Classic 18-Wheelers

I do remember an industrial style Pete, maybe a 378, with a diamond plate style front bumper.

 

The older (i.e. 80s) Mack DMs had them too, I believe

 

for me its a big bunk cabover 79-85. i know where theres a 80 Pete with 3408 sitting in a barn. his only new truck ever. he wont sell yet. fresh OH . im patient

 

My opinion means nothing in this area and I realize that. From the outside looking in though, objectively this whole thing is curious. For every other kind of vehicle everyone really appreciates nice lines and curves, sports cars etc. Because of this, the T2000's and Columbias for whatever reason actually look the nicest to me of all. I do like the T6's too though.

I'm thinking that your preferences probably come from a long tradition of what a truck is supposed to look like.

I also don't get the love affair with confinement. I have to say I was really shocked to sit in the cab of even a new Pete. I found the tapering very claustrophobic. I'm not sure why you wouldn't prefer the more living room feel of the aero trucks. This too must be a long time comfort thing.

I do like the look and add-ons of the 379's and W9's, they just don't look like they were very well thought out when they were designed, especially for a commercial vehicle that makes its money on working efficiently. Just seems backwards from a more liesurely vehicle that doesn't run all day or at highway speeds a lot.

 

A 379 Pete is all about function.
When you raise the hood you can view the entire engine, and even the top of the transmission.
Nothing under the firewall due to the limitations of a sloped hood.
No extraneous clutter from aero pieces to hinder engine service.
Non integrated cab means unlimited sleeper choices.

As far as a narrow cab, I have never seen the need for anything else. It is basically a ####pit anyway. I have heard of obese drivers having difficulty passing between the seats. But look at the physique of a fighter pilot. That is the image we should strive for anyway.

I looked at the T2000 when it was introduced. I felt very uncomfortable inside that vehicle. It was as if I was in someones motorhome. I was befuddled by the excessive floor space and the extreme amount of glass. Had an aquarium feel to it.

By now, I'm sure you find me quite insane. I have no rational explanation for being this way. What is the old saying? There is no accounting for taste.

 

We're talking about classics here , the trucks that will be remembered as legendary . Comparing them to the new trucks is like comparing a new Hemi Charger to a '69 Hemi Charger . Is the newer car more comfortable , better handling , and give better fuel economy ? Certainly , but given your choice which one would you choose ?

 

Yes I really do appreciate that. But I equate those as luxury collectors items that are spendy. For instance, I may love a '69 Hemi Charger (and I do) but I would not get one for a taxi service without expecting some reasonable flack.

 

How about these classic tractors ? The same person owns the tractors used in the "Movin' On " and "B.J. and the Bear" tv series . In fact he used the Movin' On KW with a lowboy to pick up the B.J. and the Bear KW . Think those aren't spendy ?
http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=65014

 

LOL yeah they're spendy. I equate a cabover with carrying a sheet of drywall upright in a hurricane. But the industry seems to have corrected itself on that one.

The guy's dad told him they were great on his deathbed. That's gotta mess you up.

 

Many people see a nice older restored car and think how much they would love to have that car because it is like the hot rod they had when they were 17 or a similar reason.

When they finally attain this vehicle the reality sets in after the novelty wears off.

My 39 year old pick-up truck never fails to attract attention wherever I go. My dad bought it new when I was 15. It was modern then, of course. Now it is still functional but not so much a pleasure to drive for long periods. I suppose I have been spoiled by decades of A/C, P/S, quiet interiors, comfortable suspension etc.

Same deal with my two Mustangs. The older one always draws the most stares, but I find myself driving the newer one more and more, mainly for fuel economy and creature comforts.