rwmindy

Thanks Mark. I appreciate the input. A reality check is never a bad thing because it will either further your convictions or help you avoid a disaster!

Yup. I was resigned to the fact I would have to separate the cab from the chassis prior to any work being done in the garage if I wanted to work from home. I am also thinking about using an offsite facility that gives me lots more room and a 12' & 14' utility door. However, then you have to travel to start work & leave all the tools off site, and does that slowly kill the project when sometimes you only have an hour or two make some incremental progress. All going through my mind... which obviously makes using a restoration shop the logistics winner by a long shot. So, again, thanks for the thoughts. -Rob

Hi Rob. Thanks. All fair advice. The one thing I do know is I never sell my hobbies as "investments" after years of pursuing hobbies. Frankly, my wife is smarter then that. This is purely for the project/challenge, the social aspects, and the desire to see these trucks restored. So, profit motive is not part of my mix (& loss is a normal hobby outcome for me). So that is at least one future disappointment avoided! Funny you ask about the garage because I have been taking some measurements. We have a decent sized garage (26' deep and 41' wide) and I can use about half that space, however, my garage doors are only 8' high... so that is a logistics challenge. I need to be indoors due to weather in Indiana for many steps in this process. I have no neighbors around my driveway so that is not a problem. You are not the first to mention buying a restored truck (or having someone restore the truck) vs. trying to restore a truck is almost always a better outcome if you can afford it. I am letting that sink in... I have a feeling that is a lesson I need to consider given my personality! However, for those capable and patient enough to do work themselves, I also see a great reward in that. I have some inqueries out on a "outsourced" approach as well. I realize the tools and equipment needed to work on these trucks safely will not be cheap. Again, thanks for all the input.

Hi! As I prepare to restore an old Mack (prefer an H model), I wanted to start seeing what equipment / tools I will need to do some of the work myself (tear down, some basic body work (not final paint - but paint prep), mechanicals, wiring, interior, etc.). Frankly, the cost of the garage build out and the cost to outsource pieces of the work is just a cost equation I am not experienced enough to know. So, one side of this would be the tools & equipment necessary to really perform the work with decent productivity. I was looking for opinions on the "critical" garage build items for a restoration project inclusive of tools, equipment, stands, jacks, etc. I realize this could be a longer list so I apologize upfront for being clueless. Frankly, I have never purchased an air powered tool in my life, so I am starting at the "Neanderthal" stage of mechanics knowledge (I might as well admit it upfront incase someone mistakes me for having a clue). Thanks! -Rob p.s. Thanks for all the other help. I have already signed up for ATHS, ATCA, and ordered just about every back issue of magazine I could find related to restoring antique trucks. I also ordered a whole series of books from Amazon about Macks, etc. I plan to get more specific mechanics guides once I get my final model sourced for the starter truck. My few assets are an absolute obsession/focus with new projects, a few bucks I can spare, a wife willing to entertain this project, and hopefully a continued desire to learn something. Beyond that, I am ground zero.