Rob

Hi James, you've got a valid option there that I'd never thought of. A CH will be moderately easy to come across and if it shows in parts, I can get it by the "powers that be", (and keep my nuts). I'll have to apply this newfound knowledge to the mix. So much of this project is "trial and error" I wouldn't mind starting from a bare roller as it would be a lot easier to work with. At this point I'm planning on stripping out the frame and pushing it outside. I need the room inside and the cab is not weathertight. I'm going to slide a 13 speed up into it this afternoon to snap a couple photos for ducky, then get a move on. Need to build another cab dolly, they are piling up in here!! Thanks, Rob

I've still got this air ride R685 chassis, but it is shallower in depth than the R795, so don't really want to use it there. I know where there is a single rail R795 that is a 212wb and if I were to use it I'd need to stretch it out, and that equals double cost. This R795 truck has a frame that is about 10" deep and is full double railed. There is a guy out west of town that runs a rolloff service. I know he has a couple of retired Macks in his parts yard and I'm gonna check with him. One of them, (DM series) has a "fish belly" frame and I'm gonna measure it to see if it will work. If it can be used, (provided he will sale, or trade me out of it) it may need to shortened it as it could carry a 40yd container. Thanks, Rob

Hey Herb, have you ever re railed a truck using aftermarket rails? I was under the R795 this afternoon and with the trans out it is readily apparent that I shouldn't use this frame for my Detroit project. It is spread from front to rear, and a good portion of the crossmembers are unreliable due to rust. I think I could knock two of them out with a sledgehammer using more force to lift the hammer than required for impact. The area under the cab from the start of the "splay" about 18" towards the rear is useable, but from there back, unusable for me. I'll stretch the truck out a little bit to about 250" if I do this. Don't realistically think Momma is going to let me have another truck, so can't just plan on replacing it. Thanks, Rob

Happiness is a belt fed weapon. Rob

It will need to be fabricated but a lot simpler to use a cable. Might want to consider using a "hanging pedal from an R model which are easily located. Rob

Makes me wonder what happens when he watches reruns of the "Mickey Mouse Club". Rob

I've only replaced one where the driver was actually on the road driving. He slid on ice at a "T" intersection, and drove across railroad tracks without a crossing unable to stop. The others have been snapped off when initiating a turn with a heavy load on at very low speed as in leaving a pit. Rob

That's a slick way to do it Herb. I've drilled a few test holes with mine but have not mounted the suspension that I purchased it for yet. One of these days....... That looks to be a pretty heavy spec truck. International I suppose? Rob

Momma says she'll trade you the daughter for the Harley. Rob

A Bostrom "T-Bar" seat goes with the A model lines very well and ride quite well for a spring seat. You could go with an air seat with the hand pump and they ride well also. Rob

I'm down with that!! Here ya go; Donations may commence immediately!! Auto Affair Inc. 33545 N. IL Rt. 78 Farmington, IL 61531 I got so tired of running out of fuel in the driveway that I parked the truck. Ain't happened since!! Rob

That is comforting to know the ambulance service has taken my style physique under advisement, and addressed the issue. I'm doing quite well actually, just can't seem to remain under the magic number of 300 consistently. A dead giveaway that I've picked up a little weight is that the flesh that covers my calf's and shins saggs down over the tops of my boots. I'm particularly fond of Monterey Jack melted over a mound of bacon. I prefer bacon made from Lab, but hog meat is acceptable when the prior delicacy is unavailable. Rob

All of the single rear axle B models that I've seen had the center mount brake can just as yours, and my daughters trucks do. It was just the tandems that had rotochambers, (at least from what I've seen). I never quite knew the difference, or benefit to using rotochambers in the first place except for physical size as they are smaller. From the difference in cost of maintenance, I can't see why they were used Maybe it didn't used to be that way when they were commonplace? Rob

That's a good one! However I must admit that truck identifies with my features; Short, and stubby in length with a choppy ride. How sweet in itself, (just like me) so it's got to be good. Rob

I had to quit collecting trucks to keep the peace. There is enough work around here that will get finished to last my lifetime. Rob

It's a hell of a lot more difficult to stick one on a B model with the sheet metal on that it is an R model. Done that a couple of times. Kinda nice to get the bottom bolt started after getting the splines lined up to take the weight. Then you can let your arms get blood back into them! You don't want to drop that heavy SOB cause you are in the way of it's path to ground!! Rob

Phonelic is a reinforced plastic. The drive teeth on the auxillary shaft that the compressor splines into are this material. They are to quiet the operation, (like that helps) and cushion the backslap of the compressor. Rob

Pretty stubborn little one; Got a little bit of me in her. Already starting to pester me about her B model. We are trying to formulate a convertible/retractable top for it and still keep the proper ratio/proportion to the main body. She like them crotch rockets best I can tell. Rob

I stopped in a couple of times to "Tri-State Mack. Nice people there. They had a very bright orange B model around in very nice condition. This was the summer of 1985 last I was there. Have you seen it? It was GM "Hugger Orange" if I remember correctly with a lot of aluminum, very shiney, but not fresh out of the shop. Rob

I've never had a 501 off of an engine but a 500 slips right on with little effort. Use a new phonelic drive gear on the coupling. Rob

Thanks Matt. I've got a lot to be proud of in that one. Rob

But it sure is enjoyable. Rob

I NEED one. Rob

Being built on my birthday ensures that it will be a good truck. Rob

Now Mike, I should probably take some kind of offense to that but I can't. I'm 5'2" tall when barefoot, and just got off the scale showing 307 pounds. I've always been called "stubby" since I was little, so it doesn't bother me. I've borne the brunt of "fat guy" jokes, and been picked on since grade school, so nothing irritates me at all anymore. "Momma" is always around to empty the colostomy bag when needed so I don't have to get up from the couch, or bed, and brings me food whenever I ask. I've always made the girl seemingly happy, so no matter if she considers me long, short, thick, thin, fat, skinny, or anything in between. Come to think of it there are only two things she doesn't like about me: My five minute sweat soaking of a fresh "T" shirt, and placing a "For Sale" sign in her truck window. I definately thought I was gonna lose my nuts over that one. Rob