Junkyard Rescue
Sanbornton, N.H., resident Chris Harkins says this 1999 Freightliner FLD was scheduled to be salvaged at a wrecking yard when he found it. “The rare set forward-axle model made her appealing,” Harkins says. His Freightliner has a 475-hp Caterpillar C15. He rebuilt the hood and repainted the body. Harkins hauls loads of new and wrecked motorcycles on the East Coast. He wins a hat, travel bag and license plate from United Pacific.
Green Girl
Andres Urgelles of Miami, Fla., owns this 1997 Freightliner Classic XL. Powered by a 515-hp Detroit Diesel and 10-speed Eaton Fuller transmission, this truck hauls refrigerated freight for Odegova Trucking in Miami. Urgelles added a stainless steel drop visor, new wheel covers and an 18-in. bumper with LED lights to the truck.
Speed & Splendor
Owner-operator Ariel Rodriguez, a Southgate, Calif., resident, owns this 2001 Peterbilt 379. Rodriguez’s Pete has a 550-hp Caterpillar, 18-speed transmission and American Class interior. He customized the truck with 8-in. stacks, a painted drop visor, new single round headlights with double J brackets and a new grill. Rodriguez hauls general freight.
Widow Maker
Todd Andrews of Walnutport, Pa., hauls sand and stone locally in this 1995 Peterbilt 378 under his own authority. His Pete has a 500-hp Cummins and 10-speed Eaton Fuller transmission. Andrews says he replaced the rear transmission in the used truck, but otherwise all it needed was a clean and polish.
Cruzin’ Class
Mike McPherson, a Buckley, Wash., resident, says his 2005 Peterbilt 379 is “just right for a highway ride.” His Pete has a 475-hp Caterpillar, 13-speed transmission and rides on a 280-in. frame. “I added Cool Components phantom full fenders,” he says. McPherson hauls refrigerated freight on the West Coast under his own authority.
