Ramblin Randy

Anyone have an idea on where the Melrose hauler is today...? Crushed...? It's nickname was the Launching Pad fyi. Anyone know who in California fabricated the hauler..? Thank you.

Mike.... Every picture tells a story. JD McDuffie's hauler in the center.

The dovetail hauler is 75% flat... with the tail end fluted at angle. The wedge hauler is a straight shot ramp that sometimes could be a extreme angle. Personally I'd prefer a flat trailer so the car could be worked on and accessed easily. Some of the drag teams used wedge bodies that were quite steep and getting the car tied down safely seemed like a dangerous addition to an already dangerous sport. Pictured is what I call a "wedge" body... like a wedge of cheddar cheese.

Needing your research help on “DOVETAIL & WEDGE HAULERS” of the 1960s to help round out my documentary on open haulers. I have the greatest respect for modelers as your photo archives have always proved to be second to none. I’ll bring up how the Hodges Bed Company name comes to mind first, but turns out they didn’t begin to make beds commercially until the early 1980s. Can you list a few names of companies who were building dovetail beds back in the day…? Any accompanying history tidbits welcomed. One tidbit of history on Hodges is that they made their first race car bed for their personal car in the 1960’s and we have to assume most of these haulers from that era were for the most part home fabricated.

Hi Casey, the word Moebius was new to my so I looked it up. Reminds me of going to cut wood with my dad in his 1970 Ford 150. If it wasn't riding the axle he would say: "Load more wood boys it's not time to go home yet...!" As to "hauler history" I'm really dusting up the internets and I'm gathering a lot of info and a lot of talk has been generated. I'm wondering if any reporters would like to co-write a story on the behind the scenes builders of these trucks. Laugh Hard, Hang Tough, Lend a Hand Ramblin Randy

This is my hauler and you can see it has one big cabinet in the tail. Most telling is the tire deck on my truck has a forward moving "swoosh" in contract to the Wood's Brother's truck's tire deck. Here is the mystery... I have no idea who owned/raced with my hauler when it was new in 1966. Has anyone here ever seen this truck in person or in photos...??? I'm going nuts because I've been asking this same question now for 15+ years. Here is the ownership time line that I've been able to nail down with 100% proof... any productive direction GREATLY appreciated. 1966 - Manufactured Charlotte NC Region 1974 ( all sources tell me Maynard Troyer owning it ? ) 1974-1976 ----- Stan Berich, Milroy Pa 1976-2003 ----- Frank Plessinger Sr, Hagerstown Speedway 2003-Present -- Ramblin Randy

Is there any interest in vintage 1960's open car haulers and who made them...? I've been compiling a master list of fabricators who made these rigs back in the day. Each fabricator had their own style and own touch when building them. For instance Holman-Moody contracted with Baker Body out of Charlotte. The signature style for Baker was the tail end always had a bunch of small compartments for tools. Baker / Holeman haulers also had a tire deck that was at the top symetrical. I own a actual 1960's hauler and my hauler's tire deck is more of a forward moving "swoosh" styling. Here is a hauler photo that was built by the Baker / Holman-Moody team and in the next post I'll upload my truck and you'll see the difference in styling. My list of hauler fabricators, and you are welcome to add to it or explain to me I'm in error. Holman Moody ( contracted body to Baker Body ) Baker Body Company - Charlotte NC Dearborn Steel and Tube - Dearborn Michigan Car Corporation… Modified truck bodies for racers Bill Champion… Former #10 NASCAR, from Virginia Additional info I've read... Not confirmed... 'Buddy Bill Stroppes Shop.... Built the 3 Ford Drag Team haulers in association with Holman Moody"