wayne86 Posted March 2 Author Share Posted March 2 T-Mack1 it looks like spring brakes. Some reason it wouldn't let me load pictures when I replied to your message but send me pictures of possible thanks. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-592154 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted March 3 Share Posted March 3 Not sure ,,, I don’t see any maxi pots 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-592174 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post cruiseliner64 Posted March 3 Popular Post Share Posted March 3 They dont look like spring parking brake pots to me.Look like the brake pots on the front axle of our Mack... Paul 1 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-592183 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post wayne86 Posted March 3 Author Popular Post Share Posted March 3 1 hour ago, cruiseliner64 said: They dont look like spring parking brake pots to me.Look like the brake pots on the front axle of our Mack... Paul I have a lot to learn for these old macks I am on 39 but love the way they look and love a challenge especially if I can get it going. 3 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-592192 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post mowerman Posted March 3 Popular Post Share Posted March 3 I was 38 when I got mine …. I’m way older now 2 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-592193 Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne86 Posted March 3 Author Share Posted March 3 2 minutes ago, mowerman said: I was 38 when I got mine …. I’m way older now Awesome 😎 I feel good about it for sure. 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-592195 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted March 3 Share Posted March 3 Hopefully it doesn’t take you that long to start making good progress on it as it took me 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-592199 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post cruiseliner64 Posted March 3 Popular Post Share Posted March 3 8 hours ago, wayne86 said: Awesome 😎 I feel good about it for sure. Hope this makes you feel even better...I was 60 when I got mine and thanks to the guys on this site Iv learned a heck of a lot about Macks....Ask loads of questions and remember the most stupid question is the question you dont ask......because the answer may be the one you needed all along....... Paul 2 1 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-592207 Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjc transport Posted March 3 Share Posted March 3 12 hours ago, mowerman said: I was 38 when I got mine …. I’m way older now way way way older.. 😁 1 1 Quote when you are up to your armpits in alligators, it is hard to remember you only came in to drain the swamp.. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-592219 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post T-Mack1 Posted March 3 Popular Post Share Posted March 3 Attached picture is when we converted to Spring brakes. Left side is new dual chamber spring brakes, right side has the single chamber "service only" chamber. Conversion requires a quick release valve (QRV) and a park brake valve (& knob on dash), plus plumbing work. We used plastic pipe (synflex). Next, the way the forum is setup, you only get so many bytes of upload for free. I spend the $75 to get unlimited upload. Makes showing/helping others easier. It also helps if you are asking for help and want to show a picture. 2 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-592245 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted March 3 Share Posted March 3 There is different ways you could post pictures. I have to send the photos to my email and then split the screen and slide them over otherwise they won’t take sometime. Sometimes early in the morning I could post one and that’s it. It won’t let me do anymore, but T Mack is right you could pay the museum or Barry the website master and you will be allowed to post a lot more. Good luck. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-592264 Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne86 Posted March 4 Author Share Posted March 4 On 3/2/2026 at 9:31 PM, mowerman said: Hopefully it doesn’t take you that long to start making good progress on it as it took me I have been tinkering when the weather permits lol, like to have it completely running and moving by the summer. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-592340 Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne86 Posted March 4 Author Share Posted March 4 On 3/3/2026 at 2:11 PM, T-Mack1 said: Attached picture is when we converted to Spring brakes. Left side is new dual chamber spring brakes, right side has the single chamber "service only" chamber. Conversion requires a quick release valve (QRV) and a park brake valve (& knob on dash), plus plumbing work. We used plastic pipe (synflex). Next, the way the forum is setup, you only get so many bytes of upload for free. I spend the $75 to get unlimited upload. Makes showing/helping others easier. It also helps if you are asking for help and want to show a picture. That does honestly looks good, Mine looks like the one on the right for sure. 1 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-592341 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted March 7 Share Posted March 7 On 3/4/2026 at 12:42 PM, wayne86 said: I have been tinkering when the weather permits lol, like to have it completely running and moving by the summer. Pretty much same here … I’ll be out there pretty much most days for a few hours very soon my area has its share of lousy weather bob 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-592535 Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Mack1 Posted Sunday at 07:52 PM Share Posted Sunday at 07:52 PM Here's a Picture of our compressor "Unloader" (AKA the governor). It is working and has a range, where it turns off the compressor at 120 psig, and restarts it around 85 psig. Note: before starting the truck we sprayed some PB-Blaster in all the ports. 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-593059 Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne86 Posted Sunday at 09:16 PM Author Share Posted Sunday at 09:16 PM 1 hour ago, T-Mack1 said: Here's a Picture of our compressor "Unloader" (AKA the governor). It is working and has a range, where it turns off the compressor at 120 psig, and restarts it around 85 psig. Note: before starting the truck we sprayed some PB-Blaster in all the ports. Thank you for the picture Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-593067 Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne86 Posted Sunday at 09:18 PM Author Share Posted Sunday at 09:18 PM 2 minutes ago, wayne86 said: Thank you for the picture Is there a way you can take a wider picture, as well thank you. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-593068 Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Mack1 Posted Tuesday at 12:46 AM Share Posted Tuesday at 12:46 AM On 3/15/2026 at 5:18 PM, wayne86 said: Is there a way you can take a wider picture, as well thank you. I will when I get back down to the truck. It's at my brother house. But, I'm not so sure it would be much help as it's a Firetruck which means a Gasser engine ENF707C (in 1957 they took less time to warm up and get moving). Yes, it's a Thermodyne but that just means it sort of shares some features that a diesel has. Similar block. The Compressor is in the same spot, but in place of the diesel fuel pump, we have ignition distributors (two since it's a firetruck). Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-593132 Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne86 Posted Tuesday at 08:57 PM Author Share Posted Tuesday at 08:57 PM 20 hours ago, T-Mack1 said: I will when I get back down to the truck. It's at my brother house. But, I'm not so sure it would be much help as it's a Firetruck which means a Gasser engine ENF707C (in 1957 they took less time to warm up and get moving). Yes, it's a Thermodyne but that just means it sort of shares some features that a diesel has. Similar block. The Compressor is in the same spot, but in place of the diesel fuel pump, we have ignition distributors (two since it's a firetruck). I never knew that, but that is pretty cool for as well. I appreciate all your help for sure. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-593180 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freightrain Posted 5 hours ago Share Posted 5 hours ago Great project. I see a hand brake in the cab picture so no spring brakes. It does have front brake reduction control. Unique design and I have never seen one like that. Looks adjustable unlike later design that is preset with a toggle valve on the dash for On and Off. I would bet that is aftermarket and installed by the owner. Air start? Cool. I put that in my truck. I would guess you have the lever control under the seat? They are leaky and not good for long periods. I have a later air control valve design and it holds 100# for 7 months during winter storage. That old steam valve likely barely makes it 24 hrs before draining the tank. The cut and pinched brass lines must be a factory thing? I have a few lines like that on my truck. 1 Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-593294 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Weeks Posted 5 hours ago Share Posted 5 hours ago 100# for 7 months? wow, you've got a tight system, I thought mine was good a 4 months and enough are to start. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-593295 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Freightrain Posted 3 hours ago Popular Post Share Posted 3 hours ago New push button on dash and I rebuilt the air valve in the tank when I installed the system 8-9? years ago. I have the old steam valve but local friend says don't use it. He runs air start on his Freightliner FLD and helped me get mine dialed in. Works great. 3 Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-593300 Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne86 Posted 1 hour ago Author Share Posted 1 hour ago 1 hour ago, Freightrain said: New push button on dash and I rebuilt the air valve in the tank when I installed the system 8-9? years ago. I have the old steam valve but local friend says don't use it. He runs air start on his Freightliner FLD and helped me get mine dialed in. Works great. Yes it has the push valve under the seat with the handle. I love the sound of the air starter that's why I am trying to keep it but I haven't seen or met anyone around my area that knows about the starter or they say they never messed with them. 🤷🏼♂️ Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-593306 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Weeks Posted 1 hour ago Share Posted 1 hour ago Not much to them, if you can fix your air impact gun, you can work on an air starter. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-593309 Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne86 Posted 1 hour ago Author Share Posted 1 hour ago 4 hours ago, Geoff Weeks said: 100# for 7 months? wow, you've got a tight system, I thought mine was good a 4 months and enough are to start. 8 minutes ago, Geoff Weeks said: Not much to them, if you can fix your air impact gun, you can work on an air starter. Yes sir the only issue is I just stripped my bolt that has reverse thread 😵💫. Got to figure that out now Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/76436-55-mack-b61/page/2/#findComment-593310 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.