Today, 02:40 AM
Overview of the Autocar WG64
The Autocar WG64 is a heavy-duty vocational truck originally produced under the Volvo-GMC-Autocar umbrella in the 1990s. Known for its rugged construction and adaptability, the WG64 was commonly configured as a dump truck, grapple truck, or cab-and-chassis platform. Many units were powered by Cummins M11 engines and paired with Eaton Fuller 8LL transmissions, making them popular among operators who valued torque, simplicity, and serviceability.
Terminology Notes
As the WG64 approaches three decades of service, sourcing parts—especially cab and dash components—has become increasingly difficult. Volvo discontinued support for many Autocar-specific parts after the brand's transition, leaving salvage yards and aftermarket suppliers as the primary sources.
Commonly Sought Parts:
One new owner in Connecticut acquired a 1994 WG64 triaxle dump truck and quickly discovered the challenges of locating manuals and replacement parts. The truck’s Cummins M11 engine and Eaton transmission were well-supported, but cab-specific components proved elusive. A seasoned technician advised turning to salvage yards and online marketplaces, noting that while drivetrain parts are plentiful, Autocar-specific trim and electronics are rare.
Another operator shared a story of retrofitting a WG64 with a modern instrument cluster from a different brand, using custom wiring and adapters. While not factory-spec, the solution restored functionality and allowed continued use of the truck in a municipal fleet.
Historical Context and Brand Evolution
Autocar, founded in 1897, is the oldest surviving vehicle manufacturer in the United States. During the 1990s, the brand was part of Volvo’s vocational truck lineup, often co-branded with GMC. The WG64 was one of the last models before Volvo phased out the Autocar name in favor of its own branding. Today, Autocar has reemerged as an independent manufacturer focused on severe-duty trucks for refuse, construction, and terminal operations.
Modern Autocar Offerings:
The Autocar WG64 may no longer be supported by its original manufacturer, but its legacy lives on in fleets and private operations across North America. With a reliable drivetrain and a chassis built for punishment, it remains a viable workhorse—provided owners are willing to dig deep for parts and embrace creative solutions. As one veteran operator put it, “It’s not just a truck—it’s a survivor. You don’t retire it. You rebuild it.”
The Autocar WG64 is a heavy-duty vocational truck originally produced under the Volvo-GMC-Autocar umbrella in the 1990s. Known for its rugged construction and adaptability, the WG64 was commonly configured as a dump truck, grapple truck, or cab-and-chassis platform. Many units were powered by Cummins M11 engines and paired with Eaton Fuller 8LL transmissions, making them popular among operators who valued torque, simplicity, and serviceability.
Terminology Notes
- Triaxle Configuration: A setup with three rear axles, increasing payload capacity and stability.
- Cummins M11: A 10.8-liter inline-six diesel engine known for durability and mid-range power.
- Eaton Fuller 8LL: A manual transmission with low-low gears for off-road or heavy-load applications.
- Double Frame: Reinforced chassis design for severe-duty use, often found in dump and refuse trucks.
- Instrument Cluster: The dashboard panel displaying gauges and warning lights; a known weak point in older WG64s.
As the WG64 approaches three decades of service, sourcing parts—especially cab and dash components—has become increasingly difficult. Volvo discontinued support for many Autocar-specific parts after the brand's transition, leaving salvage yards and aftermarket suppliers as the primary sources.
Commonly Sought Parts:
- Cab interior trim and dash panels
- Instrument clusters (often unavailable new)
- Manufacturer data plates and VIN stickers
- Air valves and electrical connectors (some standardized across brands)
One new owner in Connecticut acquired a 1994 WG64 triaxle dump truck and quickly discovered the challenges of locating manuals and replacement parts. The truck’s Cummins M11 engine and Eaton transmission were well-supported, but cab-specific components proved elusive. A seasoned technician advised turning to salvage yards and online marketplaces, noting that while drivetrain parts are plentiful, Autocar-specific trim and electronics are rare.
Another operator shared a story of retrofitting a WG64 with a modern instrument cluster from a different brand, using custom wiring and adapters. While not factory-spec, the solution restored functionality and allowed continued use of the truck in a municipal fleet.
Historical Context and Brand Evolution
Autocar, founded in 1897, is the oldest surviving vehicle manufacturer in the United States. During the 1990s, the brand was part of Volvo’s vocational truck lineup, often co-branded with GMC. The WG64 was one of the last models before Volvo phased out the Autocar name in favor of its own branding. Today, Autocar has reemerged as an independent manufacturer focused on severe-duty trucks for refuse, construction, and terminal operations.
Modern Autocar Offerings:
- DC-64D: Dump truck platform engineered for extreme duty
- ACX: Refuse truck with advanced chassis integration
- ACTT: Terminal tractor designed for yard operations
- E-ACTT: All-electric terminal tractor with zero emissions
- Join online communities and social media groups dedicated to Autocar trucks
- Search eBay and vintage truck forums for manuals and rare parts
- Use Cummins and Eaton part numbers for engine and transmission support
- Document all serial numbers and component specs for easier cross-referencing
- Consider custom fabrication for unavailable trim or dash components
The Autocar WG64 may no longer be supported by its original manufacturer, but its legacy lives on in fleets and private operations across North America. With a reliable drivetrain and a chassis built for punishment, it remains a viable workhorse—provided owners are willing to dig deep for parts and embrace creative solutions. As one veteran operator put it, “It’s not just a truck—it’s a survivor. You don’t retire it. You rebuild it.”
