Get Your 2012 Tow Truck Calendar

Back by popular demand, the Airport Towing 8.5″x11″ wall calendar has a new and exciting look for 2012. This 13 month calendar covers January 2012 to January 2013 and is artisticly decorated with images from the Storer Antique Tow Truck Collection with touches of color scattered throughout the new monochrome theme.

Airport Towing & Burien Towing calendars are all printed & assembled in the USA. Tow Trucks featured in the calendar are the familiar classic rigs from 2011 and prevoius years, with a totally new look and some never-seen-before shots. The entire collection of antique trucks is housed at Airport Towing in Burien, WA near Seattle.

Now in its 8th year, Airport Towing calendars are becoming well known around the Puget Sound region and within the Towing & Automotive industry. Come by our office to claim your calendar today at 817 SW 149th St. Burien, WA 98166. If you would like to have a calendar mailed to you simply call our office at 206-243-6252 or Contact Us online. The 2012 calendar features the following trucks & settings:

January: 1929 Ford Model AA @ Galvin Flying, Boeing Field, Seattle, WA

February: 1925 Ford Model TT @ Burien Towing Co. Warehouse

March: 2007 Peterbilt 378 Heavy Duty Tow Truck @ West Seattle

April: Row of Antique Trucks & 2004 Chevrolet SSR @ Burien Towing Co.

May: 1937 Dodge Brothers @ Safeco Field

June: 2008 Kenworth T-300 Medium Duty Tow Truck @ Normandy Park

July: Airport Towing Tow Trucks in the Burien Independence Day Parade

August: 1928 Ford Model A Roadster @ Fremont

September: 1935 Ford @ White Center

October: 1932 Ford Model BB @ Bo Colello’s Produce, Seatac, WA

November: 1933 Ford @ Kerry Park, Seattle, WA

December: 1935 Chevrolet @ Seatac, WA

January 2013: 1966 Ford F-350 @ Airport Towing, Burien, WA

Cruising Memory Lane by Tow Truck

On a recent outing, Seattle seniors took to the drivers’ seat of hot-rod & classic trucks that were once built for work but are now a symbol for fun & nostalgia. The smiles told the story of the group’s one-of-a-kind trip down memory lane.

July 7th, 2011 Seattle Parks and Recreation visited Airport Towing and Burien Towing to explore Storer Enterprises unique tow truck museum. The Storer Antique Tow Truck Collection began in September of 1997 when founder Mark Storer, purchased his first classic truck. Shortly after the purchase of the 1925 Ford Model TT, Mark developed a passion for the history of the towing industry as he worked to restore it into a classic tow truck.

Since that time restoration projects have been continuously ongoing in the Burien Towing warehouse, which currently houses 13 distinctly different show vehicles.

Seattle Parks and Recreation brought 27 energized senior citizens to the Burien Towing warehouse to stroll down memory lane of through the display of several vintage tow trucks each of a different era. Many were in awe and excited to take a picture inside the 1925 Model TT.  Many others were astonished by the 1935 Ford hotrod tow truck with flames painted on the hood.  After examining the tow trucks, many of the guests were excited to see a 2004 limited edition Chevrolet SSR with hidden strobe lights that were a custom modification installed by Storer.

As the entire group walked the premise of Airport & Burien Towing they were delighted to see a 1932 Ford Model  BB  un-restored to compare the large efforts it takes from scratch to finish. One comment was, “what is the next tow truck Airport Towing will be restoring?”  Kenny Savage, General Manager responded, “When the time is right, we might be considering restoring a 1979 Ford F-350 Indy tow truck.” The unique background of this truck was being one of the four official tow trucks of the 1979 Indianapolis 500.

Airport Towing has begun photo shooting and calendar development for the year 2012.  The calendar features the tow truck collection at different recognizable locations in Washington State. For more information please click here for a tour of our online museum. If you are interested in touring Airport and Burien Towing in person please contact us online or call (206)243.6252.

F600 Tow Truck For Sale

Our 1990 Ford F-600 Medium Duty tow truck with Century 612 (only 122k miles) Formula II is now on the market for a reasonable price of only $15,500. Click here to go to our For Sale page and view specific information on tow trucks that are currently listed.

In an effort to modernize our fleet, this truck was replaced in 2010 and has since received little use as a result. The tow truck is currently licensed and remains active on police rotation as a Class B tow truck.

At 114k miles the truck went through a major overhaul. The engine was replaced with an Alliance Rebuilt Motor. The clutch was replaced with a new assembly, as was the flywheel. The radiator was also rebuilt. Maintenance records and receipts are available upon request.

Overall the truck has a clean interior and has minor dents & dings around the exterior. It is fully functional as a tow truck.

This truck gives the operator the option of towing with a truck bar, wheel lift, or under-lift. Tow capacity is 24,000 pounds. The wheel lift is rated at 6,000 Lbs and has In-Cab Controls in addition to driver and passenger side controls. Using the forks increases the under-lift capacity to 9,000 Lbs. The recovery boom will pull 20,000 Lbs safely.

Making the job easier are the dual air reels for connecting to either a trailer or the towed unit’s air supply. Another option is to use the hose reel to power your air tools when pulling drive-line’s or changing/airing up a tire.

The truck has a full compliment of tow chains, straps, under-lift attachments including a variety of forks, dollies, and other equipment so that it is “ready to tow” immediately.

This truck has served us well and will be a fantastic addition to anyone’s fleet. Click here to see vehicle information and truck specifications as well as additional photos of the truck.

2011 Truck Calendars Are Here

Hot off the press and ready to hang on the wall is the latest Airport Towing Tow Truck Calendar for 2011. These calendars are 100% original, featuring trucks owned and operated by Airport Towing, and photographed around the greater Seattle and Puget Sound area.

In it’s 7th year, the calendar has primarily become well known as an antique tow truck calendar, but also features some of our heavy duty working trucks like our new 16-ton Kenworth featured in this year’s cover shot. Other working trucks captured in settings around the Pacific Northwest are our 35-ton Peterbilt tow truck and our 3-axle carrier which has a GVWR of 50,000 pounds.

Not surprisely, the trucks that get most people excited are not the day-to-day work trucks, but the antique show trucks which makes Airport Towing’s calendar a one-of-a-kind work of art. From a classic 1925 Ford Model TT with vintage Weaver crane to a thundering 1935 hot rod set ablaze with sizzling flames these trucks all have personalies of their own.

Featured trucks include a 1935 Chevrolet truck with a Manley Wrecker set on an original wood platform, a 1933 Ford low-rider, a rare Holmes wrecker mounted on a 1937 Dodge Brothers chassis, a beautifully powder-coated 1929 Ford Model AA tow, and a soon-to-be classic Chevrolet SSR convertible truck.

The fan favorite has always been the “Rust Bucket” tow truck that sits original and unrestored on October’s pumpkin page each year. One of the new additions to this year’s display is a 1966 Ford F-350, appropriately named “B-Unit” in honor of Brian Storer who was memorialized with the complete restoration of this truck.

B-Unit is white with bold red racing stripes, flames, a checkered flag, brilliant lights, gleaming chrome stacks, artistic pin-striping, and a tough Holmes 450 wrecker unit, all created to mirror Brian’s traits and personality. Brian Storer was part of the reason Airport Towing exists, as the company was built by his father to support the family. The towing company was born when Brian was four years old and it continued on after Brian’s death at twenty-four years. Brian spent each and every year of his life in love with tow trucks. Among his passions was the desire to see this truck (which sat dusty in the back of a warehouse waiting for Brian to find some free time) restored. Truck #83 (Brian’s driver number) is complete and on display for everyone to see; both in this year’s 2011 calendar and in person at Airport Towing.

To receive a 2011 “Trucks” calendar from Airport Towing featuring antique tow trucks and brilliant photographs by Ron Storer, simply contact us by email or call by phone. For any of our beloved neighbors in the Seattle metro area, come visit us in Burien and pick up a calendar directly from our office.

Auctions Are Moving To Burien

Beginning November 5th, 2010 auctions will be held at 801 S 176th St. Burien, WA 98166. Get driving directions here.

The change of auction location is a permanent move. We will no longer have auctions at our South Park lot. From South Park, travel 7 miles South on SR-509 to our new auction location in Burien.

Our new auction lot is located at the South end of SR-509 in Burien, near Sea-Tac Airport’s third runway and right around the corner from the Puget Sound Skills Center.

Some parking is available on site. Overflow parking is available on the shoulder of the roadway.

Here are simple driving directions:

From Seattle on I-5:

• Travel South on I-5
• Exit 154-B to SR-518 West toward Burien/Sea-Tac Airport
• Exit at Des Moines Memorial Dr.
• At bottom of exit ramp, turn left onto Des Moines Memorial Dr.
• At stop sign, turn left onto Des Moines Memorial Drive
• Turn left at S 176th St.
• Look for signs on the right at 801 S. 176th St.

From Tacoma on I-5:

• Travel North on I-5
• Exit 152 to S. 188th St/Orillia Rd S.
• Turn left at bottom of exit onto S. 188th St.
• After 2.4 miles, turn right at traffic light onto Des Moines Memorial Dr. S.
• 1st right onto S. 176th St.
• Look for signs on right at 801 S 176th St.

From Seattle on Hwy 99

• Travel South on SR-99
• At 1st South Bridge merge onto SR-509 (to Burien/South Park)
• After 7.5 miles Right Lane exits toward Normandy Park (Turn Right)
• At 2nd traffic light, Turn Right onto Des Moines Memorial Dr. S.
• 1st Right onto S. 176th St.
• Look for signs on right at 801 S. 176th St.

Most auction rules have not changed. For current auction day rules click here.

Auction Rules Update: All vehicles must be removed immediately following the auction. Parking on-site will not be available following the auction. Vehicles left after 5pm on auction day will be charged daily storage.

Pictures Now Available: Now you can view a photo of each vehicle the week of the auction online by going to our Current Listings Page. Click on the vehicle information to see a photo.

Memorial for GT Towing Driver Killed on I-5

Saturday, October 9th William “Tony” Padilla of GT Towing will be remembered as a 20 year veteran of the industry and a dedicated service provider. Many have referred to Tony as a “big teddy bear”. A memorial service and tow truck procession have been scheduled in his honor.

Tow trucks, emergency vehicles, and other attendees are asked to arrive in Bellevue at  the Eastgate Park and Ride in located at 14200 Eastgate Way between 1:30pm and 2:00pm. The procession will travel westbound across I-90 and conclude at 2960 4th Ave South in Seattle at the Pacific Industrial Center where a memorial service will be held.

Tony was killed in the line of duty last Friday while performing his duty on a routine call when an SUV suddenly crossed five lanes of traffic on Interstate 5 and crushed the unsuspecting tow truck driver. When the heavily intoxicated driver of the SUV fled the scene, the Washington State Patrol reacted immediately, calling for aid and pursuing the two criminals. WSP later caught up with the heavily damaged SUV and arrested both the driver and the passenger who both had existing warrants and past criminal history.

The tragic death of the GT driver has weighed heavily on surrounding tow truck operators as they come to terms with the extreme dangers associated with working on the highways. In this particular case, Tony appeared to be well protected as his lane was blocked by WSP patrol cars, DOT trucks, and traffic cones. Even Washington’s “Move Over Law”, amended this year to help protect emergency crews on the highway, proved to be a minimal amount of protection for Tony. The fatal attack came from the side while barreling down the freeway at more than 60 miles per hour and crashed into the emergency scene while Tony was kneeling down to hook up the wheels of the disabled vehicle.

As emergency scene workers struggle to provide effective means of protection for themselves along the highways, some organizations have been formed to attack the root of the problem in keeping dangerous drivers off the road. Target Zero was formed in 1998 to end traffic deaths on Washington State roadways. The organization uses education, enforcement, engineering, and emergency medical services to achieve its goal of ending traffic deaths in Washington State and emphasizes the importance of protecting public safety workers while on scene of emergencies. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission has stated that the Target Zero Progam has made significant progress in reducing the number of statewide highway deaths. However, an article promoting Lowest Fatality Rate on Washington’s Roads in History was published one day prior to Tony’s accident on I-5.

For tow truck drivers, dangers are everywhere. John Halberg, owner of GT Towing experienced some of the extreme dangers of towing on the Interstate first hand just two days before his own employee was fatally struck. Tuesday, Sept 21st Halberg was loading a disabled semi truck on I-5 while another truck driver was pulling out into traffic from the shoulder of the freeway. The truck pulling into traffic was hit from behing by a fuel tanker, which caused John to run for safety. The ensuing wreck was so devastating, it shut down the freeway for 12 hours and John narrowly escaped with his life.

The Towing & Recovery Association of Washington is one  of many organizations which has played an active role in educating tow truck operators on highway safety as well as safe towing practices. The association has actively sought to help GT Towing as they attempt to cope with the loss of life. Tow operators across the nation have a common bond and have a history of coming together to support each other during times of significant loss.

The International Towing & Recovery Museum & Hall of Fame dedicated the Wall of the Fallen in 2006 to honor those who have died in the line of service and to generate public awareness of the dangers involved in the towing and recovery industry. The museum also instituted The Survivor Fund to offer monetary assistance to families left behind after the loss of a tow truck driver. Soon, Tony’s name will be added to the wall where he will join his fellow tow truck operators whose lives ended unexpectedly while performing their duty.

Saturday’s memorial will be a brief opportunity for attendees to share a few memories of Tony, but his name will live on as a lifelong service provider who paid the ultimate price for helping others in need. Tony was well known among tow providers in King County, having worked for several in the Seattle area. Many have expressed their anger toward the irresponsible driver who caused the wreck. Some of the ensuing rage has been calmed since learning of the vehicular homicide charges recently filed against the woman, but nothing will ever seem to right the wrong that has been done. For now, it is a time for mourning. For now, it’s time to support the Padilla family and our brothers at GT Towing.

1966 Ford Nearly Restored

“B-Unit” #83 is a tribute to Brian Storer. The lean, mean, Ford racing machine is being restored for one reason: It was Brian Storer’s dream to revive this this truck and make it his own.

Mark Storer, CEO and founder of Airport Towing started collecting antique tow trucks in 1997. Since then he has built up a collection of 13 classic trucks. One of them is a 1966 Ford F-350.

Shortly after purchasing the truck, Mark’s youngest son and employee Brian (driver #83) made known his interest in the truck. He immediately saw the potential, and he loved that the truck would rumble and roar when he stepped on the gas pedal. The truck had custom chrome exhaust stacks (though they were heavily rusted and in desperate need of replacement).

Its frame supported a Holmes 460 wrecker: One of the most celebrated tow units of it’s time; popular for it’s twin boom feature that would allow one side of the truck to anchor to a stable object and the other side to swing out and recover a vehicle. Even today, Holmes is known for producing some of the most unique towing equipment on the planet.

The company’s founder, Ernest Holmes, is famous for his most popular invention: The world’s first tow truck! Holmes originally mounted a chain and pulley to the frame of a 1913 Cadillac and went to work as the first ever tow truck operator in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Nearly 100 years later, Brian Storer found himself inspired by a beat up old Holmes unit. He loved everything about the truck and vowed to restore it. He even collected a few parts along the way. The find he was most proud of was a red bench seat in near perfect condition, brought in to replace the previous upholstery which was torn and tattered. A couple of years went by as the truck sat in Mark’s warehouse awaiting restoration and eventually, the unthinkable happened. Mark and Brian died in a sudden plane crash. One of Brian’s dreams would never come true. He would not get the opportunity to tear the Ford truck to the ground and build it back up again in all the glory of it’s hay-day.

The Storer family has spent the past year-and-a-half recovering from the tremendous loss in their family. As the days continue to go by, family members have come up with ways to pay homage to their loved one’s who have moved on into eternity. The greatest of which was most likely an idea that was produced by Lynette Storer, Brian’s mother and Mark’s wife. Lynette is now the President/CEO of Airport Towing and has been helping run the day-to-day operations of the company for nearly 22 years.

As you may have guessed, her vision was to restore the 66 Ford, exactly as Brian would have wanted it done. Even though it has proven to be an expensive and time consuming project, Lynette has pressed forward with the restoration. Despite a depressed economy, the love she has for her son is far beyond any monetary value. With the help of Lynette’s staff, she is determined to complete this project.

With the help of several employees and antique specialist Rocky Willis, the project has moved forward with great success. The truck was stripped down and sandblasted earlier this year.

Shortly after, individual pieces of the truck were sent to Huddleson’s Auto Color World to be painted red and white. Finally, the cab and chassis were sprayed and returned to be refitted with the original parts. Fresh paint on the old truck in traditional Airport Towing red and white have made it look better than ever. Meanwhile, custom chrome exhaust stacks were special ordered and the motor was removed for steam-cleaning and repainting.

The paint is now dry and piece by piece, the truck is being meticulously reassembled. Nearly every part on the truck needs to be reinstalled; from the hood to the fenders, the bumper, wheels and rims, doors, windshield, seat, motor, exhaust stacks, lugs, lights, mirrors, and much more. One challenge that complicates the project more than the average pickup restoration is the assembly of the Holmes tow unit on the back end. The unit requires technical expertise because it operates off of a power take off system that utilizes the transmission to engage and enable the boom and winch cables to operate. The old gear driven technology has been replaced with hydraulics in more modern equipment. The wrecker must be assembled accurately to maintain structural integrity if it is ever to be used as a working tow truck. To date, each piece has been sanded, painted, and some are awaiting reassembly. Some of the electrical wiring throughout the truck is still being completed.

The headers have been chrome dipped, enhancing the popular “Powered by Ford” slogan stamped into the metal. Afterward, the freshly painted motor was placed back into the truck.

The motor was repainted factory Ford blue and the tips of the fan have been painted red. The cab was also remounted onto the frame.

Much of the detail work is now being finished. The truck has been refitted with its hood, grille, bumper, beacon, marker lights, headlights, and windshield. After several months of work, it is starting to look like a truck again.

Most recently, the Holmes tow unit was reinstalled and there are now wheels under the frame.

Although the project may look as though it is near completion, there is still a great amount of work to be done. The truck is still awaiting doors and several other interior parts along with wiring and other detail work. Custom lettering and final striping will be added after the truck has reacquired all of it’s necessary mechanical parts. Completion of the 1966 Ford F-350 tow truck is most likely Spring of 2010. Work being done on the truck is ongoing though it is not being rushed so mistakes can be minimized. Once the 66 Ford is completed, it will be one of the most popular and definitely the most powerful tow truck in the Storer Antique Tow Truck Collection and no one will be happier to see its final completion than Lynette.