The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Which wrecker body?

After reading the Seattle Beds thread I decided it is time to start looking for a wrecker bed for one of my trucks. I'm curious what I should be looking for, and where am I most likely to find it?

I want something that look era correct, and most likely I'll put it on my '54 GMC 1-ton that has a Hydra-Matic.

I could put it on a bigger truck but the 1-ton is the biggest one I think I'd really drive and not hot rod first.

What should I be looking for? And where should I be looking? Ignore for the moment that the current economic climate has stiffled my spending just like most everyone else's.

A Ernest Holmes model 460 Speed King, would look best in my opinion. Would be era correct, & correct spec'd unit, for a 1 ton.

Okay I did a google search for Holmes 460 and found two photos. One is the Chariot body and looks perfect. It was in a thread on two411 where you had responded, so you've seen it before. That GMC looks like a 137 inch 1-1/2 ton, rather than a 1-ton, but still just what I need.

Thanks! I now know what I am searching for!

Here's a link to that other thread for those that would like to see the pictures.

http://tow411.yuku.com/topic/36948/t/my-vintage-wreckers.html

Spanky did you ever get Higher rez pics of that truck via email? I'd like to add them to my collection if you did.

What's the bed called that's not the Chariot body? Like this one? Is this a Seattle bed?
http://www.valleywrecker.com/Used_Trucks/HolmesSpeedKingModel460.shtml

Mongo

Mongo, I never did get any larger , more in focus photos, of that Wrecker. I may have some others saved up, that I can send you though. Any photo I ever put out here, or email to anyone can be posted, if anyone would like. I'm still alttle computer illiterate. The other style Holmes Body, you posted is a plateform body. They actually first appeared in late 1950 on the new Holmes 650 units,that were replacing the Holmes W35, & W45's, but didn't totally replace the Chariot style bodies until 1957.

Spanky I've done a few searches and have not found many of these for sale, and none at all in my part of the country.

I'm probably just too impatient. I've searched craigslist and ebay and google. Are there any specific places you'd suggest where I'm more likely to find one, or should I just be patient wait for the right one to come along?

Good things come to those who wait......

Thanks for the links!

Wow, thats so cool I think I may have pee'd a little.

Steve be patient! Ill even help you haul one home or we can make room over here!

Steve, Chances are you'll have to purchase a complete truck, & Holmes Wreckers are kinda scarce on the West Coast. Not too many Ernest Holmes Distributors out there, back in the day. Don't just limit your search to a 460. There were also short service body model 490, & model 515 units that are almost identical to the model 460's. The model 460's don't have the longer service body with the tool cmpartment between the boom mast,& back of the cab. The short 490, & 515's don't either. Yes, Be patient, something will come along. I'll keep a look out for you myself.