Rob

It is only worth what the current owner is willing to take for it, or the perspective purchaser is willing to pay. $3000.00 sounds a little high to you and I, but someone else may not think so. Of course there is always the analogy: "A fool and his money soon part ways". Rob

You could do that with that grille shell emblem, or carefully unfold the flap the stud is attached through, drill out the stud and replace it with a small "elevator bolt". These have a very flat head on them, (look at a garage door track) and are basically flush on the head side. Then solder the bolt to the flange and carefully fold it back over. If you use a stainless bolt, it will never rust, and the repair is not seen once installed. Chrome plating is actually "grown" on a part. Threads have to be covered to not fill and render them unusable due to size. They would need to be covered to not plate. That is why I reccommend stainless. Rob

Today I went ahead and purchased a 5 gallon pail of GL-4 spec gear oil for some of my older transmissions that have brass syncros in them. I'm referring to the light trucks, and my passenger cars here. I've got a barrel of GL-5 multipurpose for the balance, and bought a 16 gallon drum of synthetic for the Eaton transmissions. Think I'll prolly have to sit down when the bill comes for that one! Thanks again. Rob

Received the RL-700-L emblem today and it is acceptable. The seller did not use a bit a cushioning material and the emblem arrived with a broken mounting stud. It was in the box and you can see it in the photo. Oh well, the plater will be able to repair and replate it. Just adds about $35.00 to the cost. Considering how rare this emblem is, I really don't mind that at all but it makes no sense to throw something like that into a box unpadded. Rob

Is the bore still round in the block? Rob

Don't rule out drums, rims, tires for a vibration at speed. I've seen brake drums rusted cause this phenomenon. Thinking that your truck has "Budd" style hubs, I would go the extra money for a set of Centramatic wheel balancers. They work very well. I don't think your gearing could be the culprit unless worn in the bearings from overspeed, or heat. That rear was never meant to turn that fast when designed to the best of my limited knowledge. Rob

With the heat of motion and friction, Monkey Grip tends to leave a tenatious residue. It is therefore only preferred in colder climates. I wonder if Mr. & Mrs. Knobby took that to Siberia with them...... Rob

I've had all manufactures in the shop through the years. The best as far as durability has been IR by far as rebuild kits, and parts are easy to obtain. I have a CP 1" tire wrench, a 3/4" "Blue Point", (Snap On), a couple of IR 1/2" wrenches, and a 1/4" IR dual speed air ratchet. Only really buy what I will use consistently. There are many people around here I borrow the occasional "odd tool" to get a job done from. The Snap On man around here was a asshole so I don't let him in the shop any longer. I had the employees deal with him in the parking lot. Nothing wrong with most of their air tools. Never had any real problems. Rob

It doesn't have the treadplate steps with the two holes either. Very good looking unit in my opinion. Rob

I do not believe so as the seller is clearing out his friends, (deceased) collection of truck items. There was only one and the seller knows nothing Mack trucks. He did say the other party that was bidding was from the Netherlands so even long distance knows those are hard to get hold of! I do wish more would participate to get parts located. I especially like to trade items if at all possible. It keeps it a hobby. The "wanted" post was seen by someone as they called about wanting to sell a Western R 700 model with a 400 Cummins engine tonight. I was at the shop and did not get the call till too late to call back. I'll follow up tomorrow. Here we go again, "Momma" is gonna be pissed! Rob

Boy, that would sure make the mother-in-law happy. Rob

I've used roloc discs many times on parts that are not critical, or iron. These parts are sealing surfaces on a Mack transmission case. I think the thing was rebuilt once and a lot of gasket shellac used when reassembled. I didn't want to go this route because of the aluminum parts and possibility of damage. I will go ahead and follow the suggestions listed. Sure appreciate it. Rob

What do you guys use for really baked on gaskets? I don't want to scar up some aluminum parts with a scraper. I've tried Permatex spray remover and it has not worked. I even soaked some of the parts in my parts washer overnight to no avail. Thanks, Rob

I'll bet a one off handmade sleeper. Sure looks good. Rob

Would like to say thanks to all you folks that sent me pm's and such about the RL700L emblem on ebay. I did win the auction and now have the four emblems needed for my restoration(s). I do plan to send these in to be replated so they will look as good as new. As everybody knows they are extremely limited to get ahold of, so this was a real "find". Thanks again! Rob

If either truck will perform the task you will ask of it; I would ask myself which is easier to get proprietary parts for? In Wisconsin, Oshkosh may be fairly easy, (yet expensive), and the heavy spec Mack might not be so easy. Cost of operation would be the largest contributor to my decision. Rob

Glad to be of help. Rob

Hey Packer, I got one of those email addresses also. Send me something at rob@bigmacktrucks.com to ensure it works! Thanks, Rob

I just thought of this: Freightrain ought to make the purchase. He is a little "cramped" on space. He could replace his current Mack with this and not have to add onto his garage! Don't smell that happenin though. Rob

Hi Matt, Mcmaster.com would most likely have what you need in a bulk type setup. Check their website out. Also Bearing Distributors, (BDI) will have a lot of that kind of stuff also. You would need to have the old packings and seals for comparison to ensure you get the correct parts. Rob

sounds like the springs need a good oiling, or go to a "full foam" matress because if the tool and receptacle make that kind of noise, you have other problems to be concerned with! Rob

I agree. Everybody has a different perspective on what is appealing; Nothing wrong with that. The vast majority of persons would be embarrassed to drive that thing but once again, "you only have to please the owner". He'll discover how others admire his creativity now that it is offered for sale. Can't blame a guy for trying though. Rob

I've taken a lot of thumps and bumps crossing those lines you mention. I don't know why I'm put up with, but grateful I am. Rob

The meat is better bar-b-qued. Rob

Don't know anything about that area. Looks close to Cincinatti. Here is a Wikipedia blurb: Good luck on the relocation. Rob http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebron,_Kentucky