Restoring and Preserving Old Autocar Trucks

[MikePhua]

Autocar’s Legacy in Heavy-Duty Trucking
Autocar is one of the oldest truck manufacturers in the United States, founded in 1897 and known for producing rugged, purpose-built vocational trucks. While the brand has evolved over the decades, its classic models—especially those built from the 1940s through the 1970s—remain iconic in the world of heavy hauling, logging, and municipal service. These trucks were engineered with simplicity, durability, and operator serviceability in mind, often featuring massive frames, mechanical diesel engines, and manual transmissions that could withstand decades of abuse.
Autocar’s early success was built on its reputation for building trucks that didn’t quit. Whether hauling coal in Pennsylvania or pulling lowboys through the Rockies, Autocar trucks were known for their stout drivetrains and overbuilt axles. Many of these machines are still running today, either in active service or as part of restoration projects.
Terminology Notes

• Cabover: A truck design where the cab sits above the engine, common in older Autocar models.
  
• Butterfly Hood: A split hood design that opens from both sides, allowing easy engine access.
  
• Twin Stick: A transmission setup with two gear levers—one for main gears, one for auxiliary ranges.
  
• Detroit Diesel: A popular engine brand used in many Autocar trucks, known for its two-stroke design.
  
• Jake Brake: An engine braking system that slows the vehicle by altering valve timing.
  

Common Features of Vintage Autocar Trucks
Classic Autocar trucks were built with a focus on mechanical reliability and field serviceability. Typical features include:

• Steel cabs with riveted construction
  
• Butterfly hoods for quick engine access
  
• Manual steering with large-diameter wheels
  
• Twin-stick transmissions with up to 18 forward gears
  
• Mechanical diesel engines from Cummins, Detroit, or Caterpillar
  
• Air brakes with manual slack adjusters
  
• Leaf spring suspension with walking beam rear axles
  

In one logging operation in Oregon, a 1968 Autocar with a Detroit 8V71 engine and 5x4 twin-stick transmission was still used to haul logs from remote sites. The driver, a third-generation logger, claimed the truck had outlasted three newer rigs.
Restoration Challenges and Solutions
Restoring an old Autocar requires patience, sourcing, and mechanical skill. Common challenges include:

• Rust in cab corners and floor pans
  
• Worn-out wiring harnesses with brittle insulation
  
• Obsolete brake components and air valves
  
• Cracked glass and missing trim
  
• Engine rebuilds requiring specialized tools
  

Solutions and strategies:

• Use donor trucks or salvage yards for hard-to-find parts
  
• Replace wiring with modern loom and fuse blocks
  
• Upgrade air brake systems with modern valves and dryers
  
• Fabricate missing body panels using templates and sheet metal
  
• Rebuild engines with OEM kits or remanufactured components
  

In one restoration project in Pennsylvania, a 1972 Autocar dump truck was rebuilt from the frame up. The owner sourced a replacement cab from a retired snowplow and rebuilt the Cummins NTC-350 engine using a kit from a vintage diesel supplier.
Modernizing Without Losing Character
Many restorers choose to modernize certain systems while preserving the truck’s original look and feel. Popular upgrades include:

• Installing LED lighting in original housings
  
• Adding air conditioning using under-dash kits
  
• Upgrading to power steering using hydraulic assist
  
• Replacing mechanical gauges with digital readouts behind vintage bezels
  
• Installing air-ride seats for operator comfort
  

In one municipal fleet in Michigan, a restored Autocar snowplow was retrofitted with GPS and digital spreader controls while retaining its original dash and butterfly hood. The truck was used in parades and emergency service during blizzards.
Preservation and Historical Value
Old Autocar trucks are increasingly recognized as valuable pieces of industrial history. Enthusiasts and museums have begun collecting and showcasing these machines at truck shows and heritage events. Their rugged design and distinctive styling—especially the flat-faced cabovers and massive grilles—make them stand out in a sea of modern plastic-bodied trucks.
Preservation tips:

• Store indoors or under cover to prevent rust
  
• Keep fuel systems clean and dry during long-term storage
  
• Maintain tire pressure and rotate periodically
  
• Document restoration work for historical records
  
• Join vintage truck clubs for support and networking
  

In one truck show in Iowa, a fully restored 1955 Autocar with a butterfly hood and twin-stick transmission won best in class. The owner had spent five years sourcing parts and rebuilding the truck to factory spec, including hand-painted logos and period-correct tires.
Final Thoughts
Old Autocar trucks are more than machines—they’re artifacts of American grit and mechanical ingenuity. Whether hauling freight, plowing snow, or pulling logs, these trucks were built to endure. Restoring one is a labor of love, a tribute to a time when steel, sweat, and simplicity ruled the road. In the rhythm of vintage trucking, Autocar doesn’t just roll—it roars with history.