One of Mike's Stories

[Terry T]

I'm gonna go ahead and swipe this one because it involves me & one of my (former) trucks

Quite awhile back,my friend Terry Tombaugh picked up this old F model to add to his collection from its 2nd owner Dan Roediger. It was bought new by King Bros.from Lima,OH. Serial number F795ST1011,it was originally powered with a ENDT865 V8 and a 5 speed. Later it was repowered by a 711 with a turbo added,with a 15 speed Triplex. I told Terry if he ever wanted rid of it,to let me know,as you all know by now,i really have this thing for F models. One night he called and asked if i still wanted the truck he was gonna sell it and his B61. So we made a deal on the F and he said he'd keep it safe until i could get it. So,when the ATHS convention came to South Bend,IN,instead of hauling a truck with me,i just brought Super Mutt and a empty trailer. That way after the show,i could swing by Terrys,get the truck,and also a Freedom Edition SuperLiner hood he had also found for me in the meantime. Last day of the convention,Terry showed up to meet me. He checked out the show and then later that afternoon,we he headed to Churbusco,IN and the Tombaugh Homestead. I made arrangements to meet my convoy partners the next morning,as they wanted to follow me back. Coming out we went thru part of Chicago,i told them wasnt no way i was going back that way,i was going thru the back roads and cross the boarder at Mommence,IL. I used to haul sows there,and it was a better route than being anywhere close to Shitcago.

So,we got to Terrys,borrowed a wrecker and got royally soaked loading in the rain. Then we went to Pizza Hut and ate before calling it a night. Next a.m.i took off bright and early,met Tom and TJ George,Michelle Cole,the Zemlìckas , and Dick Boyd at a fuel stop. Appologies if i left anyone out,only other one i remember,but he only met us for lunch,was Wayne Graham . Rest of the way home was stress free.

The old F now rests safely in the back 40. If someday id ever run across an orphan 865 V8,id like to make it a V8 truck again,just because its such a low number,the 11th built, and from what ive researched,quite possibly the oldest F795 that exists.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Don Johnson

  I think King Bros had a bunch of tricks leased on to Matlack at one time.

   

   

  Terry Tombaugh
• She never had an issue with starting right up. She also never stopped. Wedge brakes, pre-spring and air didn't go to them anymore... One morning, about 01:30, I thought I'd be safe to driver here the 3 miles into town to put some diesel in 'er. I had it all planned out, block of wood for a brake at the station & everything, drive slow, stay to the shoulder just in case... The only thing that I didn't have planned out was that John Hart (Town Marshall) at the time would be at the station getting a cup of coffee when I got there. He knew me from towing & working crashes so he actually just looked the other way.

   
   
• Dan Renovetz

  2 great stories...............and a reminder to "Don't burn any bridges " ! Hey Terry, you're another survivor of the old ATHS forum "Roadkill Cafe" ! I proudly wear my tee shirts, recieved by the danations of support to Frank and John Costly.

   

  Wayne Graham
• Mike, I remember that. I gave Michelle a tilt steering column and wheel for her ln 9000 which she took home and installed.
  • Mike Harbison Sr.

    Wayne Graham yep,i remember you bringing her,something,couldnt remember exactly what

     

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[masterwelder]

Thanks Terry. 
 

Great way to keep Mikes legacy alive and share with others. With a little bit of Mack education also!

You making a midnight diesel run is hilarious! 

Edited February 1, 2023 by masterwelder

[mowerman]

Interesting thanks for the post that truck looks familiar… Bob

[Terry T]

I chatted with Mikey this morning & there will be more of Mike's stories to come in the near future.  Mikey said he would try to get around to joining our group as well.

 

[tjc transport]

not only is Mike gone, but Michelle passed away last year too. 

[Terry T]

On 2/1/2023 at 4:58 PM, tjc transport said:

not only is Mike gone, but Michelle passed away last year too. 

As I re-read this before I posted it I thought about that too. She was an outgoing woman to say the least.

[High Binder]

Michelle and my son at ATHS show in Huntsville, Al.

[Ray V]

I bought F795ST 1085, from Pittsburgh Mack, in March of 71.  Wasn't to far behind yours on the line.

[67RModel]

1 hour ago, Ray V said:

I bought F795ST 1085, from Pittsburgh Mack, in March of 71.

Where was Pittsburgh Mack back then? Same location it is now?

[mowerman]

I’m sure they moved it unless there’s more than new Alexandria .. Bob

[Freightrain]

South Bend was the only time I got to meet up with Mike.  We sat on a picnic table and BS'd.  I'm pretty sure that was my only meeting with Michelle also.

Mike did hook me up with shiny parts for my hood a couple years ago when I painted it.

[Terry T]

Larry,

You didn't meet Mike at Auburn? I was thinking that Michelle was there too but maybe she wasn't.

[Freightrain]

Maybe?  I distinctly remember South Bend.  There was a Pete with a Wilson trailer next to a picnic table and that's where we sat.  I was parked right by the JOT tent.  Peters H model was right there with the little camper behind it with the "narrow load" sign on the back.

I left my trailer out in the field, which was knee high and sopping wet from rain.  I hated walking back and forth. Mike fudged his "trailer age" and left it hooked to supermutt and parked in the show field.  I have done the same ever since so I can leave my trailer hooked to the truck and have everything right there.