Rob

Don't know if you noticed but the shredder was powered by a modified Mack ENDT866 V8 engine with adapted air to air charge air cooling. They run that thing without problems 24/7 making small chunks out of Peterbilt mishaps. Rob

Now I know a little about losing one's testicles in one fell swoop; It really isn't that painful. However, having them ripped from one's body by a dogs teeth may be just a bit different than losing them to a knife weilding psyco lunatic raging fat woman cause you bought another Mack truck. Regardless, keep the Band-Aids handy, and don't use methyolate paste for antiseptic, (that shit burns). Rob

That is the theory. If you have no brakes on the steer axle, this would be the first thing I'd change if all else is working. Did you know this truck had these many miscellaneous problems when you purchased, or are you finding "surprises"? Rob

My first thought was you were experiencing slobber from the engine not being worked with a lot of idle, or low speed time. Rob

My son is kinda wanting to teach himself to weld so I'm thinking about purchasing a new "little" machine for the shop and giving him my old machine. The old machine is a Lincoln SP125 and has been great but I need something a bit hotter on the high end but still run .023 wire easily. This one is 120v and has been really versitile for sheet metal, exhaust, etc. with a good heavy 12 gauge extension cord feeding it. I'm thinking of a Lincoln SP175 which is 220v and retains the infinitely variable voltage/current adjustments. The external package is about the same size and weight also. This size has been great for working on the frame rack as it goes between the pulling towers with little effort. My big machine is a lug just to move it far. Any favorites out there? I can demo anything on the market with a phone call but would like to hear what others have to say. Rob

I have a friend in OKC that consistently treats me right on turbocharger rebuilds knowing they are hobby trucks only and not used in a business. Got both of my V12 turbochargers rebuilt with updated seals and bearings for about $600.00 including return freight as I dropped them by the shop when down there for class. I had a couple of those engines in years gone by and may have an old turbo laying in the shop someplace. I'll have to look. Send me the numbers from yours. Rob

If I remember correctly the dash flip switch for selection of slippery, or dry conditions applies air pressure to the limiting quick release valve when in the slippery mode. This application of air pressure to the valve LQR valve allows this valve to apply about 60% brake application pressure to the front brakes therefore limiting the front brake shoe application pressure from the dry position, (or normal application pressure). I like front brakes on a steer axle myself but I do not have a trailer to pull. One of my B61 trucks does not have front brakes and it's dangerous, (too me) to drive when wet outside. Probably quite a bit different with a trailer latched I'm certain. Rob

Nice mirror image of a Pete in my shop. Actually, knowing how familiar Pete drivers are with spending money for repairs, and with Pete money still green; what repairs do you need? Rob

I actually met the man once when I was in the navy stationed in Norfolk. The ministry was right down the road off of I-64. Just wanted to see what was broadcast on television. No expense spared at that compound rest assured. Rob

I bought Momma a Stihl leaf blower for her birthday so she didn't need to waste time sweeping the grass from the sidewalk. Amazing how nice that thing is to sweep the garage too..... Rob

Prentice seems to be popular up here and I've seen several enclosures of the canvas type that fold and strap down for transport. I've never operated one, just seen them. Rob

Are you certain the trunion stands are the same? Seems the B53, (being specified for mixer duty) would be larger and heavier duty than a B61. It is possible the cross tube is larger also but this could be bushed down if needed. You could probably change the complete suspension but it would ride pretty rough when empty in say tractor usage. Rob

That is a nice looking truck and I agree with David on the fender extensions as I've never liked the looks of them. Do they not make some type of operator cabin for the loader? Sure looks to be cold for operation in the winter? Rob

If pleased with your progress, you did better than I. This job is nowhere near finished. Rob

Today I've been working on getting a roof back onto the RL797, (brown truck). Inbetween installing door skins onto an 08 Dodge Avenger, and a rear bumper cover and brackets on a Toyota Matrix, I welded up some rain gutter donated by a couple of rusty cabs from Chicagoland that had enough decent material left to make one from two. The attached photos show what I've accomplished. The large portion of a roof panel is cut from an 89 R690 cab, The rain gutter was cut off from this cab as well. This roof panel will be cut down and sectioned into the rear of the roof of the 77 R795 that is Project R-12. The long portion of the rain gutter in the photo is cut from the rusted cab of the RL755LST. This portion and a section of the rain gutter from the R690 is shown spot welded together in the photo. I will make another small section to fill the remaining gap between the two pieces. I have all these pieces NOS but prefer to use them on something that I cannot repair by other means. I'll get these pieces final fitted, then sandblast them clean. My plans are to get a roof skin back on the R797, (brown truck) later this week so it can go outside for the winter under cover. I want to slim down to working on a single truck at a time and get something finished. Having the R612 road ready next week will be a great relief and allow me to focus more keenly. Would really lke to get the V12 installed into R-12 to gain floor space the engine and this trucks parts take up. We'll get together on the steering gear and I know it won't go anyplace. I have dual 5" straights on the R795. It too sounds really nice out the pipes when in the throttle. Rob

How bout a Peterbilt rider? This one comes home on a trailer to ensure it gets there. Rob

My own version of the "700" club. Rob

Yup. You didn't learn to ride a bicycle or tie your shoes without practice either. Hand, eye, ear, and feet coordination all take time to develop but once mastered, seldom forgot. Now that you have the basics down, further practice will refine the technique. Now with the second truck, you will drive quite easily. When the third one comes along, (and you heal from your wounds) you'll fit the title of "Master". Sleep with one eye open if anything that can be reconfigured into a sharp object remains around the homestead. Rob

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/rnr/2069148964.html Rob

Great to hear Grant. Do you still need those photos? I've been working overtime at the radar job and haven't really had a lot of access to my personal computer. Rob

Prolly be better off to use the banana peel as you'd be assured of getting to the unloading point without issue. Using that thing currently attached to the trailer one would need to keep their fingers crossed. There you go Other Dog. Rob

There are a couple of styles for the R, and DM, U series of cabs. The older and Mack supplied were more rounded in the construction and was noticable in the corners and front of the visor. The later style offered by Lund, is much sharper in the corners but still look nice. The Lund style are not near as smooth on the underside with the application of the glass strands the visor is comprised of. I like the looks of the older style best but they are getting scarce. The later style is still available new for about $200.00. Rob

But would he need the helmet if he "buried in face in that"?? Or would a board strapped across his ass suffice? Rob

Does he wear the helmet for safety when he's "bagging" such things? Rob

I certainly hope not. I admire your conservationist side. Rob