Rob

Thanks Mike. I tried both ways and was having difficulty unless driving it like a standard nine speed. This trans is a straight T2090 without any suffix on the end. I'll be driving it again tonight and may drag my trailer along for some weight. This truck has taperleaf springs in the rear with an air ride cab and really rides quite well but is so soft it screws with my familiarity. Rob

I never told you about another truck I have; a non Mack with a Detroit. It is a 4200 International with a very good running 350 horse 6V-92T that is hopped up a bit. It runs well with a nine speed behind it. It was used as a lowboy tractor for many years and really is in pretty good shape. I have to get it from my uncle's place as I'm wanting to disect a 64 B61 tractor I have for the prolonging of life for another Mack chassis. This International will be my new "yard horse" although I don't have a lot of yard to horse around in. Uncle Rob

I've only used flux cored wire when using a mig outside. Typically when welding outside I used my tig machine and welding rod with the hi frequency operating. Makes it really easy and 6011 will penetrate and float off impurities well. Mig, or tig welding out of doors is a waste of time to attempt. The shielding gas blows away too easily plus used steel just does not weld as well as new and uncorroded stuff.Rob

Most machines will do a good job if used within their design parameters and the base structure you wish to weld together is properly cleaned/prepped. I have a small Lincoln SP-125 mig welder that was the shop favorite due to size and lightweight. I wouldn't use it on a truck frame as it just is not heavy enough, but for welding a 1/4 panel or other sheet metal repair it is great.Uncle Rob

Each machine is different for certain. Took me a while to learn both of my mig machines idiosyncracies but once familiar I can move from job to job fairly comfortable. I never cared much for the electronics in the newer machines. Very flimsy if you ever get a a look at them and welders live in a hostile environment if there ever was one.Rob

All of the single axle mouting arrangements I've seen have the brake cannisters just outside the differential using long "S" cams for the brakes. Not on the ends like the tandems.Rob

I have a 300 ampere Lincon Tig300/300 and it works very well for a transformer type machine. Really the only one I've owned and taught myself how to use it. It still works but the argon gas flows constantly because of the timer board. I may engineer a replacement board using only the components needed because I have an external cooler for the torch. The board controls the gas solenoid, and coolant pump. The original did not like to push coolant 35 feet so the external one will push 100' if desired.Been thinking about a new Miller "Syncrowave" but for the limited amount of use this machine gets, I can't justify the cost. Inverter technology and square wave output really make it easy nowadays. Rob

I usually like to "tig" this stuff back together but this doesn't show so just went after it with the mig cause it's faster. Damned timer board incinerated itself for the gas afterflow in my tig machine. This I may just buy a new welder as parts are long obsolete for it. Rob

I have everything needed except the parts to change it out, just get close and we'll make it happen.Rob

Couldn't find a serviceable tank so decided to patch to old one. Damned thing had several holes rotted through under the retaining strap. I cut an overlay patch from another scrap tank around the shop. After cutting out the bad areas about 1/2" each side of the normal strap binding area, I welded it together. And Finally, my opinion of rusty old fuel tanks. No leaks as per soap bubble and pressure testing and so far dry this morning under the truck. Rob

Hi Ernie, Cat branded batteries are the same as I mentioned earlier manufactured by East Penn. They are the same as the Deka brand with a different lable on them. They are good batteries. I have some in generator service that are over a dozen years old and still equal and strong. Starting batteries need to be kept charged via a "float" type charger or maintainer for long service life.Rob

Repaired a lot of the Trans Am, and Camaro Z-28 cars in the late 70's through the 1980's. Every kid had to have one. 1978 was the last year for the Pontiac engine before being replaced by an Olds engine. The 78 cars ran very well for what they were. Burnt up a few pairs of those "Wingfoot" tires you have too.......Rob

That would get you laughed at more than admired. Rob

That's funny; I meant to update you folks on that situation. Her insurance agent, (whom I've known for several years) called me the middle of the next week asking what happened. He said she was hysterical about the situation and I was very rude and belligerant towards her denying any fault. Said she felt threatened by me and fearing for her safety departed my shop striking the tree. Believe that shit???? I said "Brian, how long you known me"? He cut me off and said she is erratic in behaviour so I just need you to say if I feel I were at fault or not. I told him "no" I was not at fault and filled him in about the fuel spray, her tailgating, her "railing" on me before saying anything else, and I had the intention of offering a full detail of the car for her inconvienience before she really went off on me. He then told me this new Altima was a replacement for another Altima she wrecked bitching at, and fighting with her ex husband as she ran under the rear of a fuel delivery truck totaling the car. She really got the rates jacked over that one. Anyways long story short is he pushed the claim as it was on her liability. I have a arborist coming to the shop Wednesday morning to evaluate the tree for damage. I may take some compensation for the damage and donate it to a local charity which I support quite heavily. Rob

No but this truck has 1/2 bag of red fuel in the tanks. I need gravel at the shop badly so hopefully next week will work out well..... Yeah, no leaks, no drips, no errors, (so far). I did replace the PTO driveshaft complete as it was beyond worn out, and patched the rt. fuel tank about 2/3rds around due to the bottom coming out of it when removed from the truck. I used a junk tank for the patch as it has the correct "roll" to it and welded in fine. Rob

That's what I was wondering. I've had a few CH series in the shop and the plastic is busted up pretty good in the cabs. The R models suffered also in abusive work but it was usually rust that put them down. I've driven a few CH's and they are and excellent hi way platform for certain. I am partial to the long hood R model Westerns personally and have a couple with the newest being a 1978. Most are being rebuilt, (slowly) but making progress. Thanks, Rob

Hi Ron, at this time I plan to make both the Springfield show, and Macungie. I'm going to drive my 74 RL797 out with a sleeper installed, (hopefully) and after Springfield, leave the truck at a friends house, come home, and return for Macungie. That is the plan anyways. I've already scheduled both time slots off from work. Got some distant family to meet up with while out there. Rob

Hi Glen and welcome to the site. Tell me, given your application did you prefer the R model, or the CH model? Which truck is more serviceable, and which gave better service long term? A lot of folks prefer The R model and I've never asked.Rob

Took the R model out tonight with the new "Remack" 2090 trans installed. Nice difference with a good lo hole that is much better than the original 2100. Good and quiet also. I expect the shifting will loosen up as we get a few miles on cause it is much tighter than what I'm accustomed to. Rob

Thanks David. I have to tow the Jeep with all four rolling, or remove the rear driveshaft due to the full time 4X4 driveline. You cannot use a wheel lift or dolly with these things easily. Been thinking of doing a hinging towbar as the ole Jeep will be pulled behind for a "run around" vehicle at distant shows.I'm not settled on anything yet but the Jeep going out there could haul all the minor necessary spares for the trip back, but dollying my daughter's car back might be an option too. It gets about twice the mileage the Jeep does. Thanks, Rob

Takes a while before the process is finalized. We'll rename at the proper time.Rob

Shit it's been in the 70's all month here........ I wish.Hey I do need to know the height of the pintle hitch on the rear. Might rig up a towbar as still working on options. Rob

Don't think I'd mind playing in the beans with Ann Margaret. Rob

"Momma" has a couple of nice "bags" hangin off the front of her too. Rob

The 215 Buick was very common in those days. Rob