Dave Norris, III - D&D Auto Salvage, LLC

As we head into the month of July, we will celebrate our great nation on Independence Day, recognizing our freedom as a nation and the Declaration of Independence which was unanimously adopted on July 4, 1776. This month our unanimous choice for Working Show Truck is Dave Norris III and his patriotic Peterbilt wrecker. This 1987 Peterbilt 359 extended hood has been completely redone by Dave and the results are a one of a kind wrecker!

Dave said the truck was ordered by Maggio Truck Center in Rockford, IL as a glider and then sold to a small towing company in Western PA in the early 2000's. Dave was able to purchase it in 2013 but it had a lot of rot on the wrecker body and a number of mechanical issues as well. He worked on it over the next 3 years, spending nights & weekends refabricating the wrecker bed sides and tool boxes. Much of the wiring was replaced and Dave added all new tires, brakes, universal joints, and hydraulic lines.

He says he always loved the 1976 Peterbilt "Patriot" paint scheme, and the truck was painted as a variation of that when he replaced the original yellow paint. Power comes from a 400 Big Cam Cummins that's paired with a 13 speed Eaton/Fuller & a P1241D Spicer 4 speed auxiliary transmission.

The wrecker body is one of only 40 ever built by Holmes/Dover, and it's a 45 ton 1801 model with a Challenger body and 50,000 LB capacity Challenger under reach. The truck is the pride & joy of D&D Auto Salvage, LLC, which began as a side business for Dave's father and grandfather. It became a full time business in the early 90's, and they now employ 40 people at 3 locations, focusing on scrap metal recycling & mobile car crushing. They also offer roll-off service and heavy towing, and Dave's '87 can "get the job done" when it has to!

Dave has a Wreckmaster level 8/9 AR certification, which is one of the highest levels available, and he's also an engineer at his local volunteer fire department. He says he always loved trucks as a child and credits his dad & grandfather for getting him started in the business. He wanted to thank his wife Julie for all of her love & support, along with EVERYONE who helped transform the truck.

Movin' Out celebrates July in style with Dave Norris III and his patriotic Peterbilt wrecker that's red, white, and blue from front to back!