Utah Newbie

[bigrigr]

Hello everyone, Im a new owner of a classic 1992 Peterbilt 379. Its a Resto project that will never have to work a day in its life again. It will be a carshow/truckshow attendee and maybe occasionally move some of my own junk around. I love big trucks and have been around/owned them all my life, and i just want this one to cruise around in and enjoy. My frame on this project is pretty rusty and needs replacement, and I would also like to lengthen the wheelbase some to get the "look" im after. I have never done anything like this before, but have worked on cars/pickups/tractors/semi's all my life and am looking forward to a new challenge. I look forward to interacting with you guys and learning from your experience, but hope to be able to add to the discussions as much as possible along the way. Thanks in advance for any help given, and dont be afraid to "guide" me along in forum etiquette if i am not following the guidelines set by the crowd. I only want to get in where i fit in and hang out in the back and watch until i get my sea legs.

 

[jbeech]

Well, now we have to see it!

This is my truck, it's a 2001 Freightliner Century with Cat 10L, equipped with a sleeper and a 24' box.

- 2001 Freightliner Century hotshot

As regards the box, I've replaced the 7-panel wood roll up door (rotted) with an aluminum version. Mechanically, I've replaced the turbo (bearings), and air tank valve (leaking). I've also bought new steer tires (Michelin). In addition, I've purchased a 2nd hand APU (based on a 2-cylinder Perkins diesel).

This last is quite an interesting device. It's frame mounted and plumbed into the two 80 gallon saddle tanks (and I've picked up a 3rd 80 gallon tank and the frame mounts). Anyway, in addition to delivering 5kW (30A) of single phase from the belt-driven generator, it's also equipped with a compressor and heater core. These look just like what's on a Chevy or Ford pickup and are rated at 20k btu of cooling/heat.

Meanwhile, I've tagged it as an RV (merely requires a regular driver's license, just as for any RV). This trick (for my county in central FL) is easy enough. Regulations requires it be equipped with sink, toilet, refrigeration, sleeping accommodations, cooking, bathroom, and lighting. So it must really be for use as an RV, not just an OTR rig dodging the requirements of a CDL.

Anyway, I've also bought (but not installed) an RV-type man-door for passenger side, and I am going to buy an awning, also. Moreover, because I don't want to full-time, I'm not going to deal with black water. So the plan is to use a composting toilet with kitty litter. LD lighting, dorm type refrigerator, microwave and cookeye, plus a standalone sink and I'll be in business!

Rig has a 535k miles, and Freightliner Tampa rebuilt the engine at 485k miles so I should be in good shape in that regard. Otherwise, if it breaks down it's just like a million other OTR on our nation's highways and I'll deal with it the same way. Call a mobile mechanic if it's beyond me, and/or call a wrecker for a tow!

So I showed you mine, you show yours!