Scottyairborne

Found this plate today while going through and measuring things.

I think we are fortunate to have one in this shape for a family project.  Not to down play how much it needs, but to be able to drive her home is a great start.  Taking it a bit at time and keeping it driving.

First up is complete fluid change, lube, gas tank internal cleaning.

Inventory on a few missing pieces:

rear lights (I have plan there)

passenger door handle (repairing their make-shift fix will be a project if it’s own)

hood handles for both side (I might have found one in the cab)

Dog emblem on driver side hood

I have the battery box cover that is off in the photos.  

Hello Andy, happy to report from my title 1952 A40T7492.   Engine number EN 377 491, with a triplex.  180” wheelbase, running strong.  My 15 year old and I drove it across town to our shop yesterday, about 7 miles.  Photos in a separate thread that I have started...

Make that A40S. 

Thanks Paul, I will take a look.

Drove it home today to my in-law's shop.  About seven miles, took it REALLY slow.  Runs like a pup, the tires are very bad.  Temp tank up on the passenger mirror to bypass the old tank until I can clean it.

Learned a few things about it, it is the EN 377 with a Triplex, which makes me happy.

The Montana title says 1952, not sure if that is relevant or not.  

Wheelbase is 180", which is a nice length.  I am officially searching for a vintage sleeper box (for storage, not sleeping).  Hopefully 24-48" range...

Photos coming...

Driving it home this afternoon, where do I look for numbers on the truck.  I think the frame has been cut-off long ago, so not sure where the best places to look will be. There is probably some VIN info on the title as well.  I want to add it to the registry and query the Mack Musseum on any information on file.

Yes, have used Teflon in leaf packs in the past with good success.

Contact me to discuss another A40 that I have located

For suspension, I initially plan to disassemble and clean up the leaf packs.  Perhaps pull a few leaves, and see what I get.  Not going to overthink it this summer!  That just might be the long-term solution.

Exactly why I started this thread.  Nothing would make me happier than keeping the Mack gas engine.  Focusing on rear gears and tire combos to match the existing drivetrain is so much easier to meet my goal.  Since we won’t be loaded, that is not a concern.  Honestly not that worried about mileage, this will be a vintage recreation vehicle, for hobby use and driving pleasure.

That is really good mileage.  I was worried about over working the original engine with a taller gear.  If I can get it safe to close to 60 cruise, I wouldn’t even consider the swap.  

I appreciate all the responses...

I do intend to drive this truck all summer... we have long winters here in Northern Wisconsin so I can take on bigger items then.

I appreciate the idea to keep it a Mack, which to me means it needs to be able to do the task at hand.  I have some ideas for what that is, so hopefully I can determine what is realistic.  I have some abilities in the garage, have some amazing mechanics and fabricators in immediate family and friends.  

I was taught to ask questions, listen and learn from those with more and less experience.  It can save costs and mistakes, but also spur innovation and better ways to do something.  I will definitely have fun, including listening to other inputs and suggestions along the way.

I don’t know if it is blasphemy to swap an engine and/or rear to make a truck usable in modern times.  Is there people who may want the engine/rear for their non-runner? I know purists have issues sometimes with these talks, if you don’t like it, you can make an offer on the truck in its original state   I won’t be changing things any time soon.

With all that in mind, I am considering the following areas to be addressed:

Interior:  relatively stock rebuild for now.  Get the seats rebuild (missing foam/covers), hand sand and spray it decent.  A work truck finish is suffice.

Transmission:  I really want to keep the duplex If reasonable.  The twin stick is exactly my vision of a big truck.
 

Rearend:  I haven’t figured out my gearing options, but this may need to be swapped. I would love to run a super single drive tire, on airbags.  Perhaps better to just swap it all and relieve a lot of drivetrain constraints?  I don’t even know what would fit the best, I am not a truck guy.

Front:  Considering replacement of the leaf stack with single leaf and airbags.  Again, I won’t be hauling real loads...  Future power steering box would be very nice if wife/kids ever want to spin it around.

Engine:  The original Magnadyne starts and runs well.  I am strongly considering an eventual 5.9 Cummins 12v swap, which can work with the SAE2 flywheel.  That conversion gives me easy switch to 12volt, power steering options, and even AC options down the road.

As I contemplate where to go with my newly acquired Mack, I am trying to understand what are realistic options.  I plan to get running reliable as is for summer while I draft a plan forward in my head.

Purpose:  I want to drive a vintage Mack, not a cool cab on a suburban frame, etc.  I might occasionally pull a small trailer (Receiver hitch, not 5th wheel size), but usage would be more in line with parades, in town driving, and occasional trips to shows/recreation.  I would like a safe rpm at 60/65 tops.

Appearance:  I would love to move the rear suspension forward and shorten the frame (understanding this will kill any ride improvements I attempt).  I would also like to make a pickup bed that resembles the wrecker/fire truck sides but with the added utility of a pickup bed.  I may stick to cab and chassis first.