Mack F-Model Byrd Motor Lines

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Next project started. It is an old M.T.F.A. Cab. For those of you who have never used one of those, they are very thick and require a lot of grinding.

[Rockford]

Excellent work,  looks great 

[Gary Chastain]

This will be fun to watch, good start. 

[Jim B]

Nice start.  Aren't the M.T.F.A. cabs fiberglass, or are those the AIM cabs?

Edited May 25, 2024 by Jim B

[DRIPTROIT 71]

  On 5/25/2024 at 10:17 PM, Jim B said:

Nice start.  Aren't the M.T.F.A. cabs fiberglass, or are those the AIM cabs?

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Thanks Jim. No this is resin. I’ve had several M.T.F.A. Cabs over the years and they have all been resin. Dave really did a good job of cleaning these cabs up when he sold these. 
I have built a couple fiberglass cabs and the ones that I have had were very thin and very light. Jamar was one of the old fiberglass casters if I am not mistaken. The Road Commander that I added the aerodyne roof to is fiberglass and the R-190 International that I built was fiberglass. I don’t think that I have ever seen an old AIM cab in person.

[Chariots of Fire]

Hey, Brian.  The rear of the top looks like it needs to be raised up some.  Does it in fact slope backward a bit?  I have one of those CF Mack cabs that is very thick as well and would really need some TLC to get it to look right.

[DRIPTROIT 71]

  On 5/26/2024 at 3:32 PM, Chariots of Fire said:

Hey, Brian.  The rear of the top looks like it needs to be raised up some.  Does it in fact slope backward a bit?  I have one of those CF Mack cabs that is very thick as well and would really need some TLC to get it to look right.

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The cab wasn’t mounted when that picture was taken. The entire cab is leaning backwards. I think that this might have caused it to look worse than it actually is. I’m working on the front hinge now. 

[gotnitro?]

Good start ! Looking forward to your progress 

[Chariots of Fire]

  On 5/26/2024 at 6:48 PM, DRIPTROIT 71 said:

The cab wasn’t mounted when that picture was taken. The entire cab is leaning backwards. I think that this might have caused it to look worse than it actually is. I’m working on the front hinge now. 

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Ah, bad camera angle.  Got it!?

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Alright guys I need some expert information on this one. On the left is the kit engine from the Cruiseliner. On the right is a resin one that I picked up somewhere, I think off of Ebay probably. Notice the extension on the bell housing. At first I thought that it was just extra resin from casting, but it appears to be there on purpose. Did Mack run some kind of brake saver like Cat did? If not, what is this supposed to represent? Does anyone have any pictures of the real thing?

[leafsprings]

Mystery why AMT never covered the F cab, IMO, they were a popular cabover. Oh well, we have to do them the hard way, glad to see you tackle this one Brian, the more Mack donor pieces, the better. It appears to be a flywheel PTO.

Edited May 29, 2024 by leafsprings

[Warren D]

Looks like you are off to a good start.

[Scott Eriksen]

That thick resin cab makes me want to start my Fleetstar build....... maybe ,,,lol

[DRIPTROIT 71]

  On 5/28/2024 at 9:52 PM, leafsprings said:

Mystery why AMT never covered the F cab, IMO, they were are popular cabover in the era. Oh well, we have to do them the hard way, glad to see you tackle this one Brian, the more Mack donor pieces, the better. It appears to be a flywheel PTO.

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I knew that you would have the answer. I guess this will go back to the parts drawer for a later project. No need for live pto on a furniture hauler.?

[DRIPTROIT 71]

  On 5/29/2024 at 12:46 AM, Scott Eriksen said:

That thick resin cab makes me want to start my Fleetstar build....... maybe ,,,lol

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The later AITM cabs are much nicer and especially lighter than their MTFA ancestors. I had to reinforce the front axle with a metal truss on this one because the weight cambered the front wheels so badly.

[DRIPTROIT 71]

  On 5/29/2024 at 12:00 AM, Warren D said:

Looks like you are off to a good start.

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Thanks 

[DRIPTROIT 71]

This was my previous attempt at a MTFA cab. I built this one a little over 25 years ago.

[Scott Eriksen]

  On 5/29/2024 at 1:06 AM, DRIPTROIT 71 said:

This was my previous attempt at a MTFA cab. I built this one a little over 25 years ago.

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That's a good lookin' Mack bro!

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Thanks for the comments!

Getting closer to the finish line.

[Jürgen M.]

Looks nice! Something else indeed!

[Gary Chastain]

Looks really good

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Thanks for all of the comments guys! This one is done and Under Glass.

[Repstock]

Looks great! I just started one, myself. From what I can see, I prefer the interior in yours! Well, on to Under Glass!

[Randy D]

That is a great result Brian!!

Randy

[DRIPTROIT 71]

  On 6/13/2024 at 2:18 AM, Randy D said:

That is a great result Brian!!

Randy

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Thanks Randy