Posted by mannyc [172.69.63.88] on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 13:09:06 :
In Reply to: Re: Rest in Power Bob! posted by Kevin [108.162.219.35] on Monday, January 25, 2021 at 20:47:35 :
I met Bob in person in 1992, when I drove my m37 to his yard for installation of 489 gearing. I lived in NY, but was attending College in Boston. I watched him and his friend Al disassemble and reassemble the third members over a few day period. They worked together hand in glove, dividing some tasks best suited to their individual tasks. Bob built jigs and tools to properly set the preload and assemble the third members. It was a precision operation that still required the 'touch' of a master. I drove my m37 between Long Island and Boston on those gears! Later, I was fortunate enough to purchase a WC 3/4 Command Car in New Hampshire and brought it to his yard to begin a full restoration. I worked with him (more like helped, watched and learned) to disassemble the entire truck and begin the cleaning, sandblasting and rebuilding! It was a great summer and since i was local, i was a regular in his yard that year. I went to lunch with him at the Red Wing, which has the coldest Coors light ever. My best afternoon with him at the Red Wing was the hot and muggy August day that we decided to farm out removing the tires from my combat rims after he broke the first one down by hand!!! We dropped them at a heavy truck shop and 'played hookey' that day. I spoke with him fairly often (but not enough) and I always planned my trips up 95 North around a stop into Wrentham! He was one of the best fabrication welders, gear mechanics I have ever seen and he was an artist with a torch. There was nothing on these trucks that stumped him and his general demeanor was enjoyable even when he was miffed. I will miss him and miss knowing that he is gone. He made this hobby great for me and he was one of the most interesting and memorable people I have met. Seek out people like Bob. They are rare. If you find such a person, spend time with them!!!! God Bless...
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