Glider ideas

Not "getting away" with anything. It is perfectly legal option. It was written into the law a long time ago. Since commercial diesel engines, transmissions, etc have virtually an endless life cycle due to rebuilding, while at the same time, chassis and bodies will deteriorate over time, the law was written to take advantage of re-using the engine and drive train in a new chassis and body. So, the chassis and body is new, while the engine and transmission are rebuilt. That bypasses the emissions requirements of a new 2012 truck, because the emissions level is tied to the year of the engine. The biggest plus to this is that, going this route, you also get to avoid the 12.5% Federal Excise tax on new equipment. So what would normally be a $140,000 truck might only cost $115,000 complete.

 

The second largest Freightliner glider kit producer, behind Fitzgeralds, from what I learned recently, is Harrison Truck Center out of Waterloo, Iowa area. Supposedly, they are kicking out 150+ assembled gliders a year. I checked into them recently and if the order was placed in January, they could have the glider ready to go around late April / early May. And unlike Fitzgeralds, these guys are a regular Freightliner dealership. Not sure that makes a big difference though.

 

No unfortunately. If they did I would have ordered one.

If you want a Pete glider call Hoovers. Personally know 2 guys that just got their Pete gliders done there. Bought 6NZs from Antrim with 800hp cams and 59 injectors. Run really well, (can't talk them into adding a PDI ECM) In fact I think one guy is having a 2nd one built.

 

Wouldn't your own driveway be the best place to put one together? I would love a project like that.

 

I know a lot of guys always talk price when someone mentions "glider". They don't realize most guys would pay more to have one. They're not doing it to save money on the purchase price.

Given the choice between a 2013 389/W900L loaded on a dealers lot with an ISX (or even worse a gutless Paccar MX). Or the same two trucks as gliders with a fresh 6NZ and a fresh transmission for $5,000 more...........I'll take option 2.

At this point I just wish there was a market for take out ISX's. I'd be happy if a place would trade straight up for a new ISX for a reman Cat. Then all you'd have would be the cost to bolt it in and buy the wiring harness. Or better yet where can we vote out the EPA?

 

Your right to a point. The truck your "building" has to cost less than 75% of a new truck from a dealer. If the end cost of the glider was $115,000 and the same year model truck on a dealer lot is $140,000 then you will have to pay the excise tax.

 

I agree with you on all aspects. I would love a T660 glider (like I've said many times before). Heck I've thought of buying one and riping the ISX or PACCAR motor out, but then what to do with the motor??? That's where I'm stumped for now...plus I don't think my bank would be happy with me doing that to a brand new truck.

 

It just blows my mind that Pete increases production of gliders..........and KW doesn't see a market for them. I told the salesman I would pay the wages of the employees that install the engines in Chillicothe if they would go on break while my frame goes by. It really is that simple and KW acts as if your asking them to build something special that requires millions in engineering to accomplish.

 

Hoover has some trucks sitting down there now.

You used to be able to buy a glider with a reman engine.