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
