phantom309

We got a little more done this week. We modified the dash module from the bus a little and it fits into the Mack dash. The nice part is that this dash just plugs right in to the bus wire harness. We had our doubts about the rectangular guage faces but I think it's going to look fine once we finish fitting the front panel. We also built some fuel tanks. We borrowed an idea that I think Mack used to use on their tanks and added a small catch basin to the bottom. That setup will allow us to draw fuel almost to the bottom. We'll put a drain valve on the smaller fitting. In this picture you can see the tanks installed ahead of the drives. We used a couple of the fire hose caps for filler caps.

Looks like a diamond in the rough, lots of potential there!

Paul, We used the bus axle. The front springs are from the Mack but we removed a few leafs. We haven't figured out what we're going to do about shocks yet. We haven't had time to work on anything so far this week but I'm hoping we'll get some time tomorrow. I'll be sure to post some pictures as soon as we make a little progress. Jim

We're going to stay with the Mack's "armstrong" steering. We wanted to use the power steering from the bus but the Mack frame gets wider at the front, so it won't fit. I think the manual steering will be fine because the truck will carry quite a bit less weight on the front axle. (the new engine and trans are quite a bit lighter) I took the steering box apart and it was in perfect shape, all I had to do was change the seal. Jim

We're finally getting back to working on the Mack. We went to a wrecking yard and got some seats and a console from a 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee. As you can see from the first picture the size is similar to the Mack seat. We had to build pedestals to raise everything to the proper height. We were able to adapt the automatic shifter from the bus into the console, it'll look fine once we make a bezel for it. We also installed a new radio with a GPS, Bluetooth and satellite radio. We wanted to mount it a bit higher but the motor from the electric wipers was in the way. Soon we'll be able to start on the paint and body work. Here's a picture of the frame with the engine installed.

It could happen, I'm almost certain to go back for the same event Larry and I were at this year and I'm guessing Larry will be back if his 4 speed racing group is booked in again. I'm sure to have the Mack done by then, we recently started working on it again. Jim

Nice truck!!! I love those old cabovers. Jim

WAY TO GO!!! Congratulations on a great year of racing! Jim

Glenn, I'll get back to you with a PM.

Great Dane, Trailmobile, Freuhauf, that's all I can think of right now.

Welcome to the site Glenn! This is the place to look if you need any helpful advice. Tell us more about your new truck. Is it a single axle, gas or diesel etc. I live just down the road from you in Barrie Ont. and I have some left over 57 Mack parts that you can have for free if you can get down here to pick them up. Jim

I know how you feel. There's nothing like the view from the drivers seat of a B model. Keep your eyes open and sooner or later you'll find a deal on a truck. Jim

Nice models!!! Welcome to the site!

Way to go!!! That fire engine looks to be in pretty good shape. Good luck with the restoration. Jim

Not much progress. Work, racing and family obligations have been using up all my time. I'm hoping to get some time for the Mack in a couple of weeks. I'll be sure to post pictures. Jim

Looks like a really nice restoration. Here's pictures of a couple of B models I saw at a truck show last weekend... Jim

WOW!!! She looks great!

Welcome to the site! Good luck with your project. These big trucks take longer to restore than cars do, you just have to keep plugging away. Jim

Welcome to the site! Be sure to keep us posted on your restoration progress. Jim

Welcome to the site! Jim

Congratulations! That truck looks great! Jim

Congratulations! That truck looks great! Jim

Sounds like the job's moving along just fine. There's always a lot of extra work to do, you just have to keep going and before you know it you'll be driving that thing down the road. It looks like it's going to be nice when it's done. Jim

Well I feel like we're making progress now. The sandblasting is all done and the chassis is painted. We used Magnet brand Chassis Saver paint. http://www.magnetpaints.com/underbody.asp I've never used POR paint but I think this stuff is similar. It's a little different than regular paint to work with but it's as tough as nails. Once it's cured you can barely scratch it.

Yep, we can see the pictures. Nice truck!