ATHS Wheels of Time Magazine

06/08/2025

02/08/2025

After restoring a 1969 Kenworth W900A with a custom Black Cherry metallic finish, Scott Spear, president of the ATHS North Texas Lonestar Chapter, wasn’t about to trust wax to keep it protected. He’d been down that road, buffing, detailing, and waxing before every show, only to watch the shine fade fast and the paint suffer from bug splatter, sun fading, and harsh weather.

That’s when he turned to ceramic coating.

In the July/August Wheels of Time, Scott shares why he made the switch and why he’ll never go back. Unlike wax, ceramic bonds to the paint and hardens into a durable, glass-like layer that lasts for years. It’s hydrophobic, heat-resistant, and tough enough to hold up under real-world use.

From researching products to watching a five-man crew apply the professional-grade coating, Scott takes you through the process and explains what makes ceramic coating worth every penny, especially when you’ve put time and care into your restoration.

Read the full story in “Finishing Strong” in the Restoration Station department of the July/August Wheels of Time.

📬 Not a member? Join at ATHS.org and get access to this issue and more.

02/07/2025

💥 The July/August 2025 Wheels of Time Is Hot Off the Press! 💥🚛

Get ready for a standout issue featuring the trucks, people, and innovations that shaped the road ahead:

🏁 Tom & Joey Logano: Father, Son, and Steel
Step into the garage with Tom Logano, longtime truck collector and father of 2x NASCAR Cup Series Champion Joey Logano—plus an exclusive interview with Joey himself as he talks racing, restoration, and growing up around big iron.

🔧 Next Gen Spotlight: Alan Kizer
At just 38, Indiana’s Alan Kizer is proving the next generation has what it takes—restoring, hauling, and honoring the history behind every truck he touches.

✨ Restoration Station: Mastering the Clear Coat
Get expert advice on how to bring out the shine—and keep it—on your next project. Clear coat tips you’ll want to bookmark.

📚 From the Archives: Autocar AP-19
Dive into the story of Autocar’s postwar heavy hauler, complete with rare images and original documents straight from the ATHS Library.

🚛 Chapter Truck Shows
Catch up on recent ATHS chapter events from around the country—because nothing beats seeing old trucks up close and in motion.

🔩 Doubling Down: The Tandem Axle Revolution
Once an experiment, now the standard. Explore the evolution and impact of tandem axles in heavy-duty trucking.

✅ Plus: ATHS news, Golden Achievement Awards, truck photography tips, truck show calendar, Back Lot classifieds, and more!

ATHS Members—your issue is on the way!
Not a member yet? Join today at ATHS.org and get your copy.

📬 ATHS Members—check your mailbox!
💻 Not a member yet? Join today at ATHS.org and don’t miss another issue.

19/06/2025

If you caught the May/June issue of Wheels of Time, you already know the truck—and if you made it to the ATHS National Convention in Madison, you got to see it in person. But for Craig Cox Jr., that 1959 Diamond T 923 isn’t just a showpiece. It’s a rolling slice of history—and still very much a working truck.

“You don’t see them on the road like you do a Peterbilt or a Kenworth. It’s a breed of its own,” Craig says. “You pull up to a truck stop, and people either don’t know what it is, or they tell you a story about one they or their family member used to drive.”

This story started decades ago, when Craig’s uncle, longtime truck mechanic Nate Kenworthy, found the truck on eBay. Once a single-axle dump truck at a Minnesota iron mine, the 923 was built for torque, not speed, with a Cummins 190 and a 5-speed Spicer. Nate gave it a full frame-off restoration, eventually swapping in a Cummins 250 from Fort McCoy and pairing it with a 9-speed Eaton-Fuller. Still, it tops out at 55 mph—something Craig jokingly calls “the sweet spot.”

When Nate retired, Craig stepped in—and got to work. First, he built a steel-pipe brush guard to protect the irreplaceable aluminum radiator. Then came the sun visor (from a 1965 Autocar cement truck), followed by a one-of-a-kind metal sign headliner crafted from discarded Wisconsin road signs—including a historical marker, naturally. Behind the seat? More signs, flipped for a clean, bare-metal look.

Mechanically, Craig’s gone over just about everything—slack adjusters, brakes, bearings, wiring, air and fuel systems, you name it. He even upgraded the exhaust system for that deep, throaty sound that always turns heads. It doesn’t have a Jake, but it doesn’t need one to make an impression.

And no truck is complete without a trailer. Craig found the perfect match in a 1985 45-foot Old Milwaukee Dorsey beer trailer, straight off Facebook Marketplace. After 16 years in storage, it was pristine—no rust, no fade. He converted it into a mobile lounge, complete with a futon, cafeteria table, pizza oven, and even a vintage school phone booth. The lockers? Salvaged from Wisconsin Dells. The character? All original.

“People offer me double what I paid for it,” he says. “But it’s too cool to part with.”

Craig and his four sons—James, Bristol, Matthew, and Jacob—run the family’s landscaping and lawn care business, Craig and Sons LLC, using the 923 and trailer for hauling brush, hay, and equipment. “It’s in work clothes,” Craig says. “Every dent, every scratch—there’s a story behind it.”

He’s now the VP of the ATHS Southern Wisconsin chapter and also a member of the Beer City chapter. And yes, he’s already planning to bring the truck and trailer setup back to Madison in 2025.

“It’s got trucking history, beer history—it’s got Wisconsin history,” Craig says. And most of all, it’s still out on the road, making memories.

📖 Want the full story?
Check out the latest issue of Wheels of Time to read the complete feature on Craig Cox Jr. and his unforgettable Diamond T. You’ll need to be a member to get the magazine—but now’s the perfect time to join ATHS and dive into the history, the people, and the trucks that built America.

👉 Join today: aths.org/membership/benefits/wheels-of-time

11/06/2025

Coming Soon in Wheels of Time – Dutch Pride, American Iron: The Spaansen Transtar

In the Netherlands, trucks are more than machines—they’re icons of pride, craftsmanship, and identity. Nowhere is that more evident than in the town of Winkel, where Ton Spaansen has built a private museum celebrating some of the most distinctive commercial vehicles in Europe and beyond.

In our upcoming feature, we follow the international journey of Ton’s latest treasure: a 1971 International Transtar 4300, discovered stateside and fully restored by Erich Reiselt of Reiselt’s Machine Works in Ohio. After spotting the truck on Facebook, Ton arranged the purchase and shipment—just days before the Baltimore bridge collapse that made headlines around the world.

The story doesn’t end there. Ton and his son Jim (both ATHS members) traveled to Madison, Wisconsin, to take in the 2025 ATHS National Convention & Truck Show—and to finally meet Erich Reiselt in person. What began as an online transaction evolved into a shared moment of appreciation between two passionate preservationists, bridging continents through a mutual love for vintage trucks.

Back home in North Holland, the Transtar was treated to a full Spaansen-style makeover, complete with signature red and cream paint, period-correct details, and a meticulously refreshed 335-hp Cummins. It's now a showstopper in Ton’s collection—and a rare sight even among Dutch American truck enthusiasts.

Don’t miss this transatlantic tale of craftsmanship, legacy, and lifelong passion for the open road—coming soon in Wheels of Time.

05/05/2025

The May/June issue of Wheels of Time is rolling in—and it’s your inside track to the 2025 ATHS National Convention & Truck Show.
Inside you'll find the official show guide with all the details from accommodations, registration, parking plans, and seminars to a schedule of side trips and local tours --- even where to camp and how to rent a golf cart. Whether it’s your first show or your fiftieth, we've got everything you need to plan your trip.
This issue also takes a closer look at Wisconsin’s role in shaping the trucking industry. From Sterling’s early heavy-duty designs to FWD’s four-wheel-drive advancements, and Oshkosh’s rugged roots with Old Betsy, the Badger State built a reputation for trucks that could handle real work.
On the cover, Craig Cox Jr.’s 1959 Diamond T 923 still earns its keep hauling equipment across Wisconsin. You’ll also meet Logan Quam, a recent high school grad with an eye for old trucks, and get the backstories on the trucks featured in this year’s show poster.
Whether you're a lifelong member or attending your first show, this issue brings the Convention experience to life—before you even step foot in Madison.
Wheels of Time is arriving in mailboxes now. Not a member yet? Join us at aths.org and get 6X issues annually delivered to your door.

16/04/2025

Some couples leave their wedding in a limo. Kayci and Tyler Goullon rolled out in a 1986 Freightliner FLC. It was the perfect sendoff for two people whose lives revolve around vintage trucks and the ATHS community.

Now in their 20s, the Goullons live in Waddy, Kentucky, where Tyler helps run the family trucking business, started by his grandfather in 1960. Goullon Inc. hauls feed, grain, scrap, and more, using a working fleet of 11 trucks—most built between the ’70s and early 2000s. “It’s a lot of work, but nothing beats driving a classic,” the couple agrees.

Along with the '86 Freightliner, their collection includes a 1974 Kenworth W900A—the first truck Kayci ever drove—and “Snoopy,” a 1979 Freightliner FLT9664 with Peanuts artwork hand-painted by Tyler’s grandfather. Even the retired trucks outback on their property serve a purpose: parts donors and reminders of the family’s history on the road.

The couple are members of the ATHS Next Gen Group and Kayci is also secretary of the ATHS Bluegrass Chapter. They make it a priority to welcome younger members, like themselves, into the hobby. “You don’t need to own a truck—or have a fully restored one—to be part of this,” Kayci says. “If you’re curious or passionate about trucking, there’s a place for you here.”

From wrenching in the shop to running the family business, the Goullons are showing what it looks like to carry trucking history into the future—not for the spotlight, but because it’s simply how they live. Their story is still unfolding, but one thing’s clear: they’re in it for the long haul.

Read the full story in the March/April issue of Wheels of Time. aths.org/about/media/wheels-of-time
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Get involved with the ATHS Next Gen Group and help shape the future of trucking history. Reach out at [email protected]

08/04/2025

When most folks think about restoring a vintage truck, their minds go straight to paint, chrome, and engine work. But as Charliene Love will tell you, that’s only half the story.

“If you don’t have an interior, you don’t have a truck,” she says.

Charliene, owner of Love’s Semi Truck Interiors (tinyurl.com/lovesinteriors), has spent years bringing life back to classic cabs—from button-tucked Peterbilts to diamond-stitched Kenworths. With a background in trucking herself, she understands exactly what drivers need: durability, comfort, and style that holds up mile after mile.

Her restoration process starts with precision. Older trucks don’t follow a template—being off by even a quarter inch can ruin the fit—so Charliene builds custom templates for every panel. She uses quality materials like Dynamat for soundproofing, Dynaliner for insulation, and sources everything from modern upholstery to rare vintage vinyls when authenticity is key.

And yes, the details matter. For some interiors, she’ll hand-make up to 1,000 buttons—cutting and pressing each one herself to match classic stitch patterns. Even horn pulls get special treatment, braided from vinyl, leather, or cloth in custom colors that tie into the truck’s overall theme.

If you’re tackling your own interior restoration, Charliene offers this advice:
👉 Start with door panels and the headliner. Those areas take the most wear and make the biggest first impression—especially at truck shows.
👉 Know your limits. Simple updates like seat covers may be DIY-friendly, but full interiors? They require industrial machines and serious know-how.
👉 Stay true to the truck’s character. A little personality goes a long way, but balance it with timeless design.

Whether she’s replicating factory specs or adding flair with Southwestern textiles, Charliene’s work honors both the truck’s history and the driver’s story. Because at the end of the day, the cab is more than just another part of the truck—it’s a home away from home.

🧵 Read the in-depth feature on Charliene Love’s work in the March/April issue of Wheels of Time Magazine, only for ATHS members. aths.org/about/media/wheels-of-time

26/03/2025

There’s more to restoring an old truck than turning wrenches—it’s about reviving memories, honoring hard work, and bringing history back to life. For Ron Charney, it all started in 2008 when he spotted a 1960 B-61 Mack rusting away in a Michigan junkyard. The same model he and his twin brother once drove hauling steel across the state. This one hadn’t run in over a decade—but with a pull start, it roared back to life.

What followed was a full restoration that became a labor of love. From a bare chassis to a chrome-trimmed showstopper, every piece was found, fixed, or fabricated in Michigan. Painted in custom John Deere green and yellow—with a photo of Ron and his late wife Joan on the door—the “Michigan Mack” has become a fixture at shows across the state. It even crossed the Mackinac Bridge in 2024, hauling Ron’s tractors north.

More than just a truck, it’s a legacy. And it’s still rolling.

Read the full story in the March/April issue of Wheels of Time! aths.org/membership/benefits/wheels-of-time

06/03/2025

Carrying a Big Stick: The Legacy of South Union Body Works

Before heavy-duty wreckers became a standard industry offering, many towing operators had to build their own equipment—tailoring designs to fit the specific challenges of their region. On the West Coast, a unique solution emerged: the “big stick” wrecker. And when it came to building them, one name stood out—Don Heins’ South Union Body Works in Bakersfield, California.

Born with a talent for mechanical ingenuity, Heins was welding by age six and later ran his own diesel repair and towing operation, handling demanding heavy-duty recovery jobs throughout California and the Southwest. Faced with the limitations of commercially available wreckers, Heins began designing and building his own, favoring single telescopic booms and rugged construction to handle the demands of heavy lifting.

By the 1960s, custom wrecker business was really picking up (no pun intended) at South Union Body Works. Each truck was built to order, with no fabrication started until the chassis was on-site. The result was a one-of-a-kind wrecker, designed to fit its platform perfectly. Most 30-ton models featured 65,000-pound main winches, a 14-inch diameter boom, and 310 feet of heavy-duty cable, all mounted to a reinforced frame. It took 1,400 man-hours to complete a single build.

Telescopic single-boom wreckers are common today, but they were once unique to the West Coast. While several outfits built them, South Union Body Works was the most prolific. Don Heins’ “Bakersfield Booms” remain instantly recognizable, with many still in service—proof of their strength and durability.

Read the full story by ATHS member Tony Martin on how South Union Body Works raised the boom on heavy lifting and recovery in the current issue of Wheels of Time! 🚛📖 Access the digital version at aths.org/membership/benefits/wheels-of-time

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Keep On Trucking with ATHS!
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02/03/2025

Stay Connected with Trucking’s Past and Present—Join ATHS and Get Wheels of Time!

As an ATHS member, you get more than just a membership—you get a front-row seat to trucking history with Wheels of Time magazine! Published six times a year, it’s packed with classic truck stories, history pieces, rare photos, and updates from ATHS chapters and members across the country.

You could be reading Wheels of Time right now!

🔹 Regular Membership: Starts at just $62 a year, delivering every issue straight to your door.
🔹 Digital Membership: Just $24 a year—only $2 a month—for full online access to Wheels of Time plus additional ATHS benefits.

Wherever the road takes you, stay connected to the people, the history, and the stories that keep trucking’s legacy alive. Join today and start enjoying the best of ATHS!
👉 aths.org/membership