Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/85429
roadside attractions This 1974 Evel Knievel haul rig is only one of the classic truck restoration projects taken on by BPW Transport owner Brad Wike. 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. 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 New life for old classics 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., Make a Love's connection Since its debut last year, the Love's Connect app for iPhone, Blackberry and Android smartphones has undergone upgrades aimed at streamlining connections to Love's Travel Stops' services. The app not only provides an efficient stop locator, but drivers can quickly access Love's nationwide roadside assistance service, info on fuel and bulk DEF prices, and parking availability for each stop. The app also comes with weekly deal alerts sent directly to drivers' phones. To get the software, scan the QR code with your smartphone, then click "Download Our App." hosts the annual truck show for his region's chapter of American Truck Historical Society. Find more at BradsClassicTrucks.com. –Todd Dills 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. Lights, camera… Carlile Transportation's Dave Johnston photographed his rig and the Aurora Borealis on Alaska's Dalton Highway, where he runs three times weekly from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay. With sunspot activity at a peak this winter, the northern lights have been particularly strong. Johnston shared this photo in Overdrive sister magazine Truckers News' photo group on Flickr.com. Visit flickr.com/groups/truckersnews to share your photos from the road. 8 OVERDRIVE APRIL 2012 Todd Dills