B66

JD2050 asked for some pictures with trailers, thought I'd add a couple more. I also got an ear full from friends about not mentioning the reason for the Studebaker/Chevy paint scheme on the B66 (Jan TotM). To make it as short as possible, I had just finished restoring a 1950 Stude in my shop, the B was in primer and waiting for a color choice. My friend Tom stopped by, the Stude was sitting next to my 96 Chevy PU in the lot in front of the B, he said there are the colors. I painted the cab, doors and hubs with the hood off. I painted the frame, tanks and bumper. Opps, forgot the hood! Oh no, used up all the Stude green, got plenty of dark green left. Looked pretty good all together. Hope the guys in South Jersey let me come back now that I gave TZ his moment in the spotlight.

The "scoop" back was the contour cab. Not all B61's were flat backs and not all B67's were contours. The CA67 cab was an option on most B-models and the flat back was an option on the B67. There were several other model numbers that the contour cab was standard, such as B44 and B65 to name a couple. My B66 is a contour cab, yes it's tight in there, but there is also a big doghouse where the back three cylinders reside. The B61 with a contour cab is a bit roomier and the B67 with a flat back cab has plenty of room. Most B-cabs are tight inside if you start getting over the 6 foot range, but I'm only 5'7", so they all fit me just fine. Just my thoughts, but like all B's, rules change just as you think you figured them out.

Most people that aren't Mack fans don't know that. My B-66 has Thermodyne emblems on the hood, that's what confuses most truck people. I meet Tom once or twice a year and consider him one of my best friends. We meet at Macungie and usually at the Mack show at Gerharts. He is one of the most likable people you would ever meet, and his stories are priceless. I don't know if you belong to the Antique Truck Club of America or not, but at Macungie last year, he showed up, grabbed my hand for a healthy shake and said "welcome to our family reunion." This became the main story in the July issue of our magazine. I hope the picture comes thru OK.

Magnadyne was for flatheads, Thermodyne was the overhead engines, both gas and diesel. The maxidyne/maxitorque and econodyne get too new for me. The gold dog was on the Maxi trucks, all dogs before that were chrome. I get this question everytime I take out my gas B66 from both novices and experienced "Mack Experts". When they see the Thermodyne emblems on the hood, they think it's diesel.

After you visit E-town, why not spend some time with some antique trucks and equipment. Visit the "Days of the Past" about a 45 minute drive west of there (exit 3B off I-95), and check out the Central Jersey Chapter ATCA antique truck show. The show runs from Fri 16 to Sunday the 18th. For more info go to daysofthepast.com Have a great day, Jim.