Tear Jerking Moment! V16 Detroit Powered KenWorth is Reunited with One of the Builders After 40+ Yrs

1692 Detroit in a 1978 Kenworth, "Sweet 16" a world record breaking Bonneville Salt Flat truck. Harry Wolfely thought this truck was gone for good. Merlin and William surprise Harry and prove otherwise. In loving memory of Harry J. Wolfely.
@MerlinsOldSchoolGarage

[@rodneybrinkley6165]

They say when an old man dies, a library burns down. I cant imagine the knowledge this man had. This video was better than most movies I've paid to watch.

[@brucegarrett7232]

You have got to admire old truckers. They made this country.

[@jameswalker8832]

The love that he has for this truck is unspeakable. Harry passed away on my 34th birthday. I pray that I am blessed to see the years and miles and have the great experiences that he did. So long brother. May you rest in peace and by Gods grace rise in power!!!

[@Somedumbdudeontheinternet]

When he smacks it and says “you finally made it to a show”

[@paulbrandt1832]

I know, that part got me!

[@marklopez555]

We need truckers , builders , farmers more than politicians any day, God save America Please .

[@jimchasten9514]

Amen.

[@u3b93]

Not only in America, all over the world, we have the same problem everywhere . . .

[@Chris-jy3dm]

👍 so true here in England the government are killing us with legislation on emissions same with your country 😡. Us old timers can’t stand having this much bull crap

[@carlachambers3771]

Bill Clinton was the man that fucked GM Detroit Diesel...in the meantime,turning Ford into gay rights.

[@torquetrain8963]

We need passenger railways here too. Non partisan issue. Cars and vehicle ownership should be an alternative option, not the only option. Railroads built the nation before the automobile did.

[@gmanchurch]

This video and the look on that man’s face are priceless!

[@81hawkxp]

Loved this video. I trucked for 48 years and now just drive my Autocar to truck shows. 74 years old and still have a CDL and renewed my DOT medical last week.

[@keneldred9030]

There’s nothing left to say but “AMEN!!” To see a truly “Heartwarming “ reunion like this, is a way too seldom seen occasion, that the world needs a whole lot more of!!

[@denniswilliams2385]

These old guys literally built America and were true living treasures, it’s so sad to see them gone.

[@dennisrogers8107]

Oh my God.. Talk about bringing back memories. I worked for John Etchinek and his wife Faye off and on from late 1972 into 1976 while going to college. I helped build that new shop in Battle Mountain that Harry mentioned. We pushed more than one glider into that shop and 5 or 6 weeks later it drove out with a 335 cummins, 5 and 4 transmissions and SQHD rears with Hendrickson rear suspension. Send it off to paint and then they were put to work. John expected a lot from us that worked on the trucks but he was always willing to put on the coveralls and help. Even late nights or ...... Memories ....... Jesus I'm having flashbacks.

[@junkyardhero5202]

Greatness like this can only exist in a free society. As young as this country is the golden age should not die in the memories of people like this man here. What a great story this man has. The tears tell us of a life worth missing.

[@dethray1000]

my wife and i bought a new KW january '79--we bought a new pneumatic semi to haul powdered barite out of battle mountain to off shore well drillers at Port Heuneme by Ventura--we met John the owner of silver state and knew of this truck for years---we dealt with all the companies on the side of that the 16 v--later on we had a 12v with bypass turbos--produced about 1000 gross hp,jump out of dyno at about 750 hp on the ground--my wife and and i were only 25yo when we bought our 79--we always worked hard and had a good life--had everything we ever needed...retired at 70 2 years ago(still have one truck just sitting around just in case of arrmageddon...)

[@davidhakes3884]

You made the end of Harry's Life a happier one Merlin, good on ya Old Brother.

[@greggd1]

Got me right in the feelers man. Thanks for sharing this

[@davidhakes3884]

Yeah me too

[@thomasbailey8306]

Merlin this Video is So Amazing. That Gentleman Found his lost long friend. And it was because of You. Guys like him made Trucking Fun too do. I used to drive back years ago. I loved it. And it was because of Guys like him..RIP Sir and Thank You. Great Video...

[@rolandschoepf8118]

Awesome! Sometimes we forgot that buried beneath all that steel is a ton of heart mixed with memories!

[@rdavila26]

I remember seen that truck race as kid . But I’m glad that this was not about the machine but the man . That made her the legend she is today . R.I.P. May you keep shifting in heaven .

[@rodyoutsey8786]

If that doesn't bring a tear to your eye there's something wrong with you. That's an awesome story. Thanks for sharing.

[@artjinks2935]

Knowledge like that doesn't come out of a book . Much respect to the old truckers

[@Chris38908]

You made that man’s day Merlin

[@donprince2350]

I live I battleMountain where that truck was built. I sent this video to the original owners grandson.

[@MerlinsOldSchoolGarage]

awsome

[@peteschram9524]

Really awesome I’m 70 and would love to see some of my old rigs I understand how he feels wonderful to hear the history from the one who was there God Speed to you Sr

[@chrisnew2752]

To hear that Detroit is priceless. To sit at home and tell doubting people u built this and they doubt u. Now they want his knowledge

[@aaronmcconnell7358]

I never saw this video ,but the frail old man that got off the golf cart at beginning got a shot of ether in his viens when he saw his old truck if only for a few hours he was young and strong again thanks to merlin his family and the trucks owner . What a wonderful video.

[@hugh-iu7vo]

It's good to see they brought a smile to this guy's face

[@raeanker3078]

You are a good man Merlin, and there’s not to many of those around anymore. Cheers from down under.

[@Derf1313]

Definitely kool, in particular the history, & I suppose the truck to... Thanx!

[@Drivapete]

In our trucking careers, we all have that one truck that we all loved the most. Mine was a 1965 Peterbilt I drove for a guy in California. Model 281 single drive axle 'narrow nose' with a 335 Cummins and a 4x4 trans. It was my first truck at 18yrs old. I've had many since that I've liked, and only "loved" the old Pete. That love affair started in 1982 and continues to this day!

[@bmdbigfeet1031]

I believe every driver will always have that one truck they like the most. Mine is a 96 FLD 120. N14, 18speed ,46 rear ends(train tractor) it was loud, cold in the winter , A/C worked but not great, rode like a lumber wagon besides that it takes quite a bit to make them look good but think I was somewhat successful. It was just one of those trucks.

[@robertreep913]

Thank u to everyone that has kept this piece of rolling art and history on the road for future generations to enjoy and admire.

[@coltfortyfive8262]

What a very nice surprise for Mr. Harry. Very nice tribute. Thank you for sharing Sir!!

[@GenMaster124]

God bless you Harry….RIP 🙏

[@kenuber4766]

What a classic!! Rest in peace Harry!

[@akelkhunter]

That was real special. Really hit the feeling meter. What a great thing you did putting them back together.

[@markjennings-principals.p.5870]

Wow... A legend.

[@jimmotormedic]

That's awesome. Pretty much everyone has something that holds on to them there whole life. Not everyone gets to see it through. When you get to see these stories it makes it much more meaningful. When that guy got behind the wheel you could just see the years melt away on him, if only for a second. It was priceless!

[@scottsmith8056]

Man this made my day, my step dad was a trucker, he loved seeing semi drag racing!

[@Sdukes001]

Got to love the trucks but the men and women behind the wheel are truly worth admiring. All my hero’s have been truck drivers.

[@blainemeissner9122]

Great video. Walt Etchinek used to haul our dozers all over with this head turner. I remember them having to back out of it on the big pulls to keep rubber on the drivers.

[@petervalente9543]

hey merlin i meet you at sema in 2018 you found a real engine 1692s are two 8-92 bolted togeter love it you have to put a DD in a rat rod . love your semi build . peter v

[@kellykonoske91]

Thats about the coolest, saddest story ever. Thanks for sharing it Merlin! Todd Konoske the retired trucker.

[@mikebougher3731]

This is the kind of guy I could talk to for hours. I used to eat lunch a couple times a week with guys that drove truck in the 70's and 80's. I loved hearing their stories. The one guy used to say "I got a half million miles in reverse who knows how many going forward".

[@johnhayes2393]

This is an awesome story!

[@SEMPER-FI-777]

My Grandfather, Father and I all drove truck! My Dad passed in 2009 in my arms as I held him, and what a bitter sweet hinor that was. This video reminded me of when we would listen to the old 8-Track tapes together, one imparticular, "Phantom 309" by Red Sovine.....I recall listening through a tear! All 3 of us are Marines as well! Semper-Fi !!! 👍😎🇺🇸😇

[@jackbraithwaite8345]

Thank You Very Much, from an old trucker myself. I understand how he feels. 🚛🇺🇲👍😔

[@desertd2609]

So cool, love to hear the stories behind some of these old iron vehicles and what a nice surprise for your friend! I have an oldie you might like to see, she’s a 1908 and right here in Havasu! If you’re interested let me know, I’ll be bringing her back home later next week.

[@Glibzer]

Id love to see that!

[@joshjones3408]

You ant lying about tear jerking👍👍👍

[@ThatCreditGuy1]

This video makes my day. What a great story. Thanks for posting. Brought a tear to my eye.

[@keefershere]

Very cool story and Harry was a very cool guy. His emotion meant everything with the connectionto this one of a kind truck. Showed the wife this as her dad loves KWs and her grandpa ran truck way way back in the day. She teared up with this video

[@boolongfellow8452]

Awesome truck and video thanks for sharing

[@bobbarker3781]

That was Beautiful. Thank you Merlin

[@redwetjet67]

The connection between man and machine can not be measured. It`s why we build these things and hope they don`t kill us!😅 Absolutely love these stories from the old timers!

[@taylorh3930]

Its a real shame loosing them real old school cats... Some young pups claim there old school these days but they really dont know what old school is 👊

[@silverback8183]

Wow....got me in the feels big time😢 I don't know of any old trucker who wouldn't cry being reunited with an old friend, I know I would.

[@skeeterbuildsit6016]

Holy smokes this was instantly one of my all time epic KZbin videos!

[@sandasturner9529]

Like a mother reunited with her children 😢👌😭

[@JS.730]

Wow thanks for sharing Merlin

[@64BINDER]

That’s a cool truck and an awesome guy thanks for sharing

[@user-sr5sr5vz4s]

Super

[@onehot57]

That’s too cool Merlin!

[@lonhoschar1943]

Great story!! Love old timers and hearing their stories!

[@nobodynothing9950]

That was pure joy there when that man saw that truck.

[@79tazman]

Gotta love those old 2 stroke Detroit engines. nI just love the sound of them

[@mevinson]

Very touching , Thanks for sharing Merlin!

[@mikewinkelman7015]

Beautiful truck Beautiful history ausome man.

[@stevej00]

What a special truck, story and person. Thank you for sharing.

[@carmudgeon7478]

This is the best kind of history preservation. Thanks.

[@nealfry7403]

That's cool he got see the truck again before it was too late, great history behind it.

[@garylamb4777]

Merlin you are a great example of a human being. Made the old truckers Day

[@beccadeen6201]

Brought a tear to my eye. My dad was a trucker.

[@coolcat7918]

Gotta love the emotions seeing the old girl again😂

[@terrycrusader]

what a lovely video,i can completely understand the bond he had with this,

[@JamesDavis-to1hn]

Simply awesome!!!!!

[@davidkilts1670]

Wonderful video, it is very special to make someone that happy! It is something coming full circle for him. He may be gone but I bet he visits that truck...

[@jbking6376]

Heartwarming to say the Least, thanks

[@mygarden365]

Merlin,You really made that Gentleman's,day.

[@stephenmiller5023]

What a cool story here . Glad he was able to be there on this day in the video . I’ve often wondered what ever happened to several custom rigs I’ve built over the course of my lifetime, and to be re-United with any of them all these years later would make my day too . 😎👍

[@edpoints1127]

Great video

[@Mhurtle65]

That was one of your best videos.

[@keepontruckinoutlawlife1248]

God bless that man

[@Beandiptheredneck]

Now that is too cool, the truck, the story, and the man telling it. Trucking is in my blood and I discovered my love of big trucks a little over a year ago, gotta say I hope I can look back on some stories half this cool when I'm his age.

[@LEScott-yd5wm]

It was good to see Harry! He was the one who taught me to ride motorcycles. I used to hang out with his son Jeff at his Honda dealership. Harry had a long relationship with the Salt Flats. I thank you for this video.

[@MerlinsOldSchoolGarage]

that is so awsome he was a rad dude for shure

[@368fan4]

@@MerlinsOldSchoolGarage Hey Do know how much HP it put out ?

[@dennisrogers8107]

Bought a lot of parts for my first motorcyle from Harry through his dealership. I remember him telling us kids just learning to ride "Just about the time you think you know what that bike is gonna do and you're in complete control, it's going to throw you down in the dirt and remind you that you're NOT in complete control."

[@mikebougher3731]

​@368 FAN they were around 1000hp stock so it only goes up from there.

[@oldcarjunky]

Merlin I love this video this blast from the past

[@kevbev1524]

Magical Merlin, Simply Magical

[@fastst1]

Merlin, you're good people

[@fergusonhobbyfarm4567]

Awesome video!!!

[@PeteLamb]

Wow, I need a minute. Wasn't expecting that

[@michaelsedway9703]

Wonderful

[@chiefvilla3167]

😌😔😢👏🏽👏🏽🙏🏽🤘🏾🖐🏽🤟🏽🤙🏾👊🏽🤘🏾. Good job Merlin.🙋🏽‍♂️😊😎.

[@64ssmalibu]

Great hit ya in the feels video. Love that you were able to reunite these two and he was able to see her one last time. Keep on making the wonderful video memories merlin.

[@MerlinsOldSchoolGarage]

Thank you! Will do!

[@lukehorning3404]

That’s really cool of you to reunite those two I’m sure that meant the world to him

[@msilvatone]

That was beautiful thanks so much

[@MrElDiesel]

Thank you for sharing

[@michaelsorrentino9279]

Just a great story !!!

[@williamgunter6801]

Awesome!!!

[@johnboy1946]

A real tearjerker … great video….

[@CrampedGrampy]

Pretty darned sweet. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@thegravy42]

What an awesome story

[@Plowguitarist]

1692 Detroit !! That’s one BAAAD motor scooter!! I’d love to drive that one time..🫡

[@rsumsixtyfo6766]

Awesomeness

[@kevinbode6483]

This is a great story 👏