Rob

Prolly hear about the one driving to Lititz instead.In hindsight I'm glad I didn't attempt to drive it back from NV. There is one flat tire on the inside rt. front dual, a couple of tires are weather checking, (minor at this point), the headlights did not come on and are still intermittent, the cab lamps are inop until you hit a "bump", and several air and fuel lines are needing attention. It has a couple of "Stratoflex" lines seeping and I'll get these built up and replaced. Nothing major at all but the truck has been sitting since 2004 and time does take it's toll. I got both upper and the lower radiator hoses, radiator caps, (two), heater hose, bulk 2/0 battery cable and ends, box of filters including transmission air filter, and a kit to rebuild the air shift mechanism(s) as reverse is a little slow in operation. Also went ahead and grabbed two new group 31 top post batteries, (950CCA) for kicks. All these items are minor maintenance items but long overdue. Rob

I'm probably going to leave the sleeper on it. The window opening for the sleeper, and the sliding back window of the cab are very close in elevation. I'm sure if I remove the back window of the cab and install a boot, a thin person would be able to climb through, (I can't) but at least the two would be interconnected.Rob

I really appreciate that comment right there. I've always liked these trucks even more than the first generation Superliners. So easy to see out of and the close quarter manipulating is easy due to a sharp wheel cut. The seating position has always been comfortable too.Rob

I've always liked hand lettering and the artistic ability I always lacked. I've ordered magnetic placards so I can remove them at shows for others to see the truck in it's original form if I'm authorized to leave it "as is". If not, I'll have my shop name painted on.Rob

I looked on my 72 R model chassis with stacked springs and the hanger is the same part number with the "A" suffix. Rob

Those 325's do run well. The one in my Project R-12 truck has the fuel turned up and it's pulls strong. I don't know about outpulling a 550 Cat but the 866 engines are also very strong.Rob

That can be done. I've had several small bolt circle Mopar wheels, (5X4 bolt circle) stepped up to 15" rims which were never available. I don't know if Stockton Wheel in Stockton California can do the large size or not but I've used them a couple of times. Rob

Fantastic news!! Hope it keeps coming your way. Rob

Mark, thanks and you know how I feel about these 700 "Western" trucks. I guess I can't have enough? I have a 42" "Rest-Rite" here that I've slated for one of these RL's and Mike Harbison has an Abel Body sitting here that I may acquire if he's decided he doesn't need it. Both are in pretty good condition on the outside and the interiors need rebuilt.I can't believe the condition of this truck and I really mean that. I want to drive it to the shows next summer, and at least one west coast large show as to allow the former owner's family a chance to view it again in it's new role. I do plan to put this one to work however. It may be just filling swimming pools or such, but I'm certain it will earn it's keep if only beauty in the eye of the beholder. The KW sleeper really does fit the lines of the truck acceptable but who knows? Rob

Alastair: I'll be glad to shoot you a few photos of the radiator mounting arrangement. They have "wings" that either bolt, or weld to the sides of the radiator frame and then these "wings" bolt to the truck frame. The bolts are a little difficult to get to but I'll get a couple of photos from underneath also. All three of my "Western 700's" use this same mounting arrangement and the crossbars up on the top tanks.Thanks, Rob

The "RL" series of trucks used aluminum frames. This one is not cut, stretched, or altered from as built and must have been long originally. From my understanding the truck used log bunks for a number of years before being converted to the tanker role which it only served in for a few short months. It has been setting since 2004.Rob

Hi Vlad, the paint is fading from sun exposure. It was new in 2004 but the truck has not been operated since that time and has just set. I do plan to buff a shine, and then wax to preserve. It will be kept inside the building however. The piping under the truck is mostly semi rigid hoses with the exception of the weldments you can see in the photos. I'll grab more photos if there is interest.The door art will become visible after I receive authorization to allow it to remain. Most will think it nothing special but it's well done and hand painted. Rob

Hi Carl, yes they are KW mudflaps. I have vintage Mack flaps to replace these so if anybody can use them speak up. These are not in real good shape and I don't know if they are reusable or not. The flap hangers will be replaced with new also.Rob

I went out and checked this morning and my hanger also has an "A" on the end of the part number. At this point I'm not much help and you certainly don't want to "tip the balance" to the left on one of those things by running the wrong hanger and being high on the rt. side.......... I'll do some other digging around to see if I can come up with something. Rob

I want to ensure the family is alright with me leaving the lettering in place before I go any kind of public with it. It is nice artwork and hand painted.Thanks for your support. Rob

I'll wager too. Knowing the way Roadway used to spec trucks, it was just an engine with a cab set around it for a seat to be placed!Rob

Can you post up a photo of what you are needing?Rob

A few photos I snapped prior to getting on the road Tuesday morning. The truck fired right off with fresh batteries and I was able to drive it off the trailer. Ray, (Mack MHE9 here) hauled it from the former owner's residence in NV with the help of KidNV assisting in prepping the truck for loading. A special thank you goes to Bruce Thomas for his part in getting the truck to start, and then loading onto the trailer. Still have a few little odds and ends to figure out as I've not had any time to work with it. Everything seems minor in the grand scheme and I really like this truck a lot. I hope to do the former owner's family proud. Right front at daylight: Front shot at daylight: Left front at daylight: Interior: Interior seats: Sleeper gap: Lift axle: Water tank: Cab floor: Sleeper storage: ENDT 866 engine photos: Left door dog: Rt. door dog: Rt. tank and suction hoses: Rear of tanker: Suction pump: Rear plumbing: Rt. rear w/hood open: V8 badge: RL700L badge: Of special interest is the total lack of any rust in this cab, or chassis. The truck does not exhibit any prior collision damage and appears completely original with the exception of the repaint. Even the emblems appear to very close to new with absolutely zero tarnish, or pitting to them. I called the lady that does my signage and ordered magnetic placards large enough with my name to cover the original business letteing/paintwork to preserve it. I plan to make the rounds for a couple of years on the "show" circuit with this "as is" to preserve the memory of both the truck, and the man that built it. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for the family to have the funeral for Roy on one day, and ship his truck off the very next. A strange twist of events for certain but planned in advance. I will call this truck "Roy", in his honor. Rob

Love the western grille on the eastern R700.Rob

I don't remember the red grille bar on Hodges' truck. I've crawled all over it a couple of times myself. Not disagreeing at all, just don't remember it myself.Rob

Even his description of the truck was erroneous in nature. Look at the hood panel which is broken with a piece gone for instance.Of course one man's description of "cherry" is a piece of shit to another too. Rob

Thanks for the photos. I'll get a look tomorrow afternoon to see if what I have will work for you.Rob

Yes, and it's as soft as a 16 grit grinding disc.Rob

If a comedian, a piss poor one at that. You are correct and the reasoning I haven't done away with the post. I don't particularly like people joining up to only "hawk their wares" having no interest in participating, the persons, or website in general. That post however was catagorized correctly so I let it stand. Rob