. pike from Breezewood to Ohio with 50,155 lbs. on the trailer, that was class 7 I think. I have no idea what it would cost now. Now I run I-64 to 60 to 20 to 39 to 19 to I-79 and north, or if i'm coming out of Petersburg or farther east I go across 68 to 79.

I try to avoid the PA Pike as much as possible on matters of principle. If I have time I will run east across 22 or I-68 (westbound I usually have a placarded load, so I can't run the turnpike anyhow. No HAZMAT thru the tunnels). The powers that be have it figured pretty close so you can either pay the toll or burn more fuel to go around. Out of pocket is about the same. Right now it costs me 31 cents per mile for class 7 (gross weight 80,000 lbs.) and that is set to increase first of the year. It will be interesting to watch the result of that, what with fuel prices dropping. Other Dog, you might just be seeing Underdog down on I-68 more often. BTW, the Ohio pike is a relative bargain @ 14 cents per mile. The bottom line is what counts, as long as you are makin' more than you are spendin'

Have any of you looked at the amount of posters from the past that no longer participate? I was bored last evening so was scanning through the list and was really surprised how many persons that used to converse, but are now in the distant past. Sad really. Some really good ideas, and answers to problems conveyed through this media without ever meeting face to face.

Might be worth the effort for those of us that know non participants to make contact and urge them back into the group.

Of course there are a few that should not be re-acquainted to the site as is the case anywhere.

Rob

Sorry, Rob for not posting more often, but after the drubbing I took in the Primary elections, I thought it best to ride off and not be seen nor heard from again. However if my public demands it, I will formally declare my intention to form an exploratory commitee in order to determine the viability of tossing my hat in the ring to seek my party's nomination for president. The 2012 election cycle should be gearing up in a few weeks on CNN and FOX. Campaigning does take a lot of time and money, though. Doesn't leave much of either for restoring F-models.

The worst part of embarking on a political career path is that all my good ideas and answers to problems would have to be checked at the gates of bureaucracy.

If you read the linked article it sounds pretty reasonable what the Ohio Turnpike wants to do. They learned the hard way a few years ago that arbitrary toll increases leads to lower revenue, due to decreased traffic volumes. I am looking forward to using my E Z Pass in Ohio. It's worth the price of admission just to set the cruise at 65 in SLOHIO and run the toll road. New York and Pennsylvania should learn a lesson from Ohio and quit jacking the tolls out of sight. FYI, PA. Pike is set to increase tolls AGAIN in January '09.

thats a clean looking F Model btw the way thats also a sweet looking money maker bulldog ya got a spred axle dump wagon is rare round here where im @

yall have a safeone

Thanks everyone for the kind words. I'm looking forward to getting the F model in top shape, maybe even make some money with that one, too!

BTW Bulldog Man, maybe you can explain to me WHY spread axle dumps are so rare in the southern states. I know you sacrifice tare weight, but spreads are pretty much standard north of the Mason-Dixon.

Underdog, I seen that same truck on The Truck Paper, what kind of engine does it have?

I thought just looking at it it looked pretty good, including the fuel permits.

Congradulations on your new find.

Dak49

I got real excited about this truck. I have always liked F models, there were tons around when I was a kid! As you know most rotted away to nothing over the years. As a mechanic it always impresses me to find a truck that has been taken care of the way it should be.

This one has an END673 @ 187 horsepower with a Duplex and 4.25 rear axle. I opened it up on the way home; she's good for 63mph!

I am proud to announce the arrival of a new old pup in Underdog's yard.(pictures are posted in my gallery)

I heard about this truck at Gearhart's 2008 show in Lititz,PA. It is a 1963 F607T sleeper in what I say to be excellent original condition. This truck was not at the show, but an aquaintance mentioned a really clean F model was at a dealer near Port Jervis,NY , about 60 miles from my home. I could not wait to see it so I put off work Monday 10/6 and hopped on my motorcycle for a chilly morning ride. I was at the dealer's lot before he opened at 8a.m. The most intriguing thing about this truck is the recent fuel tax decals indicating that it was in operation as late as 2006! Not bad for a 45 year young Bulldog!

To find an F model with little to no RUST is amazing as well. Some kind-hearted owner had certainly taken good care over the years. Other than kingpins, this truck will pass state inspection, so that morning I paid the man, and returned on Saturday 10/11 to DRIVE her home. Keep an eye on my gallery for updates and my F model and I will see you at

Macungie 2009!!!

I already nominated Underdog. Now he appears to have deserted us cause he hasn't been seen for weeks. Of course he could be on the campaign trail; Now I'm really gonna be pissed if him and Knobby jetted off to Siberia without me......

Might be another reason to call up the militia.

Rob

Rob how did you guess? I have been out for weeks soliciting campaign donations but have not achieved any level of what you would call success. So at this time I must regretfully suspend my run. It seems the current financial meltdown requires my full attention, since I did return home with less cash than before. But it's just the cutest little pup, and he just followed me home...

Great show indeed. This was my first time to Gearhart's, but I will definitely be back.

Hello Underdog,

Welcome to the forum. Nice Vision you drive!

B613T owner

B613T thanks for the welcome. Do you have any Photos posted of your truck? I am looking at a 1964 B615 to buy and am curious to see anything similar.

Showing my age here but I used to watch "Underdog" every morning before school!

That's a great CB handle for your wife! I probably would not have thought of it myself not knowing your marital status at the time.

Glad to be of service.

My wife does not like trucks, or anything to do with them. That must be why I have so many to make up for the shortfall?

Rob

Sweet Polly Purebred suits her well and she has taken it as her own. My handle UNDERDOG came not from the cartoon(although it was one of my favorites) but from my first truck. She was a special needs bulldog and I spent much time

"UNDER that DOG" as Polly used to say. I won't say she LOVES the new truck, but is much more tolerant...

Can't you see how busy I am??? I don't see Obamadog(wassup dogg)coming over to help me polish! Oh well, somebody said polishing a Mack was like putting lipstick on a pig anyway!!!

Thanks Rob for giving MY wife the CB handle she always wanted(Sweet Polly Purebred). Why didn't I think of that?

Thank you all for the kind welcome however I must respectfully decline your nomination for president, as I am currently busy at my current post as chief, cook, bottle washer and tank polisher !!!

It's one of them Petes...

I won't hold it against you. America is a great country, you can drive any truck you want to.

My experience tells me if you are kind to your mule it will serve you well, doesn't really matter whose name is on the grille.

BTW, good looking Pete if I may say.

good to converse with like minded folks,otherdog. Not to brag, but if you have seen my truck you would remember it. Everyone says it is quite distinctive and I am proud of that. I'm not too proud of my computer skills,though. If all goes well I have attached photos so you can spot me on the road. Let me know what you are running so I know what to look for.

I was surfin the 'net and came across your website today and all you folks seem to be just as crazy about Mack Trucks as I am, so I should fit in here okay. The guys I work with won't let me play 'cause I don't have a Pete or KW. Meanwhile my little Bulldog just keeps on down the road making money (900,000 miles and still ticking). You can call me Underdog and you might see me anywhere east of the Mississippi truckin' it up. I run a 2000 CX613 Vision and spread axle 40' dump trailer. I will post pictures ASAP for anyone interested. I am based out of eastern PA. and run the Ohio river valley mostly.

I worked as a full time mechanic for 10 years, and have been on the road with my own truck since 1998. Just wanted to intro myself and looking forward to chattin' with y'all. C-YA!!!