With Hard Work Anything Is Possible

There’s a reason why the words “Built like a Mack truck” still resonate with truckers. Even as long ago as 1934, Macks were known for their strength and tenacity, and this 1934 Mack BF dump truck is no exception. Originally, the Mack was purchased by the Atlantic City (NJ) Sanitation Department and worked hard for ten years, until the city put it out of service. A trucker bought it and “stored” it in the woods behind his house for about 25 years, until it collapsed into a heap. After having watched the truck age, current owner Dave Gallo of Vineland, NJ decided he just had to have it and struck a deal with its owner. Dave and his son cut the Mack out of the woods (literally), loaded it onto a trailer, and took it home to be restored. Dave hardly knew where to begin, but eventually he reconstructed the cab, fabricated many steel panels, and installed many “new” components including the running boards, seats, glass, rubber, and a four-yard dump body. In the engine, the number three piston had broken into the oil pan, so that meant a complete engine rebuild was needed, and done. However, Dave persevered, saying, “With a lot of patience, imagination and determination, it can be done – just put your mind to it and then just do it.” Dave’s hard work paid off, and now he enjoys taking his treasure to truck shows, where it turns a lot of heads. To see more “weird and wonderful” antique trucks, visit www.oldtimetrucks.org.