Added a Truck to the Fleet

Back in 1980 my dad bought this truck brand new from Holcomb Freightliner in Sioux Falls. He bought an FLC conventional in 1988 and then this truck was sold in 1989. I’ve kind of kept tabs on it over the years and made a couple attempts to buy it but couldn’t get it done. Last week I took an envelope of cash and showed up at the guy’s place and drove it home. I know I paid too much for it, but dad’s been gone almost 28 years and I sure can’t think of a better tribute than to restore his first new truck back to how it left the factory.



It’s going to need a few new body panels, it’s a little beat up from life on a farm the last few years.


Here’s some original paperwork I’ve held on to over the years. $63000 back in 1980 was a pretty large truck. And we’re going to use the line sheet from the factory to get it as close to original as we can.


And somehow the blue glitter wheel that came from the factory has survived almost 40 years and multiple owners. It has the blue diamond stitching back in the bunk also. You can see the dust line on the doghouse where I stopped cleaning.


I’m hoping to have it restored by 2022. The 400 Cummins and 13 speed are in good shape, so other than wheel bearing/seals and brakes it’s all cosmetic work that needs done. I just want to haul one paying load with it and then it’s only going to be a toy when it’s done.

 

I’m not sure how many in progress pics I will have. I’ll be dropping it off and writing checks for the work to get done.