READERS AND THEIR RIGS - DECEMBER 2004

California Dreamin’ in Pennsylvania

This month’s Readers And Their Rigs features Justin Lang (33) of Parkesburg, Pennsylvania, and his classic-looking 1995 Kenworth W900L. Justin has been driving since before he was even supposed to be. At 15, he remembers cutting school to drive a dump truck (and he didn’t even have a regular driver’s license yet). A truck driver is all Justin ever wanted to be. Since he was 18 years old, he’s been an owner operator with his own truck and authority. His previous rig was a completely restored black 1982 Kenworth A-Model Extended Hood that looked very similar to the truck he drives today. For years he ran coast-to-coast pulling a spread axle reefer, but he recently sold his Utility trailer and “went to the dark side” (as his old reefer buddies say) and bought a Ravens flatbed. He now hauls building materials throughout the Midwest and East Coast and is home every weekend to spend quality time with his wife Alice and his four-year-old son Dylan. Built to look like the trucks from the 1960s and 1970s, Justin’s current KW features a 470 Detroit under the hood as well as a 60-inch flat top sleeper, a 10-speed tranny with two sticks (the second stick is the splitter), 3.55 rears and a stretched-out 300-inch wheelbase. The truck was lowered five inches to help give it that “California Cool” look. Being a big fan of the California truck scene, Justin misses running out West, so he relies on 10-4 Magazine to keep him up to speed. Here’s something to give you guys some hope out there - Justin originally sent a letter and pictures to us back in 1997. So for those of you out there who think we forgot about you, have faith and be patient - you just never know. And to Justin, congratulations on your 1st Place win at the Truck Show & Drags in Famoso, CA. In our book (literally), your East Coast ride can hang with the “Best of the West” any day!