DECEMBER 2009 OLD TIME TRUCKS
WHICH CAME FIRST?
By Old Truck Nuts John & Shirley Sponholtz
This 1970 Diamond Reo C-114 was one of four identical trucks purchased new by Hodgdon Brothers Salvage Yard in Ascutney, Vermont. All four of the Hodgdon Brothers’ Diamond Reos were featured on the cover of Overdrive magazine when the company was recognized as their “Small Fleet of the Month” back in 1971. Hodgdon used the trucks to haul junk cars to Boston for recycling – Hodgdon was a “green” company long before it became fashionable! Hodgdon worked the truck until 1995, but had no interest in selling it. Current owner John Graves of Springfield, Vermont kept an eye on the truck over the years, and in 2000 persuaded Hodgdon Brothers to let him buy it. John performed a frame-up restoration that involved about five years of mostly cosmetic work. The three-axle tractor still has its original 335 Cummins diesel engine and 13-speed Roadranger transmission, both of which have been rebuilt. The original 4.44 rear ends only allowed a cruising speed of about 50 mph, so John replaced them with 3.70 rears that now allow the truck to do 70 mph on the freeway. He wanted his wife to be able to ride along, so he also installed air-ride seats. When John drives his truck to shows, he enjoys hearing the CB chatter that comes mostly from older drivers. A young driver at a truck stop spotted the Diamond Reo and asked, “Is it named after the band?” John had to explain that it was the other way around! To see more weird and wonderful old rigs, visit www.oldtimetrucks.org today.