New life for old classics
Daredevil Evel Knievel used a 1974 Mack Western series FS700 while on tour, making many of his historic motorcycle jumps in the 1970s. After the rig sat for decades in Florida gathering pine needles and corrosion, BPW Transport small fleet owner and truck restorer Brad Wike began restoring it, spearheaded in part by an appearance on the American Trucker TV show last year.
What do you do if you find a safe in the floor of the Evel Knievel haul rig? You open it, of course. We joined Robb Mariani (pictured) with Brad Wike and Wike’s lead mechanic, Frank Phipps, for a little safe-cracking fun. Shoot the QR code for video of the process or see “Overdrive videos” at OverdriveOnline.com, where you’ll also find a video tour of the truck and trailer. Photo galleries are in Feb. 17 and 20 posts at the Channel 19 blog: OverdriveOnline.com/channel19.
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Wike’s career as an owner-operator began in 1990 in Taylorsville, N.C., where he became a dedicated hauler for a local wire manufacturer. He added another truck in 1993, continuing to grow to five Peterbilt 379s today.
He also diversified. In 1997 he immaculately restored a 1963 Mack B61 tractor. Today he owns the rig used in the film “Duel,” a Smokey and the Bandit Kenworth tribute tractor-trailer he customized, and other treasures. He buys and sells American classics here and overseas.
His property in Lincolnton, N.C., hosts the annual truck show for his region’s chapter of American Truck Historical Society. Find more at BradsClassicTrucks.com. –Todd Dills
