Learned to drive in one of those. The airconditioner didn't work in it either. It was a 318 Detroit with a 13 speed. You could run with the big dogs as long as you kept it wound up. Hauled many potatoes and watermelons in it. When I crossed the bridge into Ohio road would beat you to death finally got a long nose Pete thought I died and gone to Heaven.
I drove one for a little while a few centuries ago. I always loved the flying saucer dash. I'm glad it went to a good home, and hope to see it in the future.
I started out in a 1974 GMC Astro. Everyone seemed to have cabovers back then in 1980. I hated them all. Never found a cabover that rode worth a darn either. I always preferred hoods. No trucks had much room in the sleeper then either. You had to put your trousers on lying down. My, my how things have changed. The one thing about the cabovers, if you were in an accident you were the first one on the scene. LOL
Drove 2 of these from 1970 - 1987. Avg 100,000 mi/year in northern Ontario and Manitoba. Very comfortable trucks to drive with a spacious bunk for a cabover. With the 318's, you shifted on the governor without the clutch. Loved the music the twin stacks made.
@@diamonddog257 With a heavy quilted winter front cover the heat was OK. Anything below -30 I wore quilted pants and snowmobile boots. Summer, the A/C worked very well. During spring breakup we went through some broken springs. Air wipers sucked, but that was universal. Found out about Rain-X which greatly reduced wiper use. Overall I loved driving them.
They were a good design , and prolly a lot cheaper to make . Glad to see it worked out for you ....... ! --and don't miss doing runs in north BC/Alta. Sometimes it not worth it.
Twin exhaust stacks were only a performance advantage only with the 318 8v71 Detroits. There’s no performance advantage with dual exhausts on any turbocharged engine as all the exhaust has to exit through the turbo.
My long haul buddies called the Astros "All glass and no class" but it'd make a good gig for someone that knew how to take care of it. The 8-V did sound really good.
Ran two of them in the 70's. Loved every minute of my time in them. Reliable, as much power as I ever needed. High and wide, never felt cramped unlike other COE's of the time. And the sound, nothing like a screaming Jimmy!
I tried to drive one just like it when I was 16. We were hauling corn in and I had been driving one of our old V6 GMC gas trucks. I thought I was hot shit until my Uncle told me to take the Astro to the elevator. I ground gears for seven miles there and seven back. Took me about twice as long as it should have.
When I was a kid it seemed like most trucks on the road were Astro and IH Transtars. Conventional trucks were mainly owner operator otr. I would like to get one of these Detroit powered COE for hauling hay, and silage. the northeast of NY seems to have been hard on trucks though and there aren't many left around in good shape.
I never understood how you use the door handles on Astros and Titans, do you push that button, the door pops out and you pull it? or do you just pull on that handle and the door pops open?
You mentioned you disconnected the abs. Hate to tell you but they don’t have abs, not sure what you disconnected. I spent a couple years driving one of those over the road on the early 80s. Good luck finding a buyer.
Hello if you ever come a cross a 1973 Mack cab over with fuel air filter on outside of truck it must be a trailer hauler. Red would be nice but no need to be red, my grandfather worked for Carolina freight company. And drove one of those. When I find one I plan on a nut and bolt resto to match the one he drove by putting carlolinas old logo on it to look like it did back then. I will also have a with honor plaque to him in the window
Dude, I'm sooo hopeful that you find that truck. That would be the perfect gift for your Dad. I also hope that he could help you with the resto. What a glorious day that would be for both of you. Good luck and God bless.
Oh yes I encourage you to restore it to Carolina’s old look with the plaque on memory of your grandfather. I only remember the Carolina Grand Island, NY terminal, (now ABF) having grown up around Toronto.
Those Astro got a push button starter switch on the starter to start up while cab is cranked open must have key in ignition turned to on position to activate
Actually, it's down low mounted on the shift tower so you can start it with the cab up.You're right, with the "newer" models ( about 1975 and up) with the detroits you needed the key on. Also with a Cummins you did too. I had a 1970 Astro with a detroit and the only thing the key operated was the charging system. The fuel stop lever was mechanical, also located on the shift tower, so if the cab was up, you could push the fuel stop lever down, press the starter button and it would start.
Hey Boy when you were rattle can painting the wheels you could have dragged a wet rag across the dash board hey ? you know a little spit shine to get em done
Rocking in a Rut ? These this can't get itself out or UnStuck ? Brakes were probalby Still on & Slack Adjuster's Seized & or Not Seen Grease for Years Your Dumping this thing cause it's way Too Dangerous for Any & Every Public Road Period. Spring Rubber Block Chassis Must Ride like A Sqaure Rock
+Caleb Spain It looks like this may have been the first year for ABS. It had a rather large controller in the frame and magnet based sensors. There were groves (rather large) cut in the drum. As the grooves passed by it could detect if it was sliding. It actually worked until I disconnected it. It was a little bit annoying and rather jarring ABS, especially when bobtail
The first ABS was mandated in the mid to late 70's. FMVSS 121. They were horribly unreliable and actually caused accidents at times. Something like keying up a CB mic could kill the ABS in a truck near you, not even your trucks. There were cases of people driving into a garage for repair at a truck stop and someone else keying up. The truck moving would drive right through the door as the brakes went inactive. It wasn't long people disconnected them. Seen lots of trucks with them. NEVER seen any that were functional.
they still aren't functional even on fairly new pick up trucks. I have a 2000 and a 2005 Chevy HD, both had to be unplugged for unrelated issues. They are still deadly in snowy mountain regions where you need to skid a little bit to get thru that 1/2 inch of snow and ice to get your tire on the road so you cant actually stop. On dry blacktop though, in full panic stop it definitely saved a dog's life that ran out in front of me once
I drove a 1977 R model Mack it had the anti lock brakes and and I ran off the road to avoid hitting a car, went through part of a bean field then back on the road. Told my boss when I got back in what happened, he told the mechanics to disconnect the ABS on all the trucks. We had 6 new trucks. That was scary to hit the brakes and nothing happen
I am somewhat interested in trades, just depends on what you have. I'm located right near the Wrentham outlets if you'd like to meet up and take a look at some point. My phone number is at the end of the video and in the video info.
I like the Astro cabover can you trade a crisp $100 bill I will gladly take it off your hands and once I get back from my 8 th tour of duty I want to donate it to a wounded warrior marine who survived after getting shot a few times on the 7th tour of duty but he hopes one day to drive a cabover truck and haul hay don't have a lot to offer just wanted to check if you would be interested in making a soldier dreams come true
I love super duper close up videos not to mention the awesome paint job on the rims.
Those old GMC's are awesome so simple and easy to work on.
Learned to drive in one of those. The airconditioner didn't work in it either. It was a 318 Detroit with a 13 speed. You could run with the big dogs as long as you kept it wound up. Hauled many potatoes and watermelons in it. When I crossed the bridge into Ohio road would beat you to death finally got a long nose Pete
thought I died and gone to Heaven.
Gotta love these old school GMC cabovers
Yep, as long as you don't have to drive one. There cool on a drive-by.
I drove one for a little while a few centuries ago. I always loved the flying saucer dash. I'm glad it went to a good home, and hope to see it in the future.
I started out in a 1974 GMC Astro. Everyone seemed to have cabovers back then in 1980. I hated them all. Never found a cabover that rode worth a darn either. I always preferred hoods. No trucks had much room in the sleeper then either. You had to put your trousers on lying down. My, my how things have changed. The one thing about the cabovers, if you were in an accident you were the first one on the scene. LOL
Agree cabovers suck!
It would help if you could wiggle the camera around more.
Drove 2 of these from 1970 - 1987. Avg 100,000 mi/year in northern Ontario and Manitoba. Very comfortable trucks to drive with a spacious bunk for a cabover. With the 318's, you shifted on the governor without the clutch. Loved the music the twin stacks made.
Not too hot /Cold ? ..... Any complaints ?... the BC/Alberta North run was hard on frames.
@@diamonddog257 With a heavy quilted winter front cover the heat was OK. Anything below -30 I wore quilted pants and snowmobile boots. Summer, the A/C worked very well. During spring breakup we went through some broken springs. Air wipers sucked, but that was universal. Found out about Rain-X which greatly reduced wiper use. Overall I loved driving them.
They were a good design ,
and prolly a lot cheaper to make .
Glad to see it worked out for you ....... !
--and don't miss doing runs in north BC/Alta.
Sometimes it not worth it.
I don't use the clutch regardless lol
Twin exhaust stacks were only a performance advantage only with the 318 8v71 Detroits. There’s no performance advantage with dual exhausts on any turbocharged engine as all the exhaust has to exit through the turbo.
Nothing like the sound of an older detroit diesel. It might leak a little oil, but its a workhorse.
Cool cabover, even with an ol Detroit engine. Love cabovers.
I drove one awhile after the coe kw fell apart on me, hands down the best truck of the two,
My long haul buddies called the Astros "All glass and no class" but it'd make a good gig for someone that knew how to take care of it. The 8-V did sound really good.
Ran two of them in the 70's. Loved every minute of my time in them. Reliable, as much power as I ever needed. High and wide, never felt cramped unlike other COE's of the time. And the sound, nothing like a screaming Jimmy!
Put a cummins or cat in it !
I tried to drive one just like it when I was 16. We were hauling corn in and I had been driving one of our old V6 GMC gas trucks. I thought I was hot shit until my Uncle told me to take the Astro to the elevator. I ground gears for seven miles there and seven back. Took me about twice as long as it should have.
Nice. I was born in July of 78.
I remember that time ..... Pete 379 was the best hood , wish I had one now ;
All my tuff guy freinds bought Jay Ferguson 'Thunder Island' [?]
When I was a kid it seemed like most trucks on the road were Astro and IH Transtars. Conventional trucks were mainly owner operator otr. I would like to get one of these Detroit powered COE for hauling hay, and silage. the northeast of NY seems to have been hard on trucks though and there aren't many left around in good shape.
I have a 74 transtar id sell text 785-293-2064
I would love to.find one an in.faire shape I love them trucks
Nice ol truck but sould have had anyone but Stevie Wonder paint the rims
I think your truck may be haunted because the door just closed by itself
Thing I hated bout cab overs was getting out trying to feel for your footings.
linux222, Hi, Is your 1978 GMC Astro still for sale? And how much are you asking for it?
Be careful it may run in reverse lol
older tractors are all the rage now can you say electronic log except
This would be a good truck,For a driving school.The new trucks,Are to easy .
Was this the truck for sale at the Bolton fairgrounds a couple weeks ago? For $7,500?
Idle up till the rattle stops so you can sleep.
I never understood how you use the door handles on Astros and Titans, do you push that button, the door pops out and you pull it? or do you just pull on that handle and the door pops open?
They had ABS back in the 70s?
pretty clean for an old girl.Never saw much salt
Huh? The truck lives in Massachusetts. Think again.
You mentioned you disconnected the abs. Hate to tell you but they don’t have abs, not sure what you disconnected. I spent a couple years driving one of those over the road on the early 80s. Good luck finding a buyer.
dummy he sold it years ago
I want one!
Yes because they didn't relax the ola until 1982 therefore shitloads of cabovers in the northeast !
What did it sell for ?
Hello if you ever come a cross a 1973 Mack cab over with fuel air filter on outside of truck it must be a trailer hauler. Red would be nice but no need to be red, my grandfather worked for Carolina freight company. And drove one of those. When I find one I plan on a nut and bolt resto to match the one he drove by putting carlolinas old logo on it to look like it did back then. I will also have a with honor plaque to him in the window
Dude, I'm sooo hopeful that you find that truck. That would be the perfect gift for your Dad. I also hope that he could help you with the resto. What a glorious day that would be for both of you. Good luck and God bless.
Oh yes I encourage you to restore it to Carolina’s old look with the plaque on memory of your grandfather. I only remember the Carolina Grand Island, NY terminal, (now ABF) having grown up around Toronto.
Those Astro got a push button starter switch on the starter to start up while cab is cranked open must have key in ignition turned to on position to activate
Actually, it's down low mounted on the shift tower so you can start it with the cab up.You're right, with the "newer" models ( about 1975 and up) with the detroits you needed the key on. Also with a Cummins you did too. I had a 1970 Astro with a detroit and the only thing the key operated was the charging system. The fuel stop lever was mechanical, also located on the shift tower, so if the cab was up, you could push the fuel stop lever down, press the starter button and it would start.
Nice truck
It looked nice
Love the Tom Petty song tht was on the radio
I learned on one of those lol
Did you sell your truck?
How much and where is it?
I want that sunny beech!! Is it still for sale?
Oh, shit. Tom Petty on the radio!
May Tom Petty RIP
looks ready for work 👍
Caleb Spain I see you Caleb. Lol
Out of sight man.
I’m getting me a gmc astro cab over when I’m 16
What do ya have to have for the Astro?
Badass song
Why did you sell it?
You should lease it on to a company and drive as an owner operator.
is it still forsale?
Hey Boy when you were rattle can painting the wheels you could have dragged a wet rag across the dash board hey ? you know a little spit shine to get em done
Thought I was having a stroke with all the shaky camera work.
what's the price for it.. I give 4000 for it
Looks like all Dayton wheels costs extra to change over when Got a flat
Price and location
A rock in the rut?
Nice
How much
It needs lot of cleaning and lots of work
that was NOT an 8V92 it WAS an 8V71....
love it though.. drove an astro for two years otr.. great truck...
@Randy Wiesendanger 2 stroke.. is always stroking !!!
Nice video.
Yep that's right the 8v 92's where painted silver and they where called silver 92's.
First series 92 were green!👍
Rocking in a Rut ? These this can't get itself out or UnStuck ? Brakes were probalby Still on & Slack Adjuster's Seized & or Not Seen Grease for Years Your Dumping this thing cause it's way Too Dangerous for Any & Every Public Road Period. Spring Rubber Block Chassis Must Ride like A Sqaure Rock
& you love Neglected & Delapitated Junk.
If the brake pads where Metallics they tend to rust themselves to the drums in rain or high humidity if they set for a while.
That is the worst paint I’ve ever seen on the wheels
They really cut quickly backing up
abs? thought was only on 90s models and up
+Caleb Spain It looks like this may have been the first year for ABS. It had a rather large controller in the frame and magnet based sensors. There were groves (rather large) cut in the drum. As the grooves passed by it could detect if it was sliding. It actually worked until I disconnected it. It was a little bit annoying and rather jarring ABS, especially when bobtail
+linux222 oh ok thays cool my 94 cabover has it and i dont like it lol
The first ABS was mandated in the mid to late 70's. FMVSS 121. They were horribly unreliable and actually caused accidents at times. Something like keying up a CB mic could kill the ABS in a truck near you, not even your trucks. There were cases of people driving into a garage for repair at a truck stop and someone else keying up. The truck moving would drive right through the door as the brakes went inactive. It wasn't long people disconnected them. Seen lots of trucks with them. NEVER seen any that were functional.
they still aren't functional even on fairly new pick up trucks. I have a 2000 and a 2005 Chevy HD, both had to be unplugged for unrelated issues. They are still deadly in snowy mountain regions where you need to skid a little bit to get thru that 1/2 inch of snow and ice to get your tire on the road so you cant actually stop. On dry blacktop though, in full panic stop it definitely saved a dog's life that ran out in front of me once
I drove a 1977 R model Mack it had the anti lock brakes and and I ran off the road to avoid hitting a car, went through part of a bean field then back on the road. Told my boss when I got back in what happened, he told the mechanics to disconnect the ABS on all the trucks. We had 6 new trucks. That was scary to hit the brakes and nothing happen
sounds like a Detroit?
Dave Gunderson watch the video you idiot
Duh!?
GMC Grate Milk Cow 318 300 hd oil leaks 18 horse pow
i like it ,any interest in trade ? where in wrenthem are you?
I am somewhat interested in trades, just depends on what you have. I'm located right near the Wrentham outlets if you'd like to meet up and take a look at some point. My phone number is at the end of the video and in the video info.
Under load, you'll never hear the radio.
would you lease it to me to do port work pulling cointainers?
Kinda junky looking to be at a truck show
I like the Astro cabover can you trade a crisp $100 bill I will gladly take it off your hands and once I get back from my 8 th tour of duty I want to donate it to a wounded warrior marine who survived after getting shot a few times on the 7th tour of duty but he hopes one day to drive a cabover truck and haul hay don't have a lot to offer just wanted to check if you would be interested in making a soldier dreams come true
Hope your buddy's dream came true. THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE !! ALL THE BEST SIR.
Tweaker junk
Do you know how easy it would be to mask those tires before you paint wheels? Masking tape and news paper! You did a horrible job painting! 👎
Would like to get your phone number on this truck and talk to you about it George
The no ac is the deal breaker for me lol
@@ernestpassaro9663 they didn’t work when they were new!
$.02 for it
What did it sell for?