A Tale of Two California Haulers

[RoninUtah]

Back in 1969, when AMT came out with the first Peterbilt 359 “California Hauler” kit, I was a truck-crazed 19-year-old kid.  I had been building model cars for a few years back then, so I immediately grabbed a new Pete kit and then sent away for the sleeper cab (it was separate when the kit first came out).  I still have that build; I recently “restored” it by replacing missing cab accessories and mudflaps and such, and I think it still holds up pretty well for a 50-year+ year old build. (geez, I’m old!)  

So, when Round 2 re-released the California Hauler kit not too long ago, I thought I’d build another one, more than a half-century later.  Since the AMT version is a ’67 (with the 2-bar grille) I decided to do it as a ’68-72 version with a 3-bar grille, as if it was a brand-new unit still on the lot in Newark.  I cut out the grille and added nylon grille cloth and cut grill bars out of wire (I need to figure out a better way of straightening those).  Otherwise, it’s a straight-up box build with only a couple of other minor mods.  And yes, the engine is painted white!

So, here is the brand new 1968 Peterbilt 359, by itself and together with its 54-year-old counterpart.  Enjoy!

[Jim B]

Great looking Peterbilt. They're a nice pair.

[RoninUtah]

Thanks, Jim!

[Gary Chastain]

Great looking build and love the story

[RoninUtah]

Thank you, Gary!

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Two sharp looking Peterbilts!! Nice work!!

[PappyD340]

Very nice pair of Pete's!!

[XYHARRY]

Great looking rigs there Ronald and exceptional photography too. Well done and thanks for sharing. 

Cheers, 

David. ??

[RoninUtah]

Thank you all very much!

[Dutzie]

Excellent work!

[stavanzer]

Outstanding Builds! The comparison between the two is great.

You really nailed the build both times.

It is great to see that your original build survived all this time.

Good Show! 

[trick my mixer]

Nice builds and especially side by side. They look great.

[slusher]

Very nice Peterbilt

[ewetwo]

They look really nice.

 

[JerseeJerry55]

Really nicely done. I just picked up the Cali Hauler (Brown w/ Sleeper) today @ Hobby Lobby and am raring to tackle her come the Springtime. Curious of any issues that I may expect to encounter with the building of the kit. As always help is very appreciated

Edited Wednesday at 03:11 PM by JerseeJerry55
Spelling of help

[Jim Whalen]

It is cool that you still have the Peterbilt from when you were young.  It is interesting to see the differences in the two Peterbilts in the side-by-side photos.

[ChrisR]

Very nice.