Author Topic: Old ups trucks (Read 4847 times)

bigred · « **on:** July 10, 2018, 06:48:47 PM »

Guy's :this ain't got a thing to do with buses but it is something I am curious about .Where do old UPS trucks go to die?? They seem to turn these trucks fairly often but you never see one rebadged as as a food truck or plumbers van .

richard5933 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 10, 2018, 07:04:36 PM »

When I worked for the local UPS facility I asked the same question. Apparently they don't go anywhere - they rebuild, reconfigure, reuse, and when the thing has absolutely on value to them they are scraped. I was told that they never sell them anymore and that since the bodies are aluminum they usually just keep rebuilding & repainting them & upgrading them. Next time you have a delivery, ask the driver and he'll probably tell you stories about the various upgrades his truck has had over the years. My local driver has one that looks new, but it's because it's wearing a new front end.

I've got an old Grumman step van I bought when I had a wood shop making furniture. It was originally a Hostess bread truck. I wanted an old UPS truck but found that they are impossible to buy nowadays. I like mine, and with the aluminum body it still looks pretty good. The Ford chassis was upgraded to carry a Cummins Diesel 4BT, but otherwise it's pretty much stock.

easystreet · « **Reply #2 on:** July 10, 2018, 08:19:27 PM »

I too have been told that UPS does not resell any delivery units - they all get scrapped. I remember about 8 years ago seeing a literal stack of the bodies waiting for the crusher at a scrap dealer here in Spokane.

luvrbus · « **Reply #3 on:** July 10, 2018, 08:28:26 PM »

UPS is strange their highway trucks are about the only trucks they have that will have manufactures logo on it .I do a little work for our local UPS diesel work only,they pay very well the collecting takes a while

but the check will come

chessie4905 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 11, 2018, 04:22:14 AM »

https://jalopnik.com/5046031/ups-truck-turns-over-a-million-miles-in-22-years

Notice it is a GMC..not an Eagle, MCI, or Prevost......lol😄

bigred · « **Reply #5 on:** July 11, 2018, 06:21:59 AM »

Thanks for the info Guy's !! I had no Idea they just kept recycling these things .Kind of figured they might be selling them to some foreign country such as Cuba.Cuban's are still driving 50ties model cars that keeps getting rebuilt with what ever parts they might come up with .The last bunch of Big Beck buses (Scnicruiser Knock off's) were used in Cuba .Supposedly these were all sent back to the states and destroyed but I often wonder if some of these might still be running routes in Cuba.

edvanland · « **Reply #6 on:** July 11, 2018, 10:49:23 AM »

My nephew in Memphis used to change two or three engines a day in their trucks. When the truck was totally beyond repairing UPS would have him strip what was usable and the main body went to a certified crusher. They never sell a small delivery truck as they don't want some imposter dressed like UPS driving a UPS looking truck to do bad things.

luvrbus · « **Reply #7 on:** July 11, 2018, 12:32:11 PM »

Most of the UPS old gasoline rigs use the Ford 300 inline six cylinder engine

chessie4905 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 11, 2018, 12:58:57 PM »

Everything you don't need to know...
https://www.quora.com/Does-UPS-make-their-own-trucks-If-not-who-makes-them-and-what-is-the-model-name

CrabbyMilton · « **Reply #9 on:** July 12, 2018, 05:02:23 AM »

Yeah I too have heard that they keep them as long as they are serviceable then the salvage the usable parts then scrap the rest.
I remember the ones around here in the Milwaukee area growing up back in the 1970's that were on CHEVROLET chassis with the 292 6 and stick shift. Those lasted well into the late '90's and early '00's and many of those were repowered with the 4.3L V6 but kept the stick shift according to what some drivers told me.
Now most built on FREIGHTLINER with either GM gasoline V8's with automatic or CUMMINS diesel with automatic and I've read that electric or hybrids are starting to creep in which makes sense.

I have had a love/hate now mostly hate relationship with UPS given the nature of my job.
I would love to have the money to get my own bus and have it painted brown and then drive it around an UPS center just to torment them. Or I can achieve the same effect with a van or even sedan.

TomC · « **Reply #10 on:** July 14, 2018, 05:30:55 AM »

Just talked to a UPS road driver. He was driving a KW with Cummins ISX-12 CNG engine and UltraShift transmission. All wheel disc brakes. Behind the cab CNG tanks that he said had a 900 mile range! That could be doable with a motorhome-then just use the CNG for cooking and heating also.
He also said that UPS has 300 Tesla electric 3 axle tractors on order. Good Luck, TomC

chessie4905 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 14, 2018, 06:18:29 AM »

http://www.thedrive.com/tech/20634/tesla-semi-range-claims-have-escalated-to-600-miles

windtrader · « **Reply #12 on:** July 14, 2018, 09:30:06 PM »

Quote

He also said that UPS has 300 Tesla electric 3 axle tractors on order.

To the naysayers and luddites here, electric vehicles are here. And self-driving vehicles are very close behind. None of this affects the busnuts here as it will be decades before any of this tech trickles down to our niche.

eagle19952 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 14, 2018, 09:47:47 PM »

Quote from: windtrader on July 14, 2018, 09:30:06 PM

To the naysayers and luddites here, electric vehicles are here. And self-driving vehicles are very close behind. None of this affects the busnuts here as it will be decades before any of this tech trickles down to our niche.

The Army is testing trucks that follow one.
https://www.wired.com/2016/07/armys-self-driving-trucks-hit-highway-prepare-battle/

richard5933 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 15, 2018, 04:06:28 AM »

Electric vehicles have been here as long as we've had horseless carriages. In my opinion, the only thing holding them back is the range issue and, more importantly, the length of time it takes to recharge and be back on the road. Lick those two issues and they will become the standard.

Self-driving vehicles? They are here, but until they can get one to tell snow flakes from real obstacles it might be a while. Or tell the difference between a pedestrian putting up a hand to say 'stop' from a pedestrian waving the driver onward.

luvrbus · « **Reply #15 on:** July 15, 2018, 12:59:05 PM »

The Hybird buses have been around for quite awhile, MCI is on their 2nd generation now,and coming with the J- 35 ft a total electric bus

windtrader · « **Reply #16 on:** July 15, 2018, 04:03:51 PM »

It seems the range hurdle is mostly solved for transits. On an average day around town, the electric capacity seems acceptable. Same for cars. For most daily commute and around town use, range is not a big issue. Additionally, as stated, for those with longer commutes to work, many office parks are adding charge stations.

Even for longer trips, like between SF and LA, range is 335 miles for a Tesla. OK, pretty tight but I believe there are charge places along the way where you can catch a meal break and get enough amps back in to eliminate the worry.

This is today, and we all know how quickly tech is advancing now.

As for self drive, it's a subject of which I have very little detail knowledge. It seems sensor technology is there, control (drive-by-wire) is there. It's the algorithms which need improvement. Huge black hole to me. I still stand by my assertion that based on how glued drivers are to their phones while driving on the road, I'll take my chances with the AI in the cars.

CrabbyMilton · « **Reply #17 on:** July 16, 2018, 04:44:45 AM »

Indeed the technology will improve to the point where electric vehicles are as reliable with the power and range as gasoline and diesel. But for now, a hybrid is the best of both worlds.
I have a cordless weed eater that really has a killer amount of power when starting out but after about 15 minutes it get to the point where it barley has enough power to knock over a blade of grass before it needs a few hours of charge.
Same with all electric cars, truck and buses. They have to do much to improve and get over with the public first.

chessie4905 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 16, 2018, 04:55:57 AM »

The view of the future: "Bus conversion for sale... In great condition. Fully electric battery powered, great range and power. Will sacrifice..needs batteries replaced.....

windtrader · « **Reply #19 on:** July 16, 2018, 08:48:56 AM »

Quote

needs batteries replaced

That's the truth. One thing not discussed much here is the lifespan and replacement cost of the battery bank. Will just have to wait and see, yes, it has been a long time already, what will supersede lithium.

eagle19952 · « **Reply #20 on:** July 16, 2018, 10:28:16 AM »

Quote from: CrabbyMilton on July 16, 2018, 04:44:45 AM

I have a cordless weed eater that really has a killer amount of power when starting out but after about 15 minutes it get to the point where it barley has enough power to knock over a blade of grass ...

Which equates to the current degree of motivation and attention span of the average 15 year old's doing chores today...

CrabbyMilton · « **Reply #21 on:** July 16, 2018, 10:35:14 AM »

HEHE when I was 15, we didn't have a battery powered weedeater. It was the type with a cord so there was no excuse to not finish because of a depleted battery.
I enjoyed using it anyway but the cord could be a pain.

chessie4905 · « **Reply #22 on:** July 16, 2018, 11:18:42 AM »

We didn't have weed eaters. We had to use grass shears.

eagle19952 · « **Reply #23 on:** July 16, 2018, 11:32:48 AM »

Quote from: chessie4905 on July 16, 2018, 11:18:42 AM

We didn't have weed eaters. We had to use grass shears.

A tool I still detest. I think my mother gave us each one as a birthday gift.

chessie4905 · « **Reply #24 on:** July 16, 2018, 05:16:32 PM »

We also had a self propelled reel type mower at the cabin. Did a nice job but wouldn't cut of those dang buckhorn stems no matter how many times you ran over them.

oltrunt · « **Reply #25 on:** July 16, 2018, 06:07:26 PM »

Ha! Same mower when I was a kid.

(edit: I just realized that self propelled didn't mean hand push so ----)

I mowed both front and back yard for a buck. A buck four bits with an edge trim using some sort of stick thingy with a rubber roller and a steel star shaped blade. To get the edger to work right required a twist of the low back and a rapid shove of the tool--killer tool. Speaking of killer "hand" tools, I can still feel the low back pain caused by the famous Hula Hoe! Come on guys, lets get this battery run time thing sorted out while I can still walk! Jack

Jim Blackwood · « **Reply #26 on:** July 21, 2018, 11:38:59 AM »

The autonomous cars will bring back the land yacht, with balloon tires, soft suspension and deep comfy seats. Owners will insist on being able to read their newspaper (or tablet) and drink their coffee undisturbed and there's no hope of doing that in any of today's cars. Too "sporty" and "European".
To tell a snowflake from a wall you just need binocular vision. Those problems are pretty minor. BUT what about the algorithm that decides you must die to protect (insert whatever)? I can see problems there. So how's that work with a bus? And then there's the whole hacker issue. Do you really want your autonomous vehicle to allow outside access?

Jim

Bill B /bus · « **Reply #27 on:** July 21, 2018, 01:38:04 PM »

Man! Did we get off topic. Great discussion.

My choice would be a hybrid vehicle. Electric with LiOH battery, diesel constant speed engine and dynamic braking. LiOH battery because of high charge rate and max use of amphours, down to 10% charge without damage. Diesel engine because of max efficiency. Small engine, turboed and constant speed for tuned intake and exhaust.
Because of Navy experience, 9 years on submarines as an electrician, I detest wet cell batteries. Constant maintenance. But the alternatives are four to five times the cost form storage batteries.

Bill

Iceni John · « **Reply #28 on:** July 21, 2018, 05:16:42 PM »

Quote from: Jim Blackwood on July 21, 2018, 11:38:59 AM

The autonomous cars will bring back the land yacht, with balloon tires, soft suspension and deep comfy seats. Owners will insist on being able to read their newspaper (or tablet) and drink their coffee undisturbed and there's no hope of doing that in any of today's cars.

I think the word for that is "bus"! That description pretty much covers traveling by bus - OK, maybe not by Greyhound, but that's what luxury bus travel is in most parts of the world these days.

John

Slug · « **Reply #29 on:** July 22, 2018, 02:24:25 AM »

An Australian couple has just finished a trip right around and up the center in a Tesla using swags and using outback Pub free camps (Buy and stay deal) but not forced
They just asked to use the power to recharge, also used a App that lists share power places around the country. In so doing this asked if the pubs wanted to be put on the app and most said yes
Not quite ready for buses yet, now where's my 500 mile long power lead
Now back to the missing UPS trucks

chessie4905 · « **Reply #30 on:** July 22, 2018, 05:15:44 AM »

Buy a Tesla then look for free electricity? Reminds me of buying a horse and buggy and feeding it on grass and such along the roads.