File this under “cool as hell but what do I do with it?” This being a Tombilt mini-cabover, a two-vehicle project built by a fellow named Tom Dell for his kids. This appears to be one of the two half-scale rigs that Tom built for reasons unknown, with this being the cab over design (according to an old magazine article, he also built one that looked like an actual Peterbilt (hence “Tombilt”). The details are impressive, even if the truck is a bit of a stalled project at the moment. The seller has listed it here on Facebook Marketplace with an appropriately scaled-down trailer stored 30 miles away.
According to other accounts, Tom actually built a few other scaled-down mini trucks, but this is the first one I can recall seeing. While this truck may have been made for his daughter, it seems the other purpose for such a creation is for parade use or general promotional purposes. I’m not sure if there was a business model that supported building half-pint big rigs, but as a kid who grew up going to town parades, you could argue there were people who lived for the slow crawl down Main Street on the 4th of July. Maybe having a big rig in miniature was enough of a thrill to justify buying a big toy like this for a once-a-year thrill ride?
The seller doesn’t note how he came into owning this truck, as it seems like the sort of thing that would become a family heirloom. Regardless, he began some attempt at restoration work, peeling out the shag carpeting that covered the interior, leaving a blank slate for the next owner. In addition, he notes that there’s more work to be done with unsticking or removing seized cables that operates the throttle and drivetrain. Regardless, the seller claims the details are done right, with the cab tilting forward as it should, a custom exhaust system with functional stacks, and even an 8-track player (that works!)
The mudflaps are a great, period touch, and more evidence of the original builder planning every detail down to a T. The Tombilt is powered by a 16 b.h.p. single-cylinder Kohler engine, and the seller had plans to convert it to diesel power with a 3-cylinder engine that he’s including in the sale. Though it’s scaled down, the seller notes you’ll still need a full-size trailer to move it and the accompanying trailer. Growing up, I always wanted a go-kart that was sized between a real car and a mini-ride on machine; this Tombilt COE would let me live out those fantasies in real-time.
While this conjures up scary rides in cabovers, it’s surprisingly well represented, right down to the ” straight pipe twin chimneys”. Not sure about a Peterbilt( 352) more like a Peteinterwhopperliner, but still pretty cool. I’ve seen several scaled down semi trucks and trailers, usually created by truck business owners mechanics ( from drivers pay?) to promote the business in local parades. While this is kind of generic, some have alarming good detail and are transported in a bigger trailer. I’d go along with the late 70s/early 80s, as the Pete/KW cabover was one of the most popular trucks at that time. Great find!
Howard- we should put you in a dryer and try to shrink you down to scale so that you can drive this. Perhaps you could start a business hauling Shetland ponies…. 😉
Hi John, I think I would fit in this thing, but no way on the ponies, or any animal, for that matter, unless it comes in a box. Quite frankly, as is, it will have very little appeal.
Ok, how about a load of boxes of Animal Crackers?
I can’t get over the details this man did when designing and building this. The frame, fifth wheel, paint scheme. The grab handles, and ladder to get in the drivers door. When Howard touched on scary rides, sometimes just climbing, and I do mean CLIMBING!!! into one can be scary if you slip, especially if its raining and everything is wet. You litterally hang on that grab handle and ladder until you can get in. You couldn’t hold onto your clipboard or paperwork trying to get in, that either went in the door pocket or on the floor. Oh brother…. Anyway, this is a neat find, and I hope whoever buys it gets it functional again. Thank you for posting it Jeff!!!
He wants a lot, but heck, it’s got $2,000 with of old Dexstar wheels on it.
Very cool. I had no idea something like this even existed. Asking price is — big bucks. Maybe someone will buy it and get it “running” again.
Yes very cool, but pricey for its condition.
Would be good replacement for Howard’s YJ
Pull the YJ maybe?
Cab-overs are very cool. Always wanted to drive one. Can’t beat the view when you’re practically flush up against the windshield. 😎 Love folks that put in effort to create neat stuff.
Hi Stan, I drove several cabovers, and disliked them all. I tried to make a self imposed rule, never step on the steer tire to get in a truck. They had some advantages over conventionals, I drove what the boss told me to drive, just not for very long. My favorite cabover, as if there is such a thing, was the older IH 4070 Transtars. The absolute worst, was a Freightliner set back steer cabover. It’s a testament to my driving ability I never ran anything or anyone over with that truck.
You’re not missing much Stan. Like I said the other day just climbing in and outs a pain. I had routes through the 5 bouroughs of NY. The visibility is not as good as you’d think. You can’t see anyone from your passenger side saddle tank until they’re about 4 feet in front of you. The mirrors don’t catch them in that spot. You had to be an absolute hawk in Manhattan, constantlyon the lookout for pedestrians. If people walk directly in front of you there’s a good chance you couldn’t see them if they were too close. I’d say the first 4 feet give or take your blind ( at least in the Cabover Freightliner I drove). But like Howard said, you drive what the boss gives you.
I drove a few.
I couldn’t prove it because it never happened to me, but they always said that you were the first one at the accident.
And the ride….pre-air, was atrocious.
Yep. Mine was solid mount cab, spring suspension, all I had as an air ride seat. Drive that on the Cross Bronx expressway every day and the Deegan and you’ll be fortunate to have any fillings left in your teeth lol.
One more thing Stan, my coffee wasn’t fully taking effect yet when I posted my response earlier. I actually do like cabovers, despite what I’ve said, and believe it or not, whenever I see one still running on the road, I’m very happy to see it still running. I would actually drive one again.
Great Cabover comments everybody. 👏 I believe they are more popular in Europe for some reason. Volvo, Scania..
Drove a Mack MB600 cabover in 1966 for the USPS in Jersey City, NJ. First diesel tractor we had VS GMC 5500 gas jobs. Rise was not bad as they Had Bostrom air ride seats. Great city tractors.
Strange days indeed. It’s certainly different, but I’m afraid that I just don’t see 25K worth of different.
Agreed. It will never sell.
Southeastern Freight Lines has one that they take to open houses and conventions. Google the images . Amazing!
Coming from a trucking company family, I can only say if was street legal could haul a few little piggy’s to market. But I could buy a good used full size for $25K and haul a bunch of not so little piggy’s. Remember, paid by the lb. per mile.
An extra 0 on the price-
… divide by 10 to get a proper starting price…
There really should be at least one photo of the trailer. If it were one of the polished corrugated types, ( which I love the look of on new trailers, but they must be a pain to keep clean and polished) it might help bring the price.
Perfect for Woodward dream cruise