Has anyone ever seen one of these?

[oldcouple]

This is from my repro owners manual, just wondered if anyone ever saw one in real life. I did find this link with a picture of a 57 and maybe a 58. http://www.trucksplanet.com/catalog/model.php?id=1180

[poncho_villa]

I have never seen one of these. None that I remember anyways. I managed to find this on the internet. Note the Chevrolet emblem on the front. I don't know the year though.

[OrrieG]

As a kid in the 50's I always thought the dairy trucks were cool because of the way the guys drove on a "stool" and could just jump in and out. Do not specifically remember if they were Chevys or more commercial type. I think they may have also had the starter connected to the clutch pedal so when it was depressed the engine started, like the current UPS trucks. I was also impressed by the trash man who could load 3-4 regular trash cans into the one he carried and dump it. Always had a big smelly cigar going, I thought he had to be the strongest man in the City to have that job.

[Jmageee902004]

OrrieG youve got me wondering now about the UPS clutch starter set up, so every time they depress the clutch to shift the starter spins. Or do they have auto transmissions and the clutch is sort of a foot starter.

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by Jmageee902004

OrrieG youve got me wondering now about the UPS clutch starter set up, so every time they depress the clutch to shift the starter spins. Or do they have auto transmissions and the clutch is sort of a foot starter.

I', thinking you push the clutch to the floor to activate the starter.

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by Jmageee902004

OrrieG youve got me wondering now about the UPS clutch starter set up, so every time they depress the clutch to shift the starter spins. Or do they have auto transmissions and the clutch is sort of a foot starter.

I'm thinking you push the clutch to the floor to activate the starter.

[Russell Ashley]

Originally Posted by Jmageee902004

OrrieG youve got me wondering now about the UPS clutch starter set up, so every time they depress the clutch to shift the starter spins. Or do they have auto transmissions and the clutch is sort of a foot starter.

Studebaker trucks had the same setup, where you pushed the clutch to activate the starter. You wouldn't push it when normally shifting gears. The button was at the bottom of the clutch pedal travel and took a lot more pressure on the pedal to activate it.

[poncho_villa]

http://www.stovebolt.com/features/fe...hlar/index.htm

Wow! Information on these trucks is very sparse. I can't find anything that has the obvious 55-56-57 truck grill as in the pictures in the link of the original post.

[oldcouple]

Yeah, me too, looks like it used the grill, park lights, front bumper and windshield. Now if I had the time, skills and an older chevy van might be a fun project to build using a cab and front clip. Just dreaming here, notice in the link that the picture of the 56 is in french.

[oldcouple]

I could see even using the front fender peaks and headlight trim.

[poncho_villa]

Originally Posted by oldcouple

Yeah, me too, looks like it used the grill, park lights, front bumper and windshield. Now if I had the time, skills and an older chevy van might be a fun project to build using a cab and front clip. Just dreaming here, notice in the link that the picture of the 56 is in french.

Yeah that would be a fun project.
On this side of Canada we automatically ignore the french stuff. It's a habit learned over time.

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by mknittle

I'm thinking you push the clutch to the floor to activate the starter.

I don't know if the UPS are standard or auto. They also shut off at stop lights, I had one next to me in the turn lane the other day and when the light changed I heard it start and he drove away, thought I heard a little gear grind too, must have a neutral safety switch.

[Daze57]

''On this side of Canada we automatically ignore the french stuff. It's a habit learned over time.''

Don't tell that to Quebec

[YBNORML]

Originally Posted by Daze57

''On this side of Canada we automatically ignore the french stuff. It's a habit learned over time.''

Don't tell that to Quebec

They know, they just don't care

[Daze57]

ahhhhhhhhhh apathy at its best !

[S10Fan]

About the UPS trucks........

I'm a 25 year UPS driver, here's the scoop. Our fleet is being fitted with a totally keyless setup. The starting procedure is similar to new cars, if the "key" is in your pocket you simply push the "start" button and off you go. In our case the key is now a fob carried on your belt. When a driver comes to a stop (delivery), they push the "stop" button twice and the trucks cuts off and opens the bulkhead door. That savings of 10-15 seconds a stop saves a lot of time throughout the day.

As for the truck mentioned that was off at a traffic light.....UPS has installed "telematics" on most of the fleet. The telematics system records everything going on with the vehicle. One of the hot issues now is "idle time". Idle time is described as anytime the trucks wheels are stopped and the motor is running. Some managers may be requiring their drivers to stop the engine at traffic lights. We're not required to stop the motor in my area, but I wouldn't be surprised if that policy changed.

It's all about fuel and time savings. My route averages 160-170 stops a day. If I lose 30 seconds at each stop, I've just added 80 (paid) minutes to my work day. My 80 minutes multiplied by 90,000 drivers, well, you do the math.

As with any other business, UPS has some employees that aren't moving as quickly as they should be, or doing things they shouldn't. Telematics is slowly identifying those folks and making changes as needed.

[oldcouple]

"As with any other business, UPS has some employees that aren't moving as quickly as they should be, or doing things they shouldn't. Telematics is slowly identifying those folks and making changes as needed. "

Wish they would do that to some of the cop cars I have seen parked at the topless bars for hours. Even saw two horses and three bikes there once.

[OrrieG]

I knew we had to have a UPS driver here. I used to design sort systems and buildings for Fed Ex. Got my fill of stories from the guys in the back room and drivers on step cadance, how the computers calculated the most efficient routes with as many right turns (no waiting at lights) as possible, etc. I know of one station manager that lost his job because a truck was late and a can got left on the runway. If I want to get across town in a hurry I find a Fed ex or ups truck to follow!