b615rich

Carl, a medium duty cab over, either a Mack or International maybe? A picture is worth a thousand words... As for going from a cab over box truck to a conventional cab tri-axle, the biggest difference is the wheel base, I.e. turning radius.. A tri axle takes more room to turn than some tractor trailers, but the bright side is steering and brakes are much better than in the past. Shifting can be much different on a heavy duty truck, either double clutching or no clutch - but depending on the mileage and drivers newer trannies are much better than in the past. I'd again say the biggest challenge is the wheel base - plan your turns well, go wide, watch for cars passing on your right (in the city they'll make you crazy). Good luck, and everyone learned once so don't sweat it.

I'm in the processor taking apart a 1924, see more pics in the gallery if you're interested. I'm pretty sure the AK's had front brakes - they were very similar sheet metal but a six cylinder, electric starters, etc.The brakes are simple and probably effective, it's a monster band around the drive sprockets and large brakes in the wheels, but all lever/rod activated. The tranny and crankcase and other parts are very high quality castings. The hardware is so well made most parts come apart with surprising ease. They were produced for about twenty years, ahead of their time and very heavy duty compared to most of the other trucks of the day. As for sheet metal, the hood on the truck above looks amazing - it is a complex design with many angles in the metal.. That truck is really nice!

I know what you mean - once it's in your mind....I saw a chain drive Mack sitting upstate, and two years later found and bought one fifteen minutes from home. In case you needed any more encouragement, three grand sounds like a no brainer. The nice thing with the truck hobby is that if they drive and run there is always a following, and there are probably fifteen nice drivers or survivors for every true show truck. And while original is always best, no one looks down on replacement motors, etc., it's all about keeping them going whatever it takes. As said above, you can pace yourself on the work, it can get pricey. As for explaining to the family, it can be a little tough. A twelve thousand pound Harley, but a lot safer - and the price of fuel is finally coming down! The old truck guys are great, a really supportive community. Good luck!

Safe travels and happy holidays.

Fixed. Rebuilt carrier from Camereotas. Brakes, bearings, studs now still drives well but no worries. As for power divider it's definitely not engaged, one tire will spun on softground, over a ditch, etc. air valve is there but wires go nowhere. May try it someday but worry it may not disengage, etc. thanks for the input.

Fixed. Rebuilt carrier from Camereotas. Brakes, bearings, studs now still drives well but no worries. As for power divider it's definitely not engaged, one tire will spun on softground, over a ditch, etc. air valve is there but wires go nowhere. May try it someday but worry it may not disengage, etc. thanks for the input.

Maddog, I met him over there and took a lot of pictures. Here are some, have more and can talk if you'd like. Overall, a B-42 S cut off before the rear springs. Engine and 20 spd. Quad box look to be all there. Dash in surprisingly good shape (I was tempted to buy the gauges, switches, and throttle knob myself!). Windshield area actually looks solid in and out. Glass was there and seemed good (very dirty though so not sure). Back of cab rough at the very bottom but I pulled on it and it seemed solid. Floor rusty with some holes but was there. Underneath cab mounts etc. rusty. Not sure how much would be left after blasting. Back of cab around window (missing) actually looked solid in and out. Trim on hood there and both bulldogs but pitted. Mack trim over radiator actually good but hood ornament not there. No model ID trim. The drivers door is loose in the cab but was sold. (He's not sure if it is actually going, so he said he was asking 750 for cab with both doors, 500 with the one attached (solid w/ glass it seems). I saw it years ago and thought it was junk, but looking up close I think there is a lot there for 500.

Looks to me like mack stretched a U cab (looks like two mack windshields with a small center glass). Pretty unique. Must be pretty roomy.

Maddog. I will try to get a hold of him and see if I can check it out. Busy weekend but I ll let you know if I can get some pictures.

Maddog- that B is in Middletown right off 17. It's a gasser gut behind the cab. I think he sold the doors. He ll negotiate but he's tough. I bought my chain drive from him.

I saw this one too. Look close... A U model with a three man cab ! Never saw one before.... Look again.

It can be a little depressing if you think about it too long or hard. Years back I got a replacement craftsman combination wrench which when I got home saw it said made in Japan. I felt the same way then but it's been OK. A lot of Craftsman stuff is still good, and over the years they've happily exchanged wrenches, sockets, drivers, hammers, hoses, axes, shovels, etc. I just got a replacement for my 30 yr old maul, for the broken hickory handle, they gave me fiberglass. Nothing lasts as long as the memories. Just glad you're teaching the kids to use tools, the next generation will be mechanically helpless. The new trucks are powerful, start right up, and are easy to drive (and steer) - we keep the history alive. Our greatest loss will be the knowledge - how many guys can adjust points, rebuild a carb, starter, or alternator, etc.? R models and B's are one thing, but most of the experts on the chain drives I've met aren't even on line.