10-4 Magazine July 2024

10-4 Magazine / July 2024 19 Readers And Their Rigs This amazing 1975 Kenworth log truck has been owned and operated by James “Ken” Stearns (77) of Hoquiam, WA since he purchased it new as a glider. Today, this tree-truckin’ rig has 3.5 million miles on her, and is still going strong. Powered by a modified N14, the rig started out as a short hood, but Ken converted it to a long hood around 2002. It also got a drop front axle, new frame rails, and a few extra pieces of chrome, along with an electric roll down back window, power windows, A/C, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping steering column, a retractable license plate, and air-ride on the steer axle. Ken still works this old Kenworth every day. His nickname for the truck is MORT, which stands for My Old Rusty Truck. Ken says the reason he is still driving the KW today is that he has one more payment (LOL). We would like to thank Ken’s daughter Valerie for sending us the photos and recommending her dad for this feature. WE CARRY A WIDE RANGE OF NEW, USED & REBUILT ENGINE PARTS 12350 Los Nietos Road Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 www.vargasdiesel.com 562/944-1311 562/944-6525 THOUSANDS OF SATISFIED CUSTOMERS... SINCE 1987 HOURS: MON-FRI 8-5 & SAT 8-2 CUMMINS • DETROIT • CAT • MACK • PERKINS • KOMATSU • HINO • MERCEDES • ISUZU • AND MORE!! COMPLETE MACHINE SHOP, ENGINE PARTS AND BLOCK REPAIR INFRAME KITS REBUILT CYLINDER HEADS WATER PUMPS TURBO CHARGERS AIR COMPRESSORS DIESEL INJECTORS CONNECTING RODS Se Habla Español JAMES "KEN" STEARNS fromHoquiam, Washington