L Model Mack

[ThaddeusW]

Hi all,

I have just found this L model tucked away near by and I was wondering exactly what model it is. The owner bought it to restore but so far it has been sitting there for about a year. It looks to be in good condition and if he is willing to sell it I might buy it. The only thing is what engine and transmission could be in that beast? One worker told me that the engine is shot and might need replacing alltogether. Which brings me to my next question; what do you guys think about classic macks with modern engines and transmissions? Some people say it detracts from the classic appeal of the truck and some say its the looks that count not what is under the hood. Is it worth it to replace/restore the original engine/tranny or go with a more modern setup? I would love to spend my spare time fixing this old dog.

Oh and does the dump box look to long? I dont even think it was ment to be on that short a wheel base.

[Andy Wright]

Hi mate

There'll be other guys on here that'll answer your request more precisely as they know a heck of a lot more than me.

My 2 cents though is that she almost looks like a tractor that has had the dump body tacked on later. That's probably a pretty obvious answer that you've no doubt worked out for yourself.

With regards to putting more modern engines in to a Mack like that (I reckon she's an LJ of some sort, late 40s, early 50s), ultimately, I don't think anyone would begrudge you for getting another old Mack back on the road. It sure would be a lovely thing to see barrelling down the highway! It will depend on your budget and your skills. Sure, it'd be great to keep the original engine and trans but if they prove uneconomical to repair....there are plenty of B Models getting around with 300 Coolpowers and more modern engines (and you should be able to find exact replacements for whatever it's got in there, if that's what you want to do). The cool thing about trucks, Macks in particular, is that they just keep working so they are bound to wear out engines. I've come across hardly any unrestored old Macks that are still 100% original but it is always a pleasure to see an old Mack, modified/updated or whatever.

All the best with trying to buy her. She looks a cracker. Btw, I'm 28 and there are a few guys on here in their 20s so don't worry about being a "youngster"! It's never too early to own an old Mack!

Cheers and good luck!

Andy

[jim]

Personally I would try and keep the truck as original as possible. It may be more aggrevating trying to get parts and so fourth, But in the end you have a beautiful original classic mack that is worth a lot more money to the purist. The value of these is the same as a numbers matching collectors car They are worth more $$$$ in there original state !! It looks like you have a diamond in the rough there!! "definetly lots of potental!!." Hopefully you can pick her up for the right price!

Jim Shea !

[Lmackattack]

that truck is in great shape for its age!! I would love to own that truck!!

Andy..... could you explane what the coolpower mack engine is. I have heard that the R models came with 2 air cleaners with this engine. Was the truck in Mad Max a cool power??? it had 2 air filters

[B61 Bill]

It is a nice looking truck for it's age. Yeah, the bed is too long or to put it in a better way, the CA (Cab to Axel) is too short, like you have mentioned. I agree with Andy that it mostly likely was a tractor and someone stuck a bed on it. I would at least try to salvage the engine before considering a change. Keep us posted.

[Andy Wright]

Trent

Yep, the Mack in Mad Max was a Coolpower. My impression of the Coolpower (and I've never had it explained well to me!) was that it was an Econodyne with a few mods for use in Australian conditions. From what little I know, the head had an aftercooler attached to its side. They also added a fan to increase airflow over the aftercooler which I'm guessing is a standard practice. The cooler air would have increased power and, given the distances trucks travel as a norm in Australia, improved fuel efficiency. I think they were also characterised with 2 air cleaners but in Oz, this is common for most long haul trucks, plus the high rise attachment of course!

I was under the impression that it was a standard Mack engine designation or nickname. Would love to know more as it is a popular option in Bs and Rs down here.

Cheers

Andy

[b61mack]

When Mack came out with the 300 series engine in 73, it had the first air to air intercooled engine, when it first came out they introduced it as ( new cool power ) it is the same as tipturbine that bolts on the engine. Ron

[Andy Wright]

Ahhhh, as in tip turbine fan! Onya Ron! Btw, that's a sweet B you got there too!

Cheers

Andy

[b61mack]

Thanks Andy i could not aford to do it all at once, i have the sleeper and back of the cab done , just have to do from doors foward, work never stops, i forgot to tell you the first tipturbine engines 73,74 ,75, had hood scoops, didnt go thru the air filter. Ron

[Andy Wright]

Ron

Wow, and I thought you'd finished her! Mine's a bit scruffier than that, currently looks good from about 50 metres away, get closer and you see all of the dings in the paint, the worn areas, spot rust etc! Ah well, makes it interesting and fun! She'll be black and yellow one day and I won't notice her!

Hood scoops? Really?! In that case, I guess the twin air filters on the Mad Max Coolpower might have been an "Australianism", depending on how age of the engine.

Thanks again Ron!

Cheers

Andy

[Lmackattack]

could ithave been possible that one air cleaner went to the turbo and the other to the tip turbine?

[DGioMack]

Thats a nice looking truck, the L model. I'd pick her up in a heartbeat. (even if I didnt have the room in my yard)

[ThaddeusW]

Hi mate

There'll be other guys on here that'll answer your request more precisely as they know a heck of a lot more than me.

My 2 cents though is that she almost looks like a tractor that has had the dump body tacked on later.  That's probably a pretty obvious answer that you've no doubt worked out for yourself.

With regards to putting more modern engines in to a Mack like that (I reckon she's an LJ of some sort, late 40s, early 50s), ultimately, I don't think anyone would begrudge you for getting another old Mack back on the road.  It sure would be a lovely thing to see barrelling down the highway!  It will depend on your budget and your skills.  Sure, it'd be great to keep the original engine and trans but if they prove uneconomical to repair....there are plenty of B Models getting around with 300 Coolpowers and more modern engines (and you should be able to find exact replacements for whatever it's got in there, if that's what you want to do).  The cool thing about trucks, Macks in particular, is that they just keep working so they are bound to wear out engines.  I've come across hardly any unrestored old Macks that are still 100% original but it is always a pleasure to see an old Mack, modified/updated or whatever.

All the best with trying to buy her.  She looks a cracker.  Btw, I'm 28 and there are a few guys on here in their 20s so don't worry about being a "youngster"!  It's never too early to own an old Mack!

Cheers and good luck!

Andy

←

As soon as I have time I will try to aproach the owner with an offer. And yea I thought it was a tractor too. You can even see in the front picture the dump box isnt even strait. In the full size side view I can see a chain passed over the dump subframe to the truck frame to hold it on. I wish the frame was able to hold that dump box but the heck with it. I would put a 5th wheel on it. As for the engine/trans I will see. I am not into gassers (have a GMC 6000 gas and it stinks) and if it is gas then I would rather a diesel, Mack diesel that is. What Mack diesel would be a good fit? The older the better all mechanical no electronics.

[Andy Wright]

Thaddeus

Any of the 673s or earlier would be fine for her, I reckon, although wouldn't know if a 673 would fit, I guess it would (never seen an L in the flesh!). I can't remember what the Ls usually had (am I right in thinking some had Lanovas) but one of the guys here will tell you (and me!).

Btw, once you find out the chassis number, send it off to the Mack Museum and they will tell you when she was originally built and what she originally had in her. They are brilliant and do the work for free so be sure to give them a donation for their excellent efforts!

Cheers

Andy

[B61 Bill]

have a GMC 6000 gas

Just curious on what year your GMC is?

[ThaddeusW]

Just curious on what year your GMC is?

←

1988

It is a ride truck. It has the original 1964 half moon swing ride body on it. The original Chassis was an IH R-something model that fell appart due to neglect by my uncle. If I had the chance I would swap the GMC for a B-6-something. A B model with the old ride on it would be a sure hit at truck shows (especially with the kids!)

[ThaddeusW]

Thaddeus

Any of the 673s or earlier would be fine for her, I reckon, although wouldn't know if a 673 would fit, I guess it would (never seen an L in the flesh!).  I can't remember what the Ls usually had (am I right in thinking some had Lanovas) but one of the guys here will tell you (and me!).

Btw, once you find out the chassis number, send it off to the Mack Museum and they will tell you when she was originally built and what she originally had in her.  They are brilliant and do the work for free so be sure to give them a donation for their excellent efforts!

Cheers

Andy 

←

Would this be a 673? MAck 673 in an M54

[ThaddeusW]

I have just taken some more pictures of the truck. Since it is parked on the street I walked up to it and opend it up like I owned it . Well the transmission is probably a 6 speed maybe even a 5 but for such a heavy truck of that year? The interior is in good shape with little or no rust. It has a double frame, PTO w/hyd tank on the passanger side and camelback suspension. The Engine is a mack turbo engine of some sort possibly not the original. I have no clue as to what the engine model is but in the pics there are 2 numbers as follows:

Just below the upper radiator hose where it meets the coolant manifold - 439Gb3101

On the larger part of the coolant manifold - 1076C47066 (the last 3 or 4 digits I am not shure of, too little light and cant tell from the pics.)

Engine:

Plate:

Interior:

Model LFSW

Chassis # LF2D2327D

The name plate has only the model and chassis number. The horse power and GVW/GCW is blank.

Oh and I was right the dump body is held on by chains bolted to the frame using makeshift brackets. Not even on there strait.

[Andy Wright]

Hi mate

Here's the address for the guys at the Mack Museum to find out a bit more about that very sweet L!

The Mack Trucks Historical Museum

Don Schumaker and Snowy Doe, Co-Curators

997 Postal Road

Allentown, PA 18103

Telephone: 610-266-6767

Fax: 610-266-6823

LFSW? Nice!

Cheers

Andy

[Superdog]

Looks like its been repowered with a 237 Maxidyne.

[ThaddeusW]

A little update:

I spoke to one of the owners today and got some more info. The owner is partners with his brother in law whoes father bought the truck new in he thinks 1944 for $18,000 out of the showroom. The truck was a dump with a shorter box then what is on there now. The box was removed and put on another Mack and the truck has been inside a garage for years. (thats why it looks so damn good.) Sadly the father in law died some yars back and the son built a wooden bed with flowers as a memorial on the truck. After they bought more trucks (all Macks!) The old girl was put on the street.

The guy I talked to said it pains him to see the rig on the street and would like it see it sold or put back to work. He said most likey the brother in law would not sell it and if he did it would be for quite a sum of money. I game him my number and will wait and see what happens. I understand if he does not sell but if he does I want it! I still dont know the running condition (the guy was rather emotional himself so I did not want to push the issue) but I will meet up with him again soon.

[Andy Wright]

Sounds like you handled that well, mate, understanding their connection to the truck and not pushing the issue

Cheers

Andy

[DGioMack]

Good Luck with your pursuit of the truck.

When I bought my truck, it had ben sitting for years. The guy I bought it from had bought it from his friends father, this friend also worked for him as a driver.

Once I bought the truck the prior owners son had some real sentiment into the truck since he grew up with it, but unfortunately he didnt have the means to but it or keep it anyplace. He was real nice to me, he told me alot obout the history of the truck and where his dad used to drive it and what he hauled with it. I had a new appreciation for the truck and I told the guy anytime he wanted to call me and take the truck for a ride, he was more than welcome.

[Lmackattack]

Good Luck with your pursuit of the truck.

When I bought my truck, it had ben sitting for years. The guy I bought it from had bought it from his friends father, this friend also worked for him as a driver.

Once I bought the truck the prior owners son had some real sentiment into the truck since he grew up with it, but unfortunately he didnt have the means to but it or keep it anyplace. He was real nice to me, he told me alot obout the history of the truck and where his dad used to drive it and what he hauled with it. I had a new appreciation for the truck and I told the guy anytime he wanted to call me and take the truck for a ride, he was more than welcome.

←

Hopefully they keep the truck in good shape or sell it to you to restore.

One of the best part of buying a old or truck is finding all the stories about what it did before you took it home. I mailed the 2nd owner of my truck some pics and asked him to give me a call if he was intrested in telling me about any past info on the truck. he gave me loads of info that I would have never guessed. simple things like that my bumber was off a cabover mack, 5th wheel was replaced, the brakes and tires on the truck were the ones he put on before he sold it, that little info further showed me that the truck was well taken care of, the last owner was a demolition company that did no maintince to it for the year they had it. luckly I got it for a good price and freshend her up a little

Trent

[DGioMack]

That's cool.

When I bought my truck, I was given a bunch of old slips of paper I guess it was when the trucks used to travel through the states, it was like destination manifests. Real cool stuff.