B-61 changes

[james j neiweem]

The R model underwent several slight improvements over its 20 or so year run. What were some of the major changes to the B 61 Model. Not counting B-53, 57, 67, 70 etc.

Edited December 10, 2021 by james j neiweem

[Mike Harbison]

They changed how the radiator shell was mounted, made it much easier to take off.

Moved the wiper motor from under the dash to outside the firewall

Those were 2 improvements I can think of quick

[Mike Harbison]

Also,there were some changes to the fuel tanks,they opened up in front of the grating in the step,before dirt and water would get trapped and eventually rust it out and cause a leak

[theakerstwo]

I remember changing a wiper motor under the dash and yes they were plumped with copper tubing. You know were its at but you cant get to it.

[Licensed to kill]

2 hours ago, Mike Harbison said:

They changed how the radiator shell was mounted, made it much easier to take off.

Moved the wiper motor from under the dash to outside the firewall

Those were 2 improvements I can think of quick

That must have been post 1959 as I have taken 2 of those apart and there is NOTHING easy about taking the grill shell/inner fenders/headlight bezels apart. Don't know how they assembled that mess on an assembly line. 

[mowerman]

well for one thing brand new bolts are a good start ....no dirt and rust lol.bob

[Mike Harbison]

On 12/10/2021 at 1:43 PM, Licensed to kill said:

That must have been post 1959 as I have taken 2 of those apart and there is NOTHING easy about taking the grill shell/inner fenders/headlight bezels apart. Don't know how they assembled that mess on an assembly line. 

Thats about right, they went to a bracket attached to the headlight panel that went to the radiator support,instead of having the panel bolted to the shell itself. So all you had was the bolts on top,the one on each side behind the hood latch,and 2 at the bottom that went to a bracket on the shutters. I hope I explained that right . If I could still post pics on this damn site ,there's a nice illustration in one of my older Mack all purpose, m.anuals

[theakerstwo]

Mike you got it right.I remember them both.

[james j neiweem]

So when they finally got the B-61 right, 🙂 out came the R model, and when they finally got the R model right, 🙂out came the CH Model. Not sure they will ever getn the CH model right. Not enough option offerings for sure.😟

[Licensed to kill]

I am dreading putting they thing back together. Not real sure how to even DO it yet. Of course, everything will have to be painted first so that will just add to the "fun". 

[h67st]

On 12/10/2021 at 2:43 PM, Licensed to kill said:

That must have been post 1959 as I have taken 2 of those apart and there is NOTHING easy about taking the grill shell/inner fenders/headlight bezels apart. Don't know how they assembled that mess on an assembly line. 

This is how.

[Freightrain]

Ya, I remember the few times I've had mine apart through the years.  Always a Chinese puzzle when it comes to remembering how it goes back together a few months later.

[james j neiweem]

Keep those factory photos comming!

[Licensed to kill]

On 12/12/2021 at 7:24 PM, h67st said:

This is how.

That DOES answer to one question I had, that being should I assemble the front clip and THEN put it on the chassis or assemblymen;e it on the chassis. However, the BIG question was how did they get it to that point. As I recall there are several bolts that are quite difficult to access.

[theakerstwo]

I worked at a dealer when these trucks was still in production and when we pulled the engine we pulled the front off in a assy like this.You could have the fenders  and rad off in 45 minites.The engine could be pulled then in less than two hours.Many people dont know this but the trans stays in the frame when the engine comes out.

Edited December 14, 2021 by theakerstwo

[Mike Harbison]

2 hours ago, theakerstwo said:

I worked at a dealer when these trucks was still in production and when we pulled the engine we pulled the front off in a assy like this.You could have the fenders  and rad off in 45 minites.The engine could be pulled then in less than two hours.Many people dont know this but the trans stays in the frame when the engine comes out.

Do you still have your B model,Glenn ?

[theakerstwo]

yes

 

[Mike Harbison]

2 minutes ago, theakerstwo said:

yes

 

Good deal

[Freightrain]

You do have to support the tail of transmission because it will fall back since the mount is too far forward to balance it.

[theakerstwo]

We never supported the rear because you want the rear of the trans to drop a few inches so it will let the front of the engine raise up enough to clear the front crosss member.If i fork lift it out of the shop i  put a chain on the rear of the trans.If the trans drops down much then the mount bolts may be loose.Yours is quad or triplex so it may drop down more.Its been 40 years since i have been around a quad or triplex.I had a 18 speed maxitorque in mine and about 4 months ago me and my son change the engine and it did not drop down no more than what we need it too.Its in a Ch and they are so easy to change.

[Freightrain]

I did replace the mount bushings after the motor swap.  It likely wouldnt have moved much but I did want to control it so I played it safe.

[theakerstwo]

I found year back safety first and some times thats not enough.Once it falls on you its too late.

[Freightrain]

With me having a brownie box just a few feet behind the triplex the transmission would like not fall very far until the driveshaft got bound up.

[Maddog13407]

that assembly line is a pre 59 pic like Mike described.... they actually put a rope or cable around the bulldog and lifted the front end with the shell and fenders bolted together. in later years it was separate pieces. also notice the headlight buckets are not in.... this is so you can stick your hand thru them and get to the bolts on the horse collar for the inner headlight panels.  i dunno about improvements but they made those god aweful junk push button signal switches fron 62 on.... and somewhere around 58 or 59  they replaced the cast iron brake pedal with the tin diamond plate unit because the cast ones would break in a panic stop. one of the best improvements was circuit breakers over the glass fuses

[teched]

On 12/12/2021 at 6:57 AM, Mike Harbison said:

Thats about right, they went to a bracket attached to the headlight panel that went to the radiator support,instead of having the panel bolted to the shell itself. So all you had was the bolts on top,the one on each side behind the hood latch,and 2 at the bottom that went to a bracket on the shutters. I hope I explained that right . If I could still post pics on this damn site ,there's a nice illustration in one of my older Mack all purpose, m.anuals

Hi Mike, I could use that diagram and probably a bunch more people could also.  If you scan it to me or take a picture maybe I or one of the admins can get it up.