LocomotiveBreath 11 Posted July 7, 2012 I finally picked up my '48 Federal that has been hanging out with a bunch of mean ole Bulldogs at Rob's place in Farmington for the last two years. I was under the impression from the previous owner that it had engine problems and wouldn't run, but some fresh gas and a hot battery was all it took to get it going again. YouTube link attached"http://www.youtube.c...vyZiQc-M?rel=0" 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob 1,405 Posted July 7, 2012 Glad you made it home soundly. I knew the engine wasn't stuck as I turned it over by hand, but never tried to start it.It's parking space certainly looks lonely. I'll have to fill it you know.......Rob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LocomotiveBreath 11 Posted July 7, 2012 I remember you saying the engine wasn't stuck and that got me thinking, and me thinking is usually a dangerous thing.I'm sure that old gray cat will appreciate you filling that parking spot with something confortable again. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob 1,405 Posted July 7, 2012 I remember you saying the engine wasn't stuck and that got me thinking, and me thinking is usually a dangerous thing.I'm sure that old gray cat will appreciate you filling that parking spot with something confortable again.He really likes the center of the hood on the RL I started in the shop for a "stand in".Rob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Doug Maney 376 Posted July 7, 2012 Really nice truck! One of my favorite non-Macks for sure and a tandem to boot! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Olivetroad 337 Posted July 7, 2012 Great truck! I really like those old tandems - that driver was riding high when he took it on it's first run.Do you know any history on it? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
umodelnut 1,393 Posted July 7, 2012 Nice, are you going to restore it? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BOB DINGSDALE 181 Posted July 7, 2012 Hey thats a neat old girl.Not many of them left.Seen a couple T/A log trucks in Wash and Ore like that but with longer wheel base.Nice project Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LocomotiveBreath 11 Posted July 8, 2012 I probably won't attempt a full on restoration. It's been modified quite a bit over the years. I'm debating on whether or not to keep the tandems. They are not original to the truck. I'm not even sure which model of Timken worm drive axles it actually has. They seem to be in pretty good shape though, don't have a bunch of slack in them or anything. I know the tires diameters have to be closely matched if I keep them. Do any of you guys recognize them?If I keep the tandems, I'm going to replace the front axle with one that uses Budd wheels. I have one laying around that I think will work fine. However, if I were to find a similar vintage 6 spoke (Dayton Style) single rear axle with hydraulic brakes and a decent gear ratio I'd probably go that route. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
umodelnut 1,393 Posted July 8, 2012 I probably won't attempt a full on restoration. It's been modified quite a bit over the years. I'm debating on whether or not to keep the tandems. They are not original to the truck. I'm not even sure which model of Timken worm drive axles it actually has. They seem to be in pretty good shape though, don't have a bunch of slack in them or anything. I know the tires diameters have to be closely matched if I keep them. Do any of you guys recognize them?If I keep the tandems, I'm going to replace the front axle with one that uses Budd wheels. I have one laying around that I think will work fine. However, if I were to find a similar vintage 6 spoke (Dayton Style) single rear axle with hydraulic brakes and a decent gear ratio I'd probably go that route.Whoa. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vladislav 2,422 Posted July 11, 2012 Awesome truck !Tandem looks good.Maybe the truck looks strange with spokes in front / Budd's in rear.Seeing the picture I'm for spokes.The wheel base is relatively shot so single axle would be also good.Although I like tandems.Best wishes to keep her moving !Vlad Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BOB DINGSDALE 181 Posted July 12, 2012 what size and make does it have for engine.Herc,Contiental,Lycoming,Hall- Scott? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LocomotiveBreath 11 Posted July 14, 2012 I like the look of the tandems too. I'll probably swap the front axle over to Budd wheels for now as don't like the mis-matched wheel types.I think it originally had a OHV 371 cubic inch Continental, but that's long gone. A previous owner installed a Buick Nailhead in it connected to a 4 speed, which is then coupled to the original 5 speed. I'll probably keep it Nailhead powered for now as it actually runs pretty good. Whoever did the swap actually had some decent fabrication skills.I have a 1091 cubic inch Hall-Scott 400 sitting in the shop floor should I become bored with the Nailhead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JTFormula 729 Posted July 15, 2012 401 or 425 nailhead? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LocomotiveBreath 11 Posted July 16, 2012 322 Nailhead, but there is also a 401 looking for a good home in the corner of my shop. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JTFormula 729 Posted July 18, 2012 Had a Buick Riviera in the shop with a 425. That thing ran strong. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob 1,405 Posted July 18, 2012 I had a 401 in a 63 LeSabre, and a 425 in a 64 Wildcat and they were both very good engines. I ran around with a guy that had a 70 Riviera w/a 430 and that thing would stomp on big block Chevy's all day.Rob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
