mowerman Posted October 3, 2022 Share Posted October 3, 2022 Hell I’ve been so busy focusing on the restoration I had not noticed how clean the green one is wow from the photo it looks like the green one is just as immaculate great work bud… bob Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/50/#findComment-510929 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post mattb73lt Posted October 15, 2022 Author Popular Post Share Posted October 15, 2022 Well, there it is, it's first registration since I believe 1987!!!! After a minor Cluster F*&ck with CT DMV and an unqualified clerk that caused a 24 hour delay, it's done. While CT DMV has made some decent changes and streamlined their procedures, they still lack qualified personnel. I could write several paragraphs on what went on in two short visits, but it's done. I did blow her up after she came back to the window with a set of Commercial plates when I told her and her supervisor three times I was putting Classic Vehicle plates on it. She stated that if I put those on it I couldn't use the flatbed. I stopped her right there and asked her to specifically state within the Motor Vehicle Statutes where it says that. Well, she couldn't. I called her supervisor back over and told her what I was just told and that they shouldn't be telling people what they can and can't do, when they can't reference any statute. This is what really pisses the public off when dealing with government organizations. I didn't throw out that I was a retired Trooper, just wasn't worth it. When I worked the road and was really learning to be a Trooper, I would ask my senior peers and supervisors tons of questions to gain as much motor vehicle enforcement knowledge as possible. I worked the scale houses with the commercial enforcement units to gain more knowledge in that area. My point there was that I wanted to know the law and the statutes I was enforcing. You can really mess with a business or person not fully knowing what you're doing. Okay, enough said there. After I ran home with my new plates and bolting the rear one on, off I went for it's first real test drive!! Damn, it sounds sooooo good. The exhaust sound is perfect, albeit LOUD! I did have a pedestrian who was on her phone cover her ears at about 100 yards as I started up from a stop and started shifting. Steering and tracking seemed good, no shimmies or wobbles as you come up to speed. Driveline vibrations are very minor. I did detect some transmission whine in 4th & 5th Hi-split at lower RPM's. I don't think that's anything to worry about yet. There's all new bearings in it and the pre-loads are all at factory specs. The ride sucks due to no weight on the rear axle, but the long wheelbase helps some. I made a couple of laps around town, shifting and stopping to work the transmission and brakes. I stopped after a while and felt all the components and axle hub temps with my hand. All the hubs remained pretty cool, the rear carrier was warming up but not hot. Engine temp was a steady 170 Degrees. Oil pressure, when hot, was 50 psi at upper RPM's and 20 psi at idle. After that, I was tempted to hit the highway and went out onto a couple of short stretches. It's a little faster than the green truck, mainly due to the taller tires. I was brave enough to get it up to speed slowly to a max of about 73 MPH, off my GPS app on my phone, while only turning about 1650 RPM. The speedo is off about 10 MPH fast, so I'll have to see if I have a better pencil gear in my collection. Post test ride inspection revealed no major leaks or seeps and nothing was spitting grease. The cab view is so much better than the standard B cab and the air ride seats help immensely with the ride. My custom brake and accelerator pedal set up is excellent and very easy to "heel and toe" it for downshifting and stopping. Overall a very good test drive and I'm still smiling a day later because I actually drove the truck that's been sitting around here for 24 years!!! 9 4 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/50/#findComment-512075 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hayseed Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 14 minutes ago, mattb73lt said: I'm still smiling a day later because I actually drove the truck that's been sitting around here for 24 years!!! Good Job, You'd be as happy as a Dog with two Di...... er....Tails... 2 Quote "Be who you are and say what you feel...Because those that matter...don't mind...And those that mind....don't matter." - Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/50/#findComment-512076 Share on other sites More sharing options...
yarnall Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 Sounds great. I’ll be up in Canterbury on the 28th. Can I take it for a test drive? Mike. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/50/#findComment-512077 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nor'Easter Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 Can't wait to see a drive video. That one on facebook was a major tease Matt! 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/50/#findComment-512079 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mean Green Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 Isn't it funny you restored that entire truck and the hardest and most frustrating part its the trip to the dmv lol you should know by now goverment employees will make up there own rules for things . The truck looks great getting it road legal is such a great milestone !! 2 Quote If your going to be a bear be a grizzly Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/50/#findComment-512083 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 Excellent bud thanks for sharing you didn’t mention anything about squeaks the rattles so yes I think you’re in like flint all that work certainly paid off … as far as DMV we have a same thing here they just built a brand new huge facility people tell me they still have to wait in line for hours just to get to a teller I haven’t been down there in a long time my vehicles are of late models and I just send the registration through the Internet anyway great job bud Have a ball … bob 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/50/#findComment-512085 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattb73lt Posted October 15, 2022 Author Share Posted October 15, 2022 5 hours ago, Nor'Easter said: Can't wait to see a drive video. That one on facebook was a major tease Matt! I'm definitely going to made one up and post it once I get some more things worked out and finished. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/50/#findComment-512106 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattb73lt Posted October 15, 2022 Author Share Posted October 15, 2022 3 hours ago, mowerman said: Excellent bud thanks for sharing you didn’t mention anything about squeaks the rattles so yes I think you’re in like flint all that work certainly paid off … as far as DMV we have a same thing here they just built a brand new huge facility people tell me they still have to wait in line for hours just to get to a teller I haven’t been down there in a long time my vehicles are of late models and I just send the registration through the Internet anyway great job bud Have a ball … bob I couldn't hear any yet, it was too loud. I only had some towels covering the floor, carpet is coming. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/50/#findComment-512107 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 OK I don’t know how you could with all the detail work you did on the cab…. Bob Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/50/#findComment-512109 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattb73lt Posted October 15, 2022 Author Share Posted October 15, 2022 Trying to make it up to a club seasonal party at Matt Pfahl's on 10/23 for it's public debut. 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/50/#findComment-512110 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 Years ago I had a 48 Plymouth I got from my one owner 75,000 miles car was quiet as a mouse except for one little rattle somewhere in the back I never did get to find it sold the car shortly after I bought it because I was moving west had to unload everything I didn’t need But that one little noise was driving me crazy immediately ha ha Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/50/#findComment-512111 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 2 minutes ago, mattb73lt said: Trying to make it up to a club seasonal party at Matt Pfahl's on 10/23 for it's public debut. Well you certainly have some Stiff competition there for the gang I don’t think they’ll find much wrong with it ha ha I wish I lived closer I would meet you there…. Bob Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/50/#findComment-512112 Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjc transport Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 i am sure everyone will be going over that truck with a fine tooth comb, looking for nuts not pointing the proper direction, or on the "wrong side" of the frame. 😁 2 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/50/#findComment-512114 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted October 15, 2022 Share Posted October 15, 2022 Right???????? Bob Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/50/#findComment-512119 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mechohaulic Posted October 17, 2022 Share Posted October 17, 2022 On 10/15/2022 at 12:13 PM, mattb73lt said: Trying to make it up to a club seasonal party at Matt Pfahl's on 10/23 for it's public debut. Does a person have to be a registered member of the club to attend the seasonal party ? waiting to see the B-73 /also haven't seen Matt Pfahl in along time.have been around the corner working in shop , Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/50/#findComment-512310 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mechohaulic Posted October 17, 2022 Share Posted October 17, 2022 checking the pictures of the bed;; couple questions == 1- is the head board staying as is?: 2- side rails in future:3- piece on bed combo ICC bar and hinged tilt assy?. thought earlier text said you were making a tilting bed? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/50/#findComment-512311 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattb73lt Posted October 17, 2022 Author Share Posted October 17, 2022 2 hours ago, mechohaulic said: Does a person have to be a registered member of the club to attend the seasonal party ? waiting to see the B-73 /also haven't seen Matt Pfahl in along time.have been around the corner working in shop , I’m not sure. But, the B73 isn’t going, now. I’ve got an issue with the engine and I’m worried it is a big one. I haven’t had time to investigate, hopefully later this week. More to follow and an engine pull may be looming. CRAP! 1 4 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/50/#findComment-512320 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattb73lt Posted October 17, 2022 Author Share Posted October 17, 2022 2 hours ago, mechohaulic said: checking the pictures of the bed;; couple questions == 1- is the head board staying as is?: 2- side rails in future:3- piece on bed combo ICC bar and hinged tilt assy?. thought earlier text said you were making a tilting bed? Yes, it’s another roll back. Headboard will remain and be repaired. That I’d the tilt device on the bed. It pins to the rear frame work. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/50/#findComment-512321 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freightrain Posted October 17, 2022 Share Posted October 17, 2022 I remember back 22 yrs when I put historical tags on my B. Lady behind the counter stated..."You better not be using this for hauling freight". Um, ya. okay Mable. 1 Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/50/#findComment-512325 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mechohaulic Posted October 18, 2022 Share Posted October 18, 2022 9 hours ago, mattb73lt said: I’m not sure. But, the B73 isn’t going, now. I’ve got an issue with the engine and I’m worried it is a big one. I haven’t had time to investigate, hopefully later this week. More to follow and an engine pull may be looming. CRAP! OH NO , we can't have that now . I can miss santa claus this year BUT NOT the un veiling of the B-73 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/50/#findComment-512369 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dockmen027 Posted October 18, 2022 Share Posted October 18, 2022 On 10/17/2022 at 10:52 AM, mattb73lt said: I’m not sure. But, the B73 isn’t going, now. I’ve got an issue with the engine and I’m worried it is a big one. I haven’t had time to investigate, hopefully later this week. More to follow and an engine pull may be looming. CRAP! If you need to talk to someone about the Cummins, Dave Crump of Crump Diesel in the Albany NY area would be the one.... Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/50/#findComment-512421 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattb73lt Posted October 18, 2022 Author Share Posted October 18, 2022 5 hours ago, dockmen027 said: If you need to talk to someone about the Cummins, Dave Crump of Crump Diesel in the Albany NY area would be the one.... Ok, thank you!! Hopefully tomorrow I can drain it down and drop the pan. I was going over in my head what happened and first I’m not thinking it wasn’t a head gasket. The dipstick is way over full and hasn’t settled out yet. It never overheated on the gauge and I’m leaning towards maybe a liner let go and put antifreeze into the pan. It wasn’t skipping and hit on all six. My big concern is the clattering in the engine and a sudden drop of about 10+ psi in oil pressure. I may have spun a bearing before I could get it stopped. I’m worried about damage to the crank, if that’s the case. And it was running so good. We’ll see what comes as I dig into it. 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/50/#findComment-512563 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark T Posted October 18, 2022 Share Posted October 18, 2022 Anything that could cause that isn't good. Maybe you'll get lucky... hope it isn't too bad. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/50/#findComment-512638 Share on other sites More sharing options...
yarnall Posted October 19, 2022 Share Posted October 19, 2022 Well that sucks. Sorry to hear it. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/41547-b-73-restoration/page/50/#findComment-512750 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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