LocomotiveBreath Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 I finally picked up my '48 Federal that has been hanging out with a bunch of mean ole Bulldogs at Rob's place in Farmington for the last two years. I was under the impression from the previous owner that it had engine problems and wouldn't run, but some fresh gas and a hot battery was all it took to get it going again. YouTube link attached"http://www.youtube.c...vyZiQc-M?rel=0" 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/26072-1948-federal/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 Glad you made it home soundly. I knew the engine wasn't stuck as I turned it over by hand, but never tried to start it.It's parking space certainly looks lonely. I'll have to fill it you know.......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/26072-1948-federal/#findComment-127287 Share on other sites More sharing options...
LocomotiveBreath Posted July 7, 2012 Author Share Posted July 7, 2012 I remember you saying the engine wasn't stuck and that got me thinking, and me thinking is usually a dangerous thing.I'm sure that old gray cat will appreciate you filling that parking spot with something confortable again. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/26072-1948-federal/#findComment-127291 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 I remember you saying the engine wasn't stuck and that got me thinking, and me thinking is usually a dangerous thing.I'm sure that old gray cat will appreciate you filling that parking spot with something confortable again.He really likes the center of the hood on the RL I started in the shop for a "stand in".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/26072-1948-federal/#findComment-127295 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doug Maney Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 Really nice truck! One of my favorite non-Macks for sure and a tandem to boot! Quote Interested in Old Trucks? Check out: www.antiquetruckclubofamerica.org Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/26072-1948-federal/#findComment-127341 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olivetroad Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 Great truck! I really like those old tandems - that driver was riding high when he took it on it's first run.Do you know any history on it? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/26072-1948-federal/#findComment-127347 Share on other sites More sharing options...
umodelnut Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 Nice, are you going to restore it? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/26072-1948-federal/#findComment-127362 Share on other sites More sharing options...
BOB DINGSDALE Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 Hey thats a neat old girl.Not many of them left.Seen a couple T/A log trucks in Wash and Ore like that but with longer wheel base.Nice project Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/26072-1948-federal/#findComment-127372 Share on other sites More sharing options...
LocomotiveBreath Posted July 8, 2012 Author Share Posted July 8, 2012 I probably won't attempt a full on restoration. It's been modified quite a bit over the years. I'm debating on whether or not to keep the tandems. They are not original to the truck. I'm not even sure which model of Timken worm drive axles it actually has. They seem to be in pretty good shape though, don't have a bunch of slack in them or anything. I know the tires diameters have to be closely matched if I keep them. Do any of you guys recognize them?If I keep the tandems, I'm going to replace the front axle with one that uses Budd wheels. I have one laying around that I think will work fine. However, if I were to find a similar vintage 6 spoke (Dayton Style) single rear axle with hydraulic brakes and a decent gear ratio I'd probably go that route. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/26072-1948-federal/#findComment-127637 Share on other sites More sharing options...
umodelnut Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 I probably won't attempt a full on restoration. It's been modified quite a bit over the years. I'm debating on whether or not to keep the tandems. They are not original to the truck. I'm not even sure which model of Timken worm drive axles it actually has. They seem to be in pretty good shape though, don't have a bunch of slack in them or anything. I know the tires diameters have to be closely matched if I keep them. Do any of you guys recognize them?If I keep the tandems, I'm going to replace the front axle with one that uses Budd wheels. I have one laying around that I think will work fine. However, if I were to find a similar vintage 6 spoke (Dayton Style) single rear axle with hydraulic brakes and a decent gear ratio I'd probably go that route.Whoa. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/26072-1948-federal/#findComment-127677 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vladislav Posted July 11, 2012 Share Posted July 11, 2012 Awesome truck !Tandem looks good.Maybe the truck looks strange with spokes in front / Budd's in rear.Seeing the picture I'm for spokes.The wheel base is relatively shot so single axle would be also good.Although I like tandems.Best wishes to keep her moving !Vlad Quote Никогда не бывает слишком много грузовиков! leversole 11.2012 Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/26072-1948-federal/#findComment-128260 Share on other sites More sharing options...
BOB DINGSDALE Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 what size and make does it have for engine.Herc,Contiental,Lycoming,Hall- Scott? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/26072-1948-federal/#findComment-128479 Share on other sites More sharing options...
LocomotiveBreath Posted July 14, 2012 Author Share Posted July 14, 2012 I like the look of the tandems too. I'll probably swap the front axle over to Budd wheels for now as don't like the mis-matched wheel types.I think it originally had a OHV 371 cubic inch Continental, but that's long gone. A previous owner installed a Buick Nailhead in it connected to a 4 speed, which is then coupled to the original 5 speed. I'll probably keep it Nailhead powered for now as it actually runs pretty good. Whoever did the swap actually had some decent fabrication skills.I have a 1091 cubic inch Hall-Scott 400 sitting in the shop floor should I become bored with the Nailhead. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/26072-1948-federal/#findComment-128738 Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTFormula Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 401 or 425 nailhead? Quote ~ JT Burkard ~ AKA Sweaty Mackwww.jtresto.com www.wickedreputation.netwww.jonathanthomasmotorcars.com Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/26072-1948-federal/#findComment-128888 Share on other sites More sharing options...
LocomotiveBreath Posted July 16, 2012 Author Share Posted July 16, 2012 322 Nailhead, but there is also a 401 looking for a good home in the corner of my shop. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/26072-1948-federal/#findComment-129053 Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTFormula Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 Had a Buick Riviera in the shop with a 425. That thing ran strong. Quote ~ JT Burkard ~ AKA Sweaty Mackwww.jtresto.com www.wickedreputation.netwww.jonathanthomasmotorcars.com Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/26072-1948-federal/#findComment-129403 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 I had a 401 in a 63 LeSabre, and a 425 in a 64 Wildcat and they were both very good engines. I ran around with a guy that had a 70 Riviera w/a 430 and that thing would stomp on big block Chevy's all day.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/26072-1948-federal/#findComment-129405 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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