The first Tow Mater replica we built was a huge success everywhere it went, and it now resides in Galena, Kansas at a restored gas station, next to the truck that was the original inspiration for Tow Mater. Well, we had to do another - but better, so we searched and found this old oilfield boom truck. Watch as it's tranformed into the most recognized tow truck in the world...
https://scotlea.com/tv-movie-cars-gallery/item/31-tow-mater-replica-2#sigProGalleriaaba20a3cfe
First order of business is losing the boom and bed, then shortening the frame 3 feet.
https://scotlea.com/tv-movie-cars-gallery/item/31-tow-mater-replica-2#sigProGalleriafab4c896ab
This truck originally had a 265 V8 with a huge 4-speed manual transmission. That was all junked (it was junk anyway), while a 350 chevy smallblock with a 350 automatic trans was put back in. A new fuel tank was located behind the cab, as Mater has a fuel filler on the side of the tow bed, rather than on the cab itself. To keep things clean, the battery was relocated into the cab, and a floor shifter was added.
https://scotlea.com/tv-movie-cars-gallery/item/31-tow-mater-replica-2#sigProGalleria5a58a7a2b2
Now the fun begins - changing the body. It starts by cutting off the front end so the new "mouth" can be constructed..
https://scotlea.com/tv-movie-cars-gallery/item/31-tow-mater-replica-2#sigProGalleria372beff7cb
Next is building the tow bed - from scratch!!!
https://scotlea.com/tv-movie-cars-gallery/item/31-tow-mater-replica-2#sigProGalleria5be84c7fec
https://scotlea.com/tv-movie-cars-gallery/item/31-tow-mater-replica-2#sigProGalleria98f3dd49e0
Most hot rods with modified roofs get a chop, but Mater gets a lift. the roof was cut off, cut in half, tilted and welded back together.
https://scotlea.com/tv-movie-cars-gallery/item/31-tow-mater-replica-2#sigProGalleria2686a56f0d
https://scotlea.com/tv-movie-cars-gallery/item/31-tow-mater-replica-2#sigProGalleria2418b00d40
The bed detail is pretty dead-on using a real Tulsa Winch company winch from the 50s to activate the hook. If the mechanism was present to run the pull cables going down through the bed, the boom would raise and lower just like a real one.
https://scotlea.com/tv-movie-cars-gallery/item/31-tow-mater-replica-2#sigProGalleria7710d8feea
On to the most difficult part - the face!!! First challenge was recreating the headlights - changing the shape of each one. Next the lower corners of each front fender were lowered 7 inches to provide more room for the big-toothed grin...
https://scotlea.com/tv-movie-cars-gallery/item/31-tow-mater-replica-2#sigProGalleria7d667f8bd3
Now the hardest part of all - the mouth and bumper- gotta get it right, and I think we did!!
https://scotlea.com/tv-movie-cars-gallery/item/31-tow-mater-replica-2#sigProGalleriae565cb7d56
https://scotlea.com/tv-movie-cars-gallery/item/31-tow-mater-replica-2#sigProGalleria240e213f3c
Now Mater can't be toothless, so a full set of dentures is being carved out, along with a tongue (complete with taste buds)...
https://scotlea.com/tv-movie-cars-gallery/item/31-tow-mater-replica-2#sigProGalleriafcb2d727b0
Took a break from the mouth to finish up the side-view mirrors so Mater can drive backwards!!!
https://scotlea.com/tv-movie-cars-gallery/item/31-tow-mater-replica-2#sigProGalleriafefd67548a
Nobody knows what engine Mater has, so we'll keep the mystery alive with a full engine cover to hide his secrets...
https://scotlea.com/tv-movie-cars-gallery/item/31-tow-mater-replica-2#sigProGalleriad1fd3f768f
https://scotlea.com/tv-movie-cars-gallery/item/31-tow-mater-replica-2#sigProGalleria4b6436ebc0
Now to finishing paint and decals...
https://scotlea.com/tv-movie-cars-gallery/item/31-tow-mater-replica-2#sigProGalleriaecf1364d53
FINISHED!!! Mater was born on a snowy day in December, but handled it quite well.
https://scotlea.com/tv-movie-cars-gallery/item/31-tow-mater-replica-2#sigProGalleriaadb402169c
Mater now lives in Branson, Missouri at the Celebrity Car Museum; where he parks himself right out front everyday to greet visitors...
https://scotlea.com/tv-movie-cars-gallery/item/31-tow-mater-replica-2#sigProGalleria4331f758f6