As I continue my theme, I had just learned that Haygood Truck Parts had a reconditioned RTO15615 in stock. My next question was, can you get it shipped today? Tomorrow morning, was the reply. Back at the garage we drove the truck into a bay, and started to dismantle it. I say dismantle because I had to pull the whole lower fairing, front to back off the right side. Otherwise once you get the transmission down to floor level, you cant get it out from under the truck. Back at home I could have used the front end loader to raise the truck off the transmission. Lot's easier. With the transmission out all I could do was wait. West Texas in the summer is hot. Without a Motel in sight, at least I had a bed of my own to sleep in. I have never been able to understand why a truck manufacturer would build a conventional truck without a sleeper door. Evan with a shop fan, when the outside temp is close to 100, You can't sleep well. For the next two days, I spent my time back and forth from the garage to the restaurant. About 9:00 O'clock on the third morning, I called Haygood. Where is my transmission? I don't know, was the reply, I'll find out and call you back. In a few minutes I had the bad news, the transmission was sitting on a loading dock in Odessa, 90 miles east, waiting for a freight forwarder. No one had an Idea when it might be picked up. As I left the bank of telephones, and walked through the restaurant, I saw Uncle Bill sitting at his table. Uncle Bill, I have a problem that I don't know how to deal with. What Kind of problem? Well the transmission I have ordered is sitting in Odessa, and the have no idea when the can get it here. I know how to deal with it, he said, take my pickup and go get it. No, I'll have my brother in law take you, he knows his way around Odessa. In short order we were on our way. In Odessa, we picked up the transmission, stopped by an oil distributor for 5 gallons of 50w and left. When we got back to the garage and unloaded, I asked Bill, what do I owe you. Just put some gas back in my truck, was his reply. Thats how I remember Bill Kiker, Generous, and kind to everyone. Back at the garage, I, along with the grandson put the truck back together. When I went in to settle up with the owner I asked about the bill. Oh I guess about $150.00 for the bay and $165.00 for my grandson. Wow

I couldn't have said it better...Wow!

I could set for hours on end and listen or read stories like this. My uncle retired from trucking a few years back, and he started in the early 60's. Man he can tell some great stories to. Be cool Bollweevil.

P.S.- How's the mack coming along?