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I didn't see much "Mackwise" on my recent trip out west,but came across this KW that I thought would be of interest. This truck was sitting behind the Volvo dealer in Great Falls, MT it is a 1958 with (what I was told) a 262 Cummins and a married 4X4 trans. what I found most interesting was the belt drive,and the back rear is live,the forward rear is belt driven!

Really nice shape,except the interior and dry-rotted tires and "Butchie Big Rigger Bumper".

Youngster working at the shop even offrered to start it up,after 2 full cans of either(yeah really),it fired over! I cringed while they were cranking the starter! but it did light,in a blaze of fuel smelling blue smoke!

Someone bought it as a project,but gave up on it,been sitting about 5 years,was suprized the asking price is 5K! neat old truck for sure!

Mark

Wanted to take a minute to thank all my BMT friends for the kind words and thoughts. I didn't do what I did looking for an "Atta Boy" or anything else,just thought I did what needed to be done. I've always hoped should I ever need some kind of help there would be someone who'd help me if I needed it.

You all have been a big help to me dealing with this,and I wish I had room (or typing skills) to thank you guys each and all!.

Just know all your thoughts and prayers are appreacieated.

Gearhead,to answer your question,i took Howards truck to Cheney,WA a small family owned flatbed operation,with I think 5-6 trucks,the owner bought Howards truck as a starter truck for his son,his intent is to run the western 11 pulling a step-deck. Howards truck was set-up to pull a flatbed,and all the flatbedder B.S. went with the truck (chains,binders,straps a brand new Merritt Headache rack etc.) along with a new set of tire chains,four singles and a set of three railers..

it took about 2 grand to get the truck in shape to run,the Volvo hospital in Great Falls ,MT put in a new injector cup,and back half ot the trans. then ,i spent 3 days detailing the outside and interior,i had all the aluminum cut/polished on my way out.

The new owner was VERY happy with what he bought,especially since I explained the circumstances.

I do have to admit,i think 500 horse,with 3:35 rears behind an 18 speed is a lot of truck for a new guy!

But it's a done deal now, hard to believe it's over with.

I guess my point is this,the old time guys (such as myself),and many here on BMT are going away WAY too fast, the new generation just doesn't "get it" yet another reason I'm truly thankful for all my BMT friends,God bless you all!

Mark

First and foremost, I appreaciate the concern from all my BMT friends,and figure an explanation is owed as to my absence.

I was taken away un-expectedly by bad news concerning probably my best friend in the world,former co-worker of mine was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer earlier this year,and as many of you know the prognosis with that is not good. I learned of the news in late September,and flew out to Bellgrade Montana Sept.30th. to see and be with my friend for what time he had left against his wishes,i took a leave of absence from work and went right away.

Howard was my dear friend and mentor when I started at Clark Transfer back in 2000,it was funny to me now that when I started on my first tour,Howard told the other drivers that he was "not looking forward to meeting another asshole easterner",when he found out I was from Jersey.

When we did meet,and he learned I was just a farm boy,and grew up under similar circumstances,we became fast friends,both being of German ancestry,and from trucking families,we just hit it off. He really took the time to "show me the ropes" of how touring with a Broadway show really worked,we worked 3 shows together,and I became a lead driver in less than a year (unheard of within Clark) in charge of all show related duties,coordinating drivers,getting directions,planning routes, times,load ins and outs working with show personnel etc.

Something he never let me forget,even when I was his "boss" on a show!

Howard parked his truck in late 2005,due to some serious health issues related to an earlier accident,which left him un-able to truck anymore,but he didn't have the heart to sell his tractor,(he left Clark in 2004 to return to his first love truckwise (heavy-haul,oversize,RGN work) he was real tired of running the eastcoast for Clark,but left on good terms.

He asked me to help him out with a few things,as he had no close family,and was estranged from his only daughter,who wanted nothing to do with him anyway.

I got the truck running,it had a bad injector,and some trans. problems,and needed a good detail and cleaning,before I drove it out to it's new owner in Washington state. The guy that bought the truck was tickled pink with it,and payed for my expenses both ways.When I returned,Howard and I were able to spend a few days together,and actually went out and had a steak dinner and a few drinks while he was still able,i know the man was in a great deal of pain,but never showed it or complained about it,we laughed,drank a few shots and had a real nice night.

Howard took a turn for the worse two days later,and the hospice nurse told me,as did my wife (also a nurse) his time was short.

He never regained consienceness,and passed peacefully at 3:25 am October 27.........................

I made the final arrangements according to his wishes,no ceremony or a big deal,just been real hard for me to deal with as the man was like a second father to me.

I took care of all his un-finished business,bills etc. and flew home today,got to Greensboro about twenty after four (Goddamn I HATE flying!!!!!!!!)

I just wanted to let everyone on BMT know what was going on,i owe a couple of you guys a phone call,no disrespect,just haven't been in much of a mood to chat,and didn't have any cell service or internet access out there anyway.

Hopefully,things will get back to normal,i need to get my ass back to work anyway Lol!...................................................Mark

Howard D. Eitzen August 16,1950 October 27,2014..................R.I.P My friend!

This one's been in a few Mack books,but looks like a tough ol 'girl! just looks like it was made to tow!...........................................Mark

Here's my latest batch rounded up for inspection!.........................Mark