A possible summer project
Sometime this winter I came across a video of some guy trying to get a really old semi truck started and after the first one I have some what got hooked on them. I have seen 50 year old trucks, 40 year old bulldozers and even a very old piece of earth excavating equipment start after years of sitting. Some of them even starting on the old diesel fuel that was left in the tanks when they were parked. Now for some background history. Once upon a time Judy’s father owned and operated one of the largest towing and recovery companies in Delaware and when he retired the business was closed and all of the trucks were sold and went all over the country. About 10 years ago we found out where one of the older smaller tow truck was. We went and looked at it back then but talked ourselves out of any further action. Now that I have the bug of starting older diesel truck I have the urge to try one of my own. About 3 weeks ago I did an internet search for Autocar Trucks for sale and the very first thing that popped up was a 1951 Autocar Tow Truck for sale. I clicked on it and it was the very same tow truck that we had looked at all those years ago and it is for sale! I have talked to the owner and he is going to wait until we get a chance to travel to look at it. I have talked to Judy’s older brother and he sounds like he too is willing to assist me in my adventure.
Update on the possible project!
Well last week I got to go look at the tow truck project and boy was I disappointed. It turns out that the photos that were posted on the sale site were about 10 years old and to say the least 10 years sure did make a difference. Parts were missing and a lot of the sheet metal had big rust holes in it. I guess if I had a place to store it out of the weather I might consider it but alas I do not so I will have to say goodbye to any hope of saving an heirloom from the garage that Judy’s dad once owned. What you see below is what was actually sitting in the field where it was for sale. Oh well maybe something else will come along now.
