John Cudd’s 1986 Peterbilt 359 that honors Vietnam veterans.One way we’re celebrating the 25th anniversary of Overdrive’s Pride & Polish this year is highlighting 25 of our best custom rigs videos.
In the 23rd week of the countdown — which will span 25 weeks — here’s John Cudd’s Delta Raiders memorial truck, a 1986 Peterbilt 359.
Cudd bought the truck in 2011 and took it to Outlaw Customs, in Henderson, Colo., to make it the rolling commemoration of Vietnam veterans that it is today.
The Sterling, Colo., native, who is leased to Jim Brammer Trucking and hauls refrigerated freight, had Outlaw Customs rebuild the engine — a 425-hp B-model Caterpillar with 18-speed transmission. Outlaw also worked on the rest of the truck.
Ceramic-coated three-piece stacks, chrome wheels and a bow-tie visor were all added to the rig. Military-style lights were added to the front and rear. Most of the exterior add-ons are blacked-out to fit with the military theme of the truck.
The interior of the cab is also within theme — on the inside of the door is engraved “Welcome home brother.”
Cudd designed the truck as a monument to the 101st Airborne Division, which is featured on the back of the sleeper. He was a part of the 501st Delta Raiders — nicknamed the Screaming Eagles, all of whom are featured on the truck.
See Cudd and his truck in the video below:
