yarnall

John was in the SEPA chapter of ATCA. I knew him through that. They sold some of his Brockway parts at Macungie about 6 years ago. I think the family kept one or two of his trucks.

I did. Saw him at Macungie every year.

I knew Tom well. I have two of his trucks. He had well over a hundred when he died but they were all kept outside and many of them were in terrible condition. That L model was nice. I considered buying it but chickened out. I think they were asking $7000 for it. Did you buy it? The cement mixer was a great deal. I considered buying it but didn’t want to pay to have it hauled to PA. If this Kenworth looks as nice as it did, I’d give $10,000 for it. Have him call me. Mike.

With a serial number of 1057 it definitely is not a 1953. Someone on here might have the serial number list and be able to tell you the delivery date and original fire company. The thing circled in blue is the master cylinder for the brakes. It will likely need to be rebuilt or replaced. As will the wheel cylinders- 1 on each front wheel and two on the back. The brake fluid destroys them. By now you have figured out that it has hydraulic brakes. Get the brakes rebuilt and the master cylinder filled and bled before you put the body on. Otherwise it is a terrible job to do on you back under the truck. keep us posted on your progress. Mike

What is the serial number on your truck. It has the old style fenders which make it pre 1950. I have serial number 1101 which is a 1947. Your is likely from the war years with the painted radiator shell. Steve S gave you the answer you need. Hopefully you documented the disassembly so you can put it back together. I would never have the guts to take a truck that far part. Good luck with it. Mike

I’d say you find more door parts to the L model and restore the parts H model next.

Here it is.

Dan, did you see the FP in the weeds in NorCal? It’s perfect for you. If you have a guess of the year I’ll look through mine and see if I have it. I wouldn’t part With it but could copy it for you. mike.

I have some photos of Barletta B models in a junk yard in West Hazeto from around 2003. I should Try to find them. They were orange and black. A friend’s family has an off road park up there and had an orange and black N model water truck that must have come from Barletta. I don’t think I took a photo of that. Mike.

I’ve only ever seen on FP. It is owned by Gary Mahan in NJ. He has at least one model of each early F model ever made. I saw it last week but did not take a photo. I’ll try to find an old photo. Whatever happens, don’t let it get cut up. Someone will want it. Mike

Maybe I could get you to tune up a couple of my gas jobs???? You’re related to the Battery Boys, John and Matt Smagach? I tired to call John yesterday but no answer. mike

He is my father. It’s his fault. I could have collected stamps.

I had the wheel cylinders for the left side rebuilt, but I could never convince my father to put them on. It’s not like it’s the only project we have. I bought a B 85 tractor from the city of Reading, but two guys wanted to restore it so I traded them for one from Lowell Massachusetts. That’s another long-term project Mike.

My parents bought a 1955 B85 tractor in 1997. It had pulled a ladder for Harrisburg then Camp Hill PA. It was great fun to ride around in but a very rough ride. It has hydraulic brakes. They went out about 15 years and it has never been fixed. You have a great advantage if yours has air brakes. I’m sure you can find a B85 with a canvas top to copy. My father’s had a top at one time because it has snaps on the back of the cab. It would be a lot of work to make it a 4 door. Might as well play with it the way it is. Mike

That’s some great family history.