1987 Peterbilt 359 numbered classics

Discussion in 'Peterbilt Forum' started by robsmith77, Jan 19, 2014.

  1. robsmith77

    robsmith77 Bobtail Member

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    Hey everybody, I'm looking at trading for a project truck for my kids and I to do. The truck I'm looking at is supposed to be one of the numbered classics but I was wanting to verify that it is before I close the deal. I have the VIN number but the youngsters at my local Pete dealership had no idea what I was even talking about lol. Any info or a point in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all
     
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  3. Red Rocket 1964

    Red Rocket 1964 Light Load Member

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    I will start out by saying that I am no expert, but I think all 1987 359s are #ed classics. Otherwise '87s were 379 models. I don't think the #ed classic status affects the value as much as the condition. I have seen older 359's rebuilt with more modern components and comfort features (pre-emission electronic engine, unibilt cab conversion etc..) So many older trucks aren't original anyway. The real value to the project you describe will be the time spent with your youngins', and the knowledge you pass on to them. Have fun!
     
  4. Sublime

    Sublime Road Train Member

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  5. bubbanbrenda

    bubbanbrenda Road Train Member

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    Beat me to it, they only numbered the last 1000 (I think) and every one I have seen has a small brass plaque about the size of a business card riveted to the dash telling what number it is. just like the "Legacy" series of '07 they numbered the last 1000.
     
  6. Sublime

    Sublime Road Train Member

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    The 1987 359s were ###/359 not 1000.
     
  7. robsmith77

    robsmith77 Bobtail Member

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    I was always told that they only made 359 extended hood 359s in 1987 and they were numbered 1-359. I've seen a few personally and only had the chance to buy one other but it had the 444 Cummins so I passed on it. Now I'm finding out they made more than 359 extended hoods but only 359 were the numbered classic series. To add to my confusion I run across an old thread on a ATHS forum where a service guy from Pete of Memphis who was asking for a list of the VIN numbers for the numbered trucks trying to help a customer who had one missing the dash plaque. A guy who supposedly had a list of the VINs for those trucks said that the VIN he gave was a numbered truck and was the same ###/359 as the dash plaque on my project truck. I grew up riding in a 359 with my Grandpa and am looking to restore a 359 as tribute to him and teach these kids something about an old school truck. Just like to know if this truck is legit or if that dash plaque belongs on someone else truck. I'll still build the truck either way.
     
  8. DSTdriver

    DSTdriver Bobtail Member

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    I'm in calif got mine in 1990 from Shelby Elliot
    in Kansas
    its # 212
    ive heard they made 359 # classics
     
  9. 74pete359

    74pete359 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 22, 2014
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    Ive got a 74 359st with a 1674 cat 13 speed . Im restoring it doesnt come with power steering so i changed it an shortened the col. pputting hardwood floor polished alum col . pretty cool old trk . its a dump that i work every day. i would like to change the hood but it is 4-5 inches shorter than normal and is fiberglass an heavy
     
  10. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    I have heard rumors that several numbers were used twice, but don't know probably few do. All the 87 model trucks were numbered classics. Only 359 were supposed to have been built but I have seen 2 trucks with the same number. I cannot say they were both 87 year models, one I'm sure is. I work my 359 every day and proud to have it. A numbered truck would be cool for sure, that is probably why some number earlier trucks. It would have to come out when sold I would think who knows. Maybe pete did build a few more and reused numbers.
     
    robsmith77 Thanks this.
  11. robsmith77

    robsmith77 Bobtail Member

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    I've always thought the same thing that only 359 were built. Now I've read that they made more and that they made 18 extension trucks...not sure exactly what that means...but the more I read the more confused I get. I've had some 359s most short hoods and one extended hood. I had a 1981 119 bbc 36" sleeper on factory 265 web. 400 big cam and 2 sticks. This truck was my favorite and if had been a long hood I would have never let it go. Owning a numbered truck has been a dream of mine since they came out but I was only 9 years old at the time. My grandfather had a 1977 model 359 wrecker when I was growing up and I went with him on every trip I could. We hauled a truck to OKC Peterbilt and I got to set in one a guy was picking up while we were there. Grandpa had to threaten to whip me to make me get out. It was the most beautiful truck I had ever seen. The truck I'm trying to get has been layed over on right side. Cab not terribly bad, sleeper is trash and the hood only needed a fender until some low bred wrecker operator ran a winch line over the hood from left side and hooked to right spindle to set it back up. Put a crease all the way across the hood pulling it down to the top of the motor. My grandfather would have gotten knee deep in our ##### for a bonehead move like that! It does have a dash plaque, 359 Classic badges under both doors and polished aluminum air tanks under both doors. If I rebuild it out won't be to make a profit. I'll paint it same color as Papaws wrecker and keep it in a shop when its not being driven. I just hate to be showing off my numbered classic if its not really one of them. I will do all but the paint myself and will probably take me 2-4 years to complete it but it will be done right. I'm alot more old school than most guys my age. I hate when somebody is showing off a 359 with an electronic motor and new style 18 speed. That's what 379s are for in my humble opinion. Manual motors and 2 sticks is how I like em personally.
     
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