Popular Post T-Mack1 Posted Friday at 12:51 AM Popular Post Share Posted Friday at 12:51 AM Hello All, An intro..... I'm Tom Mack, I'm the Mr. Fix-it type, who is rather mechanically inclined and also has a associate degree in computers. I'm weeks away from retirement, Yay!. I live in the Allentown, Pa area. I've worked in the electronics industry here for many years, until 2010 when I got downsized. Then, after being laid off for 7 months, I got hired at a local company..... Mack Trucks. I originally started on the production line. Now, for the last 7 years, I've been in the Quality Group at the Macungie plant (now called Lehigh Valley operations), in a cushy job. I'm a product auditor. Basically, I take a completed truck, look it over, test drive it and then submit a report to help improve the production line. This means getting to test drive a new Mack once or twice a day . Tough job but someone has to do it...LOL. My older brother Jack (( yes, Jack Mack)) and I bought a Mack truck. We both have always wanted one. It's a 1957 B85F, and is the tractor portion of a hook & ladder truck from Boston, which then went to East Hampton, Long Island, NY. and eventually landed in Connecticut. And was bought as a 15 truck package by a person here in PA. As you can see from the pictures, it's needs some TLC. The engine is free, the wiring is a mess, the body is really nice. We're not sure about the added on out-riggers. Not sure when they were added. Plan is get engine running. Get Brakes working to include converting to spring brakes (want it MAX safe since grand children will be riding in it). Then, I want a canopy top. Jack wants 4 doors, which is a long term project that we already brain-stormed. Tom Mack, The great-grandson of the Founder of Mack trucks. 4 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted Friday at 01:19 AM Share Posted Friday at 01:19 AM Excellent have a ball with it and welcome aboard… bob 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/#findComment-562345 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Joey Mack Posted Friday at 01:25 AM Popular Post Share Posted Friday at 01:25 AM good deal.. looks like you bought one of the trucks that was posted on here last week.. I liked that one,,, 3 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/#findComment-562346 Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiseliner64 Posted Friday at 01:55 AM Share Posted Friday at 01:55 AM (edited) Welcome to BMT.That is a really nice looking truck.Good luck with it.Nice job you have...... Paul Edited Friday at 01:56 AM by cruiseliner64 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/#findComment-562350 Share on other sites More sharing options...
skydawg Posted Friday at 02:04 AM Share Posted Friday at 02:04 AM I thought they were just building cabs in Macungie,to be put on Volvo chassis somewhere else.Nice truck ya got there. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/#findComment-562351 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brocky Posted Friday at 02:08 AM Share Posted Friday at 02:08 AM Welcome to Big Mack Trucks!!!!!😃 Will be looking forward to progress pictures. 1 Quote Brocky Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/#findComment-562352 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsmackpaul Posted Friday at 05:00 AM Share Posted Friday at 05:00 AM That's cool as all get out, never seen anything like that in my life Welcome to the forum Paul 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/#findComment-562355 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post T-Mack1 Posted Friday at 11:52 PM Author Popular Post Share Posted Friday at 11:52 PM (edited) 21 hours ago, skydawg said: I thought they were just building cabs in Macungie,to be put on Volvo chassis somewhere else.Nice truck ya got there. Full truck assembly at Macungie, Two assembly lines. One line for Conventional trucks, one for cab overs. We even assemble the frames again. They out sourced the tire mounting. Target is approx 120 trucks per day. That is if the vendors can deliver the components we ordered. Usually make around 100 to 110 a day. Edited Friday at 11:54 PM by T-Mack1 spelling 3 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/#findComment-562385 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Brocky Posted Saturday at 12:14 AM Popular Post Share Posted Saturday at 12:14 AM 19 hours ago, mrsmackpaul said: That's cool as all get out, never seen anything like that in my life Welcome to the forum Paul Paul that is a tractor (prime mover) for a trailer based aerial ladder. Some of which had a steerable trailer axle and a man with a steering wheel on the back. That is why the out riggers have been added for stability. 4 Quote Brocky Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/#findComment-562389 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Jack Mack Posted Saturday at 02:19 AM Popular Post Share Posted Saturday at 02:19 AM About time you get on here little brother, I’ve been here a long time! This all started on this forum and it is a great find , 1957 ,red convertible with a five speed , everybody’s dream! Took about hour to talk Tom into it. We are both pretty stoked that the descendants of Jack Mack own a Mack truck!…..Jack 6 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/#findComment-562392 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Joey Mack Posted Saturday at 02:22 AM Popular Post Share Posted Saturday at 02:22 AM Heck,, After reading these post's, I'm surprised you guy's werent on here 20 years ago.... Great stories.. and family history ! 4 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/#findComment-562393 Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiseliner64 Posted Saturday at 12:08 PM Share Posted Saturday at 12:08 PM 12 hours ago, T-Mack1 said: Full truck assembly at Macungie, Two assembly lines. One line for Conventional trucks, one for cab overs. We even assemble the frames again. They out sourced the tire mounting. Target is approx 120 trucks per day. That is if the vendors can deliver the components we ordered. Usually make around 100 to 110 a day. Ok have to ask...what cabover models are being assembled now?.... Paul Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/#findComment-562402 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted Saturday at 01:15 PM Share Posted Saturday at 01:15 PM Joey. I’m surprised this is the first we heard of them.. like wow man lol bob Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/#findComment-562410 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mack31 Posted 17 hours ago Share Posted 17 hours ago On 11/21/2024 at 7:51 PM, T-Mack1 said: Hello All, An intro..... I'm Tom Mack, I'm the Mr. Fix-it type, who is rather mechanically inclined and also has a associate degree in computers. I'm weeks away from retirement, Yay!. I live in the Allentown, Pa area. I've worked in the electronics industry here for many years, until 2010 when I got downsized. Then, after being laid off for 7 months, I got hired at a local company..... Mack Trucks. I originally started on the production line. Now, for the last 7 years, I've been in the Quality Group at the Macungie plant (now called Lehigh Valley operations), in a cushy job. I'm a product auditor. Basically, I take a completed truck, look it over, test drive it and then submit a report to help improve the production line. This means getting to test drive a new Mack once or twice a day . Tough job but someone has to do it...LOL. My older brother Jack (( yes, Jack Mack)) and I bought a Mack truck. We both have always wanted one. It's a 1957 B85F, and is the tractor portion of a hook & ladder truck from Boston, which then went to East Hampton, Long Island, NY. and eventually landed in Connecticut. And was bought as a 15 truck package by a person here in PA. As you can see from the pictures, it's needs some TLC. The engine is free, the wiring is a mess, the body is really nice. We're not sure about the added on out-riggers. Not sure when they were added. Plan is get engine running. Get Brakes working to include converting to spring brakes (want it MAX safe since grand children will be riding in it). Then, I want a canopy top. Jack wants 4 doors, which is a long term project that we already brain-stormed. Tom Mack, The great-grandson of the Founder of Mack trucks. Hi Tom and Jack I am glad to help you find this treasure in the rough. It has great bones and it will be fun to drive around. Too many projects on my plate so I am glad it’s going yo the Mack family. We are here to assist you in any way with our many contacts. Ryan 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/#findComment-562482 Share on other sites More sharing options...
yarnall Posted 2 hours ago Share Posted 2 hours ago My parents bought a 1955 B85 tractor in 1997. It had pulled a ladder for Harrisburg then Camp Hill PA. It was great fun to ride around in but a very rough ride. It has hydraulic brakes. They went out about 15 years and it has never been fixed. You have a great advantage if yours has air brakes. I’m sure you can find a B85 with a canvas top to copy. My father’s had a top at one time because it has snaps on the back of the cab. It would be a lot of work to make it a 4 door. Might as well play with it the way it is. Mike 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/#findComment-562583 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Mack Posted 2 hours ago Share Posted 2 hours ago 18 minutes ago, yarnall said: My parents bought a 1955 B85 tractor in 1997. It had pulled a ladder for Harrisburg then Camp Hill PA. It was great fun to ride around in but a very rough ride. It has hydraulic brakes. They went out about 15 years and it has never been fixed. You have a great advantage if yours has air brakes. I’m sure you can find a B85 with a canvas top to copy. My father’s had a top at one time because it has snaps on the back of the cab. It would be a lot of work to make it a 4 door. Might as well play with it the way it is. Mike Thanks Mike, cool there is another one nearby. I’ve seen your truck at my boss’s (John Haines) truck shows . Perhaps you should take your own advice and play with your parents truck as is, it’s only brakes my friend, and it is still a red convertible …..Jack Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/#findComment-562585 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joseph Cummings Posted 1 hour ago Share Posted 1 hour ago (edited) There is a place by Pottsville that handles all kinds of brakes for industrial applications. They have all kinds of odd stuff there, and do rebuilding of hydraulic parts, make control cables etc. They might be able to help get those hydraulic parts for that juice brake B85. They are in an old bakery building on if I remember right Bakery road. They got me some stuff for my juice brake Lancer Boss forklift that was made in Germany. I'll have to see if I can find the name of the place Found It https://www.airbrakeandpower.com/ Air Brake & Power Equipment Company, LLC 1048 Bakery Rd, Pottsville, PA 17901, USA Edited 1 hour ago by Joseph Cummings Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/#findComment-562587 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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