September 2002

BIG BERT

Art and Artie Thomsen, of Ramona, Calif., found this 1963 Peterbilt 281TA in a junkyard in 1999. After three years of restoration, almost everything is new or updated. Bert, as they call the truck, has a 1997 Peterbilt 63-inch walk-in sleeper. Bert hauls for Thomson and Son Inc., and is capable of transporting fifth wheel and pull-type trailers. Bert has a 10-speed Roadranger transmission and is powered by a 420-hp Cummins.

ONE MEAN SUV
After four years of welding and molding, Jim Morehouse of Concord, Calif., realized his vision for his 1957 Peterbilt: a sport utility vehicle. He is often approached at truck stops by curious drivers who want to know how he did the conversion. “If you visualize it, you can have it,” he tells them. “Just don’t give up.” Morehouse uses his Pete SUV for personal travel. The rear is an air-conditioned, carpeted sleeper equipped with a satellite television dish. Morehouse and his son own Jimmy’s Bin Trucking.

MCQUEEN’S RIG

RIG: 2002 Peterbilt 330

ENGINE: 300-hp Cummins

OWNER: Butch McQueen

FREIGHT: Gravel

THE CRAMER RV

RIG: 1951 GMC 950

ENGINE: 475-hp Detroit Diesel

OWNER: Joe and Kathy Cramer

VIPER RED

RIG: 2002 Peterbilt 379

ENGINE: 550-hp Caterpillar

OWNER: Roy Spangler

FREIGHT: Stone and sand