Today leased to Ohio-based Ratta Trucking, owner-operator J.D. Howard has owned this 1995 W900L since 2009. In the last couple of years, the rig has gotten a significant working over with Grafton Custom Chrome of Grafton, Ohio, and Todd, Rodney and crew at Snyder Bros. of Millersburg for the mechanical work. Howard himself is based in Wooster, Ohio, and hauls liquid-bulk asphalt from refineries in the region, operating mostly within a 500-mile radius and, as is somewhat common in the liquid-bulk niche, logging plenty of miles with empty trailers on mostly out-and-back runs.
In addition to a front-to-back refurbishment of many of the mechanical components of the truck — including the original Caterpillar engine, overhauled 120,000 miles ago — Howard invested in Jones Performance’s older A-model-style hood for the W900L and an 66-inch ICT flattop sleeper built to resemble a classic Double Eagle-style model.
Down to the scalloping on the rear of the unit.
A new paint job came with all the work as well, all around giving the bobtail a 1970s/early 1980s retro feel in overall appearance. Catch plenty more about the truck’s refinements in a talk and walk-around the unit with Howard in the video at the top of this post. The talk and all pictures were catch at the 2019 Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky., where Howard competed in the PKY Truck Beauty Championship there and placed 3rd in his First Show, Bobtail class.
The original Cat motor has about 1.5 million miles, and two separate overhauls, the first by the previous owner, behind it.
In the process of reconditioning the vehicle the frame was sandblasted and repainted, beginning with thick primer of a type also used for bridge supports that sit in water, Howard says. He’s hopeful for good longevity, as he notes in the video. Full fenders were sourced from Talladega Fiberglass, the stacks from Lincoln Chrome, and factor step covers made by 4 State Trucks.
