I have been reading and thinking a lot about doing this, don't think I have read his thread yet, but I will. Was also thinking about geting on with mercer
What's do you think about this for flatbed?
Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by Bigchevy, Jun 6, 2015.
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Younger the better for that. If you can work on it might be alright, but make sure it doesn't need 5,000 in hoses and electrical work.
Not telling you to buy it but I'm not skeered of cabovers, just don't buy a project truck and try to make money with it....MJ1657 Thanks this. -
I turn 28 the 25th of june. Still considering just putting a down payment on a w900. I don't run up to Oregon very much so its hard to go look at
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Don't buy something you can't put your hands on unless it is all but give to you. It is nice to see classic trucks going up and down the road but.....make sure it is mechanically good. A W9 is more common and parts will be easier to find. Just my thoughts. Use to drive a 1973 model freight shaker, had a stirrup for your foot that hung down in the center of the wheel well opening. The 81 I drove had a nice ladder with 3 steps of my memory is right just behind the front wheels that hung from the cab. The one your showing is probably correct on your OP, mid 70's.
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I watched a guy for years scratch up from the bottom. He started with a 4070A (cabover) drove it all week and worked on it all week end. Then he bought a used Penski c/o Freightliner and just worked on it on Saturdays. Moved up to a new truck and after a few years I asked him if he would do it again. Yes it has just been too easy. Just an example but who can you lease on to with a truck over 10 years old? He hauled good paying haz mat what do you have?
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If I got something that old I would be on my own. Just went and looked at an 08 w900. But the frame has a lot of rust, not to shure what that means as far as integrity of that frame. To lease on with the company I am with right now I need a 08 or newer. Was also thinking about geti ng with mercer.
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Whatever you do, don't buy an 08-10, those trucks would be worse then that cab over.
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Good to know. I want a 97 is w900. I would just need to go with a different company if I do that. I don't really want to buy a truck with all kinds of rust on the frame rails. And w900 are not cheap for older ones, the truck is what I was looking for besides the year. 13 spd, headach rack. But it don't look like it was very well mantained, never cleaned or washed. Going to look in salt lake city for a truck.
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Don't be in too big of a rush. When you find one you think is right,it would be money well spent to get a mechanic to take a second look.
Bigchevy Thanks this. -
Before you pull that trigger, find out exactly what you're getting...engine make/model, transmission make/model, suspension make/type, etc...and then ask around to see if parts are available locally to keep it running. Perhaps the current owner can run the truck every day because the local parts store still stocks most of what he needs. Will your local parts store do the same? Or will every breakdown involve a week downtime waiting on a special-order-only part? Look around at the local scrap yards to see if they have a decent supply of parts as well...interior parts & pieces, body panels, etc...
Without a reliable source for parts, I'd be leery of putting all of my eggs in that basket. If you DO have the parts you'll need readily available, AND you have the knowledge and ability to wrench on it yourself, then I'd be more inclined to say "Go for it!". I'd also recommend staying local/regional where your known parts suppliers are nearby so that you know who to call when the inevitable happens. Dealer networks are less useful the older a truck gets because they'd rather stock parts for their new trucks that are more commonly seen on the road.
Good luck.
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