Doug Maney

Dick hosted his last open house on Saturday Sept. 8. Rest in peace friend.

RICHARD L. BEST

NEW WATERFORD – Richard L. Best, 80, died Monday morning at his residence.

Mr. Best affectionately known as “Dick” was born Sept. 6, 1932, in Youngstown, a son of Peter and Irene Burkhart Ernst.

For two years Dick was raised by his grandparents, Ben and Della Burkhart. In 1937, he was adopted by his father, Harry W. Best.

A 1950 graduate of Wilson High School, Dick founded in 1967, the R. L. Best Company on Bev Road in Boardman and in 1985 the second location in Sanford, Fla.

In May of 1951, Dick became a collector of antique vehicles, including cars and trains, but mostly historical trucks. Dick and his wife, Evie, gave tours of their antique vehicles and would hold an annual open house at their residence. The last one was just this past Saturday.

Dick was a member of the Poland Lodge No. 766 F&AM and a 32nd degree Mason of the Valley of Youngstown Scottish Rite. He was a member of the Al Koran Shrine of Cleveland and the Youngstown Shrine Club. He was also a member of the Salem Golf Club, Saxon Club, former member of Youngstown Club, and Charter President of the Poland Optimist Club. Dick was a member of the Canfield Christian Church.

With his love of collecting antique vehicles, Dick was active in many organizations including the ATHS National Club, ATHS Northeast Ohio Club, ATHS Steel Valley Club, Austin Bantam Society, ATCA Historical Society, ATCA Greater Pittsburgh Chapter, TCA Club, the Old Time Trucks, Classic White Truck Group, Mahoning Valley Historical Society, AACA Antique Auto Club, Coolspring Power Museum, Canton Museum, the Packard Museum and a former member and past president of the Youngstown Model T Club.

Dick leaves his wife, the former Evie M. Wallace, whom he married Aug. 10, 1990; three sons, Ted A. (Laura) Best of Sanford, Mark R (Kimberly) Best of Greenford, and Randall L. Best of New Waterford; three stepdaughters, Jeanie (Tony) Salem of Columbiana, Deborah (Dennis) Dickson of Columbus, and Joan Quaranta of Indiana; two brothers, Ray (Liz) Best of Austintown and Carl Best of Tampa, Fla.; eight grandchildren, Jeff, Katie, Royce, Kelly, Karen, Cassandra, Tony Jr. and Candace; and his loving dog, Maxi.

They were part of an show/expo display that found there way to a storage unit. When the storage unit needed cleaned out they were out dated and I got the call to save them.

I have a couple more but these are the highest quality.

Finally after several years of taking up floor space, I was able to get the DM and Conquest signs hung on the front wall of my shop. They are rather large and slightly heavy. Now with a little clean-up, I can get my other photos, posters and signs rehung around them.

There is something in the works, since the word is out. The details are supposed to be able to be posted early this week.

Just hold on more details to come soon!

Yipppppppeeeeeee! Now I can get tags for my D-model!

Many of us can't go because they moved it ahead a week and it conflicts with too many other events. I hope they get a good turnout!

Holy ----! The rail bed goes right through the yard. I don't know what I would do if I had rail head access and my own locomotive!

As far as I know you can show up anytime on Friday. The Mack Brothers Clam Bake Re-enactment will be held on Friday evening at roughly 6:00. I say roughly as if we get a good start the food may be ready a little early, but if we get delayed it may be a little later. I have plans in the works, several things have already come together. I need to get with Roger, John and Dave to discuss several other things.

By the way, Dave, the special feature we discussed is running and could almost be picked up any time. I think it may have to be adjusted for size and weight to become a suitable load.

Please make plans to attend Mack Days, it is certainly a "do not miss" event for any Mack enthusiast. I think everyone should come out, even owners of other trucks. It is always nice to compare the "Greatest name in trucks" with what the other manufactures define as a truck.

After a description like that, I can't wait to see the pics! Welcome aboard!

My friend did the Fox News - Rob Mariani American Trucker AVI file for me. He directed me to an online, free download converter. It was at something like www.freedownloads.com or something like that. If you are handy with the web, I guess the answer is there.

I talked to him tonight. He is doing fine. He has many things going on right now that need his undivided attention. I think we can all relate to that. I will be speaking with him occasionally and I might even be able to talk him into posting a note every now and then. Don't worry, he is still into antique Mack trucks.

Doug

I'm pretty sure I can come up with a pair of Western Contractor emblems. I think I have some NOS available. I will have to check and see.

I don't think I have an extra pair of Value Liner emblems and I know I do not have a DM-800 emblem to sell.

We are wearing either a Mack shirt or Mack hat... Say hello to everyone, it is that kind of show!

When this came up on a post before, I explained.

Mike owns a shop and likes to make good usable stuff out of nothing. One of his customers wrecked their motor home and he thought he could make something out of it for his family to use. The MH cab was a shell he had laying around and it matched up pretty well. The Volvo hood came off of a wreck that was complete with lights and a grille. He now has a cheap motor home that is odd looking but very functional. Sometimes you have to overlook the appearance to get to the good stuff.

It would be like hooking up with an ugly millionaire nymphomaniac. Sure it may not look good but the benefits are worth it.

Yep, I have a small cameo.. Not the famous GM pickup from the '50's.

Guess that answers my question too- Doug Maney is very wise indeed.

The Museum Staff is wise, I simply redirected!

Welcome to BMT. We will do what we can to help, you may have to put up with some good humored razzing.

Jeez Joe, I can't believe you missed the G!

The listing on the link is a very good reference.

You can always contact the Mack Trucks HIstorical Museum, they are always willing to help out and have almost every answer to every question!

Doug

Looking for a bunk for a Superliner with dual stack cut-outs. Let me know what you have, where it is and what price. Thanks

Tell him I said "HI". Doug

Sorry for not responding, I was on vacation in Virginia Beach. I know the story, I know the truck. I believe this is one of the Detroit powered Eucs I used to hear as a kid while trying to fall asleep at night. I am not sure where it is right now, I will have to ask the owner. At one point he gave it to my nephew and then I heard he was giving it to a museum. I crawled all over this thing many times. I'll see what I can find out.

Doug

Made a trip down last year to check these out. Didn't bring anything home. The salty Florida air has taken its toll. Sad.

Looking Good!