A Life-Long Love Affair

For Brad Wike of Lincolnton, NC, his 1969 RS700L Western Mack holds a special place in his heart. Although it is not the actual truck that stole his heart when he was in the first grade, it is the same year, make, model and color of the first big rig he ever rode in. Back in the early 1970s, his great-uncle drove for Cashion Oil and let Brad ride along on gasoline deliveries to Union 76 stores – Brad was hooked for life. Around twelve years ago, Brad found this Mack on e-Bay and bought it for only $3,000. Because it had been an oilfield truck it had very low mileage, and when it was unloaded from its transport, it ran well and mostly just needed cosmetic improvements. One of the things that amazed Brad was how well the doors worked, saying, “I can shut the doors with a pinkie finger.” The Mack had no rust, had never been wrecked and was in great shape. Built in Hayward, CA, the data plate inside the door showed that all the numbers among the components matched. The engine is a Maxidyne ENDT 675 with a Mack 5×3 transmission – a true two-stick truck. To restore it, Brad dismantled the body, removing the hood, fenders and doors, before sandblasting the frame rails. After putting it back together and painting it, Brad installed all new wheels and tires. The project took about six months to complete. The years he spent riding with his great uncle not only made Brad fall in love with trucks, it also made him realize that he wanted to own his own trucking business. Today, his company, BPW Transport, features several late model Peterbilts and trailers dropped in several states to haul rush-load freight. Over the years, Brad has amassed an amazing collection of old and rare rigs, including, among many other things, a 1980 Scammell Crusader (from England) with a Rolls Royce diesel engine, which may very well be the only one in the United States!