Posted by Merrill Fish on April 17, 2000 at 00:45:48:
In Reply to: Re: what's a posted by m clark on April 15, 2000 at 11:44:20:
Mark,
The ca143 is a number assigned to the company by the state, has something to do with apportioned commercial fleet registration, and authorization to operate for profit in the state; or some such bull. All Edison trucks have(had) the same number on them. The company's vehicle number would be found on the drivers side front, on the grille lower valance area, most likely, and would be a four digit number, with a dash, then a two digit number; eg: xxxx-xx. These numbers were frequently removed when the truck was sold. The air and glad hands are common on the later models, because, as towed equipment got more sophisticated, and also heavier, it was found to be necessary for safety to have them equipped with air brakes, or at least hydraulic over air for the towed equipment. The pto to the rear is a new one to me; although, it seems to be reasonable, as it would increase the flexibility of the truck. The company's main transportation office was in Pomona, and all vehicles went through there when they were bought, and when they were sold. When new, they recieved them and did some in house fitting, and sent them out for some work. When ready to sell them off, they would take them to Pomona and strip them of all but the most basic equipment before selling them as a lot to a surplus buyer. An outfit in Riverside used to buy a lot of Edison equipment for resale. Equipment was always sold in lots, as far as I know, and employees were expressly prohibited from buying direct from the company, if I remember correctly. I got out of construction/maintenance over ten years ago, and retired in 1996. A lot of things have changed since then.
M