Pete 379 dirt hauler (update 6/3/12)
 

Well at the ecmt meet this weekend we got a great deal on a frame and super 8 air ride from Russ, thanks again! Got back to the hotel room and couldn't help but to start digging in. Russ had the suspension dropped, so I had to return the front end to the stock height and removed the stock suspension and began assembling the "super 8" suspension. We also won a pmd headache rack in the raffle at the meet.... Sweet!

The chassis as it was when we got it:
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/618d143f.jpg

A bag of KFC and 2 hours later:
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/2bef0f92.jpg

This suspension is pretty sweet:
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/2bf4439f.jpg

Got it permenantly mounted when I got home today, not sure if the frame is getting shortened yet (it's about 27 inches), but I will definatly be tapering the ends:
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/a38d1f40.jpg

Not sure what paint scheme I'm going with yet, but I'm leaning towards these two, especially the blue and tan:
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/3fe685a1.jpg
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/a0afeb07.jpg

Also at the meet we picked up a set of johns stacks and fenders and some of Russ's tank hangers for it. I should have a body in a week or two, so keep an eye out for updates!

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

u need to build a kenworth since u have the 8 bag air ride because thats wat suspensions they have

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

Yeah, that's what I said, but my uncle is paying for it and he wanted the 8 bag, so that's what it got

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

You do realize that it will be a sin to put KW 8 bag on a Pete. Right?!!:D:D:p:p:p:p JK Arioch I'm sure it will be great. Wait aren't you still working on that Knight hauler.???:D:D:p:p

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

Not sure yet, I want to finish it as a tribute to Freddy, because he was always on me about finishing it. But on the other hand it's really a p.o.s... Haha

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

looking forward to the build arioch

keep it up


Alfy

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

That is a nice suspension! I'm quite fond of the blue and tan Peterbilt. I believe I've seen that truck before. It was on last year's Long Haull trucking calendar, if I'm not mistaken. An absolutely gorgeous Pete 379. Thought about borrowing that paint scheme for my own truck too, but it's one of many I really like.

Looking forward to seeing what you make of this chassis.

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

WOW! that didn't take you long :eek:

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

**** I didn't even start putting my rear axles together that I got at the show you waste no time good for you guys that's motivation. I like that blue and tan sceme myself that would look bada$$. Good luck with the build.

TONY

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

You have KW grill and KW suspension so I will have to agree with the others, why not build a KW?:confused: It is your truck so build what you want and make your self happy.:cool: Now you are off to a fast start, can we count on the build to keep up the pace.:p:D

Travis

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

I cant promise a constant pace, but hopefully it will go quicker than my other build.

I would have much rathered go with the other suspension for this build, but i was over ruled. I am still going to stick with a pete, the suspension can always be changed later anyway.

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

Didnt take you long to mount that door prize...LOL... Congrats on that BTW :cool:


Alfy

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

Haha, yeah. I'm not sure how long it will stay on there, I would like to try building a cabinet rack for it. I might even try brass so it can be chromed, buy I will probably build a prototype out of styrene.

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

Well, even if it's a KW inspired rear suspension, I've seen crazier things happen with the real 1:1 trucks, so it wouldn't bother me if the cab was a Peterbilt. I saw there was a KW with a Peterbilt sleeper, or vise versa, one time. This kind of thing can happen pretty easily out in the real work. There is a prototype for everything.

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

Another KW on the board would be great but I understand the dilemma. Peterbilt or KW, they're both bad to the bone. In an ideal world I'd have one of each!

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

A kenworth is second on my list. I just think a Pete will be alittle easier to build. Silvio has a kw he's been working on for me anyway ;) :D

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

Looks good probie!! I'll be watching this one, hopefully I won't have grey hair!!(haha) when you are done!!:cool:

Tim

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

I thought you already did? :D

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

Looks good, but I have to agree with everyone else. That suspension needs to be on a KW, especially with KW grilles being available and you wouldnt have to redo the front fenders for Pete headlights. Plus, the King Hauler cab is closer to KW then Peterbilt... but if it is for somebody else your kind of limited on what you can do. Good luck and keep us posted!

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

You deffinately need to do the KW with that super 8 suspension and do the bottom paint scheme on the KW and it will look killer...

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

Well i guess its time for a long awaited update on this thing. I havnt had much time due to lacrosse and school work (excuses, excuses i know) but i got abit done on the body tonite, and im sure there are some of you that will be very pleased that this rig will be getting a propper pete suspension :D Im trying to follow brian's pete mods as closely as possible, and i think sofar im doing pretty good, its nowhere near as nice as his, but i think it will turn out to be something that ill be proud of. Now for some pics!

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/fe4f23c7.jpg
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/fff5fc80.jpg
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/43ebb307.jpg
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/7d7cace5.jpg
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/08e6b57f.jpg


Also had this little project keeping me away. Did a re-wire and added a vhf, fuse block, led lighting (red/blue). Next up is a stereo and mounting and hardwiring my hand held gps.

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/6ea2299c.jpg
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/e417e3c9.jpg


More tomorrow!

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

nice project :) can you show the movement on that suspension you got, I want to see if its much softer than the stock setup

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

sure, ill post some pics later

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

I think we need a bigger boat..."JAWS"

Big John

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

Silvio- Didnt get a chance to get the suspension all put together today to take the pics, but when i played with russ' it didnt seem to flex much more than the stock set-up, it may have even been alittle less. i think youd be better off going with his standard airbag setup or stock if you want max flex.

Big John- She is pretty small, but she does her job well. Im staring to get alittle big for her, but she'll suit my sisters well in afew years



Small update today. I spent the day working on the roof. I didnt think the roof was tall enough so i added some more plasitc to the roof and then started slappin on the bondo. all in all i think it turned out pretty well, still alittle more filling and sanding to do (whats new!) but the roof is almost there. I also managed to gash my thumb pretty well with the razor saw, but i dont think it needs stitches, or well atleast i hope it dosent haha

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/9efd809e.jpg
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/69c98bbd.jpg

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

That looks alot better with the added plastic if you are going for the Kenworth look awsome.

TONY

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

Still goin pete, going to change the suspension over to a standard airbag set-up

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

I use super glue on smaller cut's, and those pesky sliver's that won't pull out. Put some superglue on the sliver and wait 24 hr's before peeling off.

Great job on the cab!

Cheer's, Neil.

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

Nice job...that's perfect for an ultra cab..the roof does raise up for added head room on an ultra...I haven't seen one of those done yet:D:D

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

That roof is lookin' great man! Nice work.

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler
 

Final update untill atleast next week. Today i did some more sanding on the roof to try to get it nice and smooooth, id say im about 98% done with that. Then i moved on to modifying the cowl to extend it and add more angle to the windshield. I still need to add the point in the windshield and do alittle more filling (followed by sanding ofcourse :mad: ). Also did alittle work to the hood but ill post pics of that when i get more done.

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/60b0bc53.jpg
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/767a1738.jpg
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/08438f7c.jpg
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/c7ca063d.jpg
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/58510862.jpg


Till next time!

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler (update 6/3/12)
 

Cool project Arioch! and nice suspension.

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler (update 6/3/12)
 

Great job on the roof, and you're coming right along.:);) Can't wait for the next update.:D

Big John

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler (update 6/3/12)
 

Coming along nicely Arioch. I think your cab is a little high, unless your going for the Ultra-cab look.

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler (update 6/3/12)
 

Didn't intend to do the ultra cab, but my reference pictures were of trucks with ultra cabs (had no idea), so that's what it turned out to be. I kinda like the look, and as John pointed out its never been done before, so its something to separate it from the rest too

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler (update 6/3/12)
 

Cab is looking good!! i havnt seen too many people raise the roof for the ultra cab look

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler (update 6/3/12)
 

Great to see someone else making a proper pete cab out of the king hauler. Props to Brian for showing us how to do it and the Japanese model maker that inspired many to make a real pete out of the king hauler.
Keep up the good work!

Re: Pete 379 dirt hauler (update 6/3/12)
 

Ill be happy if mine comes out half as well as yours or brians! I need to order some of those rear view mirrors you used on your build so i can fill in the un-neccisary holes from the stock mirrors.


We also picked up a new aeromax kit for the frame and russ's standard air ride will be used insted of the kw style