1938 Diamond T Texaco Tanker Restoration

In early 2018, Steve and Sue Keys took the opportunity to purchase an original 1938 Diamond T Texaco tanker from Peter and Yvonne Phillips in Atiamuri. Peter and Yvonne had imported the tanker back in 2013 after seeing it sitting at the Kiwi Shipping yard in LA. Sue takes up the story of their restoration.

Steve has been an avid collector of gas station antiques and collectables for over 40 years. To combine this passion with a historic truck from the fuel industry was an opportunity of a lifetime for Steve. It quickly transpired how exceptionally rare the 1938 tanker is.

To the best of our knowledge, it is the only known complete example of a Diamond T truck with a Heil tank. There is one other Diamond T streamlined truck being restored on a donor chassis in the USA with a Standard Steel Works tank.

The three restored Dodge Airflows on display around the world all have Gar Wood tanks so we are thrilled that the unique styles of the Heil and Standard Steel Works streamlined tanks can also be studied and appreciated.

Before Steve started on the nut and bolt restoration,, I researched aspects of the build techniques in the ‘30s and the history of various companies involved in manufacturing the tanker.

Steve in 2018 prior to starting the restoration

Sue Keys

The porcelain enamel trunk letters and the iconic Texaco bumper

A test fit of the front panels before painting commenced.

e re-created hand and toe rails which were detailed in a 1938 Heil brochure.

We published photos of the tanker on the internet and were contacted by two locals in Newberry County, South Carolina who recognised the truck. This led to us discovering that a Texaco dealer in Newberry County may have purchased the tanker when new. We engaged the services of a local business to research a piece of land identified as once housing a Texaco gas station and a bulk fuel storage plant. The title search confirmed the site being owned by Texaco from 1930 to 1976. We also learnt that the tanker was later bought by a local timber mill to be used as a water truck. The lumber yard was located right next door to the Texaco bulk fuel plant so we are confident that we have found the tanker’s original home.

The first major stage of the project was the extensive repairs made to the 16 gauge steel body of the Heil tank. This arduous process took six months and was made more difficult with all the lead that had been used to finish the tank originally. A decision was then made to keep and repair the severely deteriorated streamline cab in order to keep the originality of the tanker intact.

The ’38 tanker survived 80 plus years with its original A.W. Wheaton Brass Works tank truck equipment. Rather than using a pump, the Heil tanker works on a gravity discharge system. All the original pipework, valves, bottom operator and valve selector have been reinstated as part of the restoration. Where possible, we have been committed to restoring the tanker using the same techniques that were used back in 1938. This has included hot riveting the fish plates onto the chassis and the re-creation of the Texaco porcelain enamel letters. Throughout the project, we have been really proud to showcase the world-class skill and talent of the New Zealand craftsmen Steve has outsourced work to.

Steve himself has spent more than 2000 hours restoring the truck over the past four years. It has been a true labour of love for him, and his focus, passion and commitment to see the project through has never wavered.

Steve hopes to complete the restoration in the next few months, – once finished the tanker will be displayed at the Classics Museum in Hamilton. We publish project updates online at texacotankerproject.com and look forward to sharing this art deco beauty in the future at commercial and car shows/events around New Zealand.