Floyd “Dusty” Kyes’ 1950 Mack LFT was about the first truck seen by those coming onto the grounds of the Central New York Chapter of the American Truck Historical Society’s show Sunday, July 10 in Long Branch Park near Syracuse. And, it was quite the sight.
Put to a 1950 Fruehauf trailer, Kyes’ Mack was one of about 120 trucks at this, the 19th annual event, according to chapter President Scott Smith.
1950 Mack LFTThe two-toned Mack had, as Kyes said, “all the goodies,” including one accessory few, if any, more modern trucks have had: An on-board device that would spread sand in front of the drive wheels in winter conditions. It also had a voltage reducer box, which would step down the truck’s 12 volts to properly power the trailer’s six-volt lights instead of burning them out. Kyes’ Mack, which is powered by 165 hp Lanova diesel with a two-stick 10-speed, is, in its owner’s words, “a very original truck” right down to its wide whitewalls.
Also getting its fair share of looks was an equally impressive truck shown by Mike Chernago from Auburn, New York. Members of the crowd followed his 1964 Studebaker E45 as it drove onto the field and gathered around to ask questions of its owner.
1964 Studebaker E45Chernago said his bright orange Studebaker was one of only 32 of this particular model built. It was built in August of 1963 for Allied Van Lines, and Studebaker shut down in December of that year, Chernago said.
Not quite as vintage, but of equal interest were two trucks displayed by Pullens Truck and Auto Centers, which operates towing services in the greater Syracuse area.
Pullens had two of its heavy tow trucks at the show. What made their display easily the most unusual of the event was that its 2010 Kenworth T800 used its Century 1140 rotator to suspend it’s black 2007 Peterbilt 330 fleetmate off the ground.
David Sprague, manager of Pullens’ location in Mexico, New York north of Syracuse, said the company performs all forms of towing but specializes in heavy truck rescue and has a license to operate on the Thruway, I-90.
Scott, who has been president of the CNY ATHS for nine years, said Sunday’s was an unusual show for the chapter in that it rained. This has happened only three times in the history of the show.
Next year’s will be held July 9.
