At the same time that one of Le Mobile’s truck was on its was toreceive a complete engine transplant, company owner/engineer GuyCharbonneau was seated behind the Neve console in the truck, mixingtracks for a television special starring country music luminary KennyChesney.
Pictured: Doug Case at G&R Truck Repair working on the newengine.
After 25 years and nearly a half-million miles, Le Mobile’sengine was ready for major servicing. However, in keeping with LeMobile’s maintenance philosophy, Charbonneau eschewed a partial rebuildand instead opted for an all-new replacement under the hood. Withsolid bookings looming ahead, and a desire by Chesney to mix in thesame facility that had recorded the tracks, Charbonneau looked for away to keep his truck working while this major “enginesurgery” was underway.
“I asked Doug Case at G&R Truck Repair if he could installthe new engine right here in the garage at Le Mobileheadquarters,” said Charbonneau. “He said he could doit, though making some of the connections did require a certain amountof gymnastics.”
The brand-new engine—a 325-horsepower, turbocharged DetroitDiesel—is the latest in a series of recent mechanical upgrades tothe remote truck. Within the past year, Le Mobile also hasreceived new chrome equipment compartments and a fresh coat of glossyblack paint.
During the diesel transplant procedure, Charbonneau continued mixingtracks that were recorded by Le Mobile at a concert in Knoxville,Tenn., on June 7. Dubbed The Back Where I Come From Party, theconcert—recorded at Neyland Stadium before over 60,000fans—will be featured in a broadcast special scheduled to air onCMT later this year. Charbonneau also completed pre-productionwork for possible future DVD (5.1 surround) and CD releases.
For more, visit Le Mobile online at www.lemobile.com.
