COE Truck Restoration / Comparison

Hello Gents!

Been reading this forum for a great many years, and this is my first post. I'm at a point in my life where I can take on a project truck. I'm totally uninterested in modern, emissions controlled, aerodynamic trucks with no personality whatsoever. I plan to restore a classic COE, and have a few that I've been eyeing... Opinions on these? All run, have flat-top sleepers, and are in pretty good and/or workable shape body-wise.

1983 Mack Cruiseliner w/ E9 Mack V8 - $6000
1984 Kenworth K100E w/ 3406b Cat 425hp - $9500
1989 Peterbilt 362 w/ 3406b Cat 400hp - $7500
1973 White Freightliner FLA86 w/ Detroit 8V71 318hp - $9000

Whichever one I buy will be taken apart, cleaned, engine rebuild, new rubber/wheels, interior + paint. How is finding parts for these up above? Can COE parts like cab jacks etc. still be found if needed? Looking to have a clean, running restoration project to drive to national truck shows.

Any opinions on these models, or sources for COE parts would be greatly appreciated.

 

My budget was under $10k for the base unit, so all within my range. Those are all asking prices, so planned to go about $1500 at least below that when making offers.

Great looking 79 you got there... what engine?

 

Im leaning towards the K100 as of right now. It is the most expensive, but is also the cleanest of the trucks too. I imagine would be easier to find parts for the K100, and its' Cat 3406b as well opposed to the Cruiseliner & Mack E9. Guy said he would let the Cruiseliner go for 5k so I may just buy both and save that project for a later date. Definitely the most rare out of the selections above I gotta think, and got the garage space for both trucks. Appreciate everyone's input on this so far. Ill keep this thread going as I make a purchase and begin the restoration process.