Rob

Got the R model licensed and insured today. Nice to have the hurdle surmounted. Tomorrow I should get to do a bit of a "shakedown" cruise in the truck. I'm planning to borrow a friends semi trailer to pull around for a bit to ensure everything on this truck works properly. I know the glad hands work as I've checked them for proper function. I don't know about the electrical plug and will probably check it at the shop before trying to power up the trailer. Last evening I shot all 37 chassis and brake fittings full of grease. Yes, there were 37 of those damned things front to rear. Almost everything that moves can be lubricated on this truck. Guess that's a good thing however. I was pleasantly surprise to not find a single greased joint in the suspension loose. I think the truck has been taken care of well for it's age. Did notice however the brakes and drums are getting thin at all corners. The drums all have a considerable ridge worn into the friction surface. This is going to be expensive to bring up to snuff but, the work needs done. Rob

HI John, Phil at Global Truck Traders had one last month when I asked. I'd like to have one to replace a two stick six speed myself. They are still quite valuable so be prepared. Rob

Simple test sent by a friend:The last four letters in American. - I Can The last four letters in Republican. - I Can The last four letters in Democrats. - Rats End of lesson. Test Question: What is November 6, 2012? Answer: Rodent extermination day.

Thanks Mark, I'll be checking into this further and really appreciate the help. Rob

I figger I'll keep the tires hot as is normal. Hopefully by the time I reach your place I'll have enough experience in this truck to be comfortable. If you don't mind driving throughout the night I certainly could use some help as I'll be alone. I'm planning to go much the same way towards you along rt. 30 to Wooster and on up into Canton for a visit, (and critique your work) LOL. Like to meet up with Greg and Dan if possible also. I'm going to call all the state's DMV's if I can get the numbers to ask questions; just to try to be on the safe side. Rob

Hi Joe, I'm trying to make it over this weekend if I can get all straightened out on this end. I'll give you a call in the evening. Appreciate the help. Rob

Spoke with my wife extensively on the subject this morning early. She is not for licensing this truck as it would need, to be used commercially. I am now looking at possibly throwing antique plates on to run out and retrieve the trailer since nothing will be coming back on the deck just to get the ordeal through. What kind of problems could be anticipated through Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusets, and New Hampshire? As mentioned I have the DOT number and will get an IFTA account set up today although I don't think they are needed for this time around. Thanks, Rob

Yes it is a Diamond T. I think a model 310, but not certain. I have a photo of my grandpa from 1942 standing in front of his gasoline tanker that looks like that truck. I'll see if I can scan it. I can't get the scanner to work. Will try to get my daughter to look into it. Rob

Hi Joe, no they do not and would require a temporary permit. This looks to be a lot less expensive than IRP at this point and I don't know how much usage the truck will get outside of IL. With the IFTA account I wouldn't need to purchase the fuel permit also and that seems to add up quickly. With the exception of a couple of shows I attend I really don't pass any scales on my trips into those states. Rob

HI David, I did physically pull the pedal up but the lamps act the same. I'm going to pull the top from the foot valve tomorrow to ensure the piston, or cap is not corroded or suffering from hardened grease. It really doesn't take any effort to depress the pedal. Thanks, Rob

Yes Glenn, all seems to work fine except the 13th to 12th downshift. I'm wondering if this is possibly gummed up inside due to sitting for a few years? I don't know that for certain but the last five years or so this truck was not used except as a yard horse. Probably hasn't seen the high range in quite some time. The Texas license plates on it expired in 2006. This one doesn't whine too loudly under power but I've had no load yet. It does shift crisp and precise however. I've also discovered the brake lamps have a delay before they extinguish upon application and release. I've not discerned if it is a bad brake lamp switch, or the air pressure not releasing from the circuit quickly enough. There is up to a three minute delay before they go off but most times about 20-30 seconds. They come on when you lightly depress the brake pedal, or barely crack the trolley valve. Rob

Most use an adjustable vernier cable that is twisted to the right to increase engine speed. There is usually a big red knob in the center that is pushed in with the palm of the hand to reset to idle. I had them on on my wreckers to elevate engine rpm while winching with hydraulics. I've seen a lot of R models set up like this also. Like you stated it's just a cable and jacket you trim to the correct length and hold in place with a simple "U" type clamp and attach to the throttle arm. Rob

Randy: I've not left yet so please bring back my bear. Rob

This morning I ordered and received my FMCSA DOT number, and ordered my Illinois state IFTA number. Decided to go with an IFTA account as I get into Iowa, and Indiana quite a bit but not enough to think about apportionment yet. I also called my sign maker to get business decals made for the truck with the words "Not for Hire in bold letters along the bottom. I don't know if there are criteria where the DOT number has to be located but I'll make it prominant on the doors. I called the state police again and they will pay me a visit at my shop to do a mock DOT inspection on the truck to ensure all is ready to go. I couldn't get away to license the truck so the shakedown will wait a little longer. Rob

Hi Glenn, I think it did operate fine when I was first starting out in it with no experience. It's only after getting a little comfortable do I fee there is something not quite right about this. It never misses a shift when upshifting, and to the best of my knowlege only slips out when going from 13th, to 12 gear via the splitter. I'm going to take the truck out again later tonight or in the morning and try to give it a little extra time for the shift and see if that does anything. I know it is not really difficult to pull the back half off and I do have a full gasket and seal set purchased for these. I also have the main forks and a top shift cover rebuild kit but don't know if I have the splitter fork or not. If the trans is problematic I do have a couple more on the floor just like it as spares. Thanks, Rob

HI Ron, this one does not slip out of gear at all with sudden power on and off cycles. It only give problems on the downshift when you flip the side button manually. It will not go back in until you are slowed to about 15mph. I've tried all things I can think of but it seems consistent to do this. Rob

Took my R model out today and the upshift with splitting all the gears in the RTO-12513 goes flawless. However, at highway speed in 13th gear, and upon splitting down to direct the transmission seems to freewheel and starts that grinding I mentioned in an earlier post. This happens whether I preselect direct from overdrive and blip the throttle, or mash the clutch pedal and flip the button. If it starts this grinding I have to slow to about 15 mph before the trans re engages. If I'm driving say 45-50mph, all is fine with the up, and downshifts with no problems splitting the gears. Sounds like I have some sort of mechanical wear someplace? The trans is much quieter in operation than some of the other RTO-12513 series I've heard. I've replaced all the lines, Regulator, and filter assembly. The only thing I've not done is re ring the piston(s) for range and OD. I suppose that could be next. Thanks, Rob

I asked the insurance lady about that and was told because I'm not hauling for hire and only my own stuff is being transported, my "stated value" policy, and liability coverage on the trucks is all I need. I asked the police and they concur. I'm still evaluating how to license this thing yet and am not finalized. Rob

Well, I spoke extensively with the Illinois state police who were very friendly about everything. Although they could "officially" only speak about Illinois laws concerning what I'm wanting to do, I was given some free advice to license the truck for 50,000# to include the truck, trailer and anything I'd haul on it. There really is no way to avoid DOT numbers, and it is less expensive to open a personal IFTA account although there is a bit more paperwork involved quarterly, than to purchas fuel permits. I'm also told in Illinois that if I was carrying another antique truck, farm tractor, or anything else on an open semi trailer I could be stopped and cited for carrying a load. Driving the truck empty is no problem as is pulling a visibly empty trailer. After speaking with them, the secretary of state's commercial licensing division, IFTA, FMCSA, and a couple of trip permit vendors to access other state's highways legally, I think I'm not going to skirt the laws and go legal. The cost of the Illinois baseplate is about $1600.00 annually so really not that costly if I use the truck, which I will. It will be so much easier to move something completely legal as opposed to doing things the way I have been, or borrowing equipment. I will run this by Momma tonight. If you never hear from me again, have pity on my soul. And Randy: Take care of my bear as I would. Rob

Thanks guys, today is a research day with the state police to find out as much as I can. I will license the truck tomorrow as the secretary of state offices, (DMV) are closed on Monday in IL. Also have a wreck to break into that showed up over the weekend. If antique plates will work for this venture to pick up the trailer, I'm going to go that route and transfer the registration to another antique truck later. This is easy to do and inexpensive. As Paul mentioned I'll run it a year and know more then. Thanks, Rob

But ossifer, I didn't know it was illegal to text while in a construction zone. Rob

The bear sleeps, A LOT. She never complains of a "headache" either. Rob

Alright, serious subject here I'm asking about: As many know I've purchased this drop deck trailer in Manchester, NH and need to get it home to Illinois. I need to uprate my driver's license to a class "A" CDL, (no problem there, I have a class "B"). I've never had an IFTA account, or anything else to do with trucking as I never operated out of the state unless barely into Iowa, Indiana, or Missouri. I only licensed my truck to 26,000# and never had a single problem. I'm wanting to license my R612 as a tractor to pull a semi trailer with the baseplate in Illinois. I'm thinking less than 50,000# total as the most I will ever haul will be another Mack truck. I do not plan to work for hire with the rig, and it will be personal use only. I don't know what is required to run the truck out of state legally? What costs are involved? Any guidance appreciated. Thanks, Rob

If you smoke that shit you may go from being reletively flat chested to a 54DD cup practically overnite. Fortuneately, I know they sell men's brassieres as I seen a guy climb out of a Peterbilt, (true) at a Hardee's restaurant wearing one. My daughter about fell out of her chair she was laughing so hard. This is also true. My advice would be to leave that stuff alone. Rob

Collard greens eh? "I went out to the tool shed and got me one of them Kreg jig saws, and I sawed the bottom out of the outhouse". "Then I hid in the bushes and waited for this big collard green eatin bitch to go to the bafroom see". "Well along about 8:30, she comnence to goin to the bafroom, (I'm in the bushes lookin at her) she hobbled out, opened the door, went in, shut the door, and I heard a big splash"! Richard Pryor, 1976. Collard greens? Never have tried them but have always been fond. Rob