10thumbs

I like this topic. Mom's 1st was a Model A Ford during WW2, bought during her first job. I have no pics of it. Dad bought his 1st car right after he came home from after the war, a 40 Ford Coupe, no pics available. Here though a pic of his 1st new car. I have to smile now, he was really a car nut and bought a bunch of US Iron and quite often too. His last one was a Buick, he bought it as an 89 yr. old. He had it 2 yrs. Here the 1st; The 48 DeSoto shown above by Christopher was a constant creature during my childhood too, the neighbor next door had one. I remember riding in that cruiser! Concerning the Plymouth above, I remember Dad telling a story about a weekend outing with his older brother on a fishing trip. Trout fishing in a nearby river had always been a thing to do for the two of them, read very close. Old Uncle had brought along his rowdy brother-in-law and while driving down an obscure country road in the backwoods of Florida this brother-in-law was being banged around in the not so luxurious back seat area of this old ride. The dude started complaining about the Plymouth's' ride while on a non-paved road, so Dad hits the brakes and asks if the brakes are at least good. Maybe they're smoking and get out and take a look. He did, and watched while Dad and Uncle drove off. Dad did not like this guy, never did. I remember as a kid meeting him, I didn't like him either. I know the road they were on, been there with my dad too. He chuckled again about the story the last time I was there with him. We caught some fish too. Michael

Fabulous pics Clayton! I've seen some of those on the other topic, really fantastic. The rigs are worth building as examples or reference pics. The bottom one with the running lights on has an atmosphere about it that this time of day can really bring out. About "hopping up " the motors. Would this only be done if the truck or rig was privately owned? I think the deserts out West have a really attracting scenery to them, but I can't handle heat very well. Funny thing, I'm from Florida too. Never liked the heat and humidity there. But something about the very early morning still excites me. Back in Florida I liked the big river early in the morning as the ships were heading out to sea. Still dark but you could see the sun starting to come out east over the Atlantic. Clayton, I'm going to google the route you just wrote to get a sense of the tour.

The car looks right! I like the lesser chrome look on the motor, and the paint is absolute top notch. You are an excellent painter, and the car shows your knowledge.

Thanks guys for the interesting info. For instance I had no idea more than 10 gallons of oil circulates in Diesel motors! I really enjoy reading this stuff, I was hoping for some informative firsthand talk, and you guys are doin' good. Mark and Sam, good info. About the cooling part, I googled the Mojave Area and checked out some highways there. I'll bet that place is scorching in August. I would like to take a ride though on Highway 550 from NM northwards, just not in the heat. It looks like a nice drive. Maybe I can make it out West soon to visit brother in Arizona. Also guys, about the million miles, when you have a new route to drive and you make up your plans, what kind of miles per hour distance do you calculate? How does the schedule thing work, basically speaking? Or are all the routes so well mapped that there's a database or something to get info and details from? PS: I know from the old days that Pontiacs can be made to make great runners. Back then too, they had a good over-the-counter performance parts selection and some old GTO's sounded real nasty. Michael

Leo, so the end of the Cat 3406 was emissions control? Heck, with today's VW emissions scandal, why not hook up some VW software to those babies and fire 'em back up! @guitarsam....Sam, as a mechanic, what makes a good Diesel live so long? Constant low rpm's. I guess the internals, crank rods and pistons are all forged. If the Diesel needs high compression to fire, I suppose the motors have a real tight quench. But the way some sound while idling, it seems like the rods are just knocking around all over the wrist pins and something else banging against the block to make such a racket. In short, how can a good Diesel live so long? Plus, how many years does it take to drive a million miles? Michael

Hey Clayton, Yep, it's been nice and easy going. But now I'm thinkin' maybe I ought to get out while the gettin's good. lol. I won't get rowdy with a bunch of truckers, no way. Hope you guys have a good long weekend too.

Mark, gone fishing now! What a good read, thanks for posting. A million miles....insane quality. I had no idea. Also Clayton mentioning stopping and idling in the city and not using the clutch. All new to me. Again, I'm enjoying the exchanges and the info here. The Paccar engines, they're Peterbilt, am I right? I think I read about these on recent travels. Something too about CGI blocks too, was this with Paccar, I don't recall. Maybe that's a problem too concerning longevity instead of heavy old iron. Leo, thanks for your input. I'm going to do some searching this time Cummins in on the agenda. Happy Thanksgiving guys. Michael

Thanks Clayton. I even read once, I think on Allpars (?) the Hemi was way back when used for Air Raid sirens in WW2. Later in cars.

Aaron....Geez, that thing does sound rowdy! A Fire Dept. piece, am I right? Thanks for the link. I like. @KJ, thanks for the insight. Did the 6-71 blower we know from drag racing evolve then from Detroit Diesel/GM back then?

I don't know much about theses motors, especially concerning big trucks. My 1st counter with a Diesel motor was as a kid, when Uncle told me as we were crouching in front of 2 monsters in his Sport Fishing boat in South Florida. This was the 60's. He says, there is only one real Diesel motor. It's a M.A.N. from Germany. Later he told me why. Individual heads, one for each cylinder. What kind of Diesels then are American made, and what are popular makes, or sizes for heavy trucking. Are the heads separate? What make did the trucks in the 60's have? I know of Caterpillar of course. Which ones are top notch brand? Is it a Ford/Chevy type choice? Better yet, which brand do you not like? Thanks in advance, Michael

Thanks guys for the great info, and also for most of the pics contributed to underline the topic. If you truckers don't mind, I have a another question about Diesel motors on a new topic. Many thanks! Michael

Scott, I figure that size to be about 0.7mm or thereabouts. I have 1mm half round metal strips about 8" long. The material is a form of steel, and hard. It can be bent though. The color is steely looking, a bare blank silvery color. It can be polished too. I imagine too that smaller sizes may be available as well. Check out a local Dental Depot, materials for dentists and technicians and ask for half round chrome wire (wrought wire) or sticks to be used for soldering and repair of removable appliances. This stuff is standard material for the above mentioned branch, so it should be readily available as well. I've never seen micro brass profiles in half round. Michael

Thanks for the insight Steve. If I understand this right, the allowed length of the vehicle excludes the cabs. Only the trailer has length limitations. All states comply. Thanks.

Clayton that's quite a list. Probably buy a home for the amount of extras on that rig. ".... Or sittin in the So Cal summer traffic doin your official duty of leg checks and cleavage patrols. " Always a good thing to see what's coming, am I right?

The big Euro trucks are quiet as heck too. I know when you pass one that's doing 60mph, you don't hear it. Modern looking and sleek, but no character in my opinion. Those big trucks shown here are just good looking and purposeful. The red and white K100; What extras has the owner added? I'm sure lots can be assembled from the factory, but what is on there that is beyond the base factory delivered model?

Looking very good Joe. Nice work on an intricate assembly.

Thanks guys for the insight. Clayton those are fine looking trucks there. The Pete 362 does look really high. I'd need an elevator.

Mr. Myers, it looks as though you've in the meantime learned to post pics. What does that have to do with this topic?

Hi Jeff, that motor is looking very good. Great work. Michael

Clayton, now I'm slowly learning why you're not happy with some truck lawmaking. It does seem irritating. Thanks for the link. Thanks KJ, I was kind of thinking the cabovers might turn corners easier in cities. I like the look, and can't really say I have a favorite. Both types just exude power, and I just read some Diesel info, 1500lbs. torque is serious power. I'm enjoying my truck adventure.

Hi Guys, If you don't mind there are several questions I have about big trucks in general. I think I might like building one, at least the tractor part, or even start with just a big motor. So, what is the difference between a cab over and a machine with a long hood? Why choose one over the other in real life? Take for instance the logging videos, I don't seem to see a cab over hauling logs. Do the 2 types have different motor combinations? Maybe a factor of handling and visibility? I'd appreciate some clarity about this. Thanks guys, Michael

Hilarious!

Like this?

Clayton, I'll have to check out the horn blasters too. I've been watching a lot of big Diesels, with headphones and loud.

I think I understand what you guys are talking about, I mean the fun, but also the rhythm of shifting the gears right. When you know you're doing it right. Hey guys, another question: When traveling with the family as a kid, and a big semi was passed by dad, my brother and I would stick our arms out the window and do a tug motion. Most always the truck pilot would pull his horn. Do kids do this anymore? OK, this was back in the 50's. Just wondering. As a kid I thought the Mack Thermodynes (?) looked good. I liked the big hoods and grilles. The video, what is he doing to show off? Thanks guys for the replies, I think we all like reading of what you guys know. Michael