1980 Kenworth W900A light rebuild thread

Discussion in 'Kenworth Forum' started by 34kw, Jan 31, 2026.

  1. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    If that truck was built before July of ‘80 it is exempt from needing steer brakes anyway.
     
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  3. 34kw

    34kw Light Load Member

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    Yup. If I build it into a water truck I want to have the front brakes. The main I used to remove them was for slick roads. I had one lock up on a nearly new KW in 1978 and I never forgot it. I don't plan to use the water truck in the winter. lol
     
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  4. 34kw

    34kw Light Load Member

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    Well this is probably all for a little while. I put the new steer tires on and a pair of quarter fenders. I have some other stuff that needs to go in the shop and maybe an RV trip. When I get back on it, I have some stainless vortox style air cleaners and 8 nearly new Toyo dive tires on polished Alcoas. I will go thru the drive axle bearings with new seals and slacks at that time. I know the drivers side fuel tank is too long. If I build it into a water truck it is coming off. If I sell it as a tractor, I'll shorten it to match the factory tank on the other side.Thanks for following along.

    aaa.jpg
     
  5. Oldman83

    Oldman83 Heavy Load Member

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    I have really really enjoyed following this thread!
    Please please make it a tractor!
     
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  6. 34kw

    34kw Light Load Member

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    Thanks. I am tempted to make it a tractor, I have an airslide 5th wheel and deck plates etc., but I don't know what I would do with it. I probably should sell and buy an old T800 to build for a water truck.
     
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  7. 34kw

    34kw Light Load Member

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    I think I will finish it as a tractor. It just doesn't seem right for my water tank. I put it back in the shop and plan to get back after it.
     
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  8. Shedflipper

    Shedflipper Bobtail Member

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    Wow! That’s a neat rig you got there! It’ll be fun to see it finished!
     
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  9. 34kw

    34kw Light Load Member

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    Well I'm back at it. If there's anybody still watching this, I loaded a few more pics. Next are the air cleaners. I found some 7" x "6 inlet boots - the old ones are 6"x 6". I had to cut down the screens to make them fit under the mirror brackets but I like that look better anyway.I also got rid of the hinge mounts which were loose and never used anyway. A piece of 1/2" x 2" aluminum strap makes a good spacer. we.jpg hjk.jpg nnn.jpg dfg.jpg
     
  10. 34kw

    34kw Light Load Member

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    Finished with the air cleaners. I'm going to put the old ones on Ebay for $200/pair + shipping. ertgg.jpg ertgg.jpg ty.jpg er.jpg Next up will be the 5th wheel. I had the factory piece to finish the back end so I put that on too.
     
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  11. sawmill

    sawmill Road Train Member

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    Bean Jr., Feedman and Oxbow Thank this.
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