J.H. was an awesome guy. We are blessed to have known him. He thought very highly of you and would be very proud of what you have done with this truck.
Merlin, you should be at 2million + subscribers by now. Your an amazing mechanic, fabricator, and family oriented man. Paul is beyond lucky to have you as a cousin. Keep on keeping on!!! Cheers from Oshawa Ontario Canada
What I like about you Merlin is your love of family. Just to hear you talk about the rollback and your uncle.....Brings back memories of people I cared deeply for and were taken from me.~ !
This is the best way to remember a driver and his rig. My hat's off to you Merlin. Every rig that runs great will keep on running great if the person behind the wheel treats it as such.
Great truck and a greater story. Its very obvious the impression he left on you. I'm glad you have the truck to carry on his memory with , and you did him proud! I have a very similar story and history with a cousin who I just lost this last Thursday. A great guy gone way too soon. Cancer sucks.
Glad you have good memories with your uncle, and I’m glad he was able to teach you and Paul all the stuff that he did, interesting story interesting guy, and it looks like you’ve got some really good use out of the repurposed truck
My daughter was married to Jeff Knowles. Jeff always talked about Jesse Frost. He had the highest regard for Jesse, Jesse always had the answer, the part, the truck, the whatever. Thanks for that great tribute to Jesse, and for the story.
A few years ago my family restored my uncle's 68 mack dump truck and gave it to him on his 80th birthday you should have seen the look on his face when I brought it around the corner great video and keep up the good work God bless from GA
Thank you for sharing the story of your uncle Jesse. All the projects, adventures and stories on your channel, educate, enlighten and make our lives richer, thanks.
That's how you honor him, sharing your memories and stories. He lives on through you, Paul, and now countless others who learn and gain confidence from the knowledge you share. Thanks for sharing and peace to you and your Family.
I just keep getting amazed at this family. So cool that you had a mentor like Jesse in yours and Paul's life. You are an amazing man in your own right. As is Paul. I am in awe every time you all build and make something out of nothing. And your mechanical mind is truly just astounding. I am so thankful I found this channel. Keep up the good work. I'll definitely keep watching.
Thank God for the great ones that come along and help us, impacting our lives in a positive way. Sad when they go. But part of them stays with us forever 👍
Awesome story. The feelings, love, passion and memories of loved ones passed are always touching to hear. Your uncle would be proud of the things you have done to his truck and the ways you use it. Thanks for sharing.
Great story about your uncle Merlin. I just lost my brother 3 days ago, your memorial helped me to remember a lot of things about our growing up together. The story really helped me deal with my grief. God bless you buddy and God Bless my Brother, William Louis "Louie" Staton.
What an awesome way to keep a part of your uncle around. My dad passed when I was 20. I got most of his tools, I can hear him chuckling with me when I'm out working on something.
Merlin people are now aware of what kind of man you are. You showed what you thought of your uncle. You built a great tribute to your uncle. After finding Paul's and your U Tube channels and seeing what great people you are I think I'm going to plan a trip out west to hopefully meet you and Paul. I'm a 70 year old retired coal miner from Pennsylvania. The farthest west I have been is Texas when I was in the army stationed at Ft. Hood. If another Wrecker games is planned for next year maybe I'll plan my trip to be there for that. I'm sure your Uncle was and is proud of the men his two nephews turned out to be.
Probably one of the best stories I have heard from your videos and I listen to your videos and talked to you about several other stories but yes one of the best. Thank you for sharing!
When I was growing up my Dad worked as a mechanic for a local feed company that had a couple Kenworth truck of that vintage. One was a 67 and I think the other was a 68, they were both painted alike with green and black stripes. My Dad kept those trucks alive for a lot of years, engine rebuilds, transmission rebuilds, whatever they needed. They both had 335 cummins and 15 over tranny. When I worked for the feed company in my late teens I got to drive them around the yard getting the grain unloaded. I never drove them on the highway. kinda regret that. Now as I get close to retirement the truck I drive for a major retailer has an automatic transmission and dozens of electronic "helpers". It doesn't have any character like Merlin's truck or the kw's I grew up around. Thanks for sharing your story.
Love the story and the history and the new knowledge on the motor building and so you know you are teaching a old 63yrs old dog new tricks thanks and keep them videos coming
Great piece of history about this truck, your uncle and family. I have a Chevy that was my uncle's, who was the Chevy dealer, then my dad's and now mine. There is something special about keeping them in the family and running.
This is the first time a You Tuber has really pulled at my heart strings. Thank you for sharing the story on the history of the rollback and your uncle.. Keep on trucking. I enjoy your channel...
The Kenworth has certainly come a long way from being vandalized and left abandoned in a gravel pit. "Not everyone gets the opportunity to experience, learn from, relate to and reflect upon some of the ties that bind us. Sometimes life is unfair, but in this instance, its good to see a brother who didn't squander his opportunity when it presented itself as we come to realize how short and precious life is. This video is a testimonial and I hope that it inspires strong family values in others. If it means anything Merlin, I am confident in saying, your uncle would be so proud right now, the love and respect would be mutual. This video is an assurance that his memory will always live on. Thanks for sharing
Growing up my dad always stressed 2 things 1 never stop learning till you stop living and 2 knowledge is like money you can't take it with you when you go so spread it around to those willing to learn and earn it help those that need and deserve it
Merlin What a very nice story Our MENTORS are a great place in our LIVES and OUR HEARTS 💕 I have missed my Uncle Vito for about 20 years, What a Great way to Remember your Uncle to find a rebuild and upgrade to your own personal, A GREAT 👍Video Thanx for All of your content Have a Great Day 👍 God Bless You and your Family God Bless America 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Love those trucks. Would look awsome in a 4x4 with some 35s. Just don't see them that straight and clean. That LS 6.0 or a 12v cummins would be great in there as well. Your work on your uncles truck is great tribute to a good man that definitely left a legacy in those around him to continue to grow and live on. Well done.
Great Video Merlin. I commend you on restoring the KW to your vision of what your Uncle would have wanted. Big piece of your heart and memories ya will never forget.
Cool story about your uncle and how he inspired you. I love that you pick up other people's dreams and good intentions and finish them just the way that they would have.
Love the the story of your uncle. I had one like him my self. That Kenworth is beautiful your lucky to have that as a memory of him. Thanks for sharing your life.
The old International crew cab needs a Merlin approved and blessed Cummins. Just like cow bell, it needs more power. Further, glad to see you respect your elders. Sounds like a great man.
Great job on the old kw. You and Paul are lucky to have had such and inspirational person in your lives. Thanks for sharing and reminding people like myself to be thankful every day for family and friends.
Family is no doubt the most important thing we have in this world, and life is way to short , thank your Merlin , my condolences for your family's loss God bless.
Hey Merlin believe it or not I know that old uncle of urs because he’s my grandpa. I still work out of his old shop in that last picture and that black jeep is the one he sparked my love for when I was younger. That orange semi in North Dakota was the first semi I ever rode in. Miss that man every day -Gabe
Thanks so much for sharing that wonderful mentor with us, personalizing your uncle for us. His gifts shine through your life now, and Paul's, benefiting probly most of us who watch. Great legacy, respect Merlin.
Love that old KW Merlin and the Back story is Priceless. Sorry for Your loss. But I Guarantee Your Uncle is Looking Down Smiling from ear to ear. On how You did the Truck .Hes a Very Proud Uncle for Sure...My Dad had a 1968 KW that I wanted but my little brother got it. And Hes beatin it to death. Broke the Walkin beam under it. That truck of my Dads was the First Big Truck I drove when I was 16 . And I would be grinning from ear to ear ..Great Looking Truck Merlin You did an Awesome job on it...The old wooden floors KW ..LOL...HAHA....Great Video Sir...
Thanks for sharing the story about your uncle, I'm sure the time you and Paul spent with him had as big an impact on him as it did the two of you. I know he is proud of the way you both pay it forward.
I like these videos man. This all right up my alley of interests. I’m glad you are saving these awesome old rides. Most old vehicles here in Ohio where I am don’t last like where you are.
Pretty cool and great story. Reminds me of the first cement mixer I learned on and drove for a year before they gave me a newer truck. I think it was a '74 also, a Kenworth with I think a 3206 Cat if I remember correctly. Definitely a kidney killer. Those tough old trucks took some tough old ombres to man 'em day after day. What a great trip down memory lane every time you get behind the wheel. 👍
I am so glad you told me about your uncle now that I know Paul's mother and your mother were sisters that explains why you two look so much alike man your uncle must have been a great guy with super knowledge the great love for big Riggs thank you
I really enjoyed the sentimental video about your uncle. And I can understand why you would hold on to that truck. Paul turned me on to your channel with a yellow submarine. Y'all take care brother and make Father YHVH bless you and your family..
Pretty cool story. Everyone needs a uncle like that. I was lucky enough to have a uncle as well. Lost him way to soon. At least we got to spend some time with them. God bless you and yours
Thanks for sharing the story about the Kenworth, I already liked the truck, but now I know the back story, it makes even more admirable. Thanks Merlin!
I knew Jesse, I learned a lot from him. Jesse had worked at the oil refinery in Fredonia and we had the truck shop just to the north. I may have worked on that truck when it was a dump truck. We all miss Jesse.
