Posted by Mike Kopek on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 at 9:10PM :
In Reply to: Any Ex Truck Drivers Here From The 50's?? posted by Marty on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 at 7:06PM :
Marty, I am not a truck driver from the 50's, but I have had my Class A CDL for almost 15 years. I have hauled equipment on low-boys and hauled aggregate with a double trailer combo. What you are speaking of is very common. The oldest tractor I have driven was a 1970 White with manual steering. It was equipped with front brakes, but they were disconnected, which is very common on trucks of that era. Typically, once the fronts wore out, guys wouldn't bother to reline them. The front brakes were usually very ineffective, I believe by design. I think by the time the 80's rolled around, brake technology on big trucks was better, and the later model rigs I've driven have had operational units. I have driven several rigs, though, without front brakes, and have never had a problem stopping. It's no big deal. I would not let that be a deterrent to your purchase.
Mike
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