TEN FOUR MAGAZINE - TRUCKING ON-LINE MAGAZINE FOR TRUCKERS

DECEMBER 2003 WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO...

Don Peabody’s Original Tilt-Hood

Story and Photo by Truck Historian/Author Stan Holtzman

(Click on image for larger photo)

This picture was taken at Indio, California in 1966 and shows one of the very first tilt-hood Peterbilts ever produced. Don Peabody, dba California Ammonia Transport of Anaheim, was the owner of this metallic blue Pete, and Dale Wicks was the driver. The rig was powered by a 335 hp. Cummins, backed by a 5-speed main and 4-speed auxiliary transmission. California Ammonia Transport hauled ammonia to California and Arizona for both commercial and agricultural use. Other compressed gases, like propane, were also transported in the C.A.T. fleet of trucks. I cannot say when C.A.T. went out of business, however, I was told that Don Peabody was killed in an aviation accident in the 1970s, and this could have been the demise of the company. Anybody that can tell me, exactly, when and why C.A.T. became part of trucking history can contact me through the magazine by calling toll free 1-888-440-4104. Thanks.