Cabover Trucks

We’ve got a ‘73 Pete 352-110 pacemaker COE sitting in the back corner of the shop that we retired in ‘90 after the Cat 1693 325hp wore out. Engine was pulled out and somehow “lost” years ago.
I get so many younger people wanting to know how it rides and drives that I wanna get it going again and start charging for ride alongs like the Confederate Airforce does with the WW 2 Warbirds.

 

Seen this yesterday and got to thinking back of my earlier years of the 80’s & 90’s. Pop had a true “Patriot”, with the red / white / blue paint scheme, as well as the “Patriot Plaque” on the dash above the doghouse. Like to know what ever happened to that old Pete.

 

I drove them for about 6 yrs. they are rough riding, a pain in the ### to get in and out of, you have to get in and out of your pants while laying down. the only thing you can do inside them is sit up or lay down. if your in a wreck you are defiantly the first one there.

on the plus side you didn't need as much room to maneuver but the ones I drove didn't have power steering so backing up in a tight spot was very difficult. there is a reason why drivers back in the day had Popeye like forearms

 

There she is. Kinda hard to get a good pic cause shes back in a stall.

 

Oh baby.... I'm like 97% convinced my first truck I purchase will be an old school cabover. Idc about how rough it may ride thats what shops and airbags are for. That being said is it a bad idea ? As far as being a money maker ?

 

Your Dad was a good man. I’ve never seen a Patriot in person. Just pictures. They were beautiful back when loving America was in vogue.
The Bicentennial KW’s were a nice match to them as well.

 

Badmon,
You can make money with the old iron and do it with more pride and class.
If you are a good operater that respects the equipment and is not affraid of it it becomes a part of you. It will not let you down.
Cheap to fix
Easy to fix
Cheap to buy with no payments
Everywhere you go everyone has a story to tell about the one they used to have. Lol!
They can get the same fuel mileage as the new ones and they are insurable way cheaper than new ones.
Running the old stuff will make you a better driver with more respect for others and get you more respect from others.

 

I’m 47 and the newest truck I’ve drivin is a ‘99. Everything else I’ve been in does not have powersteering, steeraxle brakes,anti-lock anything,power-assist anything, or A/C in 100+ Texas summers. The Petes are the only ones we have with air ride all others are spring. No big deal to me. I love it!

 

This is what I needed to hear. Cant thank you enough for the inspiration. All the naysayers and doubters can kiss my righteous ###