Custom Kenworth

[dabears]

Been working on this truck for a few months now and its almost ready for final assembly. It is sitting on a new set of rails, Russ's air ride all the way around. Has PMD tanks, PMD front bumper (custom made by ED in STL), Rear bumper made by Russ (i think), Wet kit (for dump trailer) Polished deck plates made by me. It will be running a 55t motor, stock trans, MFU, SS-tronix kit, and custom light board for bumper. Its a wiring nightmare but i got it covered ;)

Had the truck up and running at the St Louis show with the old cab and at that time it looked like this
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/20121007_002842.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/20121016_231900.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/20121017_221917.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/20121017_230258.jpg

Since the show added some front air ride
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/DSCF7364.jpg

an 8 bag kit (Will be complete as soon as Tylers air bags arrive....;))
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/DSCF7372.jpg

A pump for the trailer
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/DSCF7367.jpg

And a few more wires :eek:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/DSCF7368.jpg



More to come....

[rockNmayhem]

Aaron the truck looked great in St. Louis and I cant believe you got that extra circuit board crammed in there. I thought my day cab was a nightmare, that is ridiculous!!!

As for the bags, I should get them out to you this week. The part for my lathe did not show up yesterday like it said it was supposed to so I'm hoping it will be here monday and I can get it installed and back up and running.

By the way you really need to get a video of that front bumper up for everyone to drool at. That was awesome to watch at the show.

Tyler

[dabears]

Ok told ya there was more to come so here it is.

Heres the new cab and front bumper


http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/20121022_225605.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/20121022_225613.jpg

But its just not "Kenworth" enough so lets fix that
lets start by making the buckets
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/DSCF7195.jpg

Same size as the stock one ;)
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/DSCF7197.jpg

Yes need the bezel
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/DSCF7198.jpg

need to make the bucket part
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/DSCF7205.jpg

well need 2
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/DSCF7206.jpg

HAHA now the fun part!!! Take pretty painted cab and CUT!!!:eek::eek:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/DSCF7217.jpg

Its ok i didnt get hurt!! :p
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/DSCF7236.jpg
with lights
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/DSCF7237.jpg

Now thats looking better!!!

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/20121030_223713.jpg

Thats it for now....... Im a little farther on the truck but im waiting for a few parts to come in still.... So..... what do ya think???

Oh and the trailer has been completly rebuilt ill go over that next.

[dabears]

Aaron the truck looked great in St. Louis and I cant believe you got that extra circuit board crammed in there. I thought my day cab was a nightmare, that is ridiculous!!!

As for the bags, I should get them out to you this week. The part for my lathe did not show up yesterday like it said it was supposed to so I'm hoping it will be here monday and I can get it installed and back up and running.

By the way you really need to get a video of that front bumper up for everyone to drool at. That was awesome to watch at the show.

Tyler

Hmmmm video you say.. Like this?

http://youtu.be/L3x4rsa5AGc

Sorry dont know how to embed it like travis does.. so just click the link :D

[rockNmayhem]

YUP a video like that shows the actions very well Aaron. Gotta love all the different options it has.

Tyler

[PROBUILDER1964]

WOW...looking great my friend.....it sure looks better now than when it was in St.Louis !!!! At least now it looks like a real truck huh ? lol love the bumper and headlights....a real nice touch I think !

[PROBUILDER1964]

I tell you what....ive been looking at all you guys work benches in your pics......They look about as cluttered as mine ! lol But as someone said...." a clean work area is a sure sign of a person who has too much time on there hands or a warped mind ?

[dabears]

I tell you what....ive been looking at all you guys work benches in your pics......They look about as cluttered as mine ! lol But as someone said...." a clean work area is a sure sign of a person who has too much time on there hands or a warped mind ?

I clean it every now and then! ;) but when im on a project it gets very messy fast!!! see clean
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Stretched%202/20120801_231548.jpg


forget to mention here is how its sitting waiting for parts ;)
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/20121116_000228.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/20121116_000203.jpg
yep has matching fenders :)
:D

[glorydays24]

WOW!!! Aaron you weren't kidding, that is a thing of beauty. You did a fantastic job, and great job on the headlights. Very amazing.:eek::D;):):cool:

Big John

[Mama Sue]

I agree...fantastic job...

[plow jockey]

Truck looks sweet!! Man that grill has a shine almost looks chrome. What kind of light system are you running? Those LEDs are awesome.

[Espeefan]

That looks really nice. I think it just needs a visor, and it will be perfect! If Kit, from Knight Rider was a semi truck, it would have a front bumper like that....

[Tamiya Cowboy]

Aaron that bumper is sweet Ed had that on my tri axle when i bought it from him like 5 or 6 years ago that bumper is sweet looks great on your truck nice work.

Fred Ed built that bumper and either he or a friend of his did the board for it..

[dabears]

Thanks guys I do have A polished visor for it just have not put it on. And yes the grill was chromed looks way better that way!

[Supermario]

The KW looks spectacular Aaron:cool: I like the paint scheme, grill, bumper...all of it! you've done another nice job of making the right choices of the right stuff in the right place. Very nice.:)

I promise I will never complain about my wiring nightmare after seeing the birds nest of wiring you have to deal with :eek: this is not a truck you want to remove the body on a daily basis eh? :eek: lol
Trailer looks sweet, can't wait for updates. How long is it by the way?

Mario

[dmess62]

Truck looks sweet. But I really like the dump trailer where d you come across it

[dabears]

WOW!!! Aaron you weren't kidding, that is a thing of beauty. You did a fantastic job, and great job on the headlights. Very amazing.:eek::D;):):cool:

Big John
Thanks Buddy!

I agree...fantastic job...
Thank you

Truck looks sweet!! Man that grill has a shine almost looks chrome. What kind of light system are you running? Those LEDs are awesome.
The grill was chromed good eye. the headlights are from a supplier i buy in bulk from i love them!! The bumper ones Ed did so im not too sure.

That looks really nice. I think it just needs a visor, and it will be perfect! If Kit, from Knight Rider was a semi truck, it would have a front bumper like that....
It has a polished visor just havnt mounted it yet.

Aaron that bumper is sweet Ed had that on my tri axle when i bought it from him like 5 or 6 years ago that bumper is sweet looks great on your truck nice work.

Fred Ed built that bumper and either he or a friend of his did the board for it..
Yea i love this bumper!! Its fun and really different. One thing i hope to do is use battle switches or a pico switch to control it from the TX. Should be able to make it work, it'll only mean a few more wires haha :eek:

its a fabulous build Aaron, sweet work my friend
Thank you!

The KW looks spectacular Aaron:cool: I like the paint scheme, grill, bumper...all of it! you've done another nice job of making the right choices of the right stuff in the right place. Very nice.:)

I promise I will never complain about my wiring nightmare after seeing the birds nest of wiring you have to deal with :eek: this is not a truck you want to remove the body on a daily basis eh? :eek: lol
Trailer looks sweet, can't wait for updates. How long is it by the way?

Mario
Thanks Mario! Yea there are a lot of wires!! It'll have 2 batteries in there too. BUT ill be adding charging ports as that cab will NOT be removed on a daily basis or hopefully ever!! The trailer is 32" long And the top sits 10" tall ill post pics for ya. And ya dont complain about wires!!!! :p Did i mention that i will be putting the seats and dash in it keeping the windows clear?:eek:

Truck looks sweet. But I really like the dump trailer where d you come across it I found it at a garage sale for $1 :eek: HAHA J/K It has made its way through a few hands.

Ok here are a few more pics of the trailer
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Dump%20Trailer/20121026_225417.jpg

As with everything i took it all apart!!
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Dump%20Trailer/20121028_141021.jpg

Ed helped me at st louis to fix the rear latch so i followed his advice when i got back and re did the whole rear latch with a better hold (ED Big Thanks for all your help!!!)
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Dump%20Trailer/DSCF7126.jpg

Here she is all shiney
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Dump%20Trailer/DSCF7373.jpg
Even added some fingerprints (gotta re polish the sides)
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Dump%20Trailer/DSCF7374.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Dump%20Trailer/DSCF7376.jpg

Heres the lift setup has a 5 stage cylinder
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Dump%20Trailer/DSCF7381.jpg

Gets 22" of lift (Just put on my orange truck to level trailer, had to brace it as i have no wet kit on that truck)
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Dump%20Trailer/DSCF7382.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Dump%20Trailer/DSCF7388.jpg

Hope that answers some of the trailer questions i hope to have a video of it lifting by the end of the week :D

Again big thanks to Ed, and J.D for the help at St louis!!

[dmess62]

$1 I need to hit up the garage sales up in your neck of the woods. Lol looks like Brian n pa' s old one after seeing more pics. Anyway looks good

[Stickman]

Love that trailer! Is that a 35 or 40 footer? It's just what I hope to get someday.

[Brian in PA]

Lookin good Aaron! Its nice to see a cylinder back under her! The dump angle looks great too. although some were skeptical of it working.:rolleyes: Ed and I new it would!:D:D

[petermoblin]

Gonna be a sweet combo there Aaron! Better watch out or you'll peg out the cool-o-meter:cool:. Is that one of those ScaleArt cylinders?

[dabears]

Thanks guys! Yes its one of the scale art 5 stage cylinders. They are very nice!

[Diesel Demond]

i can hear that thing Jake braking already. sweet KW AND THE COLORS ARE VERY NICE!!!

[Dreamweaver]

Good looking build Aaron. I really like the paint job.

[bigford]

That is One nice k wopper

[hammer]

Aaron,
Awsome looking tractor and trailer paint was great color choice and scheme.

TONY

[hippy]

dude! wow! love that bumper!

[Goose19]

what size pinstripes are those i see? where do you find them? would make my paint process alot easier.

love the colors, the paint looks fantastic!

[dabears]

i can hear that thing Jake braking already. sweet KW AND THE COLORS ARE VERY NICE!!!
Thanks!

Good looking build Aaron. I really like the paint job.
Thank you i cant take credit for it Probuilder painted it

That is One nice k wopper
Thank you!

Aaron,
Awsome looking tractor and trailer paint was great color choice and scheme.

TONY
Thanks Tony!!

dude! wow! love that bumper!
Thank you Ed made it a few years ago its pretty sweet!!

what size pinstripes are those i see? where do you find them? would make my paint process alot easier.

love the colors, the paint looks fantastic!
Couldnt answer that actually Probuilder painted the cab. The yellow stripes are painted, the orange stripes are small!



Ok everyone likes pics but i like Video's so here are a few ;) I couldnt wait around any longer so i ran some plumbing and tested the trailer out. works pretty good!! AND the rear latch is working quite nicely. I think a few minor minor adjustments and it'll be perfect!! so here we go


Test 1
http://youtu.be/_LmW6bPxmas
Test 2
http://youtu.be/FszeI2voSCU
Test 3
http://youtu.be/AE8PlBEOwdA
Rear latch test
http://youtu.be/F4dAL_7CIu8

:D:D:cool::cool:

[petermoblin]

Way cool. Have you had a chance to see what kind of weight it will lift? Can't wait to see more!

[dabears]

Way cool. Have you had a chance to see what kind of weight it will lift? Can't wait to see more!

Thanks i tested it up to about 35lbs and didnt seem to slow it down one bit. Thats prob more then what will ever be in it in either rubber or dirt i would assume. So i would prob be safe in saying it could handle whatever you put in it. i may do some more testing later. I got the lights soldered back together and the tweaked the suspension a little bit last night, then polished the frame and support legs a bit. Drilled some holes as the legs were never designed to actually work (doesnt make sence to me) BUT i fixed that with 2 holes and made some pins so you could lower the legs and have the trailer stand level on its own. Ill take some more pics later today and post them up as the sun is coming out and would make for some nice pictures.


Thanks for looking

[Espeefan]

Looks nice Aaron. Do you have to run your pump in reverse to draw the cylinder back down? What kind of pump are you running? One of those USDM ones?

[dabears]

Looks nice Aaron. Do you have to run your pump in reverse to draw the cylinder back down? What kind of pump are you running? One of those USDM ones?

It'll self lower down stage 5,4 when it gets to stage 3 you do need to run the pump reverse but not very much. even going up i barely need to give the pump much juice until that 4th stage then i rev it up a hair and it'll lift the final 2 stages. I am running the same pump that ED in St louis uses on all his trucks, so i belive that it is the USDM pump its a really nice pump i like it. It was a little loud at first but then i worked the last of the air bubbles out and then it was pretty silent. I also realized that with this pump it doesnt really matter how how up you throttle it the cylinder will still lift the same speed for the most part so i was only giving it maybe 10-15% input throttle to lift the box. Pretty impressive. Now with a little more weight i was more in the 10-20% range throttle input. which still is no biggie. Also this was just bench testing with the pump on the bench not in a housing that would actually silence it more. From what i could tell the lift angles look just about right but im waiting for some of the hydrolic experts to chime in here to tell me differently...... :rolleyes: This cylinder is really really nice!!! Smooth lifting and you can tell its good quality, but then again Scale Art did make it and ive never heard anything bad about them or their products yet. :D

[ihbuilder]

That pump (UMS ;) ) will lift 50+ Lbs like nothing thats what I have in my big mack . I do notice when it sits without use , oil does seep in to the motor . not a real issue if you have the openings of the can pointed down for it to drain . I need to put 1 in my IH 5900i now do to the medico not haven the hair (volume) for that scale art cylinder :eek:

[Snochaser]

Nice job Aaron. Nice addition to an already nice trailer.

[dabears]

Ok Here are some of the pics from playing outside today. Hooked the trailer up to the the globe and here is what i got.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/DSCF7418.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/DSCF7419.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/DSCF7421.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/DSCF7426.jpg

Pretty :D
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/DSCF7427.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/DSCF7432.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/DSCF7434.jpg

Almost need my sunglasses on
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/DSCF7436.jpg

:eek:oops i missed a spot with the polish i see :eek: Well thats will be fixed
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/DSCF7437.jpg

Ok here are the ones i forgot to take with the landing gear down and pins in
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Dump%20Trailer/DSCF7446.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Dump%20Trailer/DSCF7447.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Dump%20Trailer/DSCF7449.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Dump%20Trailer/DSCF7451.jpg
Hope you enjoyed!

[Kaf343]

Aaron, loving this trailer. Looking real good.

[Dairyland Trucker]

looks awesome Aaron!!!!!

[dabears]

updated the pics forgoten some :)

[1985 kenworth]

trailer looks fantastic and the grille on your globe looks cool ,is that one of russ's grilles?

[dabears]

trailer looks fantastic and the grille on your globe looks cool ,is that one of russ's grilles?

Thank you! And yep that's one from Russ! I'm going to repaint it though the shade coherence is killing me

[Dairyland Trucker]

any new updates?

[dabears]

Well the driver changed jobs from hauling dirt to other stuff so the wet kit came off and i made some new tank straps from some of Brians stainless straps (which by the way Brian please make more i need some.... HINT HINT) and got the tanks mounted to where they should sit under the sleeper. I repolished the rear deck plates but am just going to cut new ones as the main one still has the hole from the old 5th wheel release. I made a new release so i dont need the hole anymore... Started to look further into the mounts for the fenders and i think i have it figure out pretty good so hopefully tomorrow i can make those mounts. I did manage to do a quick mock up tonight with the tanks mounted.. now i still need to attatch the visor, remake the deck plates, mount russ's "sliding 5th wheel mounts" and mount the fenders. Then i can final wire the cab seal her up and she's done. Hopefully only a couple more days till completion (all depends how late i get stuck at work) Heres a few mock up pics :D

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/20121218_222933_zps08875454.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/20121218_222946_zps9f0752d9.jpg
:D

Thanks for looking... Maybe a nice lowboy would look good behind her, or a flatbed even?:cool:...... inputs??

[Kaf343]

Looking good Aaron, I'm thinking a nice spread axle flat bed would fit the bill.

[Dairyland Trucker]

I think that would look excellent with a spread axle flatbed Aaron!!!

[Trucker_Jo]

This truck is great! I think a soft side with flex and spread axle with boxes would look pretty killer!

Jarrett

[Tamiya Cowboy]

Looks great Aaron nice touch on the mod on the stock air cleaners it makes them look much better.. I say grain trailer or step deck loaded with hay..

[speedy8305]

The truck looks killer I think it would look good with a mac end dump smooth side

[Dairyland Trucker]

Have you gotten anymore recent updates on the KW yet can't wait to see more great build so far.

[Grainfarmer]

Very nice!....Both, Trailer and tractor...:cool:

[dabears]

Looking good Aaron, I'm thinking a nice spread axle flat bed would fit the bill.
I think your right!! That would look killer

I think that would look excellent with a spread axle flatbed Aaron!!!
I agree!!

This truck is great! I think a soft side with flex and spread axle with boxes would look pretty killer!

Jarrett
yea i just might have to make one!

Looks great Aaron nice touch on the mod on the stock air cleaners it makes them look much better.. I say grain trailer or step deck loaded with hay..
Thanks! Hmmm grain trailer would be nice!! maybe a bull wagon too ?

The truck looks killer I think it would look good with a mac end dump smooth side
Yea it looks good with a dump but decieded not to do a dump with it.

Have you gotten anymore recent updates on the KW yet can't wait to see more great build so far.
yep its almost done!!! Been working on it all day! another night or two and should be complete!! :D:cool: minus the trailer........:p

Very nice!....Both, Trailer and tractor...:cool:
Thanks!!

[chaseracer]

Beautiful builds!!!!

[dabears]

Well got some more done on the truck its just about done minus a few adjustments, and mounting the new stacks after i make relocation brakets..... So heres what its looking like :D

Lets start with all those wires, made a mount for the MFU
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/DSCF7659_zpsd0decff5.jpg

Came up with a way to mount the switches for the bumper and the MFU
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/DSCF7669_zpsbdf5ebcd.jpg

Heres the control board for the bumper all nice and mounted in the roof of the sleeper

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/DSCF7670_zps28033afd.jpg


OK OK heres how she's looking :cool:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/DSCF7673_zps7ed6a66f.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/DSCF7674_zpse7f70fcd.jpg

I think a set of these should do the trick, just gotta make new mounts
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/DSCF7675_zps12fc6cfe.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/DSCF7671_zpsd5f1a33e.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/DSCF7667_zpsd5398a48.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/DSCF7672_zps7864ab7b.jpg

YEP has a full interior!!
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/DSCF7665_zpse8ef5d59.jpg


Have a few more little things to do and its finally Done!!! What do you think? :cool:

[Tamiya Cowboy]

Aaron that really looks great very nice work..

[Kaf343]

Looking good Aaron, nice job on the interior and MFU mount.

[Supermario]

You definitely did a great job on this build Aaron. :cool: I love the fact you were able to keep a detailed cab. Must be all that experience and knowledge of cab overs to be able to get it all into the sleeper:eek:
Love the pics, great work.:)

Mario

[heavy_duty]

Aaron,I thought this truck was bad at our last show.But you keep on making this truck sicker and sicker.This is off the chain.

Ed

[Diesel Demond]

Thats one fancy truck! I also agree with paul nice touch on stock air cleaners. That shutter grill looks great, and great looking detail on interior.

[TRUCKMAKER]

Trucks looking good Aaron, I like the color scheme. What kind of wagon you going to pull?

[Mama Sue]

Wow Aaron, you knocked this one out of the park...You've been busy...

[Northern Farmer]

Great looking rigs the dumper trailer looks sweet!

[Northern Farmer]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/firepisser8104/Kenworth%20and%20Trailer/DSCF7667_zpsd5398a48.jpg


Did you make the trim pieces under the headlights yourself or you can buy them ?

[Bepo]

super model .

[1985 kenworth]

simply beautiful :D:D

[rodd68]

who made your dump trailer thanks