Popular Post NY-B61 Posted June 13, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted June 13, 2014 Hi there to everyone!I found this relic about ten years ago outside Shamokin, PA. It was parked in a field along with some friendly horses who allowed me to get some pics. The owner of this beast wasn't home at the time and I haven't been back through the area since. I'm sure hoping someone can help me identify it - it's a mystery that's been bothering me for a decade.The red and blue stripes visible underneath the windshields made me think of a rolling Post Office, utilized in the '40s and '50s.. It had a DD8V71 factory mounted straight in beneath the rear portion of the frame, similar to a GMC PD4501 Scenicruiser. The insulated rear main and vent doors puzzled me. No need to freeze mail. Did it haul produce? It had a 1983 Georgia inspection sticker on the driver's windshield.Both fronts appear to be steer axles, only one of the rears was powered with the other being a tag. There's the outline of a diamond shaped emblem on the front of the vehicle. Any guesses or information would be appreciated! 7 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarryS Posted June 13, 2014 Share Posted June 13, 2014 It seems to have a Faegol look to it. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/#findComment-249028 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lmackattack Posted June 13, 2014 Share Posted June 13, 2014 It must haul something heavy for having 4 axels is such a short wheel base? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/#findComment-249040 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackdaddy Posted June 13, 2014 Share Posted June 13, 2014 wow that is one rare bird there. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/#findComment-249044 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Phase 1 Posted June 13, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted June 13, 2014 Possibly a McCullogh Road King. There was a discussion about this one on the ATHS forum some time back.Fageol/Twin Coach made trucks like that, some of them were made out of Fruehauf semi trailers, but it does not appear to be a Fageol. The highway post offices I have seen had some windows in the sides, and it looks like it has a higher weight capacity than would be needed for that.Very little information exists on the Road King - and it might not be one, but it would be good if you (or someone else in that area) could get back and see if it is still there and possibly dig up some info . 6 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/#findComment-249054 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigdogtrucker Posted June 13, 2014 Share Posted June 13, 2014 No clue,but that is one cool/unique machine!Sure hope it still survives... Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/#findComment-249063 Share on other sites More sharing options...
1958 F.W.D. Posted June 13, 2014 Share Posted June 13, 2014 That is absolutely fascinating!!! The body work sorta looks like Gerstenslager but it's not......Wow this would make a cool restoration into a RV and for towing a toy trailer!!!!! Quote TWO STROKES ARE FOR GARDEN TOOLS Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/#findComment-249064 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted June 13, 2014 Share Posted June 13, 2014 Road King Moving and Storage, now Road King Transportation has been around since the 1920's (now based in Georgia) , wonder if they built their own trucks like the C.F Freightliners , LaCrosse Auto Carriers, Convoy Auto Carriers or ARCO Auto Carriers. Paul Quote "OPERTUNITY IS MISSED BY MOST PEOPLE BECAUSE IT IS DRESSED IN OVERALLS AND LOOKS LIKE WORK" Thomas Edison “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘Holy shit, what a ride!’” P.T.CHESHIRE Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/#findComment-249095 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phase 1 Posted June 13, 2014 Share Posted June 13, 2014 Anybody have an issue of Overdrive magazine from November 1966? There are unusual trucks on the cover. The one that looks like a Road King appears to have a reefer unit on front. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/#findComment-249097 Share on other sites More sharing options...
NY-B61 Posted June 14, 2014 Author Share Posted June 14, 2014 A McCullough Road King is the closest I've ever seen. Thank you, PZ 1! I've included all three pics and noticed only one significant difference. The RK has stamped or rolled side skirts with square wheel openings; the ? has flat metal with semi-circular wheel openings. Other than that they're as near as twins as you can get.The ? could also be a knockoff of the McCullough Road King. Twin steer buses, for instance, have been made in Mexico since at least the '50's, many copied from GM's stable of 'new', at the time, streamlined body styles.I sure appreciate the info so far. The identity of this thing has been like a worn toilet flapper under my saddle for the better part of a decade. Off to research the Road King.Bus examples 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/#findComment-249145 Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTFormula Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 That's too damn cool. I'd love to have that for hauling crap to the swap meets. Quote ~ JT Burkard ~ AKA Sweaty Mackwww.jtresto.com www.wickedreputation.netwww.jonathanthomasmotorcars.com Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/#findComment-249147 Share on other sites More sharing options...
1958 F.W.D. Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 That's too damn cool. I'd love to have that for hauling crap to the swap meets.I have always been in love with the 4-door cabover Marmon RV that comes to Macungie- but this......THIS would be my ultimate RV!!!! 1 Quote TWO STROKES ARE FOR GARDEN TOOLS Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/#findComment-249179 Share on other sites More sharing options...
vision386 Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Might be just a coincidence,but the shape of the windshield and center emblem reminds me of a Crown school bus?...........................................Mark 1 Quote Mack Truck literate. Computer illiterate. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/#findComment-249198 Share on other sites More sharing options...
slpwlker Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 I have always been in love with the 4-door cabover Marmon RV that comes to Macungie- but this......THIS would be my ultimate RV!!!!be green leaker powered just for you. Or thunder pumpkin Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/#findComment-249212 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 More we look at the truck the more we have come to the conclusion it is based on a mid 50's Fruehauf or Trailer Mobile unit look at the general details of the units. I lean towards Freuhauf because of last photo of the Fruehauf Sport Cruiser1956 Fruehauf1962 Trailer MobileMuseum de Transport, Caracas, Venezuela. Describes this as a 1959 Road King Nestle coffee transporterFruehauf Sport Cruiser 1 Quote "OPERTUNITY IS MISSED BY MOST PEOPLE BECAUSE IT IS DRESSED IN OVERALLS AND LOOKS LIKE WORK" Thomas Edison “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘Holy shit, what a ride!’” P.T.CHESHIRE Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/#findComment-249218 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phase 1 Posted June 17, 2014 Share Posted June 17, 2014 You are probably correct in that 41chevy. Fageol also used Fruehauf trailers and I wonder if there was some connection between Fageol and the Road King. Fageol quit production in 1954 and it looks like the Road King was started in 1956. Possibly someone involved in Fageol started the McCullogh Motor Co?Many of the Fageol's were lighter and smaller than the Road King, but they did have a similar model, except instead of two front axles, it had a single with dual wheels. The Fageol was called a "Super Freighter". Found this.http://www.newspapers.com/clip/654125/the_gazette_and_daily/?It appears Road King's may have been made in the Fredericksburg/Lebanon area.A good truck for a company dealing in "Poultry Parts". Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/#findComment-249589 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Hatfield Posted June 17, 2014 Share Posted June 17, 2014 Neat truck and history behind it! Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/#findComment-249603 Share on other sites More sharing options...
NY-B61 Posted June 18, 2014 Author Share Posted June 18, 2014 Might be just a coincidence,but the shape of the windshield and center emblem reminds me of a Crown school bus?...........................................MarkIt's starting to look like the vehicle could have been manufactured from a number of existing assemblies. Production tool and dies would be hideously expensive if starting from scratch. Several prototypes could be made using components readily available during that era. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/#findComment-249670 Share on other sites More sharing options...
NY-B61 Posted June 18, 2014 Author Share Posted June 18, 2014 More we look at the truck the more we have come to the conclusion it is based on a mid 50's Fruehauf or Trailer Mobile unit look at the general details of the units. I lean towards Freuhauf because of last photo of the Fruehauf Sport Cruiser1956 Fruehauf56Frue.JPG1962 Trailer Mobile1962trailermobile.JPGMuseum de Transport, Caracas, Venezuela. Describes this as a 1959 Road King Nestle coffee transporterc84ea5be-ee8e-405a-9030-aa0a.jpgFruehauf Sport Cruiserfreuhauf-sportcruiser.jpgHands down, the Sports Cruiser is one cool vehicle! I like the rig pulling it also. I can't find anything anywhere of any substance on the McCullough company as it relates to truck manufacturing. Could the vehicle I originally posted be a McCullough prototype assembled using Freuhauf, GM and other available components? There are minor differences in the pictures kindly posted so far by others, but many identicalities as well. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/#findComment-249672 Share on other sites More sharing options...
NY-B61 Posted June 18, 2014 Author Share Posted June 18, 2014 You are probably correct in that 41chevy. Fageol also used Fruehauf trailers and I wonder if there was some connection between Fageol and the Road King. Fageol quit production in 1954 and it looks like the Road King was started in 1956. Possibly someone involved in Fageol started the McCullogh Motor Co?Many of the Fageol's were lighter and smaller than the Road King, but they did have a similar model, except instead of two front axles, it had a single with dual wheels. The Fageol was called a "Super Freighter". Found this.http://www.newspapers.com/clip/654125/the_gazette_and_daily/?It appears Road King's may have been made in the Fredericksburg/Lebanon area.A good truck for a company dealing in "Poultry Parts".I was unable to open the link but I'm glad to hear the behemoths were most likely made in the USA. It appears as if several companies were experimenting with the concept of a shorter, non-articulated highway rig. Poultry parts makes sense on two levels, PZ 1. Gainesville, Georgia is/was the poultry capitol of the U.S. and this truck did have a Georgia sticker on it. Also, many of the pics found and posted so far show these rigs set up as reefers. Lebanon, Pa continues to be a meat capital now as it was throughout the 40's and 50's but on a smaller scale. Could the four axles have been necessary to cope with the crappy Pennsylvania 'hiways' of the time? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/#findComment-249673 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 You are probably correct in that 41chevy. Fageol also used Fruehauf trailers and I wonder if there was some connection between Fageol and the Road King. Fageol quit production in 1954 and it looks like the Road King was started in 1956. Possibly someone involved in Fageol started the McCullogh Motor Co?Many of the Fageol's were lighter and smaller than the Road King, but they did have a similar model, except instead of two front axles, it had a single with dual wheels. The Fageol was called a "Super Freighter". Found this.http://www.newspapers.com/clip/654125/the_gazette_and_daily/?It appears Road King's may have been made in the Fredericksburg/Lebanon area.A good truck for a company dealing in "Poultry Parts".One thing is the time frame of the early mid 50's, A perfect idea to beat the length laws of the time tractor trailer ( 42 foot total length law Illinois had). It sure would have saved time wasted tucking the trailer up to the cab to get that and than moving it back for local use. I saw a lot of similarities between Fageol, but how much different can adding a drivers compartment on a trailer. Fruehauf also made Mobil Televison Broadcast trailers for KTLA T.V. in 1954 and they were used until 1967. Fruehauf also converted a pair of Crown buses to Box Trucks for Red Skelton in 1962. Paul Quote "OPERTUNITY IS MISSED BY MOST PEOPLE BECAUSE IT IS DRESSED IN OVERALLS AND LOOKS LIKE WORK" Thomas Edison “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘Holy shit, what a ride!’” P.T.CHESHIRE Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/#findComment-249676 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phase 1 Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 Try this link:http://www.newspapers.com/clip/654125//Almost everything on these trucks was probably sourced from other companies. But that was not unusual with many other companies that made trucks. They were most likely bus windshields. The Road King had the engine in the rear, so it was probably a bus powertrain. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/#findComment-249703 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 Try this link:http://www.newspapers.com/clip/654125//Almost everything on these trucks was probably sourced from other companies. But that was not unusual with many other companies that made trucks. They were most likely bus windshields. The Road King had the engine in the rear, so it was probably a bus powertrain.Interesting! I see Brighbill Body Works was tied it with Wayne Busses. Quote "OPERTUNITY IS MISSED BY MOST PEOPLE BECAUSE IT IS DRESSED IN OVERALLS AND LOOKS LIKE WORK" Thomas Edison “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘Holy shit, what a ride!’” P.T.CHESHIRE Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/#findComment-249737 Share on other sites More sharing options...
NY-B61 Posted June 19, 2014 Author Share Posted June 19, 2014 Try this link:http://www.newspapers.com/clip/654125//Almost everything on these trucks was probably sourced from other companies. But that was not unusual with many other companies that made trucks. They were most likely bus windshields. The Road King had the engine in the rear, so it was probably a bus powertrain.The link worked great, thank you! The concept of building these things from components off the shelf reminds me of what Tucker did with automobiles. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/#findComment-249781 Share on other sites More sharing options...
NY-B61 Posted June 19, 2014 Author Share Posted June 19, 2014 One thing is the time frame of the early mid 50's, A perfect idea to beat the length laws of the time tractor trailer ( 42 foot total length law Illinois had). It sure would have saved time wasted tucking the trailer up to the cab to get that and than moving it back for local use. I saw a lot of similarities between Fageol, but how much different can adding a drivers compartment on a trailer. Fruehauf also made Mobil Televison Broadcast trailers for KTLA T.V. in 1954 and they were used until 1967. Fruehauf also converted a pair of GMC buses to Box Trucks for Red Skelton in 1952. PaulYou're right, length and weight laws were all over the place depending on which state or burg you found yourself in. The Road King could have been built with the myriad of state and local regulations of the time in mind. Now we know what a truck built around regulations as opposed to efficiency and common sense looks like. I'd be interested in seeing any pictures you might have of Red Skelton's bus-based box trucks. Buses are another illness of mine. Thanks for a great answer! Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/36028-what-the-heck-is-this-beast/#findComment-249783 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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