Restore an old truck and not trick it out

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by seventiestrucker, Dec 26, 2006.

  1. seventiestrucker

    seventiestrucker Bobtail Member

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    Dec 22, 2006
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    You guys want to earn the respect right. Here's how to show it. You find an original truck in a yard that looks like it was from these years:1950-1980. You decide to take it out and restore it but here's the twiston't try to trick it out and add any expensive stuff to it.:smt041 :hello1: :happy2: :happy3:
    Trust me boys,before you know it,you're a classic!:happy3: :happy3:
     
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  3. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    There are some things from modern times that are a good thing, such as air suspensions. This serves a greater purpose than simply cushioning a sensitive hiney. For instance, if you have air ride on your cab, that will prevent you cab from taking an inevitable violent shaking, which is not only hard on you, it also hard on everything in your cab. If you have a CB in it, your radio will be taking a serious beating.

    If you have air ride on your suspension, as opposed to springs, it's not only a lot more comfortable and easier on your back. It's also easier on your freight. Remember, your load is taking a lot rougher ride than you are. Also, an air bag is replaced in minutes, whereas a broken spring will have you out of commission for most of the day.

    I understand your thinking on the old trucks. I'm not terribly fond of modern transmissions compared to two stick Mack trannies. I just think you need to add a few modern touches, such as an air suspension and A/C.
     
  4. lightoftheworld

    lightoftheworld Bobtail Member

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    Jan 1, 2007
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    Would it be worth the money to rehab a truck that old???

    I saw some 1950-60's ford cabover's that I thought about buying as a project truck to restore, trick out, and to use as a hobby vehicle.
     
  5. midget28

    midget28 Light Load Member

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    What Cheer Iowa
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    I doubt it would be worth the money. Its like restoring a hot rod you would never get your money back out of it so it would have to be something you really enjoy. One thing your garanteed to get is alot of looks and respect if you cruise down the road in a working classic.
     
  6. Sad_Panda

    Sad_Panda Road Train Member

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    There are a couple of "working classics" around here, nice old working trucks. There are models of older trucks (C-60) that are going to ride alot better then you think because they use torsion bars in the front over leaf springs. That being said, I'd have fun finding and rebuilding a C-80 and turning it into a fun old hauler for fun, not work.
     
  7. bubbavirus

    bubbavirus Medium Load Member

    A Yellow tractor,
    runs there, has a cb handle,
    might hAve year wrong,
    around Memphis,
    guy passed me Freightliner :hello1: Columbia
     
  8. fullthrotle

    fullthrotle Bobtail Member

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    May 10, 2007
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    im going to be doing the same thing,thinking about a 79w900 a guy i know has,or maybe something a litle newer like mid eighties to very early nineties w900,just want to restore and see what happens
     
  9. uncle bill

    uncle bill Bobtail Member

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    May 1, 2007
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    66 Autocar with a 12V71. I would love any Autocar from the 60's or70's!:biggrin_255:
     
  10. MedicineMan

    MedicineMan Road Train Member

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    There is an early sixties needle nose pete
    on the road in WI hauling a tanker. I see him almost every day. and it's not all blinged out but it i a nice looking truck
     
  11. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    Well, if you have an old mechanical truck like that Pete, once you change the suspension and powertrain, for all intents and purposes you have a new truck. That may be what he did, in addition to doing any repairs needed on his own.
     
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