Truck Restoration

[JESSE1]

Thanks for the compliments Tug! I have to give most of the credit to the bodyshop. I don't have the equipment to do the job they did.

The '57 is a WC 22 PLT. It originally was a tractor like the '59 4400 TD but the fifth wheel has been removed. I'll probably install a flatbed on it in the future.

The '59 4400 TD is the same size as the WC 28 but a newer, updated model.

White introduced the WA models in the early '40's. The cabs were wood framed with steel skin. The WB models came out in the late '40's and were framed with wood like the WA models. The WB's can be distinguished from the WA from the raised cover over the cowl vent.
The WC models came out in the early '50's. They were all steel cabs. The easy way to tell the WC models is that they have vent windows in the doors. The WC cab was used on White trucks until about '66. These narrow cabs were also called a Coupe Cab. White also used a wider cab on some models that was designed by Autocar.

 

[vettemanwight]

I just saw this post. Nice looking trucks ! I bought a 49 Dodge dump truck that has been stored inside for 43 yrs. All windows are intact and not broken. I was hoping to restore it but now I have some health issues and decided I just dont have the time. Where could I go to for someone who may be interested in this type of a truck? I also have at work a 62 Mack that would be good for some parts if someone was restoreing one. Any help would be appreciated Thanks V

 

[JESSE1]

Go to American Truck Historical Society and post your questions on the discussion forum. There's several Dodge collectors and Mack parts are always in demand.

 

[tugboat-2]

Jesse, . . thank you for the interesting information. Thought I knew more than I did, . . but thanks to you, I now know much more. I was always amazed and "pleased" that they continued with the wooden cabs as long as they did. Just noticed Big Red's rad-shutters look to be hooked up and working.

Of course I never ever did it, but used to "think" seriously about acquiring an old White wooden cab, stripping off the skin and just sanding and varnishing that wondrous workmanship of beautifully fitted and finished oak. Never figured out just "what" I'd do with the finished product,...other than having such a piece of true "ARTwork" sitting in the corner of my livingroom to admire!!

I have spent the past couple of hours watching your "YouTubes" over and over and over and studying all your photos, . . and of course "listening" to the music of those lovely old engines!

I promise not to drag this post out, . . but "music" that still echos in my head from bygone days is: trucks such as, and in particular I'm recalling the 1952 FWD with the big Buda Diesel. She had not much more than 2 feet of about 4 or 5 inch dia. exhaust, . . directly from the manifold straight up through the centre of the long hood,...NO muffler!

A hand operated "ether pump" on the dash into which you shoved about 3 or 4 "cherry-bombs",...then right toe on the starter, heel on the accelerator and start pumping cherries while cranking!

That Buda reminded you of a DC-3 engine as it coughed and farted and finally caught, . . . the black coal shoved the big rain-cap to vertical and as the coal turned clear the sweetest (and loudest) music brought an ear to ear grin that wouldn't quit!!!!!

"FWD" was the name of the truck and the cabs were wide, I stand 6'-5" and could slee-, er, ah lay across the seats and just barely touch either door!!

OH Jesse, I know it's not "quite" related, but after reading this thread and studying your photos till way past the wee hours last night, (s'mornin) I finally drifted off with a smile thinking of those Whites, (yours and mine) and the music created by them and a never-forgotten FWD,...and just had to get that off my chest today.

THANKS Jesse, . . for the memories and your accomplishments,..an old man is happy and smiling today!!!! ...and promises not to bug you further! (unless I think of something else), . . . Nope, just kidding,..OH-oh, broke my promise, so: ..tugboat-2 is off and clear!

CHEERS !
. . tug . . .. I'm OUT !

 

[JESSE1]

Tugboat,

I've taken both trucks to several antique tractor shows and I'm always surprised how much interest people have in them. All you have to do is crank one up and it draws people like a magnet.
When Dad was driving the '59 back in the early '60's he had a mirror on top of the driver's side mirror to watch the stack. When that 220 Cummins was working hard there would be a foot of flame coming out of the stack. Quite a site to an 8 year old boy.

You really need to join American Truck Historical Society if you enjoy vintage trucks. They publish an excellent bi-monthly magazine full of photos and articles on veteran trucks and the people who drove them. Also have a great classified section where you can find any number of classic trucks.

 

[tugboat-2]

Jesse,..I break another promise to tell you I just now joined ATHS (Canada)

CHEERS!
. . tug,.....OUT!

 

[JESSE1]

Now you need to join in the discussion forums on the ATHS website! There's several members from Canada.

 

[mjncad]

Jesse:

Do you know Donald Chew at ATHS?

 

[JESSE1]

I don't know him personally but I know several people who do. I understand he has quite a collection of trucks.

 

[RobertN]

I was reading about the truck used in "Duel" with Dennis Weaver. It had a mirror on the hood. The explanation was that it was for looking at the exhaust. The driver would adjust throttle, or change gears, partly by the smoke/exhaust they saw. Apparently, it was before all the gauges and stuff they have now; if the exhaust was not right, then good chance you were toasting your rings.

When Dad was driving the '59 back in the early '60's he had a mirror on top of the driver's side mirror to watch the stack. When that 220 Cummins was working hard there would be a foot of flame coming out of the stack. Quite a site to an 8 year old boy.