RENO, NV (AUGUST 13) — The Bonanza Casino in Reno had a Cowboy Truck Show this Saturday. There was a pretty good mix of vintage, restored and almost new trucks on display.
There were several lines of various types of trucks. One of them was a 1958 Studebaker Transtar owned by Marty Meckler.
“It’s all original, 258 cubic inchV-8, it’s got a three-speed transmission with a Borg Warner overdrive. Very rare,” he said. “I’ve done a little bit of restoration but it’s pretty much all original stock. I’ve had it about 10 years. It’s not a daily driver but I drive it. It was a farm truck and I’m just having a good time here at the show.”
There were other trucks as well all lined up so people could see them as the owners circulated and talked with other owners. Another truck there is owned by Jason Whinery and it’s a bit different than the others.
“It’s a ‘77 Scout with a ¾ ton Chevy drive train in it, small block in it. It has Jeep renegade seats, got new custom doors, custom tubing full roll cage. It’s basically much a rock crawler.
“Still has the original paint on it, shabby but it still looks pretty good. It’s a toy truck, a weekend thing. Not much rock crawling as I still want to put the hydro assist steering and that’s the last thing I need to do to it this winter. I’m driving around and having fun with it. Been to Yosemite twice.”
He added it does use a lot of gas but he also owns another pickup and car. He also rides a dirt bike and has competed in the MRANN series.
“It’s just a summer truck as it has no top. It’s a lot easier than riding dirt bikes,” he said.
• On Sunday, August 14, the Northern Nevada Classics and Nevada Car Coalition combined forces to stage the next round of Baldini’s Brunch and Classics meet.
As expected there was a wide variety of cars. Including one row with hoods up so people could see the motors.
One car was a ’84 Chevy El Camino SS. It’s owned by Dennis Marcusson.
“It’s all stock, had a 305, bucket seats and Craiger rims somebody put on it. I did not put those on it but that’s about it and nice paint job,” he said. “The only thing difference is I put a center consul in it, put it between the bucket seats and polished the hell out of it.
“I’ve had it two years now. Weekend driver more likely but sometimes I’ll take it to work if the weather’s good.Gas mileage is not bad, it’s a 305 it holds15 gallons and I do car shows so I usually I fill it up once a month. I drive it around and do 30 to 40 miles every weekend and I enjoy driving it.”
There were two Pontiac Fieros so had their front trunk lids up as well as the rear motor covers. One car on display is actually a family heirloom and owned by Bob Salz.
“It’s a 1966 Toyota Corona that was registered in 1965 but it’s actually a ’66. My mother bought it new 56 years ago this month and we’re lucky to keep it in the family,” he said. “It’s got a 1900 cc engine, which is pretty good size but the brakes aren’t any good as they are drum brakes.
“I don’t take it out of the valley as it’s too hard to drive, the mirrors and the steering. It’s stock, been upholstered and painted.”
He explained since his mother had to park it next to a wall she chose this one as it was the only model with bench seats. She had to slide in and out from the passenger side. Now the upholstery has been smoothed out.
“Tires are 10 years old now, that’s when my dad died 10 years ago. Think I’ve put a transmission mount on it and an idler arm on it but I only fix it when it brakes. I change the oil once a year and it gets a tank of gas per year. Has good mileage, gets 25 miles to the gallon and it’ll cruise at 70 miles an hour on the freeway.”
There were also a couple of VW Beetles and one of them was a Herbie replica from the movie. The next Brunch & Classics meet at Baldini’s is on September 14th.
• REPORTER’S NOTE: Due to some on going medical issues I’ve not been able to attend a race for the past week. Can’t promise for those coming up for the next two weeks. Hope to have the problem resolved so I can once again attend and report races. Until then l have to stick close to home but can cover these car meets and cruises.
OTHER RACING NEWS:
• The Reno to Vegas race is in the history books. One Reno racer had quite an accomplishment. Angie Figg not only rode the almost 500 mile race solo but was first in the 399 Class. Want to wish her congratulations on her accomplishment.
• Congratulations to local go-kart racer Zach Rivera. He won the KPX 2022 Senior 206 championship. Rivera races for Nevada Kart Sport Racing, which his father owns.
• Once again this Tuesday, from 5 until 7:30 p.m., the south Steak ‘N Shake will have another cruise in. The location is right of the freeway at 470 South Meadows Parkway.
• On Wednesday from 5 until 9 p.m. the Sparks A&W will have a cruise in. Location is right across the street from Reed High School and there is DJ Music and prizes.
• Teresa’s Garage Radio Show is on the air from 2 until 3 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. In northwest Nevada, it can be heard over the air at 1060 AM.
There is also a Podcast at amm.streamon.fm or it can be seen live on Face Book. The show is focused on all things automotive, trends, new developments and trivia.
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