"Save the Mack"
An effort to save part of Easton's heritage
Recently, the Easton Volunter Fire Company was presented with an opportunity to repurchase a 1947 Mack Fire Engine. Many years ago this engine had been decommissioned and sold by the Company.
This opportunity led to some internal debate - the main mission of the Company is to protect lives and property. The Company has a strong tradition of saving and spending primarily in support of that mission. However, in this case, it was decided that an engine restoration project would contribute to that mission in a number of valuable ways:
It would be an additional opportunity to develop teamwork and camaraderie among the members who participated.
It would preserve a piece of Easton's heritage, specifically a piece of the Company's heritage, which is an important factor in motivating membership and service.
Lastly, the engine can serve as an attraction and advertisement at public events.
That having been decided, funds were set aside for the purchase of the engine. Some funds were also allocated to the initial purchase of supplies and services for the project. The stipulation was made that further funding would depend on progress made.
The project started slowly. Knowledge had to be gained, and resources located. The winter was cold, and few places were available with heating to work on the Mack.
With Spring's arrival, heating became less of an issue. The pace of work has sped up. Members of the Company and community have volunteered their time and services. The current goal is to have the engine road worthy for the Memorial Day parade. See the pictures and descriptions below to get a better idea of progress toward this goal.
Front brakes being rebuilt
The brakes needed a complete rebuild. Here, the existing components have been stripped, the backplate repainted, and new shoes mounted. On an historical note, the original shoes would have been made of asbestos. These most certainly are not.
Mike and Dave discuss strategy
Cab and Engine
The engine is in there, and it runs like a top. It sits low between the frame rails so it is hard to see from this angle. It is a 6 cylinder, with two spark plugs per cylinder.
Working on the brakes
Changing the oil filter
It actually came from NAPA and fit right in.
Front view
The rear hubs receiving some preparation
Rear axle and bearing waiting for the hub
Once the brake shoes go on this axle will be ready for the hub assembly.
Closeup of rear axle
The inner wheelbearing has been packed with grease and mounted on the axle tube.
Tightening the hub nut
Here the hub is on and the hub nut is being tightened. Next the lock plate is placed over it. Then the hub lock nut is tightened down. Finally, the edges of the lock plate are bent forward over the flats of the lock nut, fixing it in place.
Rear hub mounted on axle
The backing plate has been cleaned and painted. The brake hydraulics have been cleaned or replaced, and mounted on the plate, along with new hydraulic lines. The shoes have been mounted. The bearings have been packed with fresh grease, and the seals have been replaced. The hub nut, retainer plate, and locking nut have all been installed after the hub was placed on the axle. Now this assembly is waiting for the drive half shaft and hub cap.
Here's the rear prop shaft and axle housing
Wrestling with brake lines and banjo bolts
Here the project's intrepid leader contends with rusty undercarriage components while armed with nothing more than a droplight and a couple of flare nut wrenches.
cleaning the bedrails with a wire brush
Start it up!
The motor fires right up now that the batteries have been replaced and charged.
This crew calls it a night
As Tuesday is about to become Wednesday, this group calls it a night. Similar work parties have been happening over past weeks with many others putting in long hours to get the project this far.