Not sure if ever posted before but some great trucks and pics in here.


http://picssr.com/photos/82872970@N03/interesting?nsid=82872970@N03

Hmmmm?? Can't link to work. Just copy and paste the above in your browser and hit enter.

OK Steve,
I have to respond to this one. It's personal.

I lost my father-in-law (Roger Gray) back on June 7th. He was a great guy and was like a second dad to me. He started his own truck and car repair business back in 1963 (Gray's Garage) and worked in the business for over 45 years. With only a high-school education and training in hydraulics from his service in the Air Force back in the early 1950s, he built several of his own wreckers from truck or semi chassis! I personally watched him build one from a Peterbilt semi back in the early 90s. I have always been blown away by his knowledge of all things mechanical. He taught me a lot and I miss him greatly. Here is a pic of one of his first wreckers as well as the newest one in the fleet (which he did NOT build). Enjoy the wrecker pics.

BrianH

Sorry to hear you lost your father in law . It's hurts that lot of these guys like him are gone . I bet the first picture of the old jimmy wrecker had a 2 cycle Detroit that powered it and your father in law probably kept it running in top shape by the looks of that truck , neat truck and pictures thanks for posting them .

Thanks Travis...my father-in-law was pretty much a Route 66 legend in Illinois. From the early 1960s to the mid-80s, he was the go-to guy for the Illinois State Police if they needed a big wrecker on old 66 (and later I-55 when it opened in the mid-70s). He was born on Route 66 and his first repair shop was located on the old route. He was inducted into the Illinois Route 66 hall of fame in 2012. He was really proud of that. That guy could fix anything and with his lathes at work, could make nearly anything. He'd forgotten more than I'll ever know about car and truck repair.

BrianH

Sorry to hear he's gone...Truly a dying breed.
Cool photos!