Popular Post 41chevy Posted February 25, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted February 25, 2015 The B85FSW that was for sale in Tenn recently as just a cab and chassis that was originally one of 2 MACKS (the other a closed cab built for Peebles F.D. in Allison Park Pa http://www.bigmacktrucks.com/index.php?/topic/38955-1959-mack-b85fsw/Here is what it looked like in it's prime. It was sold by the Peebles F.D. to help fund newer equipment, in the early 1990's complete with body to a small V.F.D in Tenn. Than sold to local contractor and the body was scrapped. These pics are from Bob Jeke, Chief of the Peebles Pa. V.F.D. Paul 13 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/39070-1959-b85fsw/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maddog13407 Posted February 25, 2015 Share Posted February 25, 2015 whats a shame. single axle firetrucks can be had for a song. the guy will probably get pissed with his ridiculous price, and scrap it for $1500 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39070-1959-b85fsw/#findComment-280617 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted February 25, 2015 Author Share Posted February 25, 2015 Sure was a good looking unit in it day. There was a lot of pride in them owning that truck! 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/39070-1959-b85fsw/#findComment-280632 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mack458 Posted February 25, 2015 Share Posted February 25, 2015 Paul, thanks for sharing the great photos. Would have been nice to have. Mark Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39070-1959-b85fsw/#findComment-280641 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Dash Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 Wow, thanks for doing the research. I used to have a route that put me in Allison Park on Wednesdays and Thursdays. I saw a B model like that once and never saw it again. It passed me going the other way and didn't see where it was from. I also drove past Peebles VFD regularly and never saw it there either. Quote Jim Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39070-1959-b85fsw/#findComment-280644 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gmerrill0516 Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 A fine looking truck in its day. Truly a shame the body has been lost. Thank you so much for the pictures. Very enjoyable.Greg Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39070-1959-b85fsw/#findComment-280647 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted February 26, 2015 Author Share Posted February 26, 2015 Wow, thanks for doing the research. I used to have a route that put me in Allison Park on Wednesdays and Thursdays. I saw a B model like that once and never saw it again. It passed me going the other way and didn't see where it was from. I also drove past Peebles VFD regularly and never saw it there either.The 1959 according to Bob was kept at station 187 in McCandless from 1985 to the 90's when it was sold. They kept the 1953 MACK which is now a Town Museum piece. It was their first unit, before that all the equipment was in a trailer and a late 30's GMC flatbed for the 17 member dept to fight fires with. 1 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/39070-1959-b85fsw/#findComment-280659 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kentucky Hillbilly Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 Paul, you really did some digging on finding that information out. Thanks for posting on it. That truck was a beautiful beast in its heyday. It's such a shame somebody scrapped the body out and ruined such a rare piece of history. I'll bet they only got a thousand or so dollars out of the bed in scrap metal. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39070-1959-b85fsw/#findComment-280671 Share on other sites More sharing options...
joes mack Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 if someone is looking at buying the truck i know where a bed is just like that that came off of a b model tandem axle from pa or nj Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39070-1959-b85fsw/#findComment-280676 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsmackpaul Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 thats a pretty classy looking bit of gear now for a real dumb question why do US fire trucks have no roof Im sure there must be a reason Im pretty sure all fire trucks in Australia had roofs by the time this one was made Paul Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39070-1959-b85fsw/#findComment-280677 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Ditchkus Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 Paul good info. and pictures. Truck is not listed on Craigslist anymore. Joe D. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39070-1959-b85fsw/#findComment-280682 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted February 26, 2015 Author Share Posted February 26, 2015 thats a pretty classy looking bit of gear now for a real dumb question why do US fire trucks have no roof Im sure there must be a reason Im pretty sure all fire trucks in Australia had roofs by the time this one was made PaulI was told it was tradition from horse drawn days. Another old timer told me so the crew could see what they were up against arriving at a call. Some where I have photos of a open top R model firetruck from the late 60's early 70's. 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/39070-1959-b85fsw/#findComment-280727 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 man what good lookin SOB,,,,thanks paul...bob Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39070-1959-b85fsw/#findComment-280728 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsmackpaul Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 I was told it was tradition from horse drawn days. Another old timer told me so the crew could see what they were up against arriving at a call. Some where I have photos of a open top R model firetruck from the late 60's early 70's. R model convertible that sounds pretty COOL to me that would have been a rare thing Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39070-1959-b85fsw/#findComment-280737 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freightrain Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 I suppose it had a very large water tank, thus the tandems? Meant for going out far in the woods where water might not be available at the time?Thanks Paul for digging into this. Great to see the history of such a unique piece of equipment.I've always wondered the reason for no roof. I suppose that is a valid point on accessing the situation as you drive up. I bet any rain/snow made it difficult no matter what! Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39070-1959-b85fsw/#findComment-280739 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsmackpaul Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 A large water tank would have be grouse for fighting the sugar can fires when they get out of control not that that would ever happen this machine sounds more interesting the more I read about it Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39070-1959-b85fsw/#findComment-280742 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Dash Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 The 1959 according to Bob was kept at station 187 in McCandless from 1985 to the 90's when it was sold. They kept the 1953 MACK which is now a Town Museum piece. It was their first unit, before that all the equipment was in a trailer and a late 30's GMC flatbed for the 17 member dept to fight fires with. 9404693.jpgNice! I never saw the '53. I don't get up that way anymore. Quote Jim Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39070-1959-b85fsw/#findComment-280748 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j hancock Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 .https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQJqzAVTFS63B2j12KXwPLG-BERGkI9nUNuct-g_7gyAdb_zf_d_gFound this. Can't seem to make it bigger. R model convertible. Quote JimIt doesn't cost anything to pay attention. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39070-1959-b85fsw/#findComment-280758 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted February 27, 2015 Author Share Posted February 27, 2015 .https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQJqzAVTFS63B2j12KXwPLG-BERGkI9nUNuct-g_7gyAdb_zf_d_gNow you made me look!!! 2 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/39070-1959-b85fsw/#findComment-280760 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j hancock Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 Hmmm...I want one! Quote JimIt doesn't cost anything to pay attention. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39070-1959-b85fsw/#findComment-280765 Share on other sites More sharing options...
yarnall Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 There weren't many made. Maybe only that one. I think Port Vue still owns it. Maybe not. I could be completely wrong about both things. Harvey Eckert said Mack priced the semi-open cab so very high on the R model to discourage fire companies from ordering it. It was pretty effective. Mike Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39070-1959-b85fsw/#findComment-280769 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsmackpaul Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 this thread just keeps on getting better Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39070-1959-b85fsw/#findComment-280778 Share on other sites More sharing options...
609albert Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 I have a 54 LS85 (semi-open cab) ,nice parade truck ,but not so nice when weather is bad, my next truck will have a Roof on it. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39070-1959-b85fsw/#findComment-280782 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted February 27, 2015 Author Share Posted February 27, 2015 There weren't many made. Maybe only that one. I think Port Vue still owns it. Maybe not. I could be completely wrong about both things. Harvey Eckert said Mack priced the semi-open cab so very high on the R model to discourage fire companies from ordering it. It was pretty effective. MikeThose pics were taken in Shippensberg Pa a while ago. Probably the same R 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/39070-1959-b85fsw/#findComment-280790 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brocky Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 I think(??) that the race riots of the mid / late 60's was the down fall of the open cabs. TOO MUCH $H*T thrown on the drivers enroute to an event!!!! 1 Quote Brocky Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39070-1959-b85fsw/#findComment-280813 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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