Rob

The hoods always beat the snot out of the pivot hinges and busted the supporting plastic. I have one out back that looks perfect on the outside but is good for a section only as it's too far gone to work with structurally without really cutting into it. They used to be very popular around here. Rob

It's always over father's day weekend. Daughter and wife are planning to go too. "Momma" wants to see the basis of my "sickness", (her words) Rob

Then everybody would hate me in person instead of behind a keyboard. But hell, I'd even shine up my best tooth if we were to get together. I've already scheduled the week for Macungie this year; I'm going!! Rob

I've used that vendor several times in the past for aftermarket truck hoods and partials. Also a cab or two and several doors. They have never been that far out of line on pricing. This really surprised me. Rob

In the future: How many folks do you expect to see digging through junkyards and parts to resurect a 35 year old Volvo truck? Better yet, how many 35 year old Volvo trucks do you expect to see operating? It's a lot easier to repower with an engine or complete drivetrain than to make up for piss poor fit/finish and lack of durability and longevity. While I agree the fucking EPA in this country is strangling most every industry trying to survive much less make a dollar, I do think the Volvo engine series is a good product. I have a couple of D13, and D16 series on gensets that work hard and offer no more out of service time than anything else. The driveline may be sound, but if you can't keep the cab together, or things from falling off, or breaking constantly, it will build a reputation that is bad. We all know how fast a bad reputation travels, and how slow a good one does. I do know first hand how the parts and support has suffered since Volvo's involvement has taken place. Pretty bad when a long time dealership parts man feels the need to apologize to a long time loyal Mack fan/supporter about how parts are suddenly discontinued for old stuff. Rob

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mack-B-Model-Passenger-Door-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2a0e609627QQitemZ180629837351QQptZOtherQ5fVehicleQ5fParts Rob

Nobody paid my cable bill so it remains off. Never have had cable, (I'm too cheap). Rob

I'm trying to make it this year with a Mack but don't know which one yet. Planning to drive the R612, (winch truck) and haul one of the older ones. Rob

I have, and I do too!! Rob

These tires seem to be a used truck dealer's delight. I've spoken with a lot of folks that have tried the brand, and have not been happy with either durability, or longevity. I appreciate everyone's opinion and think I'm going to go with a better tire. My stuff is always inside unless being used so dryrot and UV breakdown is not near as prevelant as something sitting out of doors always. Don't really mind spending the bucks to get top quality tires but the end use is a big player. Thanks, Rob

Yes, like Vision said: and stick with me, don't worry 'bout a thing. Rob

Isn't that one of those "lubed for life" type drivelines? Seems my "Tiger Tool" literature states it won't work with that driveline. Rob

Well, that's a shame to see a Mack on a wrecker no matter how commonplace for a Pete. From the photo it looks to be worth working with. Should make for a fun little run around vehicle. Rob

Hi Greg, this tire dealer, (whom I've dealt with for years) carries both Yokahama, and Toyo. I've ran both on the wreckers/carriers with both yeilding good service. I can't say which is best because both brands were shot by 125,000 on the steer axles. I liked the Goodyear G124 series for the drives as a good balance of smooth and moderate traction. I've never had a tire blow, or come apart at speed, nor a flat in a big truck out on the road. I may try these on a truck that is short hopped like my A40. It has brand new 10.00X22 bias tires but the amount of time this truck sits, it takes several miles to "round them out". Rob

Is that a 1700 series driveline? Looks a bit small from the photo. Rob

A guy stops by the shop and says he has an "overstock" sale of Ohtsu brand radial tires including 11RX24.5, and 11RX22.5 sizes. He says they are not a bad tire given the price, ($230.00, and $215.00) and will mount them free if I haul the rims to their place. I don't know much about this brand of tire except they have been around several years. Several of their casings are on my A40 but that truck hasn't seen a hundred miles in 10 years so can't say much other than trouble free. Any thoughts or opinions? I am in the market for steer tires for four trucks. Thanks, Rob

Got the perverbial "wild hair" this afternoon and decided to work with the 5th wheel to try to loosen up the release from the trailer. I warmed the complete 5th wheel with the "electric sun" softening the old grease and dirt, then took a pump sprayer with diesel fuel and sprayed everything I could get to. I then went after it with the steam cleaner and peeled all the old muck off of everything. A two inch paint brush and a bucket of chassis grease coating anything and everything underneath that moves proved quite useful. I hitched to the trailer and much to my surprise a one handed with moderate pressure was all that was needed to snap the jaws open. I then pulled forward, latched and uncoupled two more times to ensure all was going to continue to work smoothly. Then more grease was applied to the moving parts again. I appreciate the help. Sure seems to work well now. Rob

All my shirts have steering wheel grease spots. I use my belly to hold the steering wheel so I can drink my chocolate milk shake, and text friends while driving. Rob

In the later days the "P" denotes a platform type application. I think it is sorta like the former "S" designation that used to be common. Rob

Prolly didn't want to tell you he didn't want the job. Some people lack etiquette to correctly convey their thoughts. Rob

Splooge on the monitor wipe off alright? Rob

I've plated and welded a few frames from campers manufactured during the 90's into the 2000's. They are much too cheaply manufactured given the weight they must carry and abuse of rolling down the highway. The ones with the extended pin box are terrible from my experience due to cantilever effect loading on the structure. I've wrapped the original weldment with a layer of 1/4" plate fabricated to fit and welded solid with adding additional gussests where the box meets the main frame. A lot of the frame structure of these things are only 11 guage rectangular tube with either 11, or 10 guage steel spars supporting the plywood floor. An air ride hitch will help a bit I think but the rest of the frame flexes too much and will bust out the welds when traveling fully loaded. Most of the trailers I've repaired have been pulled by light trucks. Rob

Well it wasn't too awful bad till I got home and had to smell "Momma's" toenail cheese laden breath. Then I knew the day was a washout. Rob

Today is Bubbamobilin's birthday. I just noticed and hope it was a good one! Rob

Ain't got nothing funny to say, (as usual) but I spent a considerable amount of today getting my hemorhoids pounded up into my throat by my Jeep Cherokee driving on the interstate. Hit a big bump on I-39, and after becoming airborne, put a negative arch into the floor pan due to the g-force applied during deceleration of my carcass upon impacting the seat. Worst part was I busted a pus ball and had to change shorts at a truck stop. I always carry a change of clothes in the vehicle cause I never know what may happen. Rob