I am currently restoring (down to the ole Y-block) a 1955 F-500 tow truck that was originally used in a Dealership in Oregon.

It has a Holmes 460 Tow rig in good shape.

Has anyone had any experience in restoring, owning or operating one of these rigs.....

 

Post some pictures in your gallery!!

 

bbw I have a 57F600 tow truck that I use daily. Let me know if you have any questions! Information is what this forum is all about!!
Have a good day---- HOTWRENCH

 

BBW,

Many years ago, I operated a Holmes 460. Does yours have what I call the "suicide" controls, where you have to stand between the truck and the vehicle being lifted/lowered to set the winches/ratchets? Also, it should have a main lever to engage and disengage the winch clutch. Try going to a site called Tow411, then click on the "Vintage" forum. Lots of folks there with experience on the oldies. By the way, down here in Georgia we call them wreckers.

Johnny

 

Im in the process of building a vintage wrecker. Not an original but from bits and pieces Ive been picking up. 49 F3 body, 62 F250 frame, 58 Lincoln 430, Manley wrecker assembly. Tranny will be a C6, I dont need another T98 in the family. Ive a Dana 60 single and 70 dually rear ends. Id be interested in seeing any period photos as well as suggestions, etc.

Carl
54 F350 with dump 9' pickup body
55 F100
43 1/2 ton

 

Another BIG truck guy!

Yes post some pictures! (see mine!)


Does yours have a V-8 or a six?


Rick

 

The truck currently has a tired 272 V8 that I rescued from a soon to be hot rodded 1/2 ton.
I am currently reassembling a sixty over 292 late model truck motor with all of the goodies, including rams horn exhaust t-bird valve covers and intake...Hope to have it installed some time after monsoon season...that could be July around here!

 

I will post pics when I figure out how to do it....

 

I also have an antique Ford Wrecker. It is a 56 F-600 (if I recall correctly). It has a Holmes 525 wrecker assembly.

I need to remove the headlight switch! Does anyone know "the trick" to removing this switch? (I can't FEEL a 'release button' on the switch ......to remove the ****.)

ANY SUGGESTIONS? (It should be like any Ford headlight switch of that era.)

Thanks,
Junkmanme

 

If it's original, there is a release button. Might be hard to find and hard to press, but it's there.

Try disconnecting your battery and using an inspection mirror (any small mirror will do) to look around up under there. Patience will be rewarded - you'll find it.

 

Thanks for the Quick reply, Earl!
I'll give it another try. I expect the 'release-button' must be on the top of the switch.
Best Regards,
Junkmanme

 

"Earl"

THANKS! you were right!
I visited your website. IT WAS GREAT!
HIGHEST REGARDS,
Junkmanme