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Autocar’s Industrial Heritage
Autocar, founded in 1897 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is one of the oldest surviving truck manufacturers in the United States. Originally a pioneer in electric vehicles, the company shifted to gasoline-powered trucks in the early 20th century and became renowned for its rugged vocational trucks—especially in refuse, construction, and heavy hauling. By the 1950s and 60s, Autocar had cemented its reputation for building durable, no-nonsense trucks with steel cabs, robust frames, and powerful diesel engines. Though absorbed into White Motor Company and later Volvo, the Autocar name persisted, and in 2001 it was revived as an independent brand focused on severe-duty trucks.
The dump truck in question appears to be a mid-century Autocar model, likely from the 1960s or early 70s, equipped with a Cummins diesel engine and a dual-stick transmission. These trucks were often used in gravel hauling, road construction, and municipal work, and many remain in service today thanks to their mechanical simplicity and overbuilt components.
Condition and Initial Assessment
The truck was recently inspected in a yard filled with vintage machinery. Despite its age, the Autocar showed surprising resilience. The Cummins engine—likely a 855 Big Cam or NH series—was thought to require minimal effort to restart. The cab interior was in decent shape: the seat had been reupholstered at some point, though the top layer had worn through again. The headliner remained intact, and the dashboard was in excellent condition, suggesting the truck had been stored with some care.
Externally, rust was minimal, a rare blessing for vehicles of this vintage. The dump box, however, showed signs of wear and fatigue, likely from decades of heavy use. The tires were old lock-ring types, which are notoriously difficult and expensive to replace due to safety concerns and limited availability. Brakes and air lines were also flagged as needing attention—common issues for trucks that have sat idle for extended periods.
Terminology Explained
The truck’s dual-stick setup sparked curiosity. While the exact transmission model wasn’t identified, it may be a Fuller RT or Spicer twin-stick configuration, common in trucks of that era. These gearboxes offered up to 16 forward speeds and required skillful coordination between the two sticks. Drivers often developed muscle memory to shift without thinking, a technique passed down through generations.
One contributor recalled driving a 1956 Mack LTH with a quadruplex twin-stick transmission—a setup that demanded finesse and patience. In a similar vein, YouTube videos of enthusiasts operating vintage trucks have helped preserve the art of twin-stick driving, which is increasingly rare in the age of automated manuals.
Operational Considerations
The truck was being considered for hauling gravel a short distance—about a quarter mile. While feasible, the team debated whether it would be faster to load a Caterpillar 627 scraper using a 988 loader. The 988, however, had a misfiring injector, slowing its performance. This comparison highlights the trade-offs between restoring vintage equipment and using modern alternatives, even when the latter are not operating at peak efficiency.
If the Autocar were to be revived for short-haul use, several upgrades would be necessary:
Across North America, vintage truck restorations have become a niche passion. In 2023, a group in Alberta restored a 1969 Autocar dump truck for use in parades and local construction projects. The truck, once destined for scrap, now serves as a rolling tribute to industrial heritage. Similarly, vocational schools in the Midwest have begun using old Autocars as teaching platforms for diesel mechanics, offering students hands-on experience with mechanical systems that modern trucks no longer use.
These trucks also evoke nostalgia among retired drivers. One former lowbed operator recalled the tactile feedback of shifting a twin-stick transmission and the roar of a Cummins engine climbing a mountain pass. For many, these machines represent a time when driving was a craft, not just a job.
Conclusion
The old Autocar dump truck stands as a testament to American engineering and vocational grit. While it may require investment to return to service, its mechanical integrity and historical value make it a worthy candidate for restoration. Whether used for short-haul gravel work or preserved as a museum piece, the truck embodies a legacy of durability, craftsmanship, and industrial pride. In an era of automation and disposability, reviving such machines offers not just utility—but a connection to the past.
Autocar, founded in 1897 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is one of the oldest surviving truck manufacturers in the United States. Originally a pioneer in electric vehicles, the company shifted to gasoline-powered trucks in the early 20th century and became renowned for its rugged vocational trucks—especially in refuse, construction, and heavy hauling. By the 1950s and 60s, Autocar had cemented its reputation for building durable, no-nonsense trucks with steel cabs, robust frames, and powerful diesel engines. Though absorbed into White Motor Company and later Volvo, the Autocar name persisted, and in 2001 it was revived as an independent brand focused on severe-duty trucks.
The dump truck in question appears to be a mid-century Autocar model, likely from the 1960s or early 70s, equipped with a Cummins diesel engine and a dual-stick transmission. These trucks were often used in gravel hauling, road construction, and municipal work, and many remain in service today thanks to their mechanical simplicity and overbuilt components.
Condition and Initial Assessment
The truck was recently inspected in a yard filled with vintage machinery. Despite its age, the Autocar showed surprising resilience. The Cummins engine—likely a 855 Big Cam or NH series—was thought to require minimal effort to restart. The cab interior was in decent shape: the seat had been reupholstered at some point, though the top layer had worn through again. The headliner remained intact, and the dashboard was in excellent condition, suggesting the truck had been stored with some care.
Externally, rust was minimal, a rare blessing for vehicles of this vintage. The dump box, however, showed signs of wear and fatigue, likely from decades of heavy use. The tires were old lock-ring types, which are notoriously difficult and expensive to replace due to safety concerns and limited availability. Brakes and air lines were also flagged as needing attention—common issues for trucks that have sat idle for extended periods.
Terminology Explained
- Dual-stick transmission: A setup with two gear levers, often found in older heavy-duty trucks. One lever selects the main gear range, while the other controls auxiliary functions like high/low range or splitter gears.
- Lock-ring wheels: A type of multi-piece wheel assembly used on older trucks. The lock ring secures the tire bead but can be hazardous if improperly installed.
- Cummins NH/NT engines: Inline six-cylinder diesel engines known for their durability and torque, widely used in trucks from the 1950s through the 1980s.
The truck’s dual-stick setup sparked curiosity. While the exact transmission model wasn’t identified, it may be a Fuller RT or Spicer twin-stick configuration, common in trucks of that era. These gearboxes offered up to 16 forward speeds and required skillful coordination between the two sticks. Drivers often developed muscle memory to shift without thinking, a technique passed down through generations.
One contributor recalled driving a 1956 Mack LTH with a quadruplex twin-stick transmission—a setup that demanded finesse and patience. In a similar vein, YouTube videos of enthusiasts operating vintage trucks have helped preserve the art of twin-stick driving, which is increasingly rare in the age of automated manuals.
Operational Considerations
The truck was being considered for hauling gravel a short distance—about a quarter mile. While feasible, the team debated whether it would be faster to load a Caterpillar 627 scraper using a 988 loader. The 988, however, had a misfiring injector, slowing its performance. This comparison highlights the trade-offs between restoring vintage equipment and using modern alternatives, even when the latter are not operating at peak efficiency.
If the Autocar were to be revived for short-haul use, several upgrades would be necessary:
- Replace all tires with modern equivalents or refurbished lock-ring assemblies
- Inspect and replace air lines, brake chambers, and valves
- Flush fuel system and check injectors for clogging
- Test and adjust transmission linkages
- Reinforce or repair dump box structure
Across North America, vintage truck restorations have become a niche passion. In 2023, a group in Alberta restored a 1969 Autocar dump truck for use in parades and local construction projects. The truck, once destined for scrap, now serves as a rolling tribute to industrial heritage. Similarly, vocational schools in the Midwest have begun using old Autocars as teaching platforms for diesel mechanics, offering students hands-on experience with mechanical systems that modern trucks no longer use.
These trucks also evoke nostalgia among retired drivers. One former lowbed operator recalled the tactile feedback of shifting a twin-stick transmission and the roar of a Cummins engine climbing a mountain pass. For many, these machines represent a time when driving was a craft, not just a job.
Conclusion
The old Autocar dump truck stands as a testament to American engineering and vocational grit. While it may require investment to return to service, its mechanical integrity and historical value make it a worthy candidate for restoration. Whether used for short-haul gravel work or preserved as a museum piece, the truck embodies a legacy of durability, craftsmanship, and industrial pride. In an era of automation and disposability, reviving such machines offers not just utility—but a connection to the past.
