wingrider

Thank you for that bit of advice...I have to admit, I am more like the one to change on the fly than finish it with one of my bikes...it just never gets done, but a lot of work goes into it. I did do some basic research on the SS, the drawbacks, and the benefits. Appreciate your thoughts on it. Being I am putting aluminum front wheels on it, I could probably go either way in the rear.

I do not know yet what I will be using...I plan to get the original engine out the B running, but it won't be going into the final product. This truck is going to certainly be a hobby rig...Just something cool to pull my old tractors around all together. I originally thought the same of having duals in the back, but my neighbor can be convincing in some conversations. 😁

I suppose I should give a little background on myself. I am a healthcare worker, Respiratory Therapist to be exact. Pretty much self taught shade tree mechanic that works on almost anything. Seem to focus on motorcycles and tractors. Have had quite a few diesel powered vehicles. Always wanted a “big” truck and have always liked the looks of the old Mack’s. I do have some questions right off the top of my head…and I know some of these are very loaded questions, as many opinions could be had. - What engine should I use? Not afraid to extend hood if needed to fit something a little bigger. Can be Mack engine, or some other manufacturer. - What transmission? Love the idea of twin sticks, but if the wife is going to ever drive it, needs to be a little more simple, but not an automatic. The rear end in the CH is a 3.91 ratio. Want this truck to cruise at highway speeds of today. - What offset would you do with the super single wheels? - I also received three 22.5 Alcoa aluminum rims...I plan to run them on the front. I have heard I may need longer wheel studs vs running steel. Is this correct? I know there are more, but I will have to think about what they are. Thanks for any help!

Here are some pictures of the frame…first one is at my place, others are at the previous owner, which also had the B61.

Hello All! I introduced myself in the introduction forum, and decided to try and document my build of my 59 B61T. Let me fill you all in on what we are starting with….locally found a B61 that isn’t running, and no title. Hasn’t been on the road for a long time. She is pretty rusty. It had a steel flat bed on it, which got taken off before I looked at the truck. One of the straps broke, and it went sailing into the drivers door, breaking the only good piece of glass in it, and denting the door and mirror beyond fixing. I did get two other bare cabs with this deal that are in better shape, so I should be able to make one good out of the three. Also got a handful of B61 parts to help. My plan is to take the essence of a B61 and make it a little more modern. I also picked up a CH612 rolling chassis. Believe it is a 1999. No engine or transmission to be found in this, just air bags in the rear, and a 5th wheel plate. Did get two fuel tanks that appear to be in good shape. Rear tires are flat, and junk. Debating putting super singles on the rear of her, neighbor of mine is gently pushing me that direction. So, newer engine and transmission in the CH frame, with older cab fixed up on top. I am certain I will have a lot of questions along the way.

Question is, what offset to use for the CH chassis?

My neighbor is pressuring me into putting super singles on this truck….being it is going to be just the essence of a B61, I am considering it.

Wife told me I couldn't work on this one til I got my other projects done. Told her, if I get them all done (There are several) What am I going to do with my time when I am retired?

Thank you much! I plan to start a build thread, but I do have a hunch this one will take a while.

Thank you much! I know this is going to be a lot of work, but I think I can make it happen.

The pic of the truck is at the previous owners place… that C30 is long gone from his back lot. Appreciate the thought though!

Here are a couple of the truck….seems they do not want to post…error 200.

Let’s see if I can post any pics…

Hey All, My name is Nate, and clearly I am new here. I recently bought a "project", I believe it is a 1959 Mack B61T that has seen better days. I have always wanted a Bulldog since my folks had an english bulldog. Rewind a couple months, and found one on our local Marketplace. No title, and not running. Had a flat bed on it that when they were removing it, it broke it's strap, and crashed into the drivers door. So, I am on the lookout for a decent door. I did get a lot of parts with the truck, but no door. I got two cabs with it as well. I also picked up a late 90's (I think it is a 99) Mack CH612 rolling chassis. Believe it was a wrecked truck that the engine and transmission was taken out of it. By the time I got ahold of it, it was missing the cab. So I have a 5th wheel plate and two flat tires. My ultimate goal is to put the B61 cab and nose on the CH frame, and have a more modern drivetrain to pull my tractors with legally. I'll try to add pictures of it if I can figure that out. Just wanted to say hello, and I plan to look around a bunch to get ideas for my project.

Matt, Just wanted to congratulate you on your fine achievement on restoring that beautiful truck. I can only hope that my project turns out to be half as good! I also want to thank you for your service...Hats off to you!