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vanscottbuilders

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Blog Entries posted by vanscottbuilders

  1. vanscottbuilders

    Mack H-63

    By vanscottbuilders,

    Well my trip to Kevin All's place last week got more expensive today.
    I became the proud owner of a pretty straight and decent H-63 cabover Mack.
    Single axle diesel tractor with a duplex. Pretty standard stuff. Needs a total rehab.
    Given the rarity of the truck, I will be looking for any information as to originality.
    Things like interior details are going to be fairly important to me. It is a cool old truck!
    And it looks to be very complete, except as I said, the interior is missing some of the finishing touches.
    If anyone has any knowledge of these old cabovers, I would sure be appreciative.
    We probably will not do too much to the old girl for a year or so. I need time to complete
    my B-67 and get the R-600 in the shop and painted.
    But I will probably put it on a trailer and take it to the Watt's Mack anniversary party using one
    of the other old dogs to haul it. At least then I will have a bunk to take a nap in!
    Maybe I could rent the bunk out to other tired show-goers, by the hour?
  2. vanscottbuilders
    I had a very pleasant experience this past Friday.
    I went to Harpersfield, NY to meet with Kevin All, the owner of All Macks.
    Nice day, nice trucks, nice people and very fair pricing.
    Kevin has a new web page - www.AllMacks.com
    He also has a really good selection of used Mack, mostly B and R model
    parts and whole trucks. Pretty well organized yard - and a lot of good stories.
    People like this make the sport very enjoyable indeed.
    Try them - I think you will like what you find.
  3. vanscottbuilders
    Spent today on a new John Deere 650 bulldozer.
    Anybody who knows me also knows that I am not allowed near equipment or sharp tools.
    So it was the first time in over 30 years that I have been on a bulldozer.
    Evolution is a great thing.
    Just two little hand controls. Amazing!
    The last machine I spent time on you steered with two big levers and used your third and fourth hands to
    change direction and run the blade. Then you had the foot controls to keep your feet busy. And after about an hour you were exhausted.
    Anyway - I can't carry a grade any better today than I could then, but it was great fun.
  4. vanscottbuilders

    Old Mack Country

    By vanscottbuilders,

    Just got home from a week of work in Wayne County, Pa. (Northeast Pa.along the Delaware River)
    It's a pretty rural area, and still enjoys a lot of small logging companies, excavating contractors
    and dump truck operators.
    Guess what they use?
    I saw more active older B & R model Macks being used every day than I have seen in years.
    There was a beauty of a single axle R600 going by our jobsite several times each day loaded right to the boards with
    topsoil. You couild hear it coming from miles away as it growled up the hills and around the curves. Very cool!
    At another time, I saw a pretty battered B model single wrecker with a very new and disabled import car in tow.
    Seemed like a little sweet justice!
    Several loggers in the area are still using old R models every day - and the old dogs are still earning their keep.
    A pretty enjoyable week!
    And I delivered my old Willys to its' new master last weekend. I hope they enjoy it as much as I did.
  5. vanscottbuilders

    Willys Sale

    By vanscottbuilders,

    It appears that my old Willys pickup sold on E-Bay today.
    And I think it brought fair money.
    After a couple of weeks of people coming to look and drive, and people calling and e-mailing
    for information, I think the truck sold for what it is worth.
    Nice process and nice experience so far.
  6. vanscottbuilders

    Early Fall

    By vanscottbuilders,

    Well it's another very nice day here in Upstate New York. This is a great time of year for us, as I have said before.
    My experience with E-Bay so far has been excellent. Several people from further away than I would have imagined
    have been here to see and drive the old Willys. And a lot of people have asked good questions on E-Bay about the truck.
    The auction ends tomorrow about noon EST, and I am getting anxious. This money will fund the completion of my B67 and the
    lowboy trailer I intend to use behind it.
    Speaking of the B67 - I have started re-assembly, finally. If I can figure out how to post pictures, I will.
    The frame and all attached parts are sandblasted and primed with epoxy. The cab has new floors and door sills.
    The rear axle was delivered to a friend's shop for conversion to a 4.28 final ratio and a general re-build and check-up.
    I am going with all new shoes and drums, and all new studs in the wheels. New tubeless rims and radials will complete the rolling picture.
    The plan has been to convert to an air suspension, but now, at the eleventh hour, I am thinking of taking out some of the rear leafs
    and staying with springs. It's a whole lot easier than fabricating up new saddles and hanging new, non-stock, brackets and plumbing
    for the air. Reality is setting in - just how much do I really think this is going to be used, anyway?
    The next big purchase will be a wiring harness from Top-O-Hill.
    It's getting exciting.
  7. vanscottbuilders

    Cecil, Pa.

    By vanscottbuilders,

    There is a dealer in Cecil, Pa. who has several R Macks for sale on E-Bay.
    These trucks look to be fairly priced and pretty decent for anyone who might be interested.
    I still think that there is a fair business to be had for someone who specializes in reconditioning
    and guaranteeing these vehicles on the used truck market.
    We have some inquiries for trucking loads to various parts of the country - so I will post truck
    availability for moving antiques or parts as we get confirmations.
  8. vanscottbuilders

    Catching Up

    By vanscottbuilders,

    Just an update -
    I listed my 1959 Willys for sale on E-Bay this week. 1st time for me trying E-Bay.
    Nice experience. What a great way to advertise your stuff.
    The truck did not sell, but I think it was my fault. I put the reserve too much above the starting bid.
    In the end, though, I think the truck will sell to one of the two high bidders with a negotiated sale.
    And if it doesn't sell - I will use it as ground transportation at the truck shows next summer.
    Got my prize package from Barry today - free stuff is always good.
  9. vanscottbuilders
    I commented yesterday on the life span of a Ford Jubilee tractor, or for that matter, any of the old tractors.
    With proper maintenance and occasional work as needed, these pieces of equipment will run a long time.
    That's one of the things I like about heavy trucks.
    You can take almost any of the common older trucks and update it with safer brakes and plumbing, freshen up the diesel and do normal maintenance work, and it will serve you for as long as you want it to. Then you pass it on to the next owner, and it keeps on working. It is pretty unusual to find a truck that is so far gone that it cannot be saved, unless it has been parted out or wrecked.
    New trucks might be faster (maybe), or might be more fuel efficient (unless the electronics are acting up), and they could be more comfortable - but - they are a lot more expensive, and unless you are working it hard every day, the new truck probably can't match the financial efficiency of the old one.
    Recycling in the most pure form!
  12. vanscottbuilders
    Nice day here in Upstate NY. This is a good time of year for us.
    Just got the news that one of the tracks on a rented Fiat Allis dozer just beat the tractor to the dirt pile. That's not usually too good. Apparently the chain broke. Turns out the owner knew it was worn badly - and just hoped it might work for another day. Cheap So and So.
    So, before I go out to the job and lose my cool - I thought I would relax and post another blog entry.
    It's hard to get too mad at my operator. Fred is a retired union operator with more experience than I can even imagine. And he is as trustworthy as the day is long.
    The machine, on the other hand, probably shouldn't have been rented at all. And I can't say anything too nice about the owner right now.
    I've leased a new tractor for Tuesday, and life goes on.
  13. vanscottbuilders
    A while back I stumbled on a 1953 Ford Golden Jubilee tractor for sale by the side of the road.
    You can guess what happened next ....
    Anyway - the tractor turns out to have a Sherman three speed auxiliary transmission, which was a dealer installed
    aftermarket option. Pretty handy.
    My brother has my grandfather's original Jubilee. It has been used and abused by all of us for most of our lives.
    As kids we all learned to drive on it. Some of us did our level headed best to make it go much faster than it was ever meant to go.
    Now it's getting tired. So, we have decided to bring the tractor into the shop over the winter for a major restoration.
    The plan is to split the tractor, rebuild the engine, put in a new clutch, pressure plate & throw-out bearing, radiator, belts and hoses.
    The tires are pretty new, but the brakes need help. And there is a lot of other work to do.
    When it's all ready, we will prep it and paint it in original colors.
    Using these two tractors, and an Oliver HG42 crawler that I have, in the woods for firewood has been a blast.
    These are a real tribute to American ingenuity and engineering. The amount of work these little tractors will do is fantastic.
    With the rebuild complete, the Jubilee should last for the rest of our lives.
    Pretty amazing in a throw away world.
  14. vanscottbuilders

    Ramblings

    By vanscottbuilders,

    We got a new forklift in the truck shop today - I think it's a sign of old age. It was a nice surprise, though.
    I share this shop space with my uncle, and it is strictly hobby space. So the lifting equipment is really a luxury.
    We had a large (24' x 40' x 20' high) bridge crane installed with a 6000# hoist a while ago so heavy parts could be moved about the shop easily.
    But it wasn't good enough. The forklift is to move those parts not located under the crane area.
    Like I said - I think it's old age. We don't lift anything ourselves anymore.
    Anyway - I am in the process of disassembling my original 5.46 single axle rear end to rebuild it with the new 4.28 gears and carrier I got a couple of weeks back. The springs needed to come off anyway, as ithe axle will be rehung on the truck with an air ride suspension.
    The suspension will require some serious thinking and some fabrication before its done.
    I've also decided to put the B67 back together with the original Dayton hub front axle. The axle has brakes and, although I will rebuild it, it seems to be in excellent condition. I like the look of the Daytons too.
    The B67 is really a test bed for my B61, which will follow later. I am keeping my best parts for that truck - like my Jake brake, the fresh 711, the Budd hub front axle and some other little treasures that I have saved.
    Getting to this point in the restoration has been a lot of fun. Now I'm ready to start seeing some of the pile of parts fit back together.
  15. vanscottbuilders
    Another Monday morning.
    It's pretty nice in Upstate NY this time of year - if you only look at the weather and the scenery.
    When you live here - you become expert in shutting out the thoughts of state taxes, hidden taxes and fees and the extremely expensive and ineffective state government. The weather and the scenery have to keep you happy, and right now they can.
    Anyway - I am still contemplating the used truck business, and thinking of specializing in one or two manufacturers.
    The R model Mack is still at the top of the list for its durability, simplicity and usefulness.
    This is probably a pretty good business to investigate, as I do not believe there is anyone in this area selling these trucks in a reconditioned state with warranties.
    There is a local collector looking at my R-600 and trailer today. Guess we'll wait and see......
  17. vanscottbuilders

    R-600 Update

    By vanscottbuilders,

    Just going over to the yard to give the old R-600 some exercise.
    I just cannot get over how well this old girl runs. And the more I use it, the better it goes.
    I've got two friends that would like to get their Commercial Driver's licenses, and I think this might be the perfect vehicle.
    It's a simple 711 diesel with a direct drive duplex transmission. Big windows and no bunk make for a great view, and the lowboy trailer is easy to see over during a road test.
    We are about to flip the trailer over, sandblast and paint the underside. Then we will do the topside and install new White Oak deck boards. I've already got the deck material.
    I guess I will replace the Bandag recaps with new radials. The recaps have never been on the road, but they appear to be dry rotted from sitting.
    I'd like to hear from anyone who knows where 17.5" tubeless radials and rims might be purchased reasonably.
    The brakes and drums are brand new, and the air lines have all been replaced with new plastic lines.
    The tractor will probably wait until mid-Fall before coming in the shop for a refurbishment.
    When my B67 is ready - I will probably sell the R model and keep the trailer.
    For now it is too much fun to have one of these old trucks that is actually usable.
  18. vanscottbuilders

    Catch-up

    By vanscottbuilders,

    Been a few days since I was here last -
    Funny how time goes by and so much happens that we take for granted.
    I'm another year older. My puppy became a national champion last week. And last, but not least, I got my new gearset from "Thermodyne diesel" in Minnesota. That's got me very interested. The rest of the stuff is just stuff - it happens all the time, then you die.
    It's a bit unknown to me how the engine/transmission combination will react to the new ratio. Going from a 5.46 gear to 4.28. Wondering what will happen to my pulling power with the 673P diesel. The direct drive duplex transmission has been replaced with a .86 overgear triplex, which should help with the bottom end, and help with road speed at normal cruise.
    Very few people understand - but this has been a very entertaining project.
  19. vanscottbuilders
    I have just contracted with Yellow Freight to bring a 450# pallet from Minnesota to Upstate New York.
    The overall cost is $237.00. I can't drive to Minnesota one way for $237.00!
    As hobbists, I guess my point is that we should not overlook the obvious way to get our parts around the country.
    Common carriers are everywhere.
    Faced with driving out to Minnesota, I probably could not have justified the purchase, even though I really need the parts.
  20. vanscottbuilders
    So it has occurred to me that the R-Mack has not been as collectible as some others.
    It seems, I believe because it looked essentially the same from the mid-60's up into the 80's,
    the truck lacks a desireability that might exist with a B model or an L model Mack.
    Perhaps in the next generation, when these trucks actually are considered "old", they will become
    more attractive to the collectors. I wonder which of the power trains will be most sought after?
    The R Mack as a work truck, however, is a very different story. The truck has a lot of good features,
    and a simplicity that lends itself to being a really dependable, tough work vehicle.
    The cab has great visibility out of the windows, plenty of room for us "size challenged" operators and
    good heat and venting.
    The engines were all rock solid - especially the early Maxidyne series (237, 285 etc). The Maxidyne lent
    a new dimension to operating a Mack, with the extremely wide torque band.
    I'm wondering about a new business that specializes in reconditioned and guaranteed R model Macks
    for sale as reliable work trucks. Seems like it might work. Especially if I can guarantee the performance.
    I am looking for info on persistant problems, if any. And what to look for in the cabs as far as rust damage goes.
  21. vanscottbuilders

    New Gear Set

    By vanscottbuilders,

    Well I have just had another good experience with a BMT member - I purchased a used gearset from out of state.
    This is a really nice forum for the sharing of information and the exchange of parts and vehicles.
  22. vanscottbuilders
    Looks like I am going to be able to acquire a B61 diesel tractor to add to the fleet soon.
    This truck is interesting to me in that, like my R600, I know the entire history of the truck from new.
    The unit belonged to Louis Johnson Trucking based nearby in East Palmyra, NY. It spent its life in service to New York City
    and Milton, Pa. I'm kind of excited about this one as the Louis Johnson B-Macks were my 1st exposure to big trucks as a kid.
    I've also found a fifties vintage Fruehauf tandem axle stainless round nose trailer to put behind the new B61, or my B67.
    Things are looking up!
  24. vanscottbuilders
    I would have thought that there may have been more interest in the R600 and lowboy trailer that I listed for sale in BMT.
    Seems there were a couple of people looking for "cosmetic restoration projects" on the forums within the past few months.
    My new plan is to keep the trailer, and put the rocker panels in the tractor, paint them both and use them myself.
    The trailer will make a real nice recovery trailer for picking up old stuff. I will put a heavy electric winch on the tongue deck
    and add some "D" rings for additional tie-down spots. And I think I will cover the rear tires with a structural deck plate, to keep the road spray down.
    I'll keep the tractor for sale, albeit at a higher price after the painting is done. The B67 will work well at the front of this trailer also.
    The announcement will be official this week - and I will remove the truck from the "for sale" forum.
    This will be a fun truck to use in the Northeast moving old stuff around. And I can use it to move an occasional load of lumber for the business.
  25. vanscottbuilders

    Intro

    By vanscottbuilders,

    This is really an experiment for me. I know absolutely nothing about blogging or the theory behind it - but that devious Barry put up some pretty desirable merchandise as prizes for the top Blog.
    I like that idea. So I am hoping this is a successful experiment.
    By way of intro - I am in Upstate New York - the Finger Lakes area.
    I've been interested in all things mechanical for most of my life. I spent a couple of years right out of college driving cross-country tractor trailers for a company now based in Brandenton, Florida. Mostly time sensitive deliveries from York, Pa. to Dallas, Los Angeles or Tampa. The trucks were typically GMC Astros or IH Transtar II Eagle cabovers with high cube van trailers.
    Also spent time driving cement mixers and dump trailers for a local concrete company. First in B model Macks and then in DM's on heavy camelbacks.
    Today, almost thirty five years later, I have a small collection of old vehicles that includes two Mack single axle diesel tractors. Most people would refer to my collection as "junk" - what could they possibly know? Anyway, it is all stored inside a heated shop space or at a remote quarry yard close to home.
    I have run my family's building business for the past twenty two years. We are primarily a management firm, and we do not own any equipment or large trucks.
    We do, however, have a second family owned company run by one of my uncles that provides heavy and specialized hauling nationwide. So my connection to trucking is able to continue. Jimmy owns several heavy three and four axle tractors and numerous trailers of various specification. He also brokers quite a few heavy loads to some dependable Owner/Operators leased to his business.
    All in all - I have really enjoyed my connection to BMT and my business with Watt's Mack. I'm looking forward to the day when my B67 parts all touch each other again, and I can drive it to the shows.
    Looking forward to a free T-shirt and hat.
    Paul Van Scott

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