Pennsylvania trucker wins big honkin' truck makeover

The winning 1977 Kenworth 900A owned by Donald Wolford Jr. (The Trucker/Dorothy Cox)

The Trucker News Services

8/22/2008

DALLAS — Precious cargo will be delivered as the winner of the third annual Castrol Tection Extra Big Honkin’ Truck Makeover contest accepted his grand prize truck during the Great American Trucking Show under way here through Saturday.

Donald Wolford Jr. of Greencastle, Pa., received his completely revamped 1977 900A Kenworth Friday afternoon during a news conference.

“This is a dream come true,” Wolford said after accepting the prize. “I have driven big rigs for more than 20 years, and I can honestly say that this is one of the highlights of my professional life. I look forward to taking my new truck to the road.”

Wolford and his 1977 900A Kenworth’s $50,000 truck interior, exterior and communications makeover was completely-customized by The Chrome Shop Mafia and 4 State Trucks, Inc. who have been providing quality new and used parts for the heavy-duty truck industry since 1979.

The inspiration behind Wolford’s truck makeover was his love of 1970s muscle cars. After dismantling the old rig and cleaning up more than 30 years of rust and wear, it was given a custom paint job that featured racing stripes that extend from the hood to the fenders, and the hood was extended more than eight inches. The overall look is long and low.

The Chrome Shop Mafia then added chrome and lighting accessories including: stainless battery and tool boxes, 6-inch chrome exhaust pipes, a drop visor, 22-inch chrome bumper and stainless air filters from sponsors Grote Industries and Your Truck Shop and even fabricated some parts from scratch in the 4 State Trucks fabrication shop. Continental Tire North America supplied new tires and wheels were made available by Alcoa Wheels. Go Green Fuel Systems provided a hydrogen enrichment system that will help the environment by decreasing emissions and improve Don’s bottom-line by increasing MPG. The plush leather seats came from National Seating, while the dash, floor, headliner and sound system were given a complete upgrade. Providing the ultimate in comfort, his sleeper was converted to a walk-through from crawl access.

“Originally I was going to rebuild the truck myself, but when I saw the Castrol Tection Extra Big Honkin’ Truck Makeover contest, I had to enter,” Wolford said. “I could have never imagined doing the work that Chrome Shop Mafia did. This truly is a one-of-a-kind Chrome Shop Mafia creation, and it was all made possible by the folks at Castrol.”