1980 Autocar “Construcktor” Hauls its First loads in Many Many Years!

[@harveynelson9527]

Love your show. You’re living my life.. I’m 84 years old. I’ve had all that equipment and I had 34 acres with a creek running through ..I lived there for 15 years. Built a house a big shop was a wonderful life. Do it while you can son … keep on Truckin….

[@charleskirby9190]

For all of us who played with Tonka growing up you are living our dream. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!

[@CorvetteBill364]

You got that right. Played many hours up under a big old oak tree with Tonka Truck s .. before that with Prince Albert Tobacco cans !

[@robertocastillo2260]

Dear Matt, as you know very well the difference between a boy and a man, it is in the size of your toys !!! Nothing better in life than doing what you know and like. Greetings from Chile.

[@rsprockets7846]

yeah like to go there and just play around with all the toys

[@saleenmustang9793]

I loved my Tonka toys machinery i used to play with them all day everyday at my grandma's I had a sand box. I think I had two or three dump trucks then a front loader those were the days I miss them

[@46bovine]

Charles, you took the words out of my mouth. Matt, thanks for the vid.

[@wyattblackwood3927]

That old Autocar is a beast, sounds great. Lot of people are used to these Modern Diesel engines with all the EGR crap and that's what those old diesels sound like. Love it !!

[@thesteelrodent1796]

on modern diesels all you can hear is the turbo screaming for air because it has to push through all those damn filters. It is not a nice sound. Old engines sound so much better

[@TestECull]

@@thesteelrodent1796 They're also driving higher and higher amounts of boost for emissions reasons. Soot from a diesel engine is unburned, partially burned fuel, and so in an effort to clean that up these new engines run absolutely ludicrous amounts of boost. That, too, will make the turbo scream louder than anything else. There's also today's 'hush hush' push too. The entire engine induction system is designed to quieten down as much as it possibly can. Even if the turbo didn't nullify the throatiness of the engine itself, all the other bullshit from air inlet to exhaust tip would as well. I remember as a kid...back in the days of Detroit Series 60 and CAT 3406 being the main engines in OTR trucks...that you could hear those things from quite a ways away. When I was in a car on the freeway and we passed one I could only hear the engine when we got near the steer axle. Nowadays...nope. Can't hear shit, cap'n.

[@webefree]

@@TestECull My Favorite Truck back in the day, was My 1988 Pete, it had a 400 3406 that I turned up to 425hp, you could do that on REAL Trucks, the Road Ranger 13sp w/OD was more than it Needed with those Big Rears for Logging, it would do 68mph Top End all day, Loaded & Empty!!! Weighing in over 100,000 Pounds was nothing for the old Girl, I remember puling out of one rock Quarry and I was over 110,000 as I Maxed their Scale, down the bottom of the Hill I turned the corner and Up shifted in to fifth, and the Tries Barked as they broke FREE, What a Beast!!

[@hobocatlawrence]

Gotta tell you, you are one fine story teller, mechanic, videographer, and collector of ultra fine equipment. Love your videos on projects we can all relate to ! AWEsome job Matt ~

[@NathanComstockFuzzyWuzzy]

I'm in the middle of binge watching this whole channel and loving the maintenance / revival part so much. Old equipment put back to use is so satisfying to watch. Nicely done Matt, your content kicks butt.

[@richardbenson4048]

I do truly admire a man that will not take no for an answer. First guy that worked on that hitch took no for an answer but not so with the second. With all the junk today it is a pleasure to see good actual machinery that survives time, abuse and neglect to be brought back to working condition. You Matt are one in a million and I wish there were more youngsters like you.

[@triptisrinivasjanardan3929]

Completely agree, great comment.

[@supertramp6011]

Agreed. And it’s nice to be called a youngster once in a while, even though I’m nearing fifty!👌🤣🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@sccarguy8242]

The timing of “it’s almost like I know what I’m doing”… too what happens next had me laughing so hard. I love that you did not freak out and just got to work fixing it. Poor Alice was showing her rear though.

[@egomaniac247]

I literally busted out laughing and my wife asks what's so funny. That timing was impeccable.

[@TestECull]

So was the loader that put the crane on that trailer int he first place!

[@masterbates7016]

Maybe he did freak out but edited it out LMAO way to assume

[@joeblow2063]

@@masterbates7016 Your screen name says it all.

[@Heysupdan]

Matt deserves a million followers, at least…his content is always educational and fun to watch!

[@adriangutierrez463]

I am from South America and I know Kenworth, Freightliner, Mack, Ford, International, Peterbilt, but I did not know the Autocar brand. When they mentioned Autocar, it reminded me of what is commonly called a bus in Europe haha. I must admit that I like this Autocar truck a thousand times more than a European bus.

[@UltraMagaFan]

Matt please do a full restoration series on this truck. I’ll watch every episode. I love these videos.

[@Northtide]

DITTO! I hauled heavy equipment for an outfit in West Texas during the mid 1980's. My old truck was a 1968 Diamond Reo with a 225 Cat, 12 speed box. Watching this old Auto car reminds me of some hard work and good friends. I'll watch as long as you post.

[@abrdds]

He should finish the other Autocar first ... the one in pieces😂😂🙃

[@BrodieBr0]

You're ability to problem solve things on this old iron never ceases to amaze me. Love seeing the old Autocar doing what she was made do!

[@tncountryboy06]

older mechanical stuff is so much easier to figure out than new electric stuff where you need a computer

[@treydogg77]

Back n the day equip was made to be repaired or band aided to get you home or a shop.

[@davidbillings615]

Matt she is definitely going to be an asset. Looking forward to the deck replacement video. One drive and you find multiple other things that need to be corrected so that you can use the tractor and trailer efficiently on your farm. Never ends.

[@korhing1066]

Love your channel I am a retired Local 150 Operating Engineer that old AUTOCAR is Killer i appreciate how you have all the old iron working again your property is something i could only dream of owning and your shop Thank You for all your hard work so we can enjoy what you do

[@TokyoCraftsman]

Congrats Matt! That Autocar with trailer will certainly change things with your workflow and that crane, when you get it modified and installed, will change how you work almost as much as the new shop will! That crane modification and installation will certainly be videos that I'll be looking forward to seeing! When does the new shop build start? Cheers from Tokyo!

[@birminghamreefer2733]

I used to be a crane operator using cranes 10x bigger unloading 31ft long bundles of steel off flatbeds. love this old Autocar. I've been a subscriber for awhile. you've got some fun toys.

[@davep6977]

I'd leave the overhead crane just as it is. Modify it and loose all your ratings and inspection. Just think out the box. Don't put the rails down the sides, put them 90 degrees and go from side to side, even if it's not as long as the building. Having the bridge go from left to right and the trolley go from front to back (or as far as it can) you'll cover most of the garage. As far as 3 phase goes, worse case, get a 3 phase generator.

[@danielyoder5928]

Matt, the plates for the wheel wells on the trailer are for loading small wheeled vehicles or when hauling cargo that could slip through the openings and rub on the tires. I hauled a lot of equipment on one of those in the Army and only used them once. They have a tendency to bounce off the trailer if not chained down. Those ramps were a pain in the butt to use. But they would take the weight of a Cat D7F being loaded and unloaded on them. Have a good day .

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Its taking every Ounce of Tire pressure on them loader Tires to Lift that Trailer with that crane wow and the back tires are st full droop off the ground at a angle Im impressed the loader lifted it 😮 wow Matt 33:12 @Diesel Creek

[@Military-Museum-LP]

Matt you just keep hitting them out of the park! HOME RUN

[@mikemccrerey8605]

Hey Matt watching your Videos has brought back many memories. I've lived in Texas now for over 35 years, but grew up in the B-town area. the old shop at the auction sight , I worked there when it was M&M Equipment back in 1979-81. The road back to your farm, I ran those roads as teenager hauling cinder blocks to a farm and built the foundation for a barn. thanks again.

[@braxtonnelson7422]

The Autocar has turned out to be a hero machine! I've done some things that would rate as almost as sketchy as the things you do, but not on as grand a scale! Dad used to say: "There's a fine line between brave and foolhardy"... you straddle that line magnificently! I would venture to say that there are many among your audience that feel the same way I do-- that we are envious of you getting to play with such amazing toys... just like a vastly oversized set of Tonka toys! Thank you very much for sharing your adventures (and travails) with us!

[@jenksify]

And he couldn't have come up with a better theme song for his adventures as the OSHA song.

[@jjryansea]

You look so happy on the Autocar’s maiden haul. Congrats Matt. You’ve earned them.

[@w056007568]

Total congratulations on this major achievement, one clearly get a sense of how much this business of getting the truck back on the road means to you personally and will eventually make to your business in the future. Well done young man!!

[@pretzel1a]

In the long run you'll prbly end up replacing that 5th wheel plate - believe you me, It'll give you more grief! Other than that: COOOL! Keep it up, man!

[@krtgiroto]

Hey Matt I'm super happy for you. I'm a truck driver in England but I've grown up in Brazil driving old vehicles on a farm. Thanks for sharing your life with us. Much appreciated!

[@joeyannas7828]

That’s a good looking set up you got there Mr. Matt . Now you don’t have to worry about getting more stuff home from the auction cheaper !! Can’t wait for the shop build videos !! Be safe and careful sir !!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Autocar Cab interior is very unique and That is very cool Love the Orange Color as well Matt 16:20 @Diesel Creek

[@openoutlaw]

I pulled a lowboy like that around in Germany with a 916. Normally had a D7F on the deck. We occasionally pulled the bridges that came off the AVLB's, Eventually we got the 40 ton floding goose neck trailers and life got a lot better. Those ramps where heavy and a one man job according to the Army. Brings back some good old memories.

[@kenwhitcomb6015]

Your auto car is awesome….. looking forward to the shop build……

[@rickjohnson1632]

I’m in my 60s now. I got my CDL , my “ A” when I was 21. First semi I ever drove was a international cab over. I’ve driven a lot of transmission combinations but I never drove a AutoCar. Lots of twin stick Mack’s off road work , six wheeler and semis. I’m sure that old truck could tell some stories 👍

[@robertfarnham8296]

I watched the Autocar factory burn in Ardmore. It was out of use but used to make fire engines. The oil-soaked wood floors made quite a show. First time I had seen steel beams drip like candlewax. Thanks for all your shows.

[@shaunolinger964]

@22:00 ... THAT'S what I was waiting to hear!!! This big ol orange bomber with a load on her! I absolutely LOVE the sound of a truck under load. A hardworking truck doing what it's built to do. AWESOME job Matt! Thanks for bringing us along!!!

[@hobbytrucker]

It’s a great sound isn’t it. Especially the older engines they just have a great note about them !

[@HamiltonvilleFarm]

I literally laughed out loud when you disconnected from the trailer and it sank

[@CAPNMAC82]

Didn't even offer to loan him a crescent wrench . . .What Would Wylie Say, Hank? 🙂

[@DieselCreek]

Me too buddy, it stayed up as I pulled out and I looked ahead again to keep driving then when I got out I had a good chuckle

[@scottcunnien466]

The autocar vids are my absolute favorite. I think you should definitely do more content on the truck! Thanks for all the great work on your channel.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

All them beautiful trees such a stunning view Matt 14:28 @Diesel Creek

[@MaxtronusPrime_]

Hell ya Matt, ,great way to start the morning to see a truck put to work.

[@anth956]

Matt you living the dream! I love seeing the old equipment running again. It reminds me of my childhood.

[@dennis82468]

I've just recently stumbled on your channel. I've enjoyed the content. The older I get...the more I enjoy these big equipment videos. Thanks for the work you put into your videos

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Nice work getting thst 12 foot wide load onto the farm especially around all them Sharp Tight Corners Matt Great work on your first Wide load haul to the farm and the autocar is doing Great what a gem of a rig 22:28 @Diesel Creek

[@mightymouse1926]

Oversize load banner is perfectly acceptable on the load. It just needs to be clearly visible at the rear and not obscure the license plate, however I do recommend you get some flashing amber lights to put on the rear of the load and an amber light bar for the top of the truck if you're going to do oversize again

[@19jessejames83]

you also need oversize on the front as well it needs to be seen from on coming traffic as well as traffic coming up on you from behind.

[@mightymouse1926]

@@19jessejames83 in a later shot while he was talking you could see the front banner was on

[@knurlgnar24]

Keep in mind everyone that he is a 1 man operation. This isn't "Roadway Express" and he just needs to make an honest effort to follow all of the laws and be safe as any 'reasonable and prudent' person would be. I thought he went above and beyond for a one time short haul of an oversized load. It's his liability decision and it is unlikely he'll incur any major fines even if he is stopped for violations. It's not unlike hauling something questionable home from the hardware store - the officer will likely tell you to slow down, be safe, and if he catches you again you'll be in trouble. If he has time he may even escort you the last 10 miles. They are paid to protect and serve after all and most (of the good ones) do.

[@robertburns3014]

I'm really glad you've got a rig that will allow you to take on the bigger jobs without having to hire out to have your equipment moved. This will allow you to make some money. I'm sure that both you and the Mrs. will be pleased about that! I'm also glad to hear about your purchasing a sawmill. You'll have a lot of fun with that! Thanks for the great videos, Matt. I enjoy watching and learning.

[@sidgysoho1960]

Really admire your channel and your passion for vintage machinery. Me, the armchair critic, has this to offer. Don't purchase another " thing ". Have a sawyer make your planks for you. Also make every corner on your property a " traffic circle " . There are all sorts of hard corners that a Trac/trail do not care for. Do it early in the build phase and you'll never regret it.

[@Alachua03]

I love how Matt takes his toys so damned seriously and lives by that old WW! US Military motto: "Retreat hell! We just got here!" Defeat has no place in Matt's world! Genius takes all forms and Matt is one hell of a mechanic! Matt, if they ever put you up for adoption, I'll gladly be first in line!

[@arlieashby713]

I usually keep my trap shut because everyone does things a different way but for pins you would be surprised what an air chisel with the punch or pin pusher bit can do especially in tight places

[@sparklu]

Agreed. An air hammer sure has saved me a lot of sweat and curses.

[@Aintence]

Ive never been too interested in big industrial/construction equipment but after finding this channel and binge-watching most of the videos from past 3 years, im really enjoying it. Cant wait to see that crane put up in the new shop.

[@Habeebea]

Yah, Mats got a knack for making the fixes interesting.

[@stevenbrowning4706]

I want to come over and play. Looks like sooo much fun

[@fatblokes_ferguson]

I think the truck has a brilliant sound including the turbo. The trailer is a great match for the wagon. Great job 👍

[@TestECull]

I like it because you can't hear the turbo very much at all. The engine itself gets to sing. If I was gonna rank my top five favorite sounding diesel engines four of them would be N/A. Turbocharging pairs exceptionally well with diesel engines, but turbos are a death knell for sweet engine noises. They just drown the rest out and you just hear turbine whirr. Large part of why I'm not much of a fan of turbos in general tbph...

[@fatblokes_ferguson]

@@TestECull I grew up spending a lot of time with my father in his truck. this was in the UK in the 70's and he always drove Leyland lorry's. They have a distinct sound that did have a lot of grunt but did not drive to fast. But saying that, it would not be safe with such old vehicles.

[@TestECull]

@@fatblokes_ferguson I'd rather run an old rig than a new one. But I also just signed the paperwork on a '53 Ford Business Coupe to replace the ailing '14 Challenger I'm in right now, so yanno.

[@jurriaandejongh8677]

The Autocar is a BEAST! It just doesn't get old seeing it moving along the road. I did get a cold sweat when you were living that crane with the loader though, that was insane.. :'D

[@MegaKnutten]

omg matt, i couldent stop laughing when you took off the trailer, you sutch an down to earth humble man who has no problem laugh at your self, never hides the failures etc, been with this channel for years and it just getts better and better

[@yellowdart9208]

"It's almost like i know what i am doing..." a few moments later... buried to the beams... That gave me a good chuckle right there! Love what you do! keep it up!

[@donbullock8790]

Hello Matt; It makes me smile every time I see an old truck still doing it's job. Two (or maybe more) about your trailer. First off I'd check the brakes. Either it doesn't have "maxi's" or they're backed off. I would make sure they're adjusted up first thing. It they're the old style I'd check the assorted valves and ALWAYS charge the air system before hooking up or at least block the wheels. Enough said about that. Now regarding the ramps, have considered mounting the "European" style meaning hinged to the trailer and using hydraulics to lower and raise them. We had those same trailers when I was in the Army and if you didn't have 4 very strong guys ( they're about 600 pounds each) you would have to work off the sides with blocking. The drivers side 2 rear tires looked low or maybe 1 is flat (most likely the inner). If possible I would move the winch section of your crane over the tires of the trailer. They won't sink as much in that soft dirt. Great video.

[@tomjingle5300]

Love the content, been waiting for this forever, that is a perfect setup. Congrats Matt!

[@tomplump2629]

Hi Matt, I love the content on your channel and raise my hat to you. Here is a tip for your Diesel engines, I used Liqui-Moly Diesel Purge Injection Cleaner (500 ml)L on all of mine and my 40 year old Unimog runs like a dream after applying that. Runs cleaner, less smoke and way more power. Bought mine on Amazon.

[@MrPGT]

I was going to suggest the same, although I've only ever used it on light vehicles. It worked well for me, cleaning my diesel injectors to stop smoke.

[@Teleman73]

Brings back memories from childhood. Late father did Electrical work for a local lumber yard that had a fleet of Orange flatbed Autocar Construktors, Can remember seeing them go past my house and walking around the lumber yard with my Dad to do work and seeing them working.

[@jonathanjuillerat9831]

Matt, Some flatbed trailers have a natural bow to them. The front axle will do that sometimes on uneven ground. Once weight is applied the trailer flattens out and the tires take the weight.

[@gtoger]

On the 3 phase power, have you considered finding a small(ish) generator that you could use to power the crane (and other 3-phase equipment)? Since those aren't things with constant-load, maybe that's an affordable option that would keep you from having to modify things too badly. Little (100kW and less) 3 phase units come up all the time. I once picked up a military surplus 150kW for a couple grand. Just a thought.

[@newandoldtech5634]

Ask Keith Rucker. He has one, dont know the size

[@TestECull]

I'd love to see an old Fairbanks Morse 2-stroke 4-pot outside his shop chuffing away. Those things sounded AMAZING and it'd be right up his alley to be using an 80+ year old light plant to run his workshop. Also, small world! Any word on when we'll get more #DrumBeats? Hope you're doin' okay down there under this heat wave.

[@kojetono5853]

It would be cool, but turning a generator on whenever Matt needs to use something 3 phase might be annoying, not to mention pretty expensive. Something like a rotary or digital 1 to 3 phase converter would do the job, and you can get ones over 10kw for less than a grand.

[@kevinosmundsen4057]

Check out military surplus, lots available in auctions in pa weekly.

[@TestECull]

@@kojetono5853 Those don't give him an excuse to fire up the autocar or give us a video though.

[@CassiarClan]

Clamp Claws as you call them, are used a ton by railways to secure decking on or in railway cars. We called them decking clips. The bolts that go with them were a special flat headed bolt. I fastened my fair share over my 36 years working at the railway.

[@timmitchener6148]

The bolts look like plow share bolts.

[@frfrpr]

There is no quit in Matt. Perseverance and persistence here. Excellent filming too!

[@MarkTheW0lf]

At 31:57 saw that coming. Had a good laugh out of it though. 😂😂 Great video as usual.

[@paulsilva3346]

My first impulse exactly, I was thinking that some 6-7 foot wood might just be better as well.

[@jeffwilson3865]

The old auto car looks great back out working again 👍👍 . Would love to see the old 57 doing the same. Awesome job Matt you are very talented in everything you do.

[@wabump8072]

That old A-car handled that oversize like a boss. I love the vintage iron!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Autocar Handling that big Kitty Cat dozer and that green trailer With Ease Like its not even there That autocar is a nice strong Old Rig Matt Very nice 41:01 @Diesel Creek

[@1202hth]

See, That’s what a truck should sound like. ❤️I just love this old AutoCar. We do not have a history of these old big rigs in Denmark. We have big trucks of course. But none as cool as this. I’m glad that you have brought it back to life and plan on using it. Kind Regards from a fan in Denmark. 👍🇩🇰

[@briansatchell2319]

Agree. A REAL Truck sound.

[@mdouglaswray]

Thanks for making my Saturday morning! Always a pleasure to see another project competed. GREAT SCORE on that bridge crane! The old Autocar didn't seem to NOTICE the loads! What a willing ox. Definitely seeing some momentum here - I can tell you're excited to see all this coming together! Good work!

[@dianalafferty5735]

My husband and I both love your channel, especially when you go to the auction. But we do love the diesel autocar. What a machine! Great videos Matt!

[@ronzezulka6646]

I was an owner/operator for almost 20 years. Fell of it one day, smashing a foot and had to sell out. Miss my old Peterbilt. Thanks for taking me along for the ride.

[@mmiller1188]

Love seeing the old iron brought back and put to work! They were made to be worked it's a shame to just let it sit.

[@haydenuk02]

Great to see the auto car back in action and pulling a load. Brilliant work and thanks for sharing this with us take care

[@lioninwinter9316]

Congratulations Matt! Can't wait to see the building going up and the final result. Very good driving on your part. You'll get even better "threading the needle" on small roads and turns with more practice and familiarity with your equipment. You seem to find a way through trouble.

[@JonatanGronoset]

Ooof on those blocks sinking in. I would've put some 1" pieces of plywood 2x2 foot under the blocks to give em more surface area to rest on. You might come back and find the legs stuck in the mud again! I was just thinking "he'll clip those trees with the trailer" when the caption came in, LOL!

[@egbertgroot2737]

You may be proud Matt! Beautiful vintage functional equipment

[@mountainmann9599]

I did some digging into Autocar. Man that company is no joke. They're known for some pretty beastly trucks and still going today. 4 years I started at a bodyshop that also does commercial trucks as well as offer heavy towing with a 35 ton wrecker. I've gotten so much exposure to these big trucks and it just never ceases to amaze me what these things can do.

[@terrystines2536]

Love the old truck and equipment . Awesome too see things fixed and used keep up the good work !!!

[@TooMuchMiddle]

I'm a bit late to the party, but, every single time I see the Constructor, all I can think is "Damn, that's is a sweet unit!!" That old girl's DNA is in the truck I currently use for work. Our whole fleet is brand new Autocar front loaders. You have done an amazing job bringing life back into her, and I love that you didn't try to make it all shiny and new. Just what she needed to get back to hauling.

[@jeffblank9915]

93' my first duty station still had some of those 25 ton trailers. Engineers took 10 foot sections of sheet piling and drove them to the deck height. Back filled one side and made loading ramps. Farmer near me still has one, he upgraded to spring brake chambers

[@jamestrump9593]

Well, Matt, I'm a retired truck driver and that was an exciting video from start to finish. I'll tell you one thing mister you have some big brass ones. Keep them coming.

[@mr.bavington5286]

Haha

[@billymartin7518]

I'm a retired driver too. Oversize and escorting as well. That whole trip was cringe worth and looked like an accident waiting to happen. Good thing it was short. I was waiting for a tree removal with the off swing of that drop deck. Matt does fix 'em pretty damn good though.

[@Muffin_Masher]

Side note when it comes to adding things to lubricate a diesel system, ATF certainly works, but a decent synthetic 2 stroke oil will do the trick, and unlike ATF it is actually intended to burn, less smoke and it smells better :) works out cheaper for me also, around here ATF is priced like bottled unicorn tears :P

[@6point5by55]

Marine 2-stroke oil is preferred as it is designed to burn in a (lower temp) water cooled engine. Normal 2-stroke for air cooled engines is designed to burn at higher temps and can causing varnishing in a cooler running 4-stroke motor.

[@deborahchesser7375]

Modern synthetic two stroke oil doesn’t smoke much all, it’s an excellent top end lubrication for a 4 stroke.

[@Slane583]

When I still had my old Silverado I ran small amounts of semi-synthetic TC-W3 in it every time I filled up with gas. It helped make it idle and rev smoother when driving. Some people said it supposedly helped with fuel efficiency which I never noticed. You don't drive a pickup to save on gas. :P

[@HJZ75driver]

@@Slane583 Gas? or diesel?.

[@williamgurtner4759]

"bottled unicorn tears"! Darn near lost my coffee, with that!!!

[@caseylimbert266]

Wow. What a sweetheart she is. She looks the business and sounds the business, that's a great truck. You're lucky to have it, good to see it has a good home.

[@bwilliams463]

What a majestic sight: doing what it was made todo. Autocars are my favorite heavy trucks. Nice work.

[@roberthocking9138]

Great Vid, I noticed the truck is idling a lot better and smoking less, even with that short loaded trip.👍

[@billbradley2480]

I was a Truck Driver 25 years and the fifth wheel latch would quit latching sometimes. Every time it was small pieces of gravel mixed in the grease causing the problem.

[@paulcooper2897]

Love seeing the old Autocar rolling down the road! Someone else said first, but you are playing out every Tonka Toy lovers dream!!! Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦

[@tomgluth4254]

Great video Matt ! That Autocar will make you an excellent tractor, especially with that winch. I’d suggest a deck-plate to cover the open frame area. That winch will be able to do some amazing things in your work with these machines. A nice , fresh orange and black paint job would look super nice-in my humble opinion, on that Autocar. Orange on the military low-boy trailer too.

[@packoutjunkie160]

I agree 100%. Some led bulbs/light would be a cool touch as well.

[@jameslawnmowerrepair]

You did a really good job fixing the issues it had and making it road worthy again thanks for the entertainment, the laughs and the information. never change matt

[@mavsfabshop]

Matt, I'm super jealous of that crane! I can't wait to see it up in your shop and being used, they're the most handy thing you can have and will make your life so much easier.

[@leederdavid4782]

What a treat to see the old A-Car work, and hear that vintage Cummins. We had a '76 Autocar tank truck when I was young - it was an icon, and so is yours! Thanks for sharing.

[@BRI33NOR]

Hey Matt you are a braver man than me. Congratulations on the repair and driving of the old truck, it looks and sounds great. Do you ever walk outside in the morning, look around and just wonder what to play with next?. I went my own way in life, did mainly as I wanted without hurting others, admire you for living life your way. Thank you for such entertaining videos.

[@gitatit4046]

"Super proud" you should be Matt. That old Autocar runs slick and is more that capable of hauling those loads. I agree there's a few trees that need amputating on those corners but she's basically ready to roll. Thanks for sharing all the experiences of getting her that way. 👍

[@Chuckrussell75]

I'm excited. I've been tagging along since you roofed the containers off. Everything's come quite a long way. You're super driven, & it sure shows. I cannot for the life of me remember what you got for power in the Autocar. Seems like 335 or 350 Cummins? The whole outfit is really cool, lol. And you don't slam your seat to the floor! Man, it is great watching you succeed. Edit: Big Cam 350 or 400! I went back & looked. Excellent motors!!! Nice!

[@saxplayer1004]

I'm sure this has been said in the comments below, but I would recommend putting a VFD to convert your split-phase to 3-phase and will be about the same amount of money as replacing the motor BUT it would give you variable speed control on how fast everything runs which may be nice to have.

[@ThePaulv12]

When you get the Autocar out on the road with the dozer on the trailer, find a nice long hill at highway speed. If it has a splitter in high range allow the engine to pull down to 1600rpm then downshift a half a gear (1/2 a gear = +200rpm for Eaton Fullers) then allow it to pull down to 1600rpm and keep repeating half a gear at a time until it finds its equilibrium and holds its revs. If it doesn't have a splitter let it pull down to 1500 then downshift (+400rpm). It'll really tell you what the cooling system is like, give the injectors full fuel for awhile, heat up the entire exhaust system and give you an idea of what's what with the engine, turbo and fuel system. The other thing, I've found after years of rural steel deliveries to farms, the thing that most cases you to get stuck is dropping a steer tire into a ditch. What happens is it unbalances the drive - particularly if it's bogie drive and even with the inter-axle diff lock 'on' all that happens is the diagonally opposite wheels spin. If you put the diff lock on before you get stuck, you'll only get stuck twice as bad if you're not very, very careful. Inter-axle diff locks on their own are almost useless but not quite. They're OK on flat surfaces backing up a hill laden or starting off on steep wet hills with 20 tons on. If you have a cross lock then the inter-axle needs to be on for the cross lock to work. A cross lock is awesome BTW even if you only have one. They really do help a great deal.

[@dougyurecko6500]

Hey Matt, ramps are pretty normal shape from use, when I was in the Army we hauled D7Fs on those 25 ton lowboys all the time. We straightened the ramps often. Even side loaded a few times. Keep up the great video's.

[@mattv2099]

Such a sick truck and trailer. Would look so bad ass with new paint.

[@ryanaustin2617]

Can't wait to see you install the crane in your shop. I used work at a shop manufacturing heavy duty transformers and the crane was very handy.

[@carlunnerstall3226]

The auto car just needed some love and attention and you've been given it that as it shows. The crane is going to make your shop awesome and the trailers have given you tons of flexibility for the future and I'm really looking forward to the log Mill cutting up the decking for the big trailer. Great job you're doing

[@keithm6117]

Hey Matt, I just Love what youre doing it's soo inspiring, I like fixing old stuff but you take it to the next level. The Autocar sounds Awesome "very well done" keep it up & stay safe...

[@kaydeem5257]

Matt... im in the Uk & spend my time restoring 70's motorcycles & ur vids are a refreshing change, you're land development looks totally awesome, I used to live in Vic state Australia & had 40 Acres but no trees, what ur creating makes me want to move out ur way... Thumbs up mate... Keith M

[@CapnCrusty]

When making a tight turn in a big truck get the trailer wheels as far to the outside of the turn as you can before making the turn. That may mean that you have to pull straight ahead, then back up with the wheel cut to get your trailer wheels farther to the outside. You may even have to do it several times before you ratchet the trailer wheels into a position with more favorable geometry. With a 40' or better trailer you need 4 standard lanes to make a square corner. For instance if I'm in the curb lane at an intersection turning right I'll have to turn into the 3rd lane from the curb on the turned onto roadway to make it without tearing stuff up (1+3=4), if I'm in the 2nd lane from the curb I'll need to turn into the 2nd lane (2+2=4) etc.

[@charlesmullins3238]

Good knowledge transfer…one cut n way too close one time at Louisville airport ups taking a buddie to work and he climbed plum across me tryin to get away from the wheels…never got us but damn if it didn’t scare the shit outta us…

[@gc7782]

Do you foresee any issues with the tandem axles being so far back? Would it be better to have them a bit closer to center?

[@baronclime6423]

@@gc7782 Yes a shorter wheelbase will make for a tighter turn. You also have to account for how much steering angle you have. The old Freightliner classics had turning radii, (for example) that to me seemed to me measured in counties, not feet. After awhile you get used to it though.

[@travisrider9439]

do you want a cookie?

[@geraldstahlman7036]

GOOD SAVE BROTHER

[@David-te2hy]

My day cant get any better when Matt posts a new banger! Awesome content my man, keep it up!

[@davidmalzac3511]

Like watching you figure things out, figure out how they work and then make them work! I've worked years on much of that same equiment, retired now. LOVE the sound of a good ole real truck! On that 50's military trailer, word of !!CAUTION!!, Change the lug studs!! I have used two of those trailers and both left me stranded and working on the side of the road with an extreamly heavy load. Those studs chrystallize and will snap off from turning sharp on a hard surface and/ or running a large load. ALSO, the brakes are not spring brakes, usually single chamber. They only hold when parked if there is air in the tank. You need to charge the system BEFORE sliding into the 5th wheel, to be sure you dont loose the trailer when backing into it. AND be sure to block it, you may find it over the hill someday. Best to Change those single chambers out to spring brakes!

[@asarand]

Seeing that auto car working like that put a smile on my face. You do good work Matt.

[@petegilbert6886]

I'm in awe of the patience you have when working on these old vehicles Matt!

[@SammyFender]

Wow! Looking forward, again, to the crane installation. It's sheer size should make for a very interesting video(s) about it. The Construcktor performed very admirably!