mattb73lt Posted February 7, 2022 Author Share Posted February 7, 2022 Just now, Frank Y said: In the 4th and 5th pic with the D/S fender, are you using lead filler, or is that just from massaging the fender back to shape? BTW, beautiful job so far! Thanks for the complements! Probably from massaging them. These were donor fenders from a truck I parted out. Better than what was on it due to rot, but the repair work that was done to them was less than stellar. There's also some pitting from corrosion that discolors the metal. That'll all be fixed before paint, though. 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-488834 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mechohaulic Posted February 8, 2022 Share Posted February 8, 2022 On 11/28/2021 at 10:42 AM, Licensed to kill said: Thanks. All for nothing really since as soon as I stick it down between the fender of my B61 you won't be able to see much of it. No matter, It's just my OCD at work I suppose. Its why I even changed all the oil pan bolts to yellow zinc grade 8's because they look better as if anyone will see them. I guess it is like when I was a kid with my '57 chevy and put new chrome jug nuts under the baby moon hub caps because "I knew they we there". don'tknow if i'd call it OCD , it's more like pride in your work. when that truck starts for the first time complete and drives down the road on it's own power all the hrs ,effort and i'm sure $$$ will make it all worth while. OCD might be when all the heads of the new pan bolts have the head pattern the same direction LOL 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-488836 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Licensed to kill Posted February 8, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted February 8, 2022 (edited) 9 hours ago, mechohaulic said: OCD might be when all the heads of the new pan bolts have the head pattern the same direction LOL You laugh but when I used to build flintlock rifles, ALL of the screws HAD to have the slots line up with the flow of the stock. I do the same thing with the light and outlet covers in the house. Edited February 8, 2022 by Licensed to kill 8 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-488843 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mechohaulic Posted February 8, 2022 Share Posted February 8, 2022 my older brother is an electrician ; don't EVER put a wall cover on with the two screw slots not matching .LOL .guess it carried over. put the cab on my john deere 318 all the bolt heads had to match direction. 1 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-488885 Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubleclutchinweasel Posted February 9, 2022 Share Posted February 9, 2022 (edited) On 2/7/2022 at 7:06 PM, mechohaulic said: don'tknow if i'd call it OCD , it's more like pride in your work. when that truck starts for the first time complete and drives down the road on it's own power all the hrs ,effort and i'm sure $$$ will make it all worth while. OCD might be when all the heads of the new pan bolts have the head pattern the same direction LOL I'm actually "CDO". It's just like "OCD", except that the letters are in alphabetical order, like they are supposed to be. Edited February 9, 2022 by doubleclutchinweasel 1 Quote "Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines." Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-488964 Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubleclutchinweasel Posted February 9, 2022 Share Posted February 9, 2022 On 2/7/2022 at 6:34 PM, mattb73lt said: Lots of irons in the fire, parts on order, hardware coming in and some stuff still on order or awaiting return from being repaired. Accomplishing a lot of little detail stuff and finishing off some smaller projects on it. Waiting for the weather to warm up a little for body work and paint, but have been doing a lot of metal work on the front end items and fenders. I've got a couple of loads of paint to do, also. The goal is to get all this stuff done so when the weather improves to work outside, I can jump back on the frame to finish all the plumbing, wiring and mechanical work and then start final assembly!! So much to get done. I did finish off my wiper system by adding some covers to the motors. All the wiring is hidden and they really neaten up the installation. Today I was mocking up the front end to get the fender profiles right before final body work. The front end looks pretty cool temporarily back together. Nothing really earth shattering, but a lot of little stuff done. There are no words to describe that interior. It is absolutely gorgeous. 1 Quote "Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines." Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-488970 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattb73lt Posted February 9, 2022 Author Share Posted February 9, 2022 4 minutes ago, doubleclutchinweasel said: There are no words to describe that interior. It is absolutely gorgeous. Thanks!! It really finished off the cab and was well worth sending it out to get done. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-488971 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post doubleclutchinweasel Posted February 9, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted February 9, 2022 1 hour ago, mattb73lt said: Thanks!! It really finished off the cab and was well worth sending it out to get done. The only thing that sucks about that truck is that it's not in my driveway! Can't wait to see the next round of updates. 2 1 Quote "Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines." Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-488977 Share on other sites More sharing options...
1961H67 Posted February 10, 2022 Share Posted February 10, 2022 Matt , That Truck is Absolutely Beautiful! Thanks again for your help on my Cab ,, it’s coming along pretty good, I got sidetracked when I found a set of Model 20 Jakes for the 220 , I have been messing around with that Detour for a couple of weeks. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-489027 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattb73lt Posted February 10, 2022 Author Share Posted February 10, 2022 55 minutes ago, 1961H67 said: Matt , That Truck is Absolutely Beautiful! Thanks again for your help on my Cab ,, it’s coming along pretty good, I got sidetracked when I found a set of Model 20 Jakes for the 220 , I have been messing around with that Detour for a couple of weeks. Wow, that’s awesome! I’m so glad that those parts are helping you out. The work looks great, by the way. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-489036 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post mattb73lt Posted February 10, 2022 Author Popular Post Share Posted February 10, 2022 One of my favorite things about this truck is this huge radiator. I gave it a little cleaning today, as I really haven’t touched it since I finished it a few years ago. Put some air to it to close up the shutters and damn, it looks even better! I like these later model shutters over the earlier ones with the divider, they just look sleeker. The fenders look good and align well. This will all come apart tomorrow and work will continue... Again, I’d like to thank everyone for their comments. I never thought this story would be this long, but it’s getting towards some big assembly work in the very near future. 3 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-489038 Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubleclutchinweasel Posted February 10, 2022 Share Posted February 10, 2022 That B73 front end sure looks impressive. I mean, the B61 is super clean, but the B73 just looks like a hoss...which it is! Can't wait to see this thing together. 1 Quote "Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines." Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-489055 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post mattb73lt Posted February 10, 2022 Author Popular Post Share Posted February 10, 2022 One more picture, with the new bumper propped up on it. Now onto the primer and body work!! 4 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-489066 Share on other sites More sharing options...
harrybarbon Posted February 11, 2022 Share Posted February 11, 2022 Of the various trucks with external alloy radiators, I am biased for sure, but this Mack B model radiator is timeless, it's design, shape and shutters (we have the split type just because I liked them and bit sturdier) are pure class. We have a set of the wide shutters, so we can swap at any time. There is 1 issue with the alloy, it was made with various products, not high quality, it cannot be polished to hard because the imperfections in the alloy appear, also porous. The Auotcar, Diamond T and Peterbilt external radiators are not comparable. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-489126 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattb73lt Posted February 11, 2022 Author Share Posted February 11, 2022 The quality of all the aluminum castings was poor. When I was doing the repair work on most of them, it was surprising to see the seems, voids and fissures in them. My radiator tanks do have their issues. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-489130 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsmackpaul Posted February 11, 2022 Share Posted February 11, 2022 It sure is a impressive grill on the front Paul Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-489158 Share on other sites More sharing options...
1961H67 Posted February 12, 2022 Share Posted February 12, 2022 Matt did you get a new wiring harness for your truck? I wasn’t sure if anyone has one for a LJ , thanks Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-489197 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattb73lt Posted February 12, 2022 Author Share Posted February 12, 2022 44 minutes ago, 1961H67 said: Matt did you get a new wiring harness for your truck? I wasn’t sure if anyone has one for a LJ , thanks Yes, It was a standard B model I modified to fit. There is a company that has L & B series, Rhode island Wiring and I think one more I just can't remember the name. Or, you could make your own. Then there's after market places like Painless Wiring that make hot rod harnesses that could work. The original style ones are not cheap! I bought mine back in 2005 i think and the price has skyrocketed. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-489200 Share on other sites More sharing options...
1961H67 Posted February 12, 2022 Share Posted February 12, 2022 Ok thanks,, I’ll check Rhode Island Wiring, And I saw a place in Alabama also,, yeah if it’s too expensive I’ll make one ,, there is not much too a LJ ,, I already put a 1 wire alternator and a 12v starter, that cut it in half already, thanks Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-489202 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post mattb73lt Posted February 20, 2022 Author Popular Post Share Posted February 20, 2022 Another reason why this takes so long, fixing other people’s crap repairs. When the fenders came back from blasting there was still a few large patches of filler in the center of both of them. I knew something was hiding in there and there was. Someone scabbed over where the turn signals were and they rotted through on the under side with a patch, pounded the repair down on the top side then bondo’d over it. The only way to really fix it is to cut the whole thing out back to good metal and form a patch to fill it. After hammering to form and then welding it in, it only takes a few skim coats of filler to finish it off. 9 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-489876 Share on other sites More sharing options...
navypoppop Posted February 20, 2022 Share Posted February 20, 2022 You do great work. Very nice👌 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-489888 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vladislav Posted February 20, 2022 Share Posted February 20, 2022 Love those little patches with no overlap. When you have the spots ground off the part gets back it its very original condition. Bad thing is when plenty of weld is required and the sheet is thin. Hammering back to the shape could be a trouble or require professionalizm. And I'm not a professional with that Quote Никогда не бывает слишком много грузовиков! leversole 11.2012 Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-489900 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post tjc transport Posted February 20, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted February 20, 2022 Vlad, the trick is small spot welds, and stagger the weld. one side, than go to the other side. do not come back to the first side until it has cooled off. by making a LOT of small welds, the metal has time to cool off and will not heat warp. 4 3 Quote when you are up to your armpits in alligators, it is hard to remember you only came in to drain the swamp.. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-489903 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsmackpaul Posted February 20, 2022 Share Posted February 20, 2022 23 minutes ago, tjc transport said: Vlad, the trick is small spot welds, and stagger the weld. one side, than go to the other side. do not come back to the first side until it has cooled off. by making a LOT of small welds, the metal has time to cool off and will not heat warp. Yep this is pretty much what I do and I'm no expert at this stuff I find it is a lot quicker to wait for it fully cool now and then, just keeping it at blood temperature than it is to try and beat back into shape Paul 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-489904 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattb73lt Posted February 20, 2022 Author Share Posted February 20, 2022 It’s called stitching. Once aligned and tacked in place, you work your way around the repair. No more than an inch at a time, depending on thickness of material and never next to the last weld. I usually work several separate repairs at once, so I don’t heat an individual repair excessively and cause warping. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/30/#findComment-489908 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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