Field Find

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Gabe2790, Jun 22, 2021.

  1. Gabe2790

    Gabe2790 Light Load Member

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    I’ve seen this truck parked in a field on the outskirts of town for a few months. I stopped and tracked down the contact info for the property owner and got ahold of a fairly grumpy old (90ish) gentleman. He agreed to come down to the gate to let me in so I could look at a few of his trucks that he may consider parting with.
    There are two old Pete’s sitting side by side. A 1980 and a 1985.
    I believe that the 1985 is a 359. It has a CAT 3406 that the old guy says had an overhaul shortly before he bought it. No paperwork so it didn’t happen (the shop that did it may be of some help here).
    That’s about all the info I got for now. Old guy is rounding up the batteries so that I can check it out more thoroughly next week.
    It’s a cool old truck, but I feel like it will be a massive undertaking; if not from a mechanical standpoint, definitely from a comfort standpoint. Th sleeper is small and old and needing gutted. Original dash and seats.
    Chime in and tell me what you think, what you think it’s worth, and if I’m wrong on the identification. Any input is greatly appreciated!
     
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  3. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Honestly from my experience of reviving a 40 year old truck, I wouldn't pay more than $5 to $10k max depending on condition. You are going to find sooooooo many hidden issues once you tear into it.
     
  4. LameMule

    LameMule Road Train Member

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    I did what you're thinking about doing. I found an old 359, limped it home and tore into it.
    The list of parts that I replaced in order to feel mildly comfortable while passing through scales is long and expensive.

    There is a level of satisfaction when rolling down the highway in an old rig that's 100% paid off and you know you can fairly easily repair it on your own when needed.

    The 359 cab is terrible if you're over 6' tall because you can't slide the seat back far enough for decent legroom. The flat top sleeper is an a great place to sleep but that's about it. I just view it as the price you pay for feeling cool...
     
  5. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    The pride of rolling around in something YOU built I imagine is pretty awesome too!
     
  6. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    What you have found is about as good as it gets in terms of cool. Extended hood 359, with an original 400 B model CAT. Clean, dependable, and absolutely timeless. They were built for speed not comfort......


    That said no one gives 2 ####s about cool these days. It’s all about an x box, and not under any circumstances violating a law, rule or policy. That truck is from a different time, and probably best left right there in that field. Taking it home could make you have a triple digit large car on your mind when your 90 too

    ETA: When I say built for speed not comfort I’m not necessarily talking about road speed in terms of MPH. More in a sense of the driver of that era would rather work when away from home. You were either truckin, ####tin, eatin, or sleeping.
     
    Last edited: Jun 23, 2021
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  7. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    That is a beauty . you ever watched @Ezrider_48501 videos on youtube. He built a 359 by himself and put it to work . could give u an idea of what you are getting into.

     
  8. Gabe2790

    Gabe2790 Light Load Member

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  9. BigBob410

    BigBob410 Road Train Member

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    Here’s another guy I watched on YouTube. He has a step by step of what all he went through. Great videos I watched from beginning to end. He definitely came out the other side with a cool ride!
     
  10. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Probably both 359's, and if you are even saying the word "comfort", it tells me you are used to the rolling apartments of today, and these trucks were 99% business, comfort came later. Actually, just a big sleeper was a huge plus. There are just a slew of these old "large cars" sitting in fields here, still hooked to their last wagon they pulled, in decaying shape. The owner has long since hung it up, and has no plans to sell any of it, until they die, of course. Batteries are the least of the concerns here. A), it was probably parked for a reason, and problem still exists, and B) sitting is the kiss of death for all functions. As said, better get it cheap, because when done, you'll have a state of the art truck,,,for 1985. We've come a long way in trucks, trust me.
     
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  11. Roberts450

    Roberts450 Road Train Member

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    That truck looks actually quite nice in the comfort department. Its got a 63” sleeper on it which was the big one in the 80’s.
     
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