Freightrain Posted March 16, 2009 Share Posted March 16, 2009 Ok, the cab portion looked "purchased", as getting the compound curve would be a bear. Or is it two pieces? The SS will stay nicer looking(since it's exposed), so the lower brackets could be aluminum as they are under the visor.Dang.......sure looks purdy! Always loved a freshly painted engine.............too bad they never again look that good(at least mine don't).I bet it will really put some guys reeling trying to decide WHAT it is once it's in the truck. I might have just painted it Mack gold or the grey color that was on the old 673's. That would really hide the fact it's a binder. Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-32266 Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantom309 Posted March 17, 2009 Author Share Posted March 17, 2009 Freightrain, yes the cab part of the bracket is made from two pieces welded together. You have to run a series of short beads to keep the heat down otherwise the brackets will distort. I'm not the best welder so I had to grind the welds down and polish the brackets in order to make them look okay.We actually considered painting the engine gold but went with the Cat Yellow at the last minute. I hope Mackdog's prediction doesn't apply to Cornbinder engines. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-32288 Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantom309 Posted April 10, 2009 Author Share Posted April 10, 2009 (edited) It's been about three weeks since I posted an update. We've been working on the truck but it's been the kind of slow progress that doesn't look like much.We took the truck apart getting ready to install the new axles...Then we dropped the engine in and put the cab in place to check for clearance. The IHC engine is smaller than the 707ci Mack engine but the fan sticks out a long ways so it takes up almost as much room.We were able to use the Mack's rear motor mounts we just had to make new brackets to come off of the IHC engine. We'll finish welding those when we pull the engine back out.The IHC axles have hydraulic brakes, so did the Mack axles but the Mack setup used a master cylinder mounted under the floor and a hydro-vac unit on the frame. The IHC setup uses pressure from the power steering pump and also has an electric motor as a backup in case the engine stalls. The simplest setup was to mount the IHC brake peddle and master cylinder to the firewall. It was also easier to install the IHC throttle peddle rather than try to adapt the throttle cable and transmission modulator cable to the Mack peddle. We just installed the wide "super single" tires today, they look good! We're also working on the exhaust. The bus we're using for a donor truck had a new exhaust system so we were able to re-use the muffler and quite a bit of the piping. Pretty soon we'll be able to pull the cab and box off to sandblast and paint the chassis.Jim Edited April 10, 2009 by phantom309 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-33502 Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantom309 Posted April 10, 2009 Author Share Posted April 10, 2009 I forgot to post a picture of the master cylinder. We had to cut out a piece of the firewall and weld in a flat piece of heavier steel. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-33504 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freightrain Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 Outstanding work. It's simply amazing how CLEAN the chassis is. Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-33516 Share on other sites More sharing options...
vanscottbuilders Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 This truck will be an absolute blast for you guys.I hope to be able to see the final version in person.BTW - have you considered an electric fan for the radiator?Might provide a little more useable power for the truck.Paul VS Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-33566 Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantom309 Posted April 11, 2009 Author Share Posted April 11, 2009 Paul, That might be a good idea! The fan clears the stock Mack rad just fine but we've also got to fit in a air to air cooler and an air conditioning condenser. I had considered remote mounting the AC condenser and transmission cooler and using electric fans for them but hadn't considered electric fans for the rad, that might free up some room. The IHC fan is also just a regular thermatic as opposed to an air operated clutch fan so it'll probably draw a fair bit of power and also be pretty noisy.Jim Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-33569 Share on other sites More sharing options...
LocomotiveBreath Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 That thing is coming along nicely, going to be a good looking truck. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-33574 Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantom309 Posted June 27, 2009 Author Share Posted June 27, 2009 We had to leave the Mack sitting for about six weeks while we got a few other things done but we're back working on it.We're making some progress. The box is all welded up and the inner fenders are done. The floor will be wood.We're renting the shop next door to use for sandblasting and painting. All the cab and box parts are done.There was no rust on anything so that's going to make the body work easier. We had to modify the firewall in order to get the new heater and air conditioner setup to fit. We also had to modify the top of the firewall to make room for the electric wipers from the bus. By the way, we used a stainless steel sink for a dog house. It looks a little goofy right now but it'll look fine when it's done.We ran the chassis over today.We'll be blasting that tomorrow. It'll be good to get the blasting finished, it's a lot of work. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-37296 Share on other sites More sharing options...
thermodynediesel Posted June 28, 2009 Share Posted June 28, 2009 Looking great,can't wait to see it put back together and painted.Mike Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-37324 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freightrain Posted June 29, 2009 Share Posted June 29, 2009 Great work!! I can't WAIT to see it start to come together. It's going to be awesome!"no rust on anything"................ok, ok............just rub it in! LOL!!! I had to buy special welding wire to get two pieces of rust to stick together on my truck LMAO!!!! Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-37353 Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantom309 Posted June 29, 2009 Author Share Posted June 29, 2009 Larry, Seeing your Mack at Thompson really made me want to hurry up and get this thing done.By the way, I see there's a video from Thompson that shows you making a few runs... Jim Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-37357 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted June 29, 2009 Share Posted June 29, 2009 Great work!! I can't WAIT to see it start to come together. It's going to be awesome!"no rust on anything"................ok, ok............just rub it in! LOL!!! I had to buy special welding wire to get two pieces of rust to stick together on my truck LMAO!!!!I've just about went broke buying "Bazooka Bubble Gum" to keep mine together!!Rob Quote Plodding along with no job nor practical application for my existence, but still trying to fix what's broke. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-37358 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mopar Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 now that is a cool truck aint crazy of the cat yellow on the IHbut to eatch their own.keep up the good work Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-37457 Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantom309 Posted July 8, 2009 Author Share Posted July 8, 2009 Well I feel like we're making progress now. The sandblasting is all done and the chassis is painted. We used Magnet brand Chassis Saver paint. http://www.magnetpaints.com/underbody.asp I've never used POR paint but I think this stuff is similar. It's a little different than regular paint to work with but it's as tough as nails. Once it's cured you can barely scratch it. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-37883 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freightrain Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 Jim, a fellow that used to work with me young son did that video, that's the reason for me being it more then once.Great work on the chassis. I'm SO jealous! Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-37901 Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantom309 Posted September 24, 2009 Author Share Posted September 24, 2009 We're finally getting back to working on the Mack. We went to a wrecking yard and got some seats and a console from a 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee. As you can see from the first picture the size is similar to the Mack seat. We had to build pedestals to raise everything to the proper height. We were able to adapt the automatic shifter from the bus into the console, it'll look fine once we make a bezel for it.We also installed a new radio with a GPS, Bluetooth and satellite radio. We wanted to mount it a bit higher but the motor from the electric wipers was in the way. Soon we'll be able to start on the paint and body work.Here's a picture of the frame with the engine installed. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-40938 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThaddeusW Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 Holy cow! That is going to be one sweet car hauler. That center console adaptation is a real nice touch. Cant wait to see her finished. Quote -Thad What America needs is less bull and more Bulldog! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-40946 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freightrain Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 After 8 yrs........my back starts to hurt just thinking of getting the B out of the garage. Looks like you got that problem handled!! Nice job. I can't wait to see this when it's done. Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-40961 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ironman Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 That is gonna be one Plush Mack interior Quote GLENNGRANDKIDS :Gods little gift to us for not killing our kids while they were growing upAll I want, is just to be luv'd and for my Check Engine light to go out on my Volvo. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-40981 Share on other sites More sharing options...
b67sting Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 ACGPSwowHow about power steering? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-41035 Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantom309 Posted September 28, 2009 Author Share Posted September 28, 2009 ACGPSwowHow about power steering?We're going to stay with the Mack's "armstrong" steering. We wanted to use the power steering from the bus but the Mack frame gets wider at the front, so it won't fit. I think the manual steering will be fine because the truck will carry quite a bit less weight on the front axle. (the new engine and trans are quite a bit lighter)I took the steering box apart and it was in perfect shape, all I had to do was change the seal.Jim Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-41069 Share on other sites More sharing options...
andreajones021 Posted September 30, 2009 Share Posted September 30, 2009 Holy mother! That is traveling to be one candied car hauler. That center most animate adjustment is a absolute nice touch. Cant delay to see her finished._________________Bathroom fan Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-41164 Share on other sites More sharing options...
LocomotiveBreath Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 That interior is going to be really nice when finished. What did the console come out of? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-41228 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ironman Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 (edited) We're finally getting back to working on the Mack. We went to a wrecking yard and got some seats and a console from a 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee. There ya go LocomotivebreathDid you make any progress this week Jim Edited October 1, 2009 by In2Trux Quote GLENNGRANDKIDS :Gods little gift to us for not killing our kids while they were growing upAll I want, is just to be luv'd and for my Check Engine light to go out on my Volvo. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/6853-b-model-car-hauler/page/3/#findComment-41235 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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