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Music Playing,"Dusty Rag".


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REO 1904-1976
Last Of A Breed
Click On REO Royal For Story


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R-Cab With Alligator Hood


     I don't remember pick up bodies being being mounted at REO. Generally bodies, including busses were done elsewhere. Dealers did a lot of accessories and Wayne and Superior did bus bodies.

      I believe a sub contract with Mack REO did build light trucks and pickups for Mack.

     If you have a 1948 REO truck I had a hand in putting it together. I assembled the bumpers. I remember once a pile of bumpers falling and one of them lit on my foot and broke three toes. Another time a bumper broke loose from the hooks on the ropes that lowered it down to the final assembly line. It fell and hit between two trucks on the assembly line. Fortunately no one was hurt.
     The best production output I saw a REO was 110 vehicles a day. Oldmobile at that time could make 120 a hour tops. Of course wheel base and the fact that all trucks were different models made the difference. In 1949 I went to Olds and then to College and the Korean War. I came back to work in Oldsmobile and REO in Engineering.
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military

REO'S Military Contribution.

    During WW II REO built non-tactical vehicles. These could be seen at military bases near and abroad. In addition 40 mm proximity fuses were built for use in 40 mm anti-aircraft shells. After WW II, REO built tactical and the give away trucks. The give-away truck was built on a lend lease basis. Going to Turkey, Pakistan and other eastern countries. REO designed and built the 6 cyl. engine for the tactical and non tactical vehicles. Studebaker used to have to buy the engines from REO when they were awarded the truck building contract.
    One of the interesting contracts from the milirary was, I believe 100 trucks, using high frequency motors driving the wheels. The 6 cyl. engine turned a high frequency generator into a conveter and then to the high cycle motors. One mounted on each wheel. The engine was very effiecient.

    REO also developed the multi-fuel engine. Made to run on diesel oil, gas and even engine oil and anti-freeze mixed. The tactical vehicles were made to run submerged, under water, using a fording kit.

Editos Not: I graduated from high school in June of 1943 and went into the service almost immediately. I am not familiar with the tactical vehicles built by REO during the war. But I did see some 5 ton vehicles when home on leave. I think most 2 1/2 tons were built by GM.and possibly Dodge.


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on

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WREO
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    Radio Station WREO was on the air from 1926 to 1928 and was located in the REO Club House On South Washington Ave in Lansing,Michigan. One source says WREO was licensed in October 1924. It operated on 1310 KC and had a power of 500 watts. It only operated about three years and then was sold to WSAG Saginaw, Michigan. My father told me that WREO broadcast a band, lead by Carl Hall Dewey, which he listened to on a crystal set. REO was the first station in Lansing although WKAR the Michigan State College station in the City Of East Lansing preceeded it. Information on WREO is scarce so any information anyone has would be appreciated.


sheet In My Merry

Oldsmobile

Gus Edwards and Vincent Bryan (1905): This was longest lasting car advertisments ever. In the 1950's Johny and Lucille appeared on television promoting the Olds Rocket Engine to the tune of "My Merry Oldsmobile."



CREDITS

Empty RAG TIME Empty Empty


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     Her is a nice REO Page to look at. Go to Jim Liptraps Site.

Jim's 1930 REO. click here



The REO Club Of America

If your are interested in the old REO cars, look at the REO Club Of America's Web Page. Just click on the link below and enjoy.

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Here's a great
Studebaker Truck Site.
Check it out.
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The Famous Durant Car



1927 REO Flying Cloud1952 Chevy Deluxe
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    I want to welcome Alan R. Shelley to my web page. Alan was kind engough to supply some pictures and other REO memorabilia for the web page. Alan has given much information to us and we hope to have a link to relay it all to you. Alan is now undertakeing the difficult job of restoring his 1927 REO Flying Cloud. I hope to keep you informed on the progress. Alan is always looking for information and parts. So contact him by E-Mail if you can help him. Click to send him E-Mail.



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1941-2005
Before Television
I would be remiss in not telling you about our Radio Web Page. A tribute to Amateur Short Wave Radio Stations. The people who pioneered in the developement of radio and television. Old personal pictures and lots of nostalgia. Click on "W8WLQ" to see 60 years of Radio.


W8WLQ




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Tommy Dorsey
If You Love Big Band Music
Click On Big Bands. Listen to Tommy Dorsey,Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman,Harry James, Ben Bernie, Artie Shaw and many more.


Big Bands



We hope you are enjoying our story about REO and if you would like click on the links about REO and Ransom Eli Olds.




R. E. Olds
About The Man
And His Cars



HOME

Click On HOME for home page.




DISCLAIMER

THIS IS A PERSONAL HOME PAGE AND HAS NO COMMERCIAL INTENT. IT IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. I DO NOT WANT TO INFRINGE ON ANY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL. PLEASE NOTIFY ME AND I WILL REMOVE IT IMMEDIATELY. Click to send me E-Mail. Or for information


Last updated May 7, 2005