Hey truck buddies I just have to tell it, I just purchased two 1979 F350 2wd wrecker trucks. Both are in need of some TLC. My plan is to return one to her glory utilizing parts from both. One is basically a parts donner. One has a Holmes 440 wrecker and the other one I'm not sure about the maker. Both have 460s and 4 speed manual transmissions. This will be my second truck rebuild, the first being a 1973 F250 Highboy. I'm planning on taking more pictures and posting the process and also videos on YouTube. I have no idea what I'm doing so I'll be asking alot of questions and hopefully through my failures and screw ups the videos will help others to enjoy rebuilding these old beauties. I'm taking pics of them tomorrow and will uploads the photos.

 

Sounds like a great adventure. Do have fun with them! Am I correct in assuming that these are, like most wreckers, rear wheel drive?

 

yes they are both rear wheel drive. The one i am rebuilding the windows are all intact and the interior is in really good shape for sitting so long. The dash top is done.

 

Finally got some pictures to upload, here they are were they currently sit. The white one is actually a 1978 and the red one (parts donner) is a 1979. Ready to get them home and start cleaning them up so I can really see what I have to work with.

This one is the rebuild project truck.

Here is the parts donner

 

Cool projects I don't know what that other body is but I liked working with the Holms 440 trucks.
To bad that Holmes body is so bad as I like that body over the other and that is what all the 440's I seen with.
Dave ----

 

A wrecker build is in my future as well. Holmes 440 But I'm looking for a single wheel rear body (60 inch wide) low boy versus the 72 like the red one but they are pretty rare To put on a Lifted Hi-Boy. I worked in high school driving one doing general tows and recovery work. AHHHH the GOOD OLD DAYS. Good luck with your build.

 

Eddy's '79 still on the job.


Used to be Reynold's Gulf wrecker in Glasgow, Va. Maynard even waxed it often. Was always parked in a vacant bay when not on a call, or every night. Then the station was closed in '80s, wrecker sat in a garage for a few years, Eddy bought it at estate auction and put it back to work, one sweet wrecker.

 

That is a sweet wrecker truck

 

That,s the kinda wrecker bed , I'm looking for!

 

Is that a 440 or a 480 ?

 

Holmes 480 low side bed