Popular Post TDBach Posted December 12, 2016 Popular Post Share Posted December 12, 2016 (edited) My grandfather passed away in 2009, and since then I've watched his old tractors (John Deer, 720...Ford Red Belly...Massey...) Sold off piece by piece to help my grandmother. My grandfather did not have a retirement, nor did he have life insurance, so my grandma was forced to sell some of his things. Somethings went to scrap. Gus #9, a 1946 Mack EGX truck without her box sat in the woods by itself with an oak tree growing out of the center of the box, wrapped around the driveshaft. Every old truck, car, and piece of iron was sold or scrapped except for Gus. Gus belonged to my great grandfather August (my grandma's dad), and was 1 of 15 Mack trucks in his fleet for his road construction company. My great grandfather made the work crews clean these trucks and line them up every night after road construction work. Gus was built on February 15th of 1946 and sold a month later to my grandma's brother Robert, who owned a dealership. Robert special ordered 15 Mack trucks for my great grandpa's work crew. Gus was sent from Minot ND, to Whapeton ND, and then traveled with the work crew to Florida. Gus was issued the #9 on the front and rear bumpers, and was driven by Ben Rowley of MN. Ben and Gus were in a bad road accident in 1953 after 10,000 miles, and a full load, when a woman pulled out in front of them and ultimately caused Gus to flip upside down. Thankfully Ben was ok, and Gus sustained roof and cab damage, unfortunately the woman did not make it. It's hard to stop an old Mack Truck at 30mph fully loaded... Gus was sent to the back of the fleet line for repairs, and Ben wanted to make sure that old Gus was cared for, so it was approved by my great Grandfather for Ben to be the primary mechanic to get Gus back on the road. In 1944, my grandpa Jerry was sent off to WWII, blood nose ridge Japan at the age of 17. My great grandpa on my grandpa's side was captured in Manila, and died in a prison camp during the Bataan Death March, which prompted my grandpa to join the Marines. My grandpa Jerry served 4 years in the Marine Corps, 1st Division, and was blown up in Japan, suffering a major head injury. He was sent back on a medical ship, which was blown up by a Japanese war plane, and left 13 men in the ocean. My grandfather was one of the 13 that were eventually rescued and survived. He returned to a military medical hospital, and eventually made it back home to MN. My grandfather sought work with Vagts Contractors, in which he was a driver/hauler of the Mack line, and where he met my grandmother. Yes, he married the Boss's daughter! At this time, Gus was still in the mechanical line being worked on, as she was having engine/valve issues, and just would not run right after the accident, so my great grandpa decided to put Gus on light duty, doing simple hauls. Meanwhile, my grandmother, her sister, and her mother (my great grandmother) were cooking, and cleaning for all of the road crew men. (Traveling road crew that lived in bunk houses). Gus #9 was the first big truck that my grandmother got to drive! My grandpa married my grandmother a short time later in Florida, while my grandpa was still working with the road crew. My grandpa did not have transportation of his own, and neither did my grandma, so my great grandpa gave them Gus #9 as a gift to help my grandpa and grandma move back to MN, and start their own wood cutting business. Gus #9 was loaded and made the long haul from Orlando Florida back to northern Minnesota, where she worked hauling wood for another few years before being set in the woods in 1972, ( for 42 years) as a permanent retirement, after her brakes gave way with a full load of wood, and rolled downhill and smashed into a large oak tree. My grandpa was frustrated with the old truck, pulled the drain plug out, and let her sit from 1972 until she was brought out of the woods in 2014. I used to play in that old truck as a kid (a young girl)..and my grandma knew how much I loved that old truck. So as my grandfather's belongings were disappearing...my grandma stated "not the old Mack...that goes to Tracy." And Gus was rescued once more! I thought to myself...how in the world am I going to get it out of the woods, let alone restore it? I lost my husband in 2011 (Marine corps soldier who committed suicide in our home after 9 combat tours)...and my grandma thought this old truck would be my healing grace. (And it is!). So I talked with a local farmer who was able to come and look at the condition of the old truck, and said "she's buried, we can get her out." I remember the oak tree being very small (the one growing out of the box), so I wanted the tree preserved, because I would use it to build the floor in the cab with it. So they took extra care cutting it away from the bed. They hooked on, and were able to pull her out of the wood line. When we got Gus into the yard, and I put new tires and wheels on her to help her roll...my grandma walked up to the front fend of old Gus, and was crying...saying "You'll be ok now...look old girl...you have new legs!" As we loaded Gus onto a flatbed, I knew at that moment...how much that old truck meant to my grandma...because as Gus started her journey down the driveway on the back of a 1972 tow truck.....my grandma was crying...asking me to help Gus, because she wanted to go for a ride in it one more time...grandma is 88 years old. The ironic part: Gus sat on a mechanic's property for two years, with nothing done, and survived a tornado in northern Minnesota 2014-July of 2016. In July of 2016, I met "Robert" from ND. Robert and I get along great, and I get to finally move on since the death of my husband, with someone who appreciates and collects antique vehicles. The ironic part is that Robert is a mechanic...he lives exactly 46 miles from where Gus was originally purchased, and knew the individual that sold Gus to my family. on August 13th, ( my birthday, and Robert's (my great uncles birthday) we attempted to fire up Gus...she turned over, making her first sounds in 42 years.. but did not catch. Stuck valves. (This was in MN). So Robert (my Robert) loaded Gus onto a trailer, and hauled her back to ND, 46 miles exactly from where it was purchased in 1946. Gus is now on the restoration path and spends her nights in a much deserved heated garage! Goal: Gus is getting a temporary 4cyl diesel until I can save enough money to have the old EN330 engine rebuilt. I have welded, done some of the body work, while Robert is working on making the old girl fire again. We hope to have her ready for the Waubun parade this next summer to surprise my grandma. We are going to have my grandma go with the family to the town parade, and sit her in front of the bank... we are going to have Gus painted and ready to role by then, and drive it through the parade, stopping in front of her to see if she recognizes Gus #9, it will temporarily be an automatic shift, so she can drive it if she wants too. We are also going to ask Ben Rowley's family to attend, as he was Gus's primary caretaker and driver...and his name will be painted on the back of the cab. Gus will also haul her first load since 1972, which will be a 1928, Twin Cities 10-28 tractor...my first tractor! What this old truck has taught me: This truck is a member of my family, an irreplaceable heirloom that reminds me of my great grandpa, my grandpa, and the work they did to give us the things we needed...it is a reminder of hard work...loyalty...and appreciation...and has been a member of my family since 1946. This old truck has taught me patience...temper control when you bust a knuckle on old bolts...and perseverance when rust seems to lurk everywhere. Most of all, this old truck has taught me about my family, their company...and my grandma's love for the old truck. To see my grandma take a ride in an 70 year old truck that she literally grew up with, will be priceless and emotional...but one of the best experiences of my life. As she stated "Not only did she haul gravel, dirt, and wood...she hauled my knickers from Florida to MN" This is my introduction of Gus#9 1946 Mack EGX We are in a desperate hunt for any Mack parts available! Rubber isolators for engine mounts...lights...gauges...and Gus is in much need for new doors! Thank you! Sincerely, Tracy D. (4th Generation owner of a Mack truck!) Edited December 12, 2016 by TDBach Mispelled words 11 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeamsterGrrrl Posted December 12, 2016 Share Posted December 12, 2016 Very touching story, wish I still had some of my old iron around. I live about 300 miles from Bismarck, will keep an eye out for any E model parts. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/#findComment-354844 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogg rescue Posted December 12, 2016 Share Posted December 12, 2016 Yes, awesome story! I'm not too far out of your area and I will also keep my eyes open for parts. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/#findComment-354845 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDBach Posted December 12, 2016 Author Share Posted December 12, 2016 Thank you! I'm learning that restorations are not cheap, but it will be very worth it to see my grandma light up when old Gus parks in front of her after all of these years! Tracy 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/#findComment-354846 Share on other sites More sharing options...
terry Posted December 12, 2016 Share Posted December 12, 2016 Very, very nice story. terry 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/#findComment-354867 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted December 13, 2016 Share Posted December 13, 2016 That is one great story of your family history, I totally enjoyed it and wish you the very best of everything possible for your family and to easily succeed in finding the necessary needs for Gus. We like any photos to. 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/#findComment-354948 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDBach Posted December 14, 2016 Author Share Posted December 14, 2016 I will post some photos of old Gus tonight! I showed my grandma pictures of Gus in restoration and she breaks down.. she's so excited! I will also post pics of her when we get her running for the parade this summer!!! I'd give up everything to see her ride in this old truck! Thank you everyone! Thanks to the guys and gals who have offered help with parts!! 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/#findComment-354987 Share on other sites More sharing options...
B-42 Posted December 16, 2016 Share Posted December 16, 2016 What an inspiring story! You did such a great job relating the role this truck has played in your family's history. Best of luck on your journey with Gus #9 and please keep us informed of your progress. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/#findComment-355252 Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwood64083 Posted December 17, 2016 Share Posted December 17, 2016 Loved reading this. Thank you for sharing. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/#findComment-355331 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post TDBach Posted December 20, 2016 Author Popular Post Share Posted December 20, 2016 3 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/#findComment-355653 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post TDBach Posted December 20, 2016 Author Popular Post Share Posted December 20, 2016 This is our family fleet! Great grandpa is in front of Truck #1, my grandpa is in front of Truck #3, and Ben Rowley is in front of Gus#9, the mack that I have now! The only remaining mack of my great grandpa's fleet. I love this old picture! My great grandpa gus was so proud of his trucks! 4 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/#findComment-355654 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j hancock Posted December 20, 2016 Share Posted December 20, 2016 Fantastic picture! Quote JimIt doesn't cost anything to pay attention. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/#findComment-355663 Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarryS Posted December 21, 2016 Share Posted December 21, 2016 Great story and picture. The trucks look brand new or super well kept. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/#findComment-355675 Share on other sites More sharing options...
1965 Posted December 21, 2016 Share Posted December 21, 2016 Good lookin fleet; great to see you take after your great grandpa Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/#findComment-355677 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDBach Posted December 22, 2016 Author Share Posted December 22, 2016 On 12/20/2016 at 7:07 PM, HarryS said: Great story and picture. The trucks look brand new or super well kept. Grandma said this was the first week that he had them. He mandated that each truck was washed and shined after each shift, so that is probably the reason Gus #9 is in better shape than many working trucks of that era. I will be posting more pictures of the fleet as grandma shares them! Thanks everyone! Tracy Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/#findComment-355780 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted December 22, 2016 Share Posted December 22, 2016 We would like to see a recent photo of it when you have a second. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/#findComment-355795 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogg rescue Posted December 22, 2016 Share Posted December 22, 2016 Hey Tracy, there is a '47 Mack on Craigslist in Bemidgi Mn. I'm not sure how to post the link but it might have some parts you need. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/#findComment-355800 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retro Racer Posted January 3, 2017 Share Posted January 3, 2017 Wow! Fantastic story. Thank you for sharing. Roland 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/#findComment-356953 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDBach Posted January 15, 2017 Author Share Posted January 15, 2017 This is the updated photo of Gus as of 1-13-2017...I'm welding some cracks in the firewall and saving the 800.00 to have the radiator re-cored.. just ordered rubber isolator for Diesel engine modification... working as fast as we can, but the lack of available parts is concerning... if anyone knows where I can get doors.. please let me know! These are the parts I am hunting for: radiator, doors with glass, (no one will reskin the doors here) so I used fiberglass to get the ball rolling.. after cooler for 4bt ... any cheap ideas for gauges? It will cost over 1500.00 to have the originals restored.. weather stripping for doors.. windshield wipers..arms and wiper motor.. tail lights.. i know restorations are not cheap... so I'm working three jobs to make it happen! Thanks everyone! I'll take some better pictures in the morning. I checked on the 47 for sale in Bemidji, he wanted way more than I can afford.. and it was an EF model..mines an EGX but the sheet metal was in great shape and the hunt goes on! Thanks everyone sincerely, Tracy 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/#findComment-358450 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted January 16, 2017 Share Posted January 16, 2017 You have a mig welder you can make patches for the lower door sections. Fairly cheap and easy to make up. As for the glass, it is all flat pieces, If you have the regulators , roll them up and use heavy cardboard to make a templet of the glass to fit in the channels. Both door glass is the same. A good glass shop can cut them for a tenth of what it would cost for used glass. Try Speedway Motors or Honest Charlies for weather striping, universal wiper parts and generic gauges or even possibly Chevs of the 40's for the large multi gauge units. Paul http://www.speedwaymotors.com/ https://www.chevsofthe40s.com/ https://www.chevsofthe40s.com/ 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/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/#findComment-358651 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDBach Posted January 18, 2017 Author Share Posted January 18, 2017 (edited) Thank you for the tips! I am excited as the progress is beginning to move forward! On Friday the engine mounts will be here, and we will be welding the new engine brackets together this weekend. Then the 4cyl diesel engine and transmission are going in. The next step will be to order the driveshaft, as the original is too long! Brake booster will be sent off next week, as I think I have enough pennies for that project. Then the radiator issue...I have to try and fit a charge air cooler in front of the radiator...more modifications...while trying to preserve the original foundation for the old motor which will go back in some day! Most women get excited over jewelry, I get excited to see truck parts sitting at my front door after work! So this truck is my first major welding project, and so far I have been doing good, nothing breaking apart, and nothing caught on fire! YET.... I have been looking for youtube videos on how to reskin doors, ..however, I think I am going to attempt patches first, thanks Paul! The funny part is that my grandma keeps asking how her Mack is....and we keep telling her... "it's slow" Waubun parade is the July 4th weekend, and she will be ready to rock and roll by then....I hope! Tonight, I finish welding the cracks in the firewall, and the cab corners...prime and prep the firewall and the front part of the Chassis, and finish the paint...I will post before and after pictures. I've never worked so hard to stay so broke! Thanks! Ms. Tracy D. Edited January 18, 2017 by TDBach spelling 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/#findComment-358898 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted January 19, 2017 Share Posted January 19, 2017 (edited) Are you replacing the drive shaft or are you going to have it cut and re-balanced? The patches are easier. Pick up an inexpensive flanging tool form Eastwoods and you can use the lower patch sections from a 40's to early 50's Ford or Chevy pick up. they are flat like the Mack and you can always shorten one end to fit you door. You only need to do the lower 6 or 8 inches. Biggest thing to learn is to do spaced tack welds so you do not warp the panels. Piece of cake.:) Paul http://www.eastwood.com/ew-panel-flanger.html Edited January 19, 2017 by 41chevy 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/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/#findComment-358951 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDBach Posted January 19, 2017 Author Share Posted January 19, 2017 Hi Paul, I think I'm going to order a new drive shaft for this diesel setup and keep the old drive shaft for when I put the old EN330 motor and transmission back in it. Thank you for the tips! This is a huge learning process! Everyone on here has been great! I am posting before and after pics of the front chassis tonight. Paint and prep started! Ms Tracy D 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/#findComment-358968 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDBach Posted January 19, 2017 Author Share Posted January 19, 2017 We have posted Part I of the video we plan to share with grandma the day we surprise her! Here is the link, please let us know what you think. (The last part of the video is a little blurry, so we are going to re-record that section). Thanks, everyone! Ms. Tracy D. Youtube link: https://youtu.be/vJDK9Uqm49s 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/#findComment-359022 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Vladislav Posted January 20, 2017 Popular Post Share Posted January 20, 2017 What a reat story of the truck and your family you posted! Honestly I read it some weeks back but still missed a chance to comment in the thread. A whole plenty of facts starting from that you're not a boy and the reason the project is executing for are highly impressive and take my hat off. Now I see the signs of the progress and it's a pleasure to. Unfortunately I have neither spares for E-model to help you, nor I'm far away to. But I wish best of luck to get the job done fast enough to be in the time frame and do it smooth and easy. Will follow your thread and keep it in mind. Hope to see more job done soon and you doing fine. Vlad 4 Quote Никогда не бывает слишком много грузовиков! leversole 11.2012 Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47994-gus-9-1946-the-road-to-life-once-again/#findComment-359149 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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