Popular Post T-Mack1 Posted November 22 Popular Post Share Posted November 22 (edited) 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, Connecticut. and eventually landed in the hands of a collector 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. Edited Sunday at 12:57 PM by T-Mack1 small correction as info is discovered. 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 November 22 Share Posted November 22 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 November 22 Popular Post Share Posted November 22 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 November 22 Share Posted November 22 (edited) Welcome to BMT.That is a really nice looking truck.Good luck with it.Nice job you have...... Paul Edited November 22 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 November 22 Share Posted November 22 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 November 22 Share Posted November 22 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 November 22 Share Posted November 22 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 November 22 Author Popular Post Share Posted November 22 (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 November 22 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 November 23 Popular Post Share Posted November 23 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 November 23 Popular Post Share Posted November 23 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 7 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 November 23 Popular Post Share Posted November 23 Heck,, After reading these post's, I'm surprised you guy's werent on here 20 years ago.... Great stories.. and family history ! 5 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 November 23 Share Posted November 23 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 November 23 Share Posted November 23 Joey. I’m surprised this is the first we heard of them.. like wow man lol bob 1 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...
Popular Post mack31 Posted November 24 Popular Post Share Posted November 24 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 3 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 November 25 Share Posted November 25 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 2 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 November 25 Share Posted November 25 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 1 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 November 25 Share Posted November 25 (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 November 25 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...
The Heinz Posted November 25 Share Posted November 25 On 11/23/2024 at 7:08 AM, cruiseliner64 said: Ok have to ask...what cabover models are being assembled now?.... Paul The only cabovers Mack offers are the LR and Terrapro (TE). The LR is exclusively meant for refuse work, with dual steering wheels and a low enough cab that stepping into the truck is easy and safer. The TE is predominately used in trash trucks around here, but it's designed to be tougher to accommodate vocational use like concrete pumping. They also make the electric LR, but we all know how that's been going. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/#findComment-562593 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joseph Cummings Posted November 25 Share Posted November 25 22 minutes ago, The Heinz said: They also make the electric LR, but we all know how that's been going. I haven't followed up on that much lately. I would imagine weight, and getting enough power into the facilities to charge them is a problem. It's not like you can just call up Billy Bob's electric and get him to install a 1,000KVA transformer to supply the chargers. That requires long term planning and in a lot of places 8 figure budgets 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/#findComment-562594 Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Heinz Posted November 25 Share Posted November 25 I helped put a quote together for ONE charger install, and it was mind boggling how expensive it was. Add on the fact that the EV truck has an incredibly short range, and it ends up making no sense to have one. I remember attending a class where one of the Paccar developers working on the EV program told everyone that none of the EV designs would have a great range, it's just not feasible yet. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/#findComment-562605 Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiseliner64 Posted November 25 Share Posted November 25 Is the TE what was nick named the Bug Eye? There were a few Bug Eye Macks in the UK but none made it to Ireland as far as I know.I thought they looked nice. .... Paul Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/#findComment-562606 Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiseliner64 Posted November 25 Share Posted November 25 On the subject of E trucks,I cannot see them working.the range of most E cars is small enough.So far I'v only seen one E truck.It was a Daf with a diesel powered refer body...the mind boggles!!! Paul Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/#findComment-562607 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joseph Cummings Posted November 25 Share Posted November 25 27 minutes ago, The Heinz said: I helped put a quote together for ONE charger install, and it was mind boggling how expensive it was. Pepsi Sacramento required upgrades to the utility substation and powerline to be built to run their chargers, and they had to install a Tesla Megapack on the ground. Those Megapacks are 1 Million dollars installed a couple years ago. The project took 3 years. Here is Pitt-Ohio's experience with electric trucks 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/#findComment-562609 Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Heinz Posted November 25 Share Posted November 25 1 hour ago, cruiseliner64 said: Is the TE what was nick named the Bug Eye? There were a few Bug Eye Macks in the UK but none made it to Ireland as far as I know.I thought they looked nice. .... Paul Never heard the nickname before, but here's a picture: Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/#findComment-562614 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post tjc transport Posted November 25 Popular Post Share Posted November 25 pepsi here ordered 100 electric T680 tractors to replace their diesel fleet for the terminal 2 miles from our local Paccar dealer. took delivery of the first 10 and canceled the rest of the order. and within 2 months those 10 trucks were returned to Paccar and unusable. they were down more than they were running, and had less than 1/2 the range promised. 1 3 Quote when you are up to your armpits in alligators, it is hard to remember you only came in to drain the swamp.. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/74780-the-mack-brothers-finally-got-a-mack-truck/#findComment-562617 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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