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vanscottbuilders

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Blog Entries posted by vanscottbuilders

  1. vanscottbuilders
    So - we are into September. Summer's pretty much over and the leaves are changing.
    We are making nice progress on the B-67 project. Fabricating mounts for the air tanks
    and air valves. Installing the radiator and all associated pieces. Got the shutters working
    nicely. The cab is coming along real good. It's in the body shop paint booth now (finally).
    We hope to have the cab back on the frame within the next few days.
    With the radiator installed, we should be ready to fire the old girl up for the first time in
    a long time.
    I broke down and bought myself a little project this week. Found a decent 1953 Chevrolet 1/2 ton
    pickup just around the corner from my house. Been looking at it for a while, and it finally wore me down.
    It's a rod project - no engine, been outside for a long time, getting pretty rusty in the floors etc., etc.
    The old truck needed a new friend, and it adopted me. It should be quite happy inside a warm garage after sitting in the weeds for a long time.
    The overall cab is good, the doors are good, tailgate and box are pretty nice. All cab glass is good, including the curved corner windows. The dash and instruments are nice. Both bumpers and the grille are OK. SO, there's enough there to start with.
    The intention is to make this our shop truck and parts hauler. With a new independent suspension front end, a little small block and automatic transmission, decent brakes and a completely stock body, it should fill the bill nicely, with the logo on the doors.
    "The Fishers Truck Company, Inc." is finally an official entity. We are looking into perhaps selling a line of truck APU's for auxiliary bunk heating, cooling and electric power during rest periods to reduce engine idling time.
    I think we are talking with the best of the APU companies right now. Along with that, we have talked to some manufacturers about selling weight scales for individual axles. And we are looking for any new ideas to help defray the cost of our antique truck addiction.
    And we are finishing up the process of becoming a New York State retail vehicle dealer, which will allow us to buy and sell heavy trucks and trailers. It's an exciting time for our little truck business.
  2. vanscottbuilders
    Hard to imagine how fast summer slips away.
    All of a sudden, the days are shorter and cooler,
    and the nights are still dark.
    Anyway, I got a new clutch, rebuilt pressure plate
    and had the flywheel cut this week. Got new throw-out
    and pilot bearings too. Time to join the transmission and engine together.
    This old 711 should look and run with the best of them I think.
    All new Aeroquip hoses and ends. New gaskets and seals done.
    Everything cleaned and painted and ready for re-installation in the frame.
    Got new tires and wheels too. Should be rolling around in my new go-kart
    in no time!
    We went down to the annual Steam Pageant and old Caterpillar equipment
    show yesterday. I haven't been to that show in more than twenty years.
    It is absolutely fantastic!! I had no idea that it had grown like it has.
    First of all - it's huge. Acre after acre of old steam, kerosene, gasoline and diesel
    tractors, construction equipment and early farm equipment.
    Literally, hundreds and hundreds of pieces.
    Second - the rarity of some of the equipment is amazing. Stuff you've never seen
    before, or even knew existed. There was a Rumley self-propelled plow. Three bottom,
    about twenty five feet long, engine and steel drive wheel in front, controls at the back and the
    plow offset for use in the field. It was built in 1912, if I remember right. Pretty cool.
    Third - the stuff all runs, all day long. They do work with the steam engines and the Oil Pulls,
    they have tractor pulls for the different antique tractors. The construction equipment is all
    running and moving dirt.
    It's really nice to see kids about six or eight years old driving the huge old steam traction engines
    with their grandfathers walking alongside or behind just keeping an eye on the boys.
    Those kids are hooked for life now!
    Fourth - the flea market is so big, you can't possibly see it all in one day. Lots of fleas.
    This is a great event. It would be a great event to couple up with a truck show.
    It looked like there was room enough. And some of the haulers were pretty nice.
    There was a long nose single axle "A" series Autocar updated with an 855 Cummins
    and a ten speed that had moved a D-7 tractor for it's owner from New Jersey.
    It was a real beauty. And there was a nice high mount cab Brockway moving tractors.
    Last, but not least - I knew Other Dog was slow. I never said anything to anybody.
    But now the plants are growing right over his truck from going so slow.
    Someone should really help him out. It may be time for a walker.
    He had a good title for a blog, though!
  3. vanscottbuilders
    Moving right along, and spending right along too!!
    Anyway - Got the 711 engine out of the old R-600,
    and did the transfer of those "few" items that need changing
    to fit in the short hood of the B-67. Basically, everything on
    the outside of the engine except the exhaust manifold and
    the rear section of the air intake has to change.
    The engine was steam cleaned and degreased. It got two good
    coats of hi-temp enamel tonite, and looks great! I took off all
    of the aluminum water manifold and air intake pieces so I could
    polish them up.
    Bought all new Aeroquip engine hoses and re-useable ends.
    They don't give that stuff away!!
    Also got new upper and lower engine gasket sets, crank seals,
    clutch disc, throw-out bearing and pilot bearing on the way.
    Expensive week for the old wallet.
    I'm having the flywheel resurfaced, and will see if anyone will tackle re-
    surfacing the pressure plate. It looks pretty good, and I'll use it as is,
    if they aren't re-surfaceable.
    Time to get the radiator checked out and get the transmission covers off
    to see if everything's happy inside it.
    Moving right along >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
  4. vanscottbuilders
    Moving along on my B-67 project. Ready for new wheels and tires, and then it will roll again -
    for the first time in about three years!
    Nobody ever said I was fast.
    Anyway, I'm real happy with the way the frame and running gear are coming together.
    And I'm very appreciative of my uncle, Jimmy's, work to keep the project moving forward.
    The cab also is coming along really well. Although I'm not doing that part of the work at all.
    The body man is doing a great job and is priming this weekend, after a month of more welding
    and dent pounding. That was after I thought it was ready to paint!! It really looks nice.
    I am disassembling the green R-600 for the donor engine. Being real careful with the dismantling
    so as many parts as possible are salvaged for future use. This was the truck with the double frame
    rails that had pretty bad rust jacking and rail separation. It still breaks my heart to take it apart.
    The old girl did everything an old truck should do, and did it all very well. The rust got the cab and frame.
    But, I will have a perfect R model hood, all interior parts for the early series, wheels, tires and axles,
    radiator and perfect shutters, doors, latches and all operating window hardware, headliner, instruments,
    dash panels, glove box door and anything else except the old frame available for anyone who might
    need early R-600 parts.
    Looking forward to taking delivery of two long wheelbase Macks for a near future project I've got in mind.
    One is a B-73, the other is a B-75. I'm planning a B-73 with Cummins power for myself. The B-73 has the
    original 220 Cummins in it, and we'll wait and see if that will work or if more power is needed. The B-75 has
    the straight frame rails that will allow a fairly easy rear air ride conversion.
    This project won't start until the B-67 is delivered, but I'm gathering ideas now.
    The learning curve of the B-67 total restoration has been fantastic. Now I would like to kick it up a notch,
    and use what I have learned to get through a project with fewer distractions and fewer "wrong turns".
    Still thinking of a complete disassembly, total restoration and updating. But with a much better upfront plan
    and a better understanding of what is needed as far as parts, pieces and costs are concerned.
    Kevin All had a beauty of a B-73 or B-75 a few years back. Black with red frame I think. That's kind of
    what I'm thinking of. Something that can pull any of our trailers, anytime and dependably.
    New company slogan: "OLD, SLOW TRUCKS..... SLOWER, OLDER DRIVERS"
  5. vanscottbuilders

    Dmm-800

    By vanscottbuilders,

    I just "inherited" a truck that I know absolutely nothing about.
    Somehow, I wish that was unusual, but it's not. I've never even seen it.
    As a compensation for a Mack engine that I bought from a local company that had a cracked block
    which was unknown to me or the former owner, I have been given a Mack DMM-800, less the rear ends.
    The truck has a brand new Mack certified 350 hp engine and an Allison ---750 transmission and a retarder
    (once again - I don't know anything about it).
    So - now with Jimmy retired - he's thinking that this might be a good candidate for his "retirement heavy tractor".
    Doesn't everybody need one of these? And don't you like how he just assumed ownership.
    We have a customer that he has moved buildings for, for thirty years. They have several DM-800's with the rear-ends intact. Those trucks are pretty much shot, but the rears are alright - sooo....
    The building movers are in a little bind with Jimmy threatening to quit for good - can you smell the wheels of creation turning?
    Stay tuned.............
  6. vanscottbuilders
    Well, Huntsville is over, and I'm low on excuses for not working.
    Jimmy has the B-67 frame coming along nicely, and the air suspension is fitted
    and ready for me to pre-paint before final assembly. The clutch linkage is all rebuilt and
    re-bushed and new bearings installed. (Like the rest of the truck - it's way overbuilt and
    almost indestructable, if cared for properly. But, you do have to take care of it!)
    The body work is progressing nicely. A lot more welding and straightening than I thought,
    but still coming along really well.
    Got a nice idea for an A/C condenser mounting from a really nice B-53 in Huntsville.
    And learned a new trick involving heat resistant expanding foam insulation for the cab.
    If all goes fairly well, we should be putting the cab back on the frame in early July.
    I'm sandblasting and painting a lot of parts this week. (The steering box, column and linkage,
    the clutch linkage pieces, radiator frame and support etc., etc.)
    And taking the 711 engine out of the old R-600 as the donor. It will get cleaned up and painted,
    then it gets new hoses, filters etc. for service in the B-67.
    Moving along good.
    Indidentally - I do have a lot of early R model parts that I would sell, if someone needed.
    All of the hardware, instruments, glass, doors, seats, duplex TRD-72 transmission, rear-end and
    front axle, etc. This was a very complete and good running truck.
    The cab and the double frame are pretty badly rusted, but if someone needed, they are available too.
  7. vanscottbuilders
    B-67 Periodic Update:
    This week I got the rear end disassembled (for the 2nd time) to fix
    a nagging little leak between the carrier and the axle housing.
    Next time I'll know better than to try and skip this step. There was no other
    need to take the carrier out, so I didn't the first time around.
    And I didn't know it leaked. Oh well.
    And at the same time, I got to do a super cleaning out of the axle housing.
    I'm really happy with the apparent condition of the rear end in general.
    The gears are all perfect - no wear marks, no high spots, nothing! Just
    shiny clean patterns with no sharp teeth. Looks like it always was cared for pretty well.
    Got the rear end reassembled, and the front end completely reassembled and got
    the frame flipped over to right side up. (That's easier said than done)
    Putting together the clutch linkage now. That took a fair amount of machining and
    fabrication. It was really all botched up. Works good now, though.
    Gathered up all of the necessary hardware, bolts, brackets and assembly stuff to
    start the air system plumbing this week.
    It feels good to be moving along.
    I'll get some new pictures on my gallery ASAP.
    Bought my tickets to Huntsville this week.
    The building business is actually doing quite well, at the moment.
    We've got a lot of ground to make up, but at least we are actually making some up, finally!
    Still I can't help but wonder about the long range economic picture. Automakers and other
    large industries going BK, car dealers forced to close, big and little farmers going out,
    continued heavy borrowing and increased government spending just don't paint a real nice rosy picture.
  8. vanscottbuilders
    The cab, fenders, doors and sheet metal are being delivered
    to the paint shop this week. Decided to send that out to a very
    professional shop. My own brush and roller techniques are highly
    guarded secrets, and since the truck is going to a new home,
    I didn't want to let any secret information out.
    Meanwhile the frame and running gear are ready for final painting.
    I'm thinking I'll do that myself. Everything's been sandblasted
    and epoxy primed some time ago. Painting it all "Chassis Black"
    shouldn't be too bad. Even for me.
    I bought all of the air valves and lines, air dryer, fittings and air tanks
    this week. Lots of boxes. Lots and lots of boxes. All new stuff.
    Not a bad buy, though. Fleet-Pride ended up being the best value,
    even beating the cheap Internet vendors. And, no waiting. Everything was
    in stock.
  9. vanscottbuilders

    Better Days

    By vanscottbuilders,

    So - Spring is upon us and it feels really good.
    Although I did stand on top of a six foot pile of old snow in
    Star Lake last week to photograph the roof of a building!
    Probably the last one of those for a while.
    Without counting any unhatched chickens - our building business is looking better by the day.
    We have done what we had to do to cut the expenses and get the ovehead down.
    And we have gotten very aggressive with finding new work, and leasing our unused properties
    to get some cash flowing.
    Interesting unexpected twist unfolding right now....
    A friend of mine called a couple of months ago inquiring for a friend of his, about buying an old Mack.
    (gotta love these "friend of a friend of a friend" stories)
    The buyer lives in Florida. I told him to look around Florida.
    There are several pretty nice B models that I know of in Florida. So I sent them searching.
    The story goes quiet for a couple of months.
    Anyway, my friend called last week to ask about buying my B-67 project as a completed truck.
    Now, I'm not usually speechless. But I was close there for a minute.
    Seems his Florida buddy wants a finished truck. (Smart Fella) And, he thinks he wants mine.
    Supposedly flying here on Sunday. We'll see..... could be a whole new venture.
    Ah the webs we weave.
  10. vanscottbuilders
    Taught myself some new swear words trying to disassemble and reassemble my B-67 tie rod ends.
    They are the adjustable and rebuildable type. But getting the nut out from inside the tube on each one
    after fifty years is a lot easier said than done!
    Used a four foot pipe on a long breaker bar with a 3/4 drive straight head socket and still had a lot of trouble.
    About a quart of penetrating oil and two cans of WD-40 later, I finally had them apart. But I had broken the
    socket in the process.
    I gathered all brand new replacement parts from Beam Mack and a friend of mine who had NOS rebuild kits.
    Now having a tool custom for the job after breaking another socket trying to reassemble the ends.
    The rest of the front axle has come together pretty nicely.
    New bearings, special sleeved seals, new kingpins, a little remedial machine work, and it's all reassembled.
    (Except for the g---***--ed tie rod!!) I'm actually excited about driving it. Should be pretty nice.
    Although the B model trucks were the first heavy duty trucks I drove, by the time I was driving them it was early
    in the 70's, the trucks were all pretty much used up. Most of them were in pretty rough shape, so I never drove a good one.
    Some advice for anyone wanting to rebuild those old adjustable tie-rod ends: Don't bother. Just change to the new replaceable
    style unit. You will be much happier in the long run.
  11. vanscottbuilders
    Been a little quiet in the truck shop recently.
    But, for a good reason - I've been pretty busy
    putting together new work projects for our building business.
    It sure does feel a whole lot better now than it did six weeks ago.
    Anyway, I'm still working on my B-67 front axle.
    Gathering up the original B Mack parts is getting harder
    every day. But I've had pretty good success, and a lot of
    good help with finding the pieces I need.
    It will have new king pins and bushings, tie-rod end kits, new bearings,
    new sleeved-seals, new bushings in the brake shoes and everything else
    polished and checked over really well.
    The brake linings appear close to new, and the drums are in excellent
    shape as well. The little compression springs that hold the shoes away
    from the backing plates had to be made and the shoe mounting pins needed
    some attention. The hubs have a little wear from spinning bearing races,
    but nothing that couldn't be fixed.
    With the new kingpins, and all of the rest of the work - I'm hoping that I get a
    really nice steering front end.
    We found springs and diaphragms for the original brake cans and the brake operating
    shaft bushings are in great shape, as well as both adjusters. The drag link is excellent,
    and the tie rod looks like new.
    If you work on one of these projects long enough - it's funny what gets you excited.
    On to Spring.
    Kathy and I are leaving this week for a little sailing trip, and will be back in about three weeks.
    Spring should be in full progress when we return.
    I'm leaving it up to Other Dog Tom to see that this happens.
    Someone needs to check on him though.
  12. vanscottbuilders
    So - It's the end of February. Mud season has issued a warning to us that it's not too far away.
    The snow comes overnite and melts to mud during the day.
    But it feels good. The sun looks different and the light is better somehow.
    Spring is close. It's lighter earlier and later in the day. Everybody just plain feels better.
    And our building business has gotten a couple of shots in the arm. Work looks OK for the spring.
    Still a long way to go to get out of the woods, but I'm pretty optimistic after a really bad spell.
    The Mack hobby has almost taken on a life of it's own. I'm getting numerous calls for parts,
    and have sold a couple of trucks just recently. It's been great fun.
    The driveline choices have been made for the B-67. I'm using an NA-711 from my 1966 R Mack,
    which has 198,000 original miles and runs like a top, and a nine speed overdrive duplex TRD-720
    with the original 4.28 rear gears on tall 22.5 rubber. It should be a pretty good combination for a
    comfortable 65 mph cruise speed at about 1800 rpm, yet have a little low end power for pulling a load.
    My 2nd choice is a turbocharged ENDT 673-C engine that I have acquired. But I don't know much about
    that engine yet.
    I'm not going to install the Jake brake or the air ride rear cross member until I see how I actually use the truck.
    Looking for all of the Bendix air valves and equipment needed to plumb a modern dual brake system in the truck.
    Finding some things used on E-Bay, and getting quotes on a whole list of valves that I have made up from a couple
    of vendors. (The Bendix Air Brake Manual is invaluable, if you have the copy that has the part numbers in it)
    The prices look more reasonable than I originally thought. That's nice for a change.
    So on that note - I'm signing off to go up to bed and contemplate just exactly how we, the 60% of us who actually pay taxes,
    are going to increase our government spending to new lofty heights, extend health and welfare benefits to illegal immigrants,
    lengthen the term for unemployment benefits, increase the unemployment benefits, offer unemployment to part time workers,
    reduce your taxes, give you some great stimulating checks, pay your mortgage for you if you want and reduce the federal deficit
    even though the budget actually increases the deficit by threefold.
    I've never been real good at math, so I will have to think this through very carefully! It must be the latest, cutting edge math.
    It looks a little like magic to me. Or voodoo.
    I've said before that I believe that, although Mr. Obama was not my choice, he is our President, and deserves our full support and respect.
    I hope that he and his administration don't make that too hard.
  13. vanscottbuilders

    Mid-winter

    By vanscottbuilders,

    Not much to report in on.
    I've been tracking down all of the little parts for my B-67
    front brakes and tie-rod ends.
    Think I have everything except the little brake shoe retainer
    springs. Going to have to find a spring vendor and match them up.
    I did find an old fashioned clutch and brake shoe re-lining business
    in Rochester. And they think they have a Mack 673 clutch, pressure
    plate, flywheel, throw-out and pilot bearing assembly all re-lined,
    resurfaced and ready to install stored upstairs in their shop.
    So - I've definitely got that on the radar.
    This is the time of year when everything just seems to drag along.
    And with a slow world economy, a slow business environment, a
    wet, gray weather pattern and just plain old grumpiness - it's
    really dragging along more than usual.
    On a brighter note - the sun came out last Friday, and the telephone
    started to ring for the first time since Thanksgiving.
    I now have two new appointments this week to discuss new houses with people.
    All from one day of sun!
    Do you think we maybe don't actually get enough sunshine?
    I've been smiling about that all week.
  14. vanscottbuilders
    Took a little ride to Central Ohio last Thursday
    for purposes of picking up my Uncle Jimmy's
    new Kenworth W-900-A.
    It's a very well maintained 1980 model with
    a Caterpillar 3408 and 6+4 transmissions.
    It has a custom built air to air intercooler fit
    for a little added oomph.
    Pretty smooth ride. Kind of like the big truck
    equivalent of a Harley Davidson Electra-Glide.
    Nice Toy! Just sort of oozes down the road.
    And he looks just right sitting up there too -
    Big guy with bright white long hair and sunglasses.
    We talked by phone on the way home - he says with
    the cruise set at 65, the engine's just turning 1600 rpm.
    Probably as economical as one could expect a big motor to be.
  15. vanscottbuilders

    Missing Dog

    By vanscottbuilders,

    So - people are starting to talk, and it
    isn't all good.
    They want to know why, at the time of the
    new President's inauguration, did Other Dog
    go missing?
    Speculation is rampant.
    Are they body doubles? Is he Secret Service?
    Or, have they finally caught him and locked him up?
    Did he hurt himself working with that hammer?
    What's Up?
    Does anybody know?
  16. vanscottbuilders
    The new kingpins are finally installed and
    the bushings reamed to size on the B-67.
    It's the 1st time I've ever actually seen it done.
    And, I think we got a really good result.
    A long-time friend of mine has a tremendous
    amount of experience with heavy front axles,
    and he sure did make it look easy.
    I replaced all four of the bearings and races (cones),
    after finding that three of the four had problems.
    The backing plates and brake shoes are all painted and
    ready to be remounted, and I have most of the parts new.
    The tie rod ends are apart, and I have gotten the pressure
    springs from Mack. They were both broken.
    The socket pieces look perfect.
    Got two new return springs for the original, small front brake cans.
    They look better to me than the new style larger cans.
    I'm using the original dash mounted front brake limiter switch.
    It's good to be making progress.
    On another note - the building business is showing a tiny bit
    of optimism. Not too much, mind you, but a little at least.
    We now have six to eight weeks of work in front of us.
    Nothing of substance, but enough to get us to Spring.
    I should be able to put together a couple of deals between now
    and then to keep the wolves from the door.
    So, we're feeling better.
  17. vanscottbuilders

    Gold Parts

    By vanscottbuilders,

    So, I finally got my kingpins and all the front axle bits and pieces for rebuilding.
    Took a couple of weeks before the local Mack dealer was able to locate what
    I needed.
    After seeing the bill, I understand.
    Gold kingpins and platinum bearings are very hard to find.
    Wow!!
    The front axle parts were almost as much as I paid for the entire truck.
    And about double the cost of the parts for the rear axle, which was rebuilt from
    hub to hub.
    If I ever sell this B-67, it will be without the front axle. I'll be keeping this one
    to use under any old Macks that I own in the future.
    On another note - I am going to parts out my 1966 R-600. There has been no interest
    in the truck in one piece, and all of the components are in excellent condition. (The front
    axle even has new kingpins, bushings and bearings as well as new brakes - go figure!)
    If anyone wants the engine and transmission, drive shaft and rear-end as a unit, I would
    be glad to talk to you. If not, it will power our H-63. We know it is in perfect operating order,
    and the engine even has the original lead seals on the fuel pump. I can either leave the unit together
    for someone to run and drive, or I can put the engine on my test stand for someone to run before
    purchase.
    The hood is perfect, just needs paint. No cracks or stress marks anywhere. Hinges are excellent.
    The radiator is perfect. Glass is very good. All of the hardware, badges and trims are excellent.
    Rob started a vicious rumor that the bulldog was missing - he's right. I've got the base and a good
    replacement, if someone wanted.
    It's got new 22" re-caps on the drives, and excellent virgin rubber on the steer axle.
    Doors are in great operating order, with all hardware. The doors are a little rusty around the bottoms
    but very repairable, if someone wanted. Fifth wheel is in good operating condition.
    James has already expressed an interest in the instrument panel, so that's on hold. Otherwise, the
    rest of the truck is available at very reasonable prices.
    I'll cut up and scrap the remainder.
  18. vanscottbuilders

    New Year 2009

    By vanscottbuilders,

    So I'm sitting here thinking about what I can do to make 2009 a
    better that 2008 was.
    And I'm thinking of what the government and the new administration
    could do, realistically, to make the new year better than the old one.
    Can President Barack manage the "national attitude" and create some
    optimistic thinking in Americans? If so, then I think we can start to solve
    our own problems. We really don't want the government involved in fixing
    the problems anyway. When was the last time you saw the government, in
    any situation, do something that was efficient, effective and/or economical?
    Doesn't happen.
    Indeed, I just read that the government bean-counters have already lost control
    and lost accountability of the $700 billion dollars that the banking industry got!
    That didn't take long.
    I believe that we, as Americans, are the only ones who can solve our problems.
    Hopefully we can do that before the problems take over, and we are forced into
    very compromised lifestyles.
    We seem to be deaf, dumb and mute when it comes to controlling our own government.
    And just that issue has led to a series of unprecedented blunders by that government.
    We are not providing any oversight to our elected representatives. They just have free reign,
    as long as we let them. We sit back. Fat, Dumb and Happy.
    Our international position has plummeted, both socially and economically; we are fighting
    wars that we shouldn't be in; and the cost of government has skyrocketed as more and more
    "handouts" are made available to those in need (or not).
    More and more of our core industries, utilities and real estate are being bought by foreign interests,
    as we send more and more jobs away to cheaper producers. We are borrowing money from those
    countries that are now doing our jobs for us.
    And still our demands for energy and consumer goods keep spiraling upward.
    Seems like a one-way street to me.
    I think it's time for some really old-fashioned reasonable thinking.
    Simple things like "You can't spend more than you have, or more than you make" at any level,
    and you have to pay the debts, as quickly as possible.
    Stop trying to force our form of democracy on the world. It obviously doesn't work when we do.
    I think the quiet, tough kid on the block always gets the most respect. Be the quiet, tough kid, and mind your own business.
    When we can't hire a person because they make more on welfare than when they work, even though they are healthy
    and strong, something is wrong with that. Why can't there be a sliding scale for the amount of assistance you receive,
    based on the wage you make? If you could get more total income while working and collecting a fraction of the
    government's assistance, then why wouldn't you work? The government cost of welfare goes down, the people work,
    and can develop self-respect, and that puts the lower paying jobs back here in this country, where they belong.
    All good thoughts, and best wishes to everyone for a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
    Paul Van Scott
  19. vanscottbuilders

    Quality Built

    By vanscottbuilders,

    I had some time this week to completely disassemble the front axle of my B-67.
    It's actually fun to take this truck apart.
    Everything just cracks loose with a wrench, then unscrews by hand!
    It looks terrible. All rusted up and nasty looking.
    But you just snap it loose and twist off the nut. That simple.
    I am really interested in the simplicity of the design and
    the quality of the machining and the castings. But what really
    has me impressed is the assembly. Everything is fine machine threads,
    and tapered where necessary to draw tight, and hold tight forever.
    Even the frame bolts with exactly the right length of threads,
    and just the right amount of thread on each bolt to get exactly a full nut of coverage.
    Really nice stuff. And probably not duplicated anywhere today, even in the high tech stuff.
    And these were "just trucks". No wonder they work forever with proper care.
    On another note -
    I took my older (1966) R-600 out for a ride down the road today.
    No plates - so I took it nice and easy. This truck really runs like a
    sewing machine. Pretty neat old unit.
    Every light works, the heater and defroster work, door latches work great,
    windows work great. No smoke, no bad smells or noises.
    Stops good and drives straight.
    The tires are square!! Really square!! But even they smoothed up after a bit.
    Pretty lumpy there for a while though. (Old bias ply, heavy duty rubber)
    I'm ready to sell this one, and just wanted to be sure everything was OK.
    Great Fun!
  20. vanscottbuilders
    Learning all about kingpins and front axles this week.
    Took my B-67 front axle apart to see what I need.
    Going to put in new kingpins, bushings, tie rod ends,
    bearings and seals. But - the good news is that I don't
    need to put on new brake linings. The old ones look new.
    They should be - it's obvious that the front brakes haven't
    worked in a long time. The shoes are rusted on the pins solid,
    and neither brake can was working.
    Our W-900A is sold. It's going back to the person we got it from,
    albeit in good running condition. We got what we needed out of it,
    and everybody is happy.
    That's how it should be the week before Christmas.
    And Jimmy bought himself a new toy for Christmas ---
    He's a big fat guy and looks like Santa Claus anyway.
    He found a really nicely restored W-900A (See a pattern here?)
    with a Cat 3408 and an 18 speed overdrive transmission.
    So he's like a little kid who just can't wait any longer for the gift.
    As for the building business -
    We have landed two contracts that will keep cash flowing for now.
    So the huge scare is reduced to a more manageable level.
    Something will need to happen, and soon.
    But I think we can be rational about looking at all of our options.
    Best wishes to everyone here for a safe and happy Holiday season!!
  21. vanscottbuilders

    New Day

    By vanscottbuilders,

    I realized today that I haven't posted in a while.
    Not much to report.
    Good progress on my B-67 frame. The rebuilt rear axle is
    mounted and lined up, with the new springs and maxi cans.
    The front axle is mounted and lined up, but still needs rebuilding,
    to include king pins, bearings, tie rod ends and seals.
    The clutch linkage is this week's job. New bushings thru the frame
    are probably going to have to be made. Mack doesn't have any, and
    the original shaft is pretty worn. So I thought I could true up the shaft,
    then have bushings machined to fit exactly.
    Not much money to spend on the cab right now, so work on the frame will continue,
    and the cab will have to wait for the building business to get back in gear, or some other
    source of funds becomes viable.
    Interesting times.
    I run a small 60 year old family owned building business with an outstanding reputation.
    We have never been out of work - until now. My pride has kept us afloat at times like these
    in the past, when a smart person would have filed for bankruptcy and just closed up.
    This time, however, pride isn't going to cut it, and we are in deep trouble.
    By mortgaging our homes, I think my brother and I can satisfy all of the debt,
    but we will probably have to close the doors. And that just plain sucks.
    And it means I'm in the job market for the first time in thirty years. Scary stuff.
    I have never collected unemployment or assistance of any kind, and do not intend to start.
    I am working on a bunch of ideas, and have a number of offers. Some better than others.
    Funny how fast things change.
    One of the ideas that has really just become an option is the buying and selling of used equipment
    and old trucks from our shop. I would really hate to lose the shop, and am ready to do anything
    necessary to make it pay for itself.
    I am ready to sell all of my Mack stuff, trucks and parts, except my B-67. I've got some pretty rare parts including
    diesel engines, transmissions, B model power steering unit, new engine brake kit for the 6 cylinder diesels, and a bunch
    of miscellaneous pieces.
    And we have a Caterpillar 3412 with a big generator that can go, along with a KW W900-A with a big Cummins
    KTA-525 in excellent running condition. Also have a Walters Sno-Fighter with about 32,000 original miles
    and a very rare supercharged Cummins Iron Lung diesel in it, and a big Michigan loader with a 318 Detroit,
    and some old tractors including an Oliver HG-42 in beautiful original condition.
    Lots of good stuff.
    I'll put the inventory together and post it ASAP.
    Kind of a sad time in a way - but looking ahead to something new and different.
  22. vanscottbuilders
    Just wanted to wish everyone here a Happy Thanksgiving.
    Thanksgiving is one of the "feel good" holidays.
    Our economy might be poor, and our concerns growing every day,
    but right now we don't have to think about any of it.
    Just eat, be thankful and be happy.
    And - it is turkey season - so Tom, you better lay low for a couple of days.
  23. vanscottbuilders
    Spent today taking apart my wood pallet racking.
    Some ideas just don't work out. This was one of them.
    Got some used heavy duty steel pallet racking, and plan
    to spend tomorrow putting it together and getting it loaded up.
    Other than my failed attempt at building the racks,
    I am really happy with the way this shop is coming together.
    Once all of the pallets are up off of the floor, there will be plenty
    of room to work on two or three trucks at once, without getting
    in each other's way. And room to store a couple more, with
    room in one bay for a tractor & trailer combination, for trailer
    service, or for crane unloading of a trailer.
    It's been snowing here off and on for a week or so. Cold too.
    Just a reminder of what's coming in the next few weeks.
    For what it's worth - I actually hope that we can have a nice
    cold and snowy winter. Sure beats that icy, slushy, rainy crap.
    And a white Christmas really sets the Holiday tone.
    Plugging away on the B-67 frame and running gear.
    Looks pretty good. About ready to final paint the frame.
    Then we can start the plumbing and wiring.
    This has been a fairly expensive project - I may have to
    apply for a federal bail-out. I'm sending for the forms ASAP.
    Hope everybody has a good week.
  24. vanscottbuilders
    Those of you who have seen the pictures of my 1966 R-600
    know that the rocker panels and the rear cab corners are shot.
    Not too unusual with this cab style. The rest of the truck is pretty nice.
    I have brand new inner and outer rocker panels from Mack by way
    of Kevin All for the truck. But the cab corners have eluded me. And
    all of the parts trucks I have looked at have a little ridge in the cab corner that
    is not in the early trucks.
    So I needed a fix. And - low and behold, two fixes fell in my lap.
    I found a parts man at our local dealer who was willing to actually spend
    some time with the old books and microfiche, and found out that Mack still
    shows new sheet metal parts, including cab corners, for the early R cabs in stock.
    Then - to cap it all off - Kevin Heidrich found a parts R model in Texas that he
    wants the engine and transmission out of. I agreed to buy the adjustable fifth wheel,
    and he is going to cut the corners out of the cab and send them along on the pallet.
    How nice is that?
    Gotta love this truck stuff.
    BTW: Freight from Dallas, Tx. area to Rochester, NY area from Yellow Freight
    for one non-haz pallet of about 400# was just over $340.00. Not bad at all.
    You can't ride your bicycle from Dallas to Rochester for 340 dollars.
    Let's not forget about the common carriers for bringing home our parts.
  25. vanscottbuilders

    Shop Ready

    By vanscottbuilders,

    The new shop is finally ready for use.
    Just got in this morning and finished up some heavy duty pallet racks for my parts.
    Now we can unload the two flatbeds that are backed in the shop, and get a little organized.
    Should be fun getting the old B-67 set up for reassembly.
    Might change up my thinking a little - I had been thinking that the B-67 would be my restored
    driver with the mods to make it a little more useable, like the air suspension, Jake brake and
    Maxi brakes.
    Now I'm seeing that this probably isn't the truck for regular use. Just too uncomfortable inside.
    So - I'm finishing it as a very original truck, with all the new stuff like wiring, springs, air lines,
    plumbing etc., but no modifications except Maxi cans for safety. Even the bias ply rubber stays,
    unless I can reasonably buy radial tube-type tires for the original Dayton wheels.
    I'm going to put the mods on my R-600 because it is more comfortable, and it runs like a watch.
    Plus, if needed, one of my higher power Mack diesels will fit in it. Not so in the B-67.
    At least not with an engine brake that requires valve cover spacers.
    We moved the Dolomite AC Mack into its' place in the shop this week. Nice to have something finished inside.
    Changes your attitude about working on what seem like endless projects!

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