Point me in the right direction - Owning a Truck for Show?

I had enough land at one time to seriously consider a Texas Style Garage, a strong metal building construct on it to store a particular bobtail I had in mind both as a memorial to truckers and to roll to the occasional show where possible. It would need to be somewhat large enough to take a man pit under there because without computers on it, it's a certain amount of work. Not to mention calling the recycling fluid company now and then to empty the small side tank that was planned for it. I had a particular 359 and one very particular Superliner500 mack which I think had that V8 engine format with it which we probably still have on the farm. But one way or the other there would be at least one in that garage.

Fast forward to now. Those plans did not come to fruition in my lifetime and I have made my peace with it. I think the taxes and insurance on maintaining a full 3 axle bobtail and a operation dumptruck would be pretty stiff considering the income i am on now. Usually in America if you don't make enough, go out and find work that you like which allowed you to make more. I have too many issues in life as a medical patient to do the things I like because I am unhireable due to medicines.

That does not mean it's the end of the world I hope someday to still find a 359, 500 or even a T2000 believe it or not from the 90's era. One of the first made with the red engine in it. (Supposedly the 600 cummins but will have to checkup on it. That particular combination with the 13 speed was with us for a very short time. We remember as a married team the quality of sleep in it. The rig itself would eventually introduce other issues which required remodeling into other lines by KW. That 13 will be pretty hard to find on it though, being a underdrive. Not too many people put that one on trucks.

Anyway, there is a small candle I keep in a box of sorts that is still lit somewhere in my mind. All I can say is who knows? It's possible. I suppose it will be a adventure taking the bobtail to shows, maybe even better if there was a working load to get it there then dropped trailer. If it never happens? That's ok. Ive done the actual trucking and remember those old trucks doing what I ask of then now and then. Sometimes with a little bit of sassy and bounce back. Spill my coffee. One of the few ways you can ruin my day =)

 

That's what I'm currently doing. I wrench for a dealer but I'm building a singled out W900A to play with and tote an RV trailer around with.

 

It's an expensive hobby, but then again classic cars aren't cheap either.

 

I want to do it someday. When I have my own shop big enough to tinker at my own pace. Find an old 359, strip it down all the way to frame rails, completely restore / rebuild everything. Why not? Maybe drive it for my summer run, which is very local and home daily.

Right now I drive this one. I'd like to get another one once this one's paid. A longer one with shorter sleeper. Drive this one in winter and new one from July to October or so.

 

Sounds like a fabulous idea, expensive, maybe, but not NEAR as expensive as going broke running it over the road.

I have NO IDEA if you can make a little money with a show truck, maybe pulling floats in the 4th of July parade, dealer promotional days, that sort of thing? There has to be gigs for show trucks out there that pay a few bucks for having a "awesome classic" truck to pull whatever company equipment someone wants to show off?

 

Doing the same with an 82 KW W900A to pull a 5th wheel camper. I was able to change vehicle classification to RV so plates are $32.00 a year here in Indiana. Haven't fully figured out insurance yet when on road, but was able to cover it very cheaply while I restore it(which is a very slow process)! I am lucky enough to have access to the Kenworth parts system, a heated shop @ home, and tools. I work full-time as a diesel technician so will do all mechanical work myself. What years are you thinking?

 

I can understand that feeling. I would love to find an old truck that I learned to drive in. It was a single bed, flat top, Schreiber orange Century, it had one driver and I was the second. It was clean, everything worked. I loved driving that thing. I put so many miles hauling glass. I'd love to find one for the nostalgia

 

I wouldn't buy a fresh restoration. Look at what they're asking. I've seen a few restored W900A's and 359 Petes where the owners wanted 6 figures for them. I'll have half, maybe less than that into my W900A by the time it hits the road and its a complete ground up rebuild.