ThaddeusW Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 So I turned 31 on Sunday, and Today my birthday present arrived (well i paid for it ). 1961 B61 that is fully loaded. Its not all original as it was restored professionally by a Mack dealership about 10 years ago. It originally was a single axle that was stretched and had a lift axle installed. It starts and runs like a champ, sounds great because it has no mufflers (seriously, who would want to muzzle that sweet sound?) Its my 1st REAL truck. I plan to have allot of fun with this ol dog .Run down of the truck:- ENDT673 w/ Jake Brake (yep a Jake!)- 9 speed OD duplex trans- twin chrome stacks (5 or 6 inch)- air lift tag on Neway lift suspension (with wedge brakes and 9.00R20's)- good 11R22.5's on the steer and drive axle- Spring brakes on the drive axle- Brakes on the steer axle. (I believe original because i have the dry-slippery valve switch in the cab)- Wet line (single line) for a dump trailer.- Big Fruehauf winch (estimated 40,000 pounds) with capstans on each side, hydraulically driven from the wet system.- Air ride drivers seat- Roof mounted Kysor AIR CONDITIONING! ..... That doesn't work (that is going to be sorted out right quick)- AM/FM/CB/ 8 Track radio that works! (who ever heard of a radio with a CB built in?)- Little tool box on the passenger side behind the cab.I have always wanted an F model, I am still addicted to F's but when a gem like this comes along, you just don't brush it off. I always check out OldMacks.com every week or so to see if anything new comes along. I saw it pop up a few months back and I loved it. I gave it some thought and figured I could afford it, this year my new years resolution was to buy a truck. During Macungie I saw the truck in his for sale book and here I am surronded by trucks, I couldnt resist, the planets aligned so to speak. I made a few calls, checked my bank account and waited for Dennis to come by his spot. During that time others were looking and that truck had them talking. I kept hearing "oh wow look at that truck" "thats a good truck to buy". F--- that I said, this truck is mine. Dennis pulls up and before he got off his cart i was right there next to him telling him i want to buy that B and we shook on the deal. I was on a high for the next 20 minutes, that what it must feel like to shoot heroin. No wonder its an addiction.Today the truck came, the driver drove it off the trailer and into our yard. I moved around our vehicles and made room to pull it back so that it isn't blocking any of our vehicles. What a world of difference driving it, arm strong steering is a whole new game to me. All in all I had no problem jumping in, starting it and moving it around. The cab is quite small, smaller then our GMC. I bumped my head on the door jam the first two times getting into it . UPDATE, Air brake system holds tight, I had to learn what air switches do what. There are a few problems for me to sort through first. The main problem is the air system barely builds pressure, without revving it it doesn't go past 30 psi. I pulled it out of our yard and almost couldn't get it back in. Revving it up it builds up just over 60 psi, just enough to release the brakes. Major air leak toward the rear and I hear a hiss in the cab as well. Pressure drops like a stone when the engine is shut off (from 30PSI it bleeds to 0 in just over a minute). The air lift tag has a bad lifting bag with a big hole in it and who's hose is cut (don't see the other end yet). I also think the air bags on the lift axle are bad as well. It took about 5 min for me to rev the engine and release the brakes. One step on the pedal and the pressure take a dive and the knob pops out. I am going to hook an air line to the tanks and trace the leaks.Expect lots of questions...... 2 Quote -Thad What America needs is less bull and more Bulldog! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaysm35a2 Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Man thats a nice B61. A Very nice one. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/#findComment-81671 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 And congrats to you!!! I'm happy to see you finally get a truck of your own. I'd seen that one also but wasn't interested as too many already, (not really). Hope to see you through your restoration.Rob Quote Plodding along with no job nor practical application for my existence, but still trying to fix what's broke. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/#findComment-81672 Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhasler Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 GOOOOD GAAAWWWD she's beautiful, congratulations Thad! Quote "Mebbe I'm too ugly and stupid to give up!" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/#findComment-81673 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truck1536 Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 What a beauty. That's what I call a birthday present. All the bestJohn Quote JohnLocal 282 Retiredhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/99031064@N00/ Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/#findComment-81675 Share on other sites More sharing options...
randyp Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Nice looking "unit" there Thad! really nice! Contrary to where Other Dogs mind stays, by "unit", I mean the truck. You will enjoy that. I have a 61 that I use 2 or 3 times a week, moving excavator, dozer, motor grader. I bought it restored from oldmacks couple of years ago and been a really good reliable truck. I like Dennis, easy to deal with, and will do what he says. congratulations!! randyp Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/#findComment-81676 Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortstack Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Congratulations! Nice looking B. I know it's a lot of fun when you first get a new toy! Lots of fun down the road too. Trey Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/#findComment-81678 Share on other sites More sharing options...
randyp Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 As a sidenote Thad, mines not air conditioned, so I schedule my moves for early mornings or late evenings. It can get really brutal in "Killer B'. I have lived here in same spot 57 years and dont remember a drought and heat wave like this. Its 3 pm here now, and I have 3 different thermometers, 2 digital and one mercury, in 3 different places and all are reading 109 right now. we are getting baked alive! randyp Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/#findComment-81679 Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhasler Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 I like Dennis, easy to deal with, and will do what he says. randypWell then, Dennis says to get Killer B over to rhasler's place and drop off the keys...pronto. Quote "Mebbe I'm too ugly and stupid to give up!" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/#findComment-81681 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThaddeusW Posted July 12, 2011 Author Share Posted July 12, 2011 Congratulations! Nice looking B. I know it's a lot of fun when you first get a new toy! Lots of fun down the road too. TreyThank you for the kind words everyone (and those who are yet to post)!I thought the brake system was leaking something fierce. I now know how the "tractor protection valve" works. I thought it should be in the normal position, WRONG. Also the Neway lift bag is shot and the switch was in the up position which caused air to bleed right out of the system. After I sorted that out, the air system holds tight. After two hours of being shut off, it still had 60 psi in it.I cant wait to get this puppy out on the road. Quote -Thad What America needs is less bull and more Bulldog! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/#findComment-81682 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Great looking birthday present!! Your going to have a ball with it. Paul Quote "OPERTUNITY IS MISSED BY MOST PEOPLE BECAUSE IT IS DRESSED IN OVERALLS AND LOOKS LIKE WORK" Thomas Edison “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘Holy shit, what a ride!’” P.T.CHESHIRE Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/#findComment-81684 Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 So it was a birthday present. Very nice find. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/#findComment-81689 Share on other sites More sharing options...
vision386 Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Thad,congrats on the truck! looks good,i'm sure you will be happy with it,birthday present ay? maybe you should talk to my wife,give her some pointers on a "proper" birthday gift for the Mack enthusiast!............Best of luck,and have fun!........Mark Quote Mack Truck literate. Computer illiterate. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/#findComment-81693 Share on other sites More sharing options...
randyp Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Well then, Dennis says to get Killer B over to rhasler's place and drop off the keys...pronto.LOL,,itll hafta be early morning or late evening,,LOL,,randyp Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/#findComment-81694 Share on other sites More sharing options...
GearheadGrrrl Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 Congrats! Now I need to get one and quit being "Mackless"... Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/#findComment-81695 Share on other sites More sharing options...
vision386 Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 As a sidenote Thad, mines not air conditioned, so I schedule my moves for early mornings or late evenings. It can get really brutal in "Killer B'. I have lived here in same spot 57 years and dont remember a drought and heat wave like this. Its 3 pm here now, and I have 3 different thermometers, 2 digital and one mercury, in 3 different places and all are reading 109 right now. we are getting baked alive! randypNow you damn skinflint! iffn' you'd just work a little harder,haul more dirt,(keep your engine running forwards)you'd have enough money to get A/C in Killerb! Me, i'm starting to think about pulling a reefer next summer,i'll turn the damn thing down to zero while unloading! way too fat,old, lazy to sweat like this! LOL!.........Mark Quote Mack Truck literate. Computer illiterate. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/#findComment-81697 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThaddeusW Posted July 13, 2011 Author Share Posted July 13, 2011 Now you damn skinflint! iffn' you'd just work a little harder,haul more dirt,(keep your engine running forwards)you'd have enough money to get A/C in Killerb! Me, i'm starting to think about pulling a reefer next summer,i'll turn the damn thing down to zero while unloading! way too fat,old, lazy to sweat like this! LOL!.........MarkI dont think underwear was designed to take that kind of punishment. Quote -Thad What America needs is less bull and more Bulldog! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/#findComment-81709 Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatcity Posted July 13, 2011 Share Posted July 13, 2011 Congrats on the new addition.looks good. Must run quite well with a bigger motor.Oh the joy of driving it, then fixing it. $$$$$ Quote Success is only a stones throw away.................................................................for a Palestinian Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/#findComment-81719 Share on other sites More sharing options...
heavyhauler Posted July 13, 2011 Share Posted July 13, 2011 Very nice!!! What antique truck show will you take it to? I look forward to seeing it!!!Good luck.John Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/#findComment-81720 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThaddeusW Posted July 13, 2011 Author Share Posted July 13, 2011 Very nice!!! What antique truck show will you take it to? I look forward to seeing it!!!Good luck.JohnMy goal is at least Gerharts, if I make better progress, the Watts show (If I can afford it lol). I sunk allot of cash into buying it so I have to be careful on how I spend in the coming weeks. Quote -Thad What America needs is less bull and more Bulldog! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/#findComment-81731 Share on other sites More sharing options...
drg Posted July 13, 2011 Share Posted July 13, 2011 Very nice sharp looking rig. Have fun with her. Dennis Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/#findComment-81732 Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeavyGunner Posted July 13, 2011 Share Posted July 13, 2011 Sweet looking truck Thadeus, got it just in time to play with it the rest of the summer. Quote The problems we face today exist because the people who work for a living are outnumbered by the people who vote for a living.The government can only "give" someone what they first take from another. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/#findComment-81751 Share on other sites More sharing options...
fxfymn Posted July 15, 2011 Share Posted July 15, 2011 Super rig! Welcome to the club of the mentally afflicted and perpetually poor. Now all you need is a vintage lowboy and a nice AC to haul on it and perhaps a vintage dozer or tractor; and the money for a divorce lawyer. Quote Money, sex, and fire; everybody thinks everyone else is getting more than they are! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/#findComment-81855 Share on other sites More sharing options...
other dog Posted July 15, 2011 Share Posted July 15, 2011 Nice looking "unit" there Thad! really nice! Contrary to where Other Dogs mind stays, by "unit", I mean the truck. You will enjoy that. I have a 61 that I use 2 or 3 times a week, moving excavator, dozer, motor grader. I bought it restored from oldmacks couple of years ago and been a really good reliable truck. I like Dennis, easy to deal with, and will do what he says. congratulations!! randypYes, congratulations on your new unit! By the way Randy, that's a nice big picture you got there-thank you. Quote Producer of poorly photo-chopped pictures since 1999. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/#findComment-81860 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Wright Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 Huge congrats, Thad. She's a fine B for sure. I remember when you first found the L dump that is your avatar! Quote Whatever rubs your buddah. The Mack E Model Registry - 103 entries The Mack A Model Registry - 14 entries Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/19736-f-i-n-a-l-l-y/#findComment-83358 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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