Drew Gardner Posted September 21, 2015 Share Posted September 21, 2015 Hello menI'm looking for my first B model mack. I have always wanted one. I'm kinda looking for a B61, B613 or a B64. Would love to have a turbo charged engine. What are some things a newbie like me should look for Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fxfymn Posted September 21, 2015 Share Posted September 21, 2015 Rust, rust ,and more rust. Seriously, the B's are notorious for rusty cabs, particularly floors and cab corners. Unless you are a body man it is usually easier to fix mechanical issues than it is to correct a seriously rusted out cab.Will this be the first antique truck for you? Quote Money, sex, and fire; everybody thinks everyone else is getting more than they are! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freightrain Posted September 21, 2015 Share Posted September 21, 2015 Welcome to the board.Yup. If you are not a body man, then try to find one that is from a dry climate. I put a new floor in my truck. Not that hard to do with basic hand tools and a welder. There are NO replacement panels available so you have to make anything you need.Gearing. Find one that will run 55mph comfortably. Many won't.Maxi brakes are a plus. Those old hand brakes are not the best. Finding one already converted is good. Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted September 21, 2015 Share Posted September 21, 2015 look for a DM instead lol...just kidding,,,,welcome aboard and good luck...bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j hancock Posted September 21, 2015 Share Posted September 21, 2015 Welcome!Buy the best one you can afford. Rust repair, engine work, transmission repair, etc can all get real expensive really quickly. Quote JimIt doesn't cost anything to pay attention. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seyser Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 Look for one with a nice frame. Over the years so many of these truck get altered from what they originally were for. Frames get chopped, welded, etc. I prefer a single frame as then everything is visible and no hidden rust. Just something to keep in mind. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drew Gardner Posted September 22, 2015 Author Share Posted September 22, 2015 Thanks for the quick replies. Yes this will be my first truck. I looked at two today, and of course, they were rusty floors, everything else looked good on both. One had a unishift transmission, the other had a duplex. I'll have to look up maxi brakes and see what to look for there. I may be getting in over my head, but I love learning, and this should be a great learning experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MADDOG93 Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 B-61 for sale in upstate New York Ad said in storage for 21 years $ 8,000.00 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fxfymn Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 Buy the best one you can afford. That is the best advice you will get. Even if you spend $20 or $30K on a very nice truck it will turn out to be cheaper that what it will cost you to bring a derelict back to life that was free. 1 Quote Money, sex, and fire; everybody thinks everyone else is getting more than they are! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freightrain Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 Maxi Brakes are spring brakes. Very easy to tell. If the truck still has a big hand brake handle in front of the seat, keep looking. The rear axle will have large coffee can sized air chambers that are the spring brakes. MUCH better holding power then the hand brake.There will be a control knob on the dash that controls them.They were mandated in the 60's, but many of these old B models still have hand brakes if they weren't used commercially. Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
68-f-model Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 But where is the adventure in buying one that is already done. I guess that it comes down to whether one wants a project to tinker on and have the pride of restoring or just fork out the cash for one that is done. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigdogtrucker Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 My truck still has the original brakes, and they work great. I asked my buddy why he never converted it, he said there was never a need. Truck will skid the tires the handbrake works so good, and this truck worked til "09. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seyser Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 I hardly think not having maxi's is a make or break deal. I dont work my truck and prefer that it doesnt have them, I guess prefer to have one as original as possible. Kind of goes with the allure of driving a 50yr old truck. I suppose it depends on what you plan to do with the truck, as others said its always possible to upgrade when needed. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gmerrill0516 Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 Mine has been converted to spring brakes. I prefer and appreciate the original stuff but don't plan to go back as the hand brake stuff is long gone and I don't imagine is too easy to round up. Rust is a major problem so avoid it unless you have time and skills. I'd aim for a running and driving unit if possible...Running for sure. Tires are expensive as are most things on them...As Jim said above, buy the best one you can afford...get the most value while you are at it...don't get robbed either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freightrain Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 I planned on using my truck, thus I wanted the upgrades(without having to do it myself at the time). Granted, that is not for everyone. So yes, not a deal breaker for everyone. 1 Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b615rich Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 Welcome to the hobby. Lots of opinions and many ways to go. Original. Unrestored. Stock. Upgraded etc. good body is important but some look terrible in pictures but are real solid. Some have nice paint but rust bubbling up right under the surface. Single axle or tandem? Day cab or sleeper? Work truck or tractor? What are you looking for? Dayton wheels (spokes where just the tire and rim come off) or Budds (solid wheel like a car, lots of choices, steel or aluminum)70 series - big exposed aluminum radiator. Cabs - on the 70 series you can get the rounded B cab or what folks call the "L" cab just like the older LJ series. Do you like tinkering, turning a wrench, or just driving?As Mike said everything is expensive but there are lots of used parts if you look, but NOS can be crazy expensive. Know what you want and look at a lot to learn before you buy. The higher price between each level can be a big savings in the long run. Look forward to hearing and seeing details of your search - pictures are always welcome! Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b615rich Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 PS - whatever brakes make sure they are good. Maxi's are very reliable and safe, but all must be maintained well and adjusted properly. First investment I made was new brakes on both rear axles (no front brakes on my 59) - money well spent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drew Gardner Posted September 23, 2015 Author Share Posted September 23, 2015 Guys, this is great information. Let me just give you the run down on why I want one. My inlaws are into trucking. My brother own and operated a tri axle peterbilt, my father in law is a old truck driver, and my wife's uncle owns and operates a flat bed. (Pete) I have always kinda liked old macks since I was a kid. Anyway, I also like old tractors, and own an old International Farmall 666 I like to take to shows I own a old 1994 Dodge 2500 5 speed 12v Cummins. I do not enjoy driving a 3/4 ton truck eveyday. I have had thoughts about selling my 2500, and buying a 1/2 ton pickup to drive everyday. Then buying me a old B model Mack to eventually fix up, and pull my tractor's to shows. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackmb212 Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 Stay away from trucks with 11:24 tires also look at the vent Windows, most of them are rotted out and cost a lot to rebuild or if you can find a nos set they are around a 1000 bux a side 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DM800guy Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 What's so bad about 11x24 tires? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ekennedy21 Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 i think the only thing better the 11x24 is 12x24 actually Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maddog13407 Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 yes they looks cool as hell on a B81 or even a B61SX but you can buy a new car for the price of putting 10 new 11 or 1200 24's on a truck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outbehindthebarn Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 Guys, this is great information. Let me just give you the run down on why I want one. My inlaws are into trucking. My brother own and operated a tri axle peterbilt, my father in law is a old truck driver, and my wife's uncle owns and operates a flat bed. (Pete) I have always kinda liked old macks since I was a kid. Anyway, I also like old tractors, and own an old International Farmall 666 I like to take to shows I own a old 1994 Dodge 2500 5 speed 12v Cummins. I do not enjoy driving a 3/4 ton truck eveyday. I have had thoughts about selling my 2500, and buying a 1/2 ton pickup to drive everyday. Then buying me a old B model Mack to eventually fix up, and pull my tractor's to shows.Pic of the 666 please....! Quote Fun is what they fine you for!My name is Bob Buckman sir,. . . and I hate truckers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ekennedy21 Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 It's only money maddog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gmerrill0516 Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 I love the big rubber and if you hunt around you can find some decent tires for sale. It is a consideration for sure however. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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