skydawg Posted July 26, 2021 Share Posted July 26, 2021 I`m gonna look at one this week,could use some advice from an expert...what do you look for and/or listen for when you assess a truck you might buy.Any red flags that a newbie wouldn`t catch?I realize a comprehensive answer could fill a book,any and all advice is much appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted July 26, 2021 Share Posted July 26, 2021 sheet metal...all rust free,,thats almost impossible,,most moldings there,,,,,most important,,,,engine runs ,,,no blue smoke and no antifreeze in the oil....descent tires....good luck...bob 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Harbison Posted July 28, 2021 Share Posted July 28, 2021 Pretty hard to answer such a vague question, are you going to look at a restored truck,barn find,work truck,project,??????,different things to look at depending on what you are looking for. Kinda like asking what somethings worth without providing pics 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattb73lt Posted July 29, 2021 Share Posted July 29, 2021 I have to agree with Mike, kind of a vague question. Give some specifics and pictures would be a big help for some honest advice. There’s always some key areas to lot at, but you need a reference point to start with. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skydawg Posted July 29, 2021 Author Share Posted July 29, 2021 I`m planning to look at that`62 B61 in NY state,it`s been discussed here recently in this same forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freightrain Posted July 29, 2021 Share Posted July 29, 2021 This one? https://www.ebay.com/itm/324696151480 Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skydawg Posted July 29, 2021 Author Share Posted July 29, 2021 That`s the one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freightrain Posted July 29, 2021 Share Posted July 29, 2021 Looks decent. Not sure what you are willing to pay for it, but a lot of it is just looking at everything carefully. Motor should have 50+ psi oil cold. They start very easy, so if it cranks a lot there is issues. Minimal blue when cold. Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skydawg Posted July 29, 2021 Author Share Posted July 29, 2021 Thanks.I think rust is my main concern,,,buying a bondo special that look ok for a couple of years,then all hell breaks loose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattb73lt Posted July 29, 2021 Share Posted July 29, 2021 Look at the lower back wall of the cab exterior. They’re prone to rust there. Any seams, rain gutters, door sills, fender edges where the bolt together. Signs and quality of any bodywork. Floor pans, especially the driver’s foot area. Frame for any signs of separation. From the eBay pics it looked pretty good. If all that stuff has been done do it, then it comes to what you’re willing to pay. Bring someone with you that’s at least a little knowledgeable on trucks. Try not to get in over your head or capabilities ( read money and skill level). Good Luck, Matt 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vladislav Posted July 29, 2021 Share Posted July 29, 2021 1 hour ago, skydawg said: ,buying a bondo special that look ok for a couple of years,then all hell breaks loose. That's one of the reasons people order restoration or do the job themself. And also a reason buying a ready vehicle is in the most cases cheaper than to build it. I think the truth is somewhere in the middle and if you're wise enough you'd be Ok. 1 Quote Никогда не бывает слишком много грузовиков! leversole 11.2012 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skydawg Posted July 30, 2021 Author Share Posted July 30, 2021 Is there a Mack sage in the LeRoy area that would care to help inspect this truck?I`d pay you for your time and knowledge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsmackpaul Posted July 30, 2021 Share Posted July 30, 2021 On 7/26/2021 at 2:13 PM, mowerman said: sheet metal...all rust free,,thats almost impossible,,most moldings there,,,,,most important,,,,engine runs ,,,no blue smoke and no antifreeze in the oil....descent tires....good luck...bob Im thinking to check in the order above, motors and drive line are pretty easy to rebuild but the coin gets chewed up really quick on body work and missing bits and pieces, you will be shocked at just how quick you will go thru the dollars, what ever you think it will cost no matter how experienced you are or how many mates you have it pays to remember the words of a old American hot rodder Lil John Buttera "double it and then multiply it by four" Tyres are last on my list, there a dime a dozen these days, they are the cheapest I have ever seen them Good luck and let us know how you make out Paul 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted August 1, 2021 Share Posted August 1, 2021 tires are a fortune here,paul.thats why i brought that up....liquid gold...lol.bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted August 1, 2021 Share Posted August 1, 2021 but i wouldnt pay anywhere near 25Gs for anything with a 180 non turbo.......lol.bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted August 1, 2021 Share Posted August 1, 2021 frankly,,,i wouldnt even concider one....any condition.lol.i used to run one in the 80,s.....cant pull anything with it,unless your on flat ground...bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freightrain Posted August 1, 2021 Share Posted August 1, 2021 Ya, even my 28k lbs was just about all you wanted to go long distance with. It would hold 65 mph for the most part until you got into hills. The 237 really made it bearable. Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted August 1, 2021 Share Posted August 1, 2021 ya,,,,i was down to 6 mph one time,on just a small short grade....thats no fun....bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Jeff M Posted August 3, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted August 3, 2021 "AC is not working." Come on, a B model with no air conditioning? That would count me out. 🙂 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted August 5, 2021 Share Posted August 5, 2021 ok now thats funny shit,,,,,they should have said,cieling fan is out.ok ill go with that...bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post h67st Posted August 8, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted August 8, 2021 On 8/3/2021 at 7:43 AM, Jeff M said: "AC is not working." Come on, a B model with no air conditioning? That would count me out. 🙂 I would think if you're willing to drive a B model, air conditioning would be the least of your worries. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.