10-4 Magazine - For Today's Trucker

OLD IRON GETS THE SPOTLIGHT
ANTIQUE TRUCK SHOW ROLLS INTO TULARE, CA
(Click here to see the photos!)

Classic rigs took the spotlight on May 6th as they gathered at Tulare’s International Agri-Center for the second annual Antique Truck Show presented by the Tulare Chapter of the ATHS. About 65 trucks showed up (50 old ones and 15 newer ones) to show off their rigs, talk truck, hang out with their friends and, in general, have a good time.

Because the ATHS (American Truck Historical Society) has certain rules pertaining to their shows, no trophies were handed out and there was no formal competition between the trucks and their owners. That takes away a lot of the politics, pressure and bad attitudes you sometimes find at other truck shows. You don’t go to an ATHS show to win – you go to have a good time with great folks and see neat old trucks – and that we did.

The event was held inside one of the Agri-Center’s large buildings, which was nice because it was hot outside in the sun. Towards the end of the day, it was time to get ready to eat. For a fee, participants and attendees could enjoy a delicious steak dinner with all the fixins, including rice, beans, salad and a roll. After dinner, numbers were called for raffle prizes and lucky winners claimed their tools, truck parts, flashlights and other odds and ends. The grand prize was a chrome light bar that was donated by A & L Truck Supply. A girl from Talley Transportation in Madera, CA won the light bar, to which owner Ken Talley remarked, “We can use that!”

Although there was no formal competition, a few awards were handed out. The “trophies” were handmade and each unique, consisting of a small piece of wood with an old truck part bolted to it. The Ladies’ Choice award went to Ed Rocha’s 1966 Freightliner Cabover (Tiltin’ Hilton); the Best Pickup award went to the owner of a cool, blue low-rider Chevy (name unknown); and the Best of Show award went to Frank Pinheiro’s tan and maroon 1964 Pete and 1951 Utility trailer.

Frank passed away last October, so his truck was presented by the man who built it (and the Tulare Chapter’s Vice President) Jack “Yahpy” VanderFeer. Yahpy also presented a plaque to Frank’s widow Arlene and dedicated this year’s show to the memory of her late husband. Ken Talley also presented an award to one of his mechanics. Ralph Ritchie was given a Golden Achievement award for his tireless efforts and longtime service to the trucking industry. Ralph has been working on and modifying diesel truck engines since the 1940’s.

The Tulare Chapter is fairly new, started only two years ago, and currently has about 60 members. Some of these members own old trucks and some are just old truck enthusiasts. Last year, their first show was held and 84 trucks showed up from four different western states. This year’s turnout was a little smaller, however it was still pretty good considering that diesel fuel is $3.00+ per gallon.
We were pleased to be invited to the event and handed out a lot of free magazines and posters. Many of our past cover trucks were in attendance, and we found a few you’ll probably see in the future as well. If you like old trucks and, even more, like to talk about old trucks, you should look into joining the ATHS. To find a chapter near you, visit www.aths.org.