This is a Mack Model AC 3 1/2 ton, #24713, serial # 731819, built in 1919 and shipped to Dallas Mack on December 11, 1919, to be delivered to Walples-Platter Grocery Co. It was built as a cab chassis. No attempt has been made to restore this truck to better than original, only to preserve it. It is almost entirely original parts as built. When purchased by the present owner and not one part would turn as in all moving parts were frozen. After dismantling each component upper and lower radiator tanks, glass, side curtains, fire walls, and some small parts that were to rusty to preserve.
The most difficult task was to replicate the original cooling system. The original upper and lower tanks were aluminum castings that had lost the battle of time. Our friend Newell Dryden took on the difficult task of recreating a radiator assembly using the original as a pattern. He used the original copper cores but recreated the rest with remarkable accuracy.
Much help is accredited to Carl Calvert of the MTM Museum in Campo, CA who has helped us with advice, research and encouragement. The owners tried ot preserve the patina over the 94 years of existence as a monument to the Mack durability. When found, there was no bed so we built a bed that would be similar to one of the era.
The first owner was Waples-Platter Grocery Co., the original Ranch Beans and White Swan Coffee. The company was headquartered in Denison, Texas with a branch in Dallas, Texas at that time. They used this Mack to haul groceries from the railroad to their store. We have no information as to it's whereabouts after that until we purchased it from Betty Davis in Cleburne, Texas in 2003. When we purchased it, we had to cut down a tree that was growing through the frame and it was sunk several inches in the mud.
This truck is definitely a bit of Mack history and a monument to the durability of the AC Model.
