I don’t care who wins, I just know the personalities involved are all characters all in a good way. Looking forward to laughing and smiling until my jaws get sore. Good Luck to everyone
Well said ,I'm looking forward to seeing a great time had by all,all the big UA-cam players are there,everyone has a different specialty, thumbs up to all
@Charlie Lowe well said would be a great trip to get down to Utah to see all this, gonna have to settle for youtube for the best Coverage of all this,living up by Seattle
The fans are the clear winners here! You guys all have some amazing skills. That being said, I think that you, Rory and Eric have an the edge because you have used your machines and know what they are capable of. No matter how it shakes out, its going to be epic!
I think Rory has the upper hand in this competition. The fact that you have a tried and true platform you probably have the best chance for second. I think the new builds ( despite their awesomeness) will have to get real lucky to place high. Only because of their lack of testing. I'm a firm believer that tested tools will outperform untested tools every time.
Tested and true but getting used can make it tired also. That could be Rory's Achilles heel in the games. Then again he is a proven garage on wheels. I won't at all dismiss him just by being accustomed to his rig. It's Rory's to lose. Merlin's brawn with a diesel is down to rubber meeting the dirt. Not patronizing , I feel he stands the best chance at being the sleeper winner.
Doesn't matter who wins, as long as everyone stays safe and has a great time. All of us around the world are watching and enjoying the build up, leading to the games. Enjoy!
Between the 4 teams I am familiar with, Merlin, FabRats, Matt and Rory, I have to give the edge to Rory. His experience and Trail Mater being battle tested is a huge plus. I'm not aware of how many recovers that Merlin has done, but his truck with it's simplicity will be a close 2nd. FabRats and Matt have new trucks and I expect them to find little gremlins, for awhile, to work out since they haven't had a chance to work their trucks.
There is 5 teams you forgot the guy from up north in Minnesota I think the BSF guys they have a old square body. Here is a link to their channel ua-cam.com/video/HFTE0GU_iJU/v-deo.html
I’m just going say that I think that Rory and Merlin are going to FAR out do BOTH Paul and Matt who I dearly love but in this case, they are out classed!!
BSF recovery team Has been doing lots of recoveries I think hes been putting videos on UA-cam for like 10 years hes not gonna be a slouch His truck is tried and true it'll be really interesting to see if either him or Merlin will be able to put anything to rory and the trail mater team
Thank you again sir. I enjoyed the history lesson for sure and just watching you work and get things done. I would imagine that’s how my grandfather was. 🙏🙏
Don't forget BSF is the oldest of them all... As long as that rig is up it's gonna be a solid competition... I think Rory will come out on top but after that it's somewhat of a crap shoot as we're talking about actual professional drivers wheeling... Kinda what they do for breakfast lol wish I could be there and will absolutely put over every millisecond of footage! Love all you guys for real.
@@Psalmist374DKR You're right about BSF having lots of experience, however Eric doesn't do fast and reckless. He's a slow and steady kind of driver, partly because that is what he is used to in muddy forests, zig-zagging around trees. He doesn't like risking his truck. I reckon the winner will be a 'foot to the floor' driver like Paul, who is happy to push his truck as far as it will go.
I like your everything.!your the best out of all the shops. You do amazing things. You put them all to shame. That’s my opinion from an old plumber from Spreckels California.
Thanks for the reply. I’ve got a 69 c25camper special that I put a 454 the 396 was done. I don’t know but thought I would ask. I would drive to you . If you work on other people like me? Vehicles? I know it’s not a diesel. But you do amazing work. Any little bit of work you do is mind blowing. Your a true professional .
I hope you do the wrecker games every year! You're so so much fun to watch!! I loved the attitude also! You made a new fan outta me! I found myself rooting for you more than anyone lol! Please compete next year also!!
I guess Matt will have a struggle, Paul would stand there and say: why didn’t i think about that! So, I think you and Rory will do really great! Knowledge and simplicity is hard to beat. 👍
I believe YOUR ALL WINNERS. I just think it's going too be a GREAT DAY. It's AWESOME just to see You all in One place doing what You all ENJOY.. I love Your Truck that old Cummins is going too do well.
Thanks again Merlin. I have no Idea what kind of shenanigans these tow truck Olympics may entail, but if your rig holds up I know you have the old school touch and sharp wit that will see you through to the finish. Have a great day.
God bless you boys as you set off on an epic adventure! Merlin-Everybody needs a Jim in his life; to stoke the flames of mechanical passion, to lend a hand when a third hand is necessary and to keep you awake on those long frozen drives. I would NOT bet against your Team.
Well Merlin I predicted that you would battle Rory for the win. You won and Rory got people’s choice. Congratulations. You guys put on an awesome show. Thanks for signing my shirt and hopefully I’ll see you at the next one to defend your title 😅
Depends on how this is judged. I think Rory comes in for the win. Watching Rory finesse a one ton wrecker on Moab trails... absolutely awesome! Paul will have the fastest times. Matt is going to break the wrecker again trying to beat Paul. You and Eric pull off respectable times and end up winning over the crowd.
This is exactly how I see it going down this is the answer But always have to remember Matt's not the only one guaranteed to break it's an open opportunity breaking situation Matt will be First 1st one broken out of the competition and on the trailer
That's an AWESOME looking wrecker! I love how it's painted to look like the paint is peeling and that it's got rusty holes in it. For SURE it's going to win the games!!!
Well with Merlin, Paul, Matt, Eric and Rory this is going to be interesting and fun because all of them are friends and partners in crime towing people out and doing their recoveries.
Merlin, I personally like all five of you but I really think Rory is by far the most experienced in off road recovery. Either way it will be fun to watch.
Rory's life is recovery, he will do couple unnecessary front wheel digs and take it all. Matt and Paul will still be working the bugs out of their new rigs and don't know the capabilities.
I have loved that shirt from the first time I saw you wear it. I just bought one now that I know where you got it. I don't know who "won" the tow truck gold medal, but I've seen some spectators YT vids and I'm super impressed with your truck!!! That thing just seems to float up those obstacles.
when I commented on towing with mini-semi I should have said "if its ready". I was not sure it would be. I cant wait to see the rig ready and at the next event or trade show. It is a testament to your old school mentality. That matters and is lost in much of what we see in our world today. Keep posting I enjoy your stuff.
I was hoping you would talk about how you welded and tempered the window spring. I enjoy how you just fix things and get it done. Good luck and have fun.
I thinks you Bsf and Rory will be top 3. Matt breaks everything and Paul hasn’t had enough testing. You 3 use your wreckers all the time and have tested them found the weaknesses and resolved them.
Much love and respect from welder up to your own channel restoring a boat or donating a vehicle to a museum no matter the content i will always hit the like button good work merlin
So cool that you can trace this trucks history. Even cooler is that it's still making history and thanks to you, it's going to continue on! Good luck and try not to wet yourself laughing so much during this great event! I think all of you guys will work your rigs real hard and depending on the weather conditions may break one or two of the rigs. I also am truly amazed at the outpouring of interest in this event! What a great mix of capable rigs and a greater mix of talent and outright fantastic people! Tell Jimmy to stock up on Hand Warmers & Foot warmers.
I've been watching you. Good families are nice to have. I'm from the gulf coast region and haven't had the pleasure of meeting people from " that Morman country" LOL ... Sory, Southern Baptist. Oh my God , I love UA-cam !
I absolutely love this!!!! Everyone building over the top rigs and Merlin is like, I wonder if I can make the window go up😂 I love your builds man, good luck!!!!
Good day sir. I do not even know who is going to win, or what place that everyone will come in. For everyone who can not go, I hope you video your experience. Fantastic video sir.
Such a great group of guys, who could possibly root for one over another? I am reminded of that old quote, "Age and treachery will overcome youth and skill."
Merlin that really sucks that you aren’t going to tow the wrecker with the mini semi!!! I definitely think everyone would love to see both of your cool rigs for sure!!!! I’d definitely love to see both of them also!!! But I won’t be making it down this time because I just had a surgery and I’m still recovering from surgery!!! I definitely love the looks of your old wrecker that you have put together over the years!!!! I just absolutely love the old cab that you was able to find for your wrecker!!!!!
My prediction on the games are.... #1 Rory because his is well tested, #2 you because of the strength, #3 Eric as he has been at it the longest, #4 Paul because of his engineering, annnnd Matt only because his is new and untested!! Good Luck to all, and looking forward to the action!!
I luv that you are definitely the old school of the bunch! Like steampunk without the silliness! 😏 Lookin forward to watchin' you hold your own in the Games! Best of Luck Merlin [& team]!~
hmmm the finish~ Paul, Merlin, Rory, Eric and Matt (his big munster will prolly break and need to be recovered! 😛 not to worry for him~ someone will get 'em out!). I gotta say... Eric is kind of a wildcard... haven't seen much of his build! Gonna be a great event regardless!~
I love this old school wrecker Merlin, Its Big, light weight (lighter than a certain other yellow truck) and a cummins powered beast, no other teams are talking about you, they will surprised by the sleeper, go kill it!!
Wow! The history of that tow truck is something to treasure, esp hearing it was on the Alcan Highway aka Now as Alaska Highway that begins 474 miles north from where I am living. That indeed was a project & I have been on it Myself. As for the Games, Eric is the father & may know tricks up His sleeve than We know of, then again, Paul is pretty awesome as well as Rory & think it will be a very, very close match. Then again as You will be the only Diesel in it, I have to pull for You as a Diesel dosn't stall out like a gas pot.
Merlin, I am very proud of you younger people who take a lot of pride in our country that I served for. I have a lot to say and maybe should break it up in many stories as I have history with most of the army, navy rigs of the late thirties and newer. Dad had me in the seat of a lot of the four by and six by rigs... used them logging in western washington. We would go to a part of seattle when seattle was many little towns surrounding the bigger town. A huge place was created for storage of these rigs and we could go there, pick the ones we needed to fix or replace stuff we had. Our interest in them was the running gear so the condition of the cabin was just a "if it still works fine, but we could always graft another cabin on them if necessary to make it drivable. I was early in life made aware of not abusing those front axle seals as they are in no way related to the new stuff with regular seals and gaskets... I got myself a roll of knitting yarn to go around bolts and make temp seals till we could disassemble to use the more like a fiber type of rope that .... heck, you've been in them so no need for me to describe it wrong. My favorite was the GMC trucks with a 270 engine... believe me or not, I ain't here to lie or tell stories fabricated to make it a "better" story. I actually found a few at the yard with two carburetors on them. Gas was very cheap as in less than twenty cents per gallon... I was allowed to put adaptors on those manifolds and put two two barrel carburetors on them for the additional power we were looking for. It was the idea if we supplied more fuel, we had more power and I do guess thats partly right... I was only fourteen at that time. I moved to alaska after I came home from the service in 70. I have had a lot of these trucks as they were in almost every older farm yards... meaning they were adaptable to different kinds of work, just use the imagination as to what you needed an a stick welder. A young man living near Tok Alaska, his name escapes me but his collection is getting up there with the many varieties of military rigs and he is friends with a man down in Seward Alaska area who probably has the largest collection of them and does sell a lot of parts if you fill his criteria. He doesn't want to see them destroyed by kids who will never understand the importance of "This stuff is not made anymore!" So the young mans channel name is Backyard Alaskan and he is kind of starting to release a lot more videos. Its his early videos that show him with a large part of his collection being repaired to work again, plus his working with the fellow in Seward Ak. I know that he did give out phone numbers for the guy down there.... he is semi retired now. My memory is really going away as that man and I were friends when I had my own shop in Anchorage. After I moved from anchorage, I quit drinking and being probably the most stupid fellow in alaska. I am still stupid as moving doesn't increase knowledge, but lets say I started making a lot better decisions. Too crippled to travel or do much of anything or I would travel down to your area for a vacation and see just how you folks have fun... as for me its working... I loved everyday I spent doing something mechanical. I remember now something you said and kind of disagree. You said doubles the power of gas.... its more like triples the power flatfooted and if ya give it some help, who really knows the limits of power a diesel can make. I guess this is a good spot to stop and if ya have questions, put it in a reply to me... hopefully I will see it and if memory works ,then I can help
The off-road record games Matt definitely has the biggest challenge because it's a new-build and basically it takes a while to get all the bugs out Mater the wrecker and Trail Mater have got well-established rigs Paul will run his truck into the ground four times before he quits so it's going to be interesting
I think you all are going to have your own set of challenges but should make for an entertaining event that’s for sure! Paul hasn’t tested his, Rory drives his rig daily, yours has been built for awhile, and Matt has had a some testing and already found some weak links. Looking forward to the event and glad you’re a part of it!
I just can't wait to see them all go to work! Any one of these rigs can break at any time, but because of tested experience Merlin and Rory should be fighting for 1&2. Matts rig is still not strong enough drive train wise IMO. Paul's rig doesn't have enough testing that I've seen to form an opinion. (electrical failure will be his issue I think) Eric could be a huge surprise. I haven't watched enough of his channel but it appears he has a ton of experience with his truck. Good luck to all of you and have a blast!
As much as I like Matt's wrecker, I think it's likely to keep breaking parts until it's been thoroughly run. Paul's is not as complicated, but still untested at this point. I think that Merlin and Rory have the advantage of experience and knowing what does and doesn't work for their trucks.
I think Paul has the best equipment, but far as towing skills, Rory will win for sure as he is the only one actually doing towing. The others are all just yank um roping and hoping for the best. Just my thoughts. Its going to be good no matter who wins, Good job Matt for arranging this to happen. Thanks to all.
We are happy to see a diesel in the games. Loving the history on the truck. Makes us love the truck knowing the story. Glad you got windows so Jimmy doesn’t freeze his cubes off.
I think it’s great that you your truck has history behind it & the fact that you know exactly where it came from and where it’s been & I did your research! To me, that makes it have more sentimental value, & you are keeping its history alive along with adding to its history! & hopefully somebody else will be able to tell about how you made & added history to it! Good luck to all you guys wish I could be there in person to witness the great entrainment looking forward watching all the wrecker channels! Love your content! God bless! GO GET EM BOSS!
First and foremost, this is going to be an epic event that will result in huge bragging rights for a long time regardless of who "wins". We all just hope for a safe event. Second, I love watching ALL of you guys do what you do and I think this is going to be the most fun ever for both the contestants and the spectators, like me. Wish I could be there. Third, the judges. I wouldn't want their job for anything. It's going to be tough. As for your question, having watched all five of you extensively, here is my OPINION: #1. Rory. I think he has the most capable machine and hands down, the most experience in that terrain. #2. Matt. Just the sheer massiveness of his wrecker alone will conquer the hills. Provided his new equipment holds up, I think he'll do well. #3. Merlin. I think your equipment, experience and calm, logical approach will come through. Like Eric, I think the terrain might get the better of you. #4. Eric. Again, experience and proven equipment will be his highlights. The terrain will be his downfall. #5. Paul. Although very resourceful, I think he lacks experience towing. He can be overly aggressive in his approach to obstacles. A new machine with little testing will be his biggest challenge. Most of all, HAVE FUN!
That's a great video - thanks Merlin. Gonna be fun to watch the Games, and each channel's take on performance (theirs and the others). Have a good trip
At the ripe old age of 16 I traded a go-kart engine for a 46' Chevy 1/2 ton, I put it back on the road and drove it for 10 years, it was my daily driver, all I changed was a 12volt conversion and a key start starter. It had the same steel framed windows and crank out windshield. I miss that truck.
@@MerlinsOldSchoolGarage My uncle had a stock 1966 F-250 highboy at a mud run competition and tons of other people had souped up off-road vehicles. People were pissed when he won. He said they manufacturer's engineers have all this stuff figured out when these vehicles are built.
I think it goes to Rory because of his experience and trail tested rig. You are very close in second because of similar experience and solid simplistic build. Eric is third because of similar things related to you and Rory. Matt and Paul's rigs are newer builds with newer technologies but those are also fraught with more issues. IMO. Can't wait to see you all compete!
Merlin all these other wreckers have multiple people doing repairs, you are a true one man show!! That should count toward bonus points!! Thanks for sharing your video! Finish order…Rory, You, Fab Rats, Matt, BSF
I think Rory is going to win the Off Road Wrecker Games. I believe he has the most experience with his wrecker. Eric will finish second for the same reason. Then I think it will be a coin flip between Matt, Paul and Merlin.
I don’t care who wins, I just know the personalities involved are all characters all in a good way. Looking forward to laughing and smiling until my jaws get sore. Good Luck to everyone
fact I just wanna go to watch. all teams are manned by great people.
Just saying 🤣
Well said ,I'm looking forward to seeing a great time had by all,all the big UA-cam players are there,everyone has a different specialty, thumbs up to all
Would be a privilege to watch in person!!!
@Charlie Lowe well said would be a great trip to get down to Utah to see all this, gonna have to settle for youtube for the best Coverage of all this,living up by Seattle
The fans are the clear winners here! You guys all have some amazing skills. That being said, I think that you, Rory and Eric have an the edge because you have used your machines and know what they are capable of. No matter how it shakes out, its going to be epic!
I think Rory has the upper hand in this competition. The fact that you have a tried and true platform you probably have the best chance for second. I think the new builds ( despite their awesomeness) will have to get real lucky to place high. Only because of their lack of testing. I'm a firm believer that tested tools will outperform untested tools every time.
Diesel on sand FTW
2nd place is 1st Loser!
Tested and true but getting used can make it tired also. That could be Rory's Achilles heel in the games. Then again he is a proven garage on wheels. I won't at all dismiss him just by being accustomed to his rig. It's Rory's to lose.
Merlin's brawn with a diesel is down to rubber meeting the dirt. Not patronizing , I feel he stands the best chance at being the sleeper winner.
Merlin or Rory will be towing Matt out of the way, after another untested part breaks.
i agree you have about the same reply as i did
Doesn't matter who wins, as long as everyone stays safe and has a great time. All of us around the world are watching and enjoying the build up, leading to the games. Enjoy!
The winners are obviously the channel watchers. Looking forward to the competition!
Merlin, I have to eat crow. What a great job on the Sand pulls.
That thing is amazing. GOOD LUCK.
Between the 4 teams I am familiar with, Merlin, FabRats, Matt and Rory, I have to give the edge to Rory. His experience and Trail Mater being battle tested is a huge plus. I'm not aware of how many recovers that Merlin has done, but his truck with it's simplicity will be a close 2nd. FabRats and Matt have new trucks and I expect them to find little gremlins, for awhile, to work out since they haven't had a chance to work their trucks.
There is 5 teams you forgot the guy from up north in Minnesota I think the BSF guys they have a old square body. Here is a link to their channel ua-cam.com/video/HFTE0GU_iJU/v-deo.html
I think merlins wrecker has a big advantage because of 1000lbs of cummins up front.
I’m just going say that I think that Rory and Merlin are going to FAR out do BOTH Paul and Matt who I dearly love but in this case, they are out classed!!
BSF recovery team Has been doing lots of recoveries I think hes been putting videos on UA-cam for like 10 years hes not gonna be a slouch His truck is tried and true it'll be really interesting to see if either him or Merlin will be able to put anything to rory and the trail mater team
Rory,Matt Paul Merlin Eric
Thank you again sir. I enjoyed the history lesson for sure and just watching you work and get things done. I would imagine that’s how my grandfather was. 🙏🙏
My guess it’s between you and Rory. Both of you have proven wreckers and very level headed. I think Matt and Paul will break their wreckers.
You already did commented everything what i like to comment 😎
Don't forget BSF is the oldest of them all... As long as that rig is up it's gonna be a solid competition... I think Rory will come out on top but after that it's somewhat of a crap shoot as we're talking about actual professional drivers wheeling... Kinda what they do for breakfast lol wish I could be there and will absolutely put over every millisecond of footage! Love all you guys for real.
😂
Forgetting BSF who has been doing this longer than ALL of them... Damned near combined
@@Psalmist374DKR You're right about BSF having lots of experience, however Eric doesn't do fast and reckless. He's a slow and steady kind of driver, partly because that is what he is used to in muddy forests, zig-zagging around trees. He doesn't like risking his truck. I reckon the winner will be a 'foot to the floor' driver like Paul, who is happy to push his truck as far as it will go.
I’ve got Rory for the “win”, Paul to be competitive, Matt to need rescued, Eric to work the hardest, and Merlin to have the most fun.
Couldn't of said it better myself!
I think you nailed it! Lol
This is prophetic lol
Indeed very good prophecy
So awesome to hear the history of the truck and to see it in a magazine! Love your style Merlin.
Matt has Bucket seats and racing belts, Merlin installing a Plush-Sofa and windows.😆😅 Cant beat that.
I like your everything.!your the best out of all the shops. You do amazing things. You put them all to shame. That’s my opinion from an old plumber from Spreckels California.
Thanks for the reply. I’ve got a 69 c25camper special that I put a 454 the 396 was done. I don’t know but thought I would ask. I would drive to you . If you work on other people like me? Vehicles? I know it’s not a diesel. But you do amazing work. Any little bit of work you do is mind blowing. Your a true professional .
I hope you do the wrecker games every year! You're so so much fun to watch!! I loved the attitude also! You made a new fan outta me! I found myself rooting for you more than anyone lol! Please compete next year also!!
I guess Matt will have a struggle, Paul would stand there and say: why didn’t i think about that! So, I think you and Rory will do really great! Knowledge and simplicity is hard to beat. 👍
😂😂😂😂
I believe YOUR ALL WINNERS. I just think it's going too be a GREAT DAY. It's AWESOME just to see You all in One place doing what You all ENJOY.. I love Your Truck that old Cummins is going too do well.
I just love how every truck is at least part CHEVY
It’s between you and Rory
Watching you roll in the Off-Road Tow Truck Olympics meant I had to subscribe. WELL DONE DUDE!
Can’t wait to see your beast go into action ! You have a great channel. Give’em hell Merlin !
Thanks again Merlin. I have no Idea what kind of shenanigans these tow truck Olympics may entail, but if your rig holds up I know you have the old school touch and sharp wit that will see you through to the finish. Have a great day.
God bless you boys as you set off on an epic adventure! Merlin-Everybody needs a Jim in his life; to stoke the flames of mechanical passion, to lend a hand when a third hand is necessary and to keep you awake on those long frozen drives. I would NOT bet against your Team.
That’s MY Jimmy! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Well said.
Well Merlin I predicted that you would battle Rory for the win. You won and Rory got people’s choice. Congratulations. You guys put on an awesome show. Thanks for signing my shirt and hopefully I’ll see you at the next one to defend your title 😅
Depends on how this is judged. I think Rory comes in for the win. Watching Rory finesse a one ton wrecker on Moab trails... absolutely awesome! Paul will have the fastest times. Matt is going to break the wrecker again trying to beat Paul. You and Eric pull off respectable times and end up winning over the crowd.
This is exactly how I see it going down this is the answer
But always have to remember Matt's not the only one guaranteed to break it's an open opportunity breaking situation
Matt will be First
1st one broken out of the competition and on the trailer
exactly my view
Paul will have the fastest times but his rig will come out with body damage🤣 Good thing it's a ratrod
I like all 5 trucks and crews. I really think one of you 3 older guys will win. Experience is hard to beat
That's an AWESOME looking wrecker! I love how it's painted to look like the paint is peeling and that it's got rusty holes in it. For SURE it's going to win the games!!!
Yep, Mater FTW 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
It's called patina.
Rust is weight reduction.
🤣🤣🏁🔧
Thats one hell of a beast, love it.
Well with Merlin, Paul, Matt, Eric and Rory this is going to be interesting and fun because all of them are friends and partners in crime towing people out and doing their recoveries.
Merlin, I personally like all five of you but I really think Rory is by far the most experienced in off road recovery. Either way it will be fun to watch.
Rory's life is recovery, he will do couple unnecessary front wheel digs and take it all. Matt and Paul will still be working the bugs out of their new rigs and don't know the capabilities.
I hope you and Paul make it all the way through the competition. You 2 are my favorite. Good luck Merlin, you got this. 👍👍
That's is cool! I'm actually like all the wreckers competing I'm just predicting that all you folks have fun and be safe but so far I like them all!
I know with your ingenuity and and creativity you will find a way to pull out the win. Good luck bud!
Yay
I have loved that shirt from the first time I saw you wear it. I just bought one now that I know where you got it. I don't know who "won" the tow truck gold medal, but I've seen some spectators YT vids and I'm super impressed with your truck!!! That thing just seems to float up those obstacles.
when I commented on towing with mini-semi I should have said "if its ready". I was not sure it would be. I cant wait to see the rig ready and at the next event or trade show. It is a testament to your old school mentality. That matters and is lost in much of what we see in our world today. Keep posting I enjoy your stuff.
I was hoping you would talk about how you welded and tempered the window spring. I enjoy how you just fix things and get it done.
Good luck and have fun.
I thinks you Bsf and Rory will be top 3. Matt breaks everything and Paul hasn’t had enough testing. You 3 use your wreckers all the time and have tested them found the weaknesses and resolved them.
Much love and respect from welder up to your own channel restoring a boat or donating a vehicle to a museum no matter the content i will always hit the like button good work merlin
So cool that you can trace this trucks history. Even cooler is that it's still making history and thanks to you, it's going to continue on! Good luck and try not to wet yourself laughing so much during this great event! I think all of you guys will work your rigs real hard and depending on the weather conditions may break one or two of the rigs. I also am truly amazed at the outpouring of interest in this event! What a great mix of capable rigs and a greater mix of talent and outright fantastic people! Tell Jimmy to stock up on Hand Warmers & Foot warmers.
Good call on the rain 👍, I was wrong about that one
Love the history lesson Merlin! Hopin you do well!
I've been watching you. Good families are nice to have. I'm from the gulf coast region and haven't had the pleasure of meeting people from " that Morman country" LOL ... Sory, Southern Baptist. Oh my God , I love UA-cam !
I absolutely love this!!!! Everyone building over the top rigs and Merlin is like, I wonder if I can make the window go up😂 I love your builds man, good luck!!!!
If it ain't broke don't fix it
My thoughts exactly.
Merlin is such a treat to watch. I like how he takes the old stuff and makes it run again.
I'm rooting for you to win since you have the only Diesel powered vehicle
Good day sir. I do not even know who is going to win, or what place that everyone will come in. For everyone who can not go, I hope you video your experience.
Fantastic video sir.
Thanks for sharing the history of the truck.
Marlins as far as I am concerned all 5 of you come in first place. You all are great people.... keep up the great work
This is my pick of all the wreckers in the games. I just like how this one looks.
I love how everyone except you and Rorry are scrambling to be ready
Such a great group of guys, who could possibly root for one over another? I am reminded of that old quote, "Age and treachery will overcome youth and skill."
every time!!!
Good point, they are all very likeable great guys.
I can't imagine how the games will go but I'm so excited to see you all in one place doing your thing. Good luck.
Merlin has coolest rig. Hands down
Merlin that really sucks that you aren’t going to tow the wrecker with the mini semi!!! I definitely think everyone would love to see both of your cool rigs for sure!!!! I’d definitely love to see both of them also!!! But I won’t be making it down this time because I just had a surgery and I’m still recovering from surgery!!! I definitely love the looks of your old wrecker that you have put together over the years!!!! I just absolutely love the old cab that you was able to find for your wrecker!!!!!
Hope your recovery is going well…..
THANKS for the truck history!
I have faith in you and your rig. A man that has experience with his equipment is always a safe bet. Do it for us tow truck operators in AZ!!!
That's what she said. 🤣🤣🤣
That's a good one! I should have seen that coming. Is that what she said too?
@@evolgenius471 Yes she would have said that too! 🤣🤣🤣
Love you saving the OLD trucks!
My prediction on the games are.... #1 Rory because his is well tested, #2 you because of the strength, #3 Eric as he has been at it the longest, #4 Paul because of his engineering, annnnd Matt only because his is new and untested!! Good Luck to all, and looking forward to the action!!
Nice! I love how you can get your old iron working again. Always an enjoyable watch!
I luv that you are definitely the old school of the bunch! Like steampunk without the silliness! 😏 Lookin forward to watchin' you hold your own in the Games! Best of Luck Merlin [& team]!~
hmmm the finish~ Paul, Merlin, Rory, Eric and Matt (his big munster will prolly break and need to be recovered! 😛 not to worry for him~ someone will get 'em out!). I gotta say... Eric is kind of a wildcard... haven't seen much of his build! Gonna be a great event regardless!~
@@robertdrake7082 The world's biggest pile is gonna be one of the events to recover it
I hope you win Merlin 👍 good luck!
I love this old school wrecker Merlin, Its Big, light weight (lighter than a certain other yellow truck) and a cummins powered beast, no other teams are talking about you, they will surprised by the sleeper, go kill it!!
I don't know all you and your equipment are badass,,,,,,all of you are champions 🇺🇸🦅🏁🤠🚨
Glad to see you got some upgrades done on the short list..
Wishing you all a great time!
Wow! The history of that tow truck is something to treasure, esp hearing it was on the Alcan Highway aka Now as Alaska Highway that begins 474 miles north from where I am living. That indeed was a project & I have been on it Myself. As for the Games, Eric is the father & may know tricks up His sleeve than We know of, then again, Paul is pretty awesome as well as Rory & think it will be a very, very close match. Then again as You will be the only Diesel in it, I have to pull for You as a Diesel dosn't stall out like a gas pot.
I absolutely love your tow truck
Looking awesome. I really appreciate watching you guys struggle every once and a while since you make everything seem so easy the rest of the time!
Merlin, I am very proud of you younger people who take a lot of pride in our country that I served for. I have a lot to say and maybe should break it up in many stories as I have history with most of the army, navy rigs of the late thirties and newer. Dad had me in the seat of a lot of the four by and six by rigs... used them logging in western washington. We would go to a part of seattle when seattle was many little towns surrounding the bigger town. A huge place was created for storage of these rigs and we could go there, pick the ones we needed to fix or replace stuff we had. Our interest in them was the running gear so the condition of the cabin was just a "if it still works fine, but we could always graft another cabin on them if necessary to make it drivable. I was early in life made aware of not abusing those front axle seals as they are in no way related to the new stuff with regular seals and gaskets... I got myself a roll of knitting yarn to go around bolts and make temp seals till we could disassemble to use the more like a fiber type of rope that .... heck, you've been in them so no need for me to describe it wrong. My favorite was the GMC trucks with a 270 engine... believe me or not, I ain't here to lie or tell stories fabricated to make it a "better" story. I actually found a few at the yard with two carburetors on them. Gas was very cheap as in less than twenty cents per gallon... I was allowed to put adaptors on those manifolds and put two two barrel carburetors on them for the additional power we were looking for. It was the idea if we supplied more fuel, we had more power and I do guess thats partly right... I was only fourteen at that time. I moved to alaska after I came home from the service in 70. I have had a lot of these trucks as they were in almost every older farm yards... meaning they were adaptable to different kinds of work, just use the imagination as to what you needed an a stick welder. A young man living near Tok Alaska, his name escapes me but his collection is getting up there with the many varieties of military rigs and he is friends with a man down in Seward Alaska area who probably has the largest collection of them and does sell a lot of parts if you fill his criteria. He doesn't want to see them destroyed by kids who will never understand the importance of "This stuff is not made anymore!" So the young mans channel name is Backyard Alaskan and he is kind of starting to release a lot more videos. Its his early videos that show him with a large part of his collection being repaired to work again, plus his working with the fellow in Seward Ak. I know that he did give out phone numbers for the guy down there.... he is semi retired now. My memory is really going away as that man and I were friends when I had my own shop in Anchorage. After I moved from anchorage, I quit drinking and being probably the most stupid fellow in alaska. I am still stupid as moving doesn't increase knowledge, but lets say I started making a lot better decisions. Too crippled to travel or do much of anything or I would travel down to your area for a vacation and see just how you folks have fun... as for me its working... I loved everyday I spent doing something mechanical. I remember now something you said and kind of disagree. You said doubles the power of gas.... its more like triples the power flatfooted and if ya give it some help, who really knows the limits of power a diesel can make. I guess this is a good spot to stop and if ya have questions, put it in a reply to me... hopefully I will see it and if memory works ,then I can help
Get er done Merliin looking forward to seeing you there. Good Luck man!!!!!!
The off-road record games Matt definitely has the biggest challenge because it's a new-build and basically it takes a while to get all the bugs out Mater the wrecker and Trail Mater have got well-established rigs Paul will run his truck into the ground four times before he quits so it's going to be interesting
after all said and done i believe you def put on a show hahha i love that you show out for the diesels
Best of luck at the OFF Road Wrecker Games as I'll be betting on you and your team for the win !
I’m so happy you get to compete! I’ve been asking for you to get an invite for months! You’re the true OG and deserve a spot! 🇺🇸
I think you all are going to have your own set of challenges but should make for an entertaining event that’s for sure! Paul hasn’t tested his, Rory drives his rig daily, yours has been built for awhile, and Matt has had a some testing and already found some weak links. Looking forward to the event and glad you’re a part of it!
That's the coolest flag pole / yard art, that also triples as a wrecker!
Good luck Merlin, I've got you coming in first or second.
I just can't wait to see them all go to work! Any one of these rigs can break at any time, but because of tested experience Merlin and Rory should be fighting for 1&2. Matts rig is still not strong enough drive train wise IMO. Paul's rig doesn't have enough testing that I've seen to form an opinion. (electrical failure will be his issue I think) Eric could be a huge surprise. I haven't watched enough of his channel but it appears he has a ton of experience with his truck. Good luck to all of you and have a blast!
Great to hear the wrecker history
You could put a diesel heater in the truck. Cheap, works well and you already have the diesal.
Yep, a little espar heater would let you cook meat in there.
I love the Keep on Trumpin sticker 👍❤️
As much as I like Matt's wrecker, I think it's likely to keep breaking parts until it's been thoroughly run. Paul's is not as complicated, but still untested at this point. I think that Merlin and Rory have the advantage of experience and knowing what does and doesn't work for their trucks.
I think Paul has the best equipment, but far as towing skills, Rory will win for sure as he is the only one actually doing towing. The others are all just yank um roping and hoping for the best. Just my thoughts. Its going to be good no matter who wins, Good job Matt for arranging this to happen. Thanks to all.
That event is going to give you improvement ideas for your vehicle first and foremost
sure can't wait to see more of the wrecker in action brother !
Funny that the model truck I've always wanted is just yard art for ya! 😂 Good luck at the games Merlin!
I'm gonna root everyone as it's a great group and looking forward to watching. Cheers brother.
I think Rory, Merlin, Paul, Matt and Eric. Great video thanks.
I don’t care who wins, sometimes that’s not what’s important. I’m sure you will do well. I love the history on the truck and live in Oregon. 👍
We are happy to see a diesel in the games. Loving the history on the truck. Makes us love the truck knowing the story. Glad you got windows so Jimmy doesn’t freeze his cubes off.
I think it’s great that you your truck has history behind it & the fact that you know exactly where it came from and where it’s been & I did your research! To me, that makes it have more sentimental value, & you are keeping its history alive along with adding to its history! & hopefully somebody else will be able to tell about how you made & added history to it! Good luck to all you guys wish I could be there in person to witness the great entrainment looking forward watching all the wrecker channels! Love your content! God bless! GO GET EM BOSS!
First and foremost, this is going to be an epic event that will result in huge bragging rights for a long time regardless of who "wins". We all just hope for a safe event.
Second, I love watching ALL of you guys do what you do and I think this is going to be the most fun ever for both the contestants and the spectators, like me. Wish I could be there.
Third, the judges. I wouldn't want their job for anything. It's going to be tough.
As for your question, having watched all five of you extensively, here is my OPINION:
#1. Rory. I think he has the most capable machine and hands down, the most experience in that terrain.
#2. Matt. Just the sheer massiveness of his wrecker alone will conquer the hills. Provided his new equipment holds up, I think he'll do well.
#3. Merlin. I think your equipment, experience and calm, logical approach will come through. Like Eric, I think the terrain might get the better of you.
#4. Eric. Again, experience and proven equipment will be his highlights. The terrain will be his downfall.
#5. Paul. Although very resourceful, I think he lacks experience towing. He can be overly aggressive in his approach to obstacles. A new machine with little testing will be his biggest challenge.
Most of all, HAVE FUN!
You got this hands down, with Paul 2nd then Matt 3rd !
When Merlin talks about a 12 inch jack stroke...I tend to believe him.😎
That's a great video - thanks Merlin. Gonna be fun to watch the Games, and each channel's take on performance (theirs and the others). Have a good trip
At the ripe old age of 16 I traded a go-kart engine for a 46' Chevy 1/2 ton, I put it back on the road and drove it for 10 years, it was my daily driver, all I changed was a 12volt conversion and a key start starter. It had the same steel framed windows and crank out windshield. I miss that truck.
Plug a space heater into the wheel well for the cab👍
Simple is better. Good luck with the show.
I love that! you are so right
@@MerlinsOldSchoolGarage My uncle had a stock 1966 F-250 highboy at a mud run competition and tons of other people had souped up off-road vehicles. People were pissed when he won. He said they manufacturer's engineers have all this stuff figured out when these vehicles are built.
Awesome what you’ve done with the truck. I love the history of it.
But Merlin's wrecker is the coolest looking one out there
And a DIESEL
Indeed it's a nice looking truck
Another great video Sir
I think it goes to Rory because of his experience and trail tested rig. You are very close in second because of similar experience and solid simplistic build. Eric is third because of similar things related to you and Rory. Matt and Paul's rigs are newer builds with newer technologies but those are also fraught with more issues. IMO. Can't wait to see you all compete!
Merlin all these other wreckers have multiple people doing repairs, you are a true one man show!! That should count toward bonus points!! Thanks for sharing your video! Finish order…Rory, You, Fab Rats, Matt, BSF
I think Rory is going to win the Off Road Wrecker Games. I believe he has the most experience with his wrecker. Eric will finish second for the same reason. Then I think it will be a coin flip between Matt, Paul and Merlin.
You are ALL winners in my book.