While you don’t want to have one taking up space in your driveway, it’s hard to deny the appeal of building a rat rod out of a vintage cabover truck. This 1984 Freightliner is a perfect example, as this flat nose design is now darn near iconic, considering the long haul trucking industry abandoned the cabover years ago when changing regulations related to the allowable overall length of the cab plus the trailer made it obsolete. Still, there’s been a quiet resurgence of interest and appreciation for trucks like these, so if you’re looking for an epic restoration project, check out this running example listed here on eBay for $9,800 or best offer.
The Freightliner was sometimes known as the “Freightshaker” for the less-than-idyllic ride quality. The cabover design in general wasn’t exactly the most comfortable way to fly, as simply exiting the truck required carefully climbing backward out of the cab. Still, before the laws were amended to allow for more generous length, long-haul truckers didn’t know – or likely expect – any more comfort in their truck. Make it reliable and able to get to its destination on time was what mattered most. The seller of this Freightliner notes that it currently runs, shifts, steers, and brakes, but it has been off the road for many years and isn’t currently road-worthy.
The interior remains in good condition, but it looks vintage compared to today’s rigs. Look at that steering wheel – never again will I refer to an automobile as having a “bus-like” steering wheel, as this actually seems to dwarf all comers. The seller claims this is the original interior, with wall-to-wall blue vinyl covering seemingly every flat surface, and that it will need to be redone. It looks decent in pictures, so I’m unsure what he’s referring to. This was previously an Allied Van Lines truck, and the orange paint should be a big clue in picturing how it once looked. If you Google the Allied Van Lines cabover, you’ll see that the original configuration was downright handsome.
The truck today is said to still be in good working order, and despite the seller’s emphasis on it being a project, he also notes that it steers and stops well and that the generator still charges and the air compressor builds air pressure as it should. Power is supplied by a turbocharged six-cylinder Cummins NTF-350 paired to a 9-speed Eaton Fuller Roadranger Transmission. The Freightliner is also equipped with power steering and a tandem rear axle with 3.73 gearing. You could do far, far worse when seeking out a cabober project, and I personally wouldn’t change a thing about the iconic Allied Van Lines paint job. How would you restore this former moving truck?
Okay, I see a theme here, and with respect, please, it’s not “rat rod” material, that’s pushing that phrase too far. It’s a class 8 semi tractor and should remain as such. Pretty much what I said about the Ford, except much more. I’ve actually driven a truck like this, the worst truck I EVER drove, was a setback steer axle version of this truck. Nice lingo on the “Freightshaker”, btw,( you’re hired, years ago, it didn’t take much more than that to drive one) we also called them “Frightliners”, and was by far, without question THE most popular truck EVER. Every major freight hauler in the country used cabover Freightliners, the very 1st, made in 1948 for “Corn Flakes” ( Consolidated Freightways, or “CF”, for short) and then lesser freight companies, like the kind I drove for, bought them when CF was done with them. Yeah, you can imagine. White owned “White Freightliner” and was sold in 1974, and they became just “Freightliner”. The truck shown here, is again very typical of the 80’s, I believe the “NTF” Cummins, was the “Formula” motor, ( we called them “castrated” BC’s) and had a reduced rpm, like 1900 redline, instead of the old 2100, for alleged fuel savings. Didn’t work that way, as the driver just drove them harder. These were miserable trucks to drive. You could always spot a driver that wasn’t used to a cabover, as their right side wheels would be running on the shoulder. The old “clutch pedal through the floor” was a pain,( cold air blew in) the 9 speed, just a 10 minus 1st low, and the 3:70 gears on a castrated Cummins with “small rubber, ( 22.5’s, big rubber, 24.5’s would get you a little more) was still only about 70 mph tops, but remember, this truck was made for 55 mph speed limits, and was adequate for the time. Again, pre-air ride, this was Whites version of the Reyco, I had that on my Western Star, and switched it to Perebilt air ride. and those old spring ride trucks shook you, and the truck, and your freight, hence the well earned name, “Freightshaker”. That pleated interior was very popular, all trucks had that, and like the Ford, horribly out of date for any trucking today, but still a great old horse, and with the attraction of pre-emission trucks today, until the feds clamp down altogether, that is, I wouldn’t drag your feet on this, and depending on what you haul, it could work. Just not too far. “Bedbug” trucks usually pulled light loads, and weren’t subjected to the horrors of regular trucks. Moving van trucks( or carnival trucks) were a great way to get into the industry, and many drivers I knew did just that. Thanks for the semi trucks, makes an old gear-jammer smile,,, :) ( my aching back from these,, not so much,, :(
Howard, that post alone was worth this month’s membership
Hey Howard! ……..This is why you’re my go to for anything OTR or big rig, especially because my dad was a diesel truck /heavy equipment mechanic. I’m still on the road out in Tucson, Arizona now and on our way back to Wisconsin next week after a 3 month desert trip. Lots of highway driving, and always have high respect for big rig drivers (in general, despite a few ya-hoo operators which all professions have)……..these boys, and girls too, seem to work hard for their dough… now I seem to see lots with the big cabs and pets and couples as teams….this is still and I believe will remain as an important and necessary segment of our economy…….and it’s history of machinery is exemplified in forums such as ours here….BTW…what do you think of electric trucks? or Self driving!!!!!!!
Hi Gregg, too bad you couldn’t swing through Colorado, be great to meet you. There are still many great drivers, you only hear of the screwups, and with a camera in everybodys pockets, it seems like a non-stop catastrophe but that’s just not the case. Those cameras just bring those isolated incidents to our kitchen table. While I’m not a fan of electric powered anything, I think there may be a use for them, in a city situation. Kind of funny, you think we’ve made this outstanding progress in electric vehicles, when I read, in the early 1900’s, there were more electric city trucks than gas. And self driving trucks?,,,,,hahahahahahahahaha,,,sorry, but, hahahahaha, oh mercy ( wiping tear from eye), pure baloney. Management would LOVE that, but no way. Maybe in the desert, but they could never be made to handle a delivery situation, and someone will always have to take it to the customer.
Hey Howard, we’ll definitely hook up at some point, we travel a lot and all over…….Sweetie Pie’s son just took a job as GM of a nice resort in Bend, Oregon so we’re certain to be driving out there and Colorado seems on the way! Of course if you ever trek back to Wisconsin, you’d be welcome as our guest and I’m sure we could get Leiniedude to join us, lord knows what he’d be driving that day! Till then, keep us all informed and entertained with your knowledge and communication skills……..
The Cummins NTF engine was a fire truck only engine rated at 365 or 380 HP at 2,300 r/m. So this rig has been repowered or the author is taking license.
you could boost them.. change the pumps and get more horse. real common…change RPMs too
Hey BR, do I know you? You seem to pop up on all the trucking posts. I thought that too, on the NTF motors. Most all I sat over or behind, were NTC’s.
No offense intended to Mr. Howard who provides a wealth of real-life experience, but White Motor Corp was not the owner of Freightliner. White was a marketing partner providing the dealership network for buyers other than Consolidated Freightways which was Freightliner’s owner and largest customer. Freightliner was founded by Leland James, who was also the founder of CF. He wanted a lighter tractor than any on the market, and pioneered aluminum cabs. Freightliner’s production was 100% cabovers until the mid-1970’s, and of course, Freightliner has been a brand of Daimler Trucks North America for decades.
Thanks Greg, I got some of it right,, :)
I drove an Astro 95 Cabover 48 states & 2 provinces of Canada in the late 70s it had a Detroit Diesel 350hp pulling a refer. Trucks have come along way since then .
Hi Larry, actually, the Astro, or the Chevy Titan, was a really nice truck. UPS used them for years. Drivers loved them, even though, they weren’t as nice as the Diamond Reo’s they replaced.
Howard, well done but you forgot to add that when driving a cab over, you were always the first person at the accident scene!
I work for Corn Flake for thirty years until they went out of business. Those trucks was about as rough as can be, most had no power steering, no AC. They beat you up and spit you out at the end of the day.The owner of C.F. invented the doubles using dollies and the cab over and owned Freightliner but, was partners with White His trucks were part of the White brand I believe which had several brands of trucks until the brands when off on his own. Most of things that have to do with trucks came from Mr L.James inventions. Well thats what I was told for 30 years. Never looked into it. Like your post.
Hi Vinnie, I had a friend that pulled doubles for CF with a Freightliner cabover. It had a 250 Cummins, straight 7 speed. It had an air pressure gauge, a coolant temp gauge, a warning light for oil pressure and low air, and a speedograph. That’s it. He said, in a stiff wind, he never got it into 7th, which is why just about anyone could pass a Corn Flakes truck,,,
As usual, thanks Howard for the insightful info. My respect to those who drove these beasts for a living. And for that matter, those who drive for a living today. The current driving machine may be much nicer but the work is still tough.
Thanks, Bob, just a “spoke in the wheel” here. With regulations and equipment, cell phones, it’s a different job today. I started in the late 70’s, and the tail end of the “outlaw” days. Rest assured, I broke every rule that would bend,,,fact is, many of the new regulations are because of the shenanigans I, and many others, upheld. I’m not particularly proud of our “rule bending”, but like I say, it was how you made a buck, and did what it took to do so. That CB radio, for the meager investment of $50 bucks, saved me, and my buddies, thousands in fines. With electronics today, an officer can tell as you drive by, who you are, last inspection, what you are hauling, the weight and destination, all at a press of a button. Took all the fun out of it,,,
I will admit, I know nothing about big rigs. Do people actually collect these? Do they have any practical use, or are they just fun to own at this time? I need to learn something today
Hi Bob, we all have our “calling” here, mine is trucks. To answer your question, yes and no( I know, some answer) There isn’t an actual “collector” market for these, we’ve come a long way in semi trucks, but as a unit to pull your “collectibles” around, it would be kind of fun. As a working truck, like I say, many, due to lack of choices today ( sound familiar?) have gone back to these, for sheer simplicity. Kind of funny, fuel mileage, after all these years, really hasn’t increased much, and these, for now, escape all kinds of regulations, and at 1/10th of the cost of a new truck, and when ( not if) some 4 wheeler pulls out in front of you, you aren’t out $90 grand.
Can’t really call it a “market”, it’s more like a calling or a passion. AFAIK, there are no Year Ones to buy parts from to restore your Class 8 tractor. It’s more like “I knew a guy who might be able to hook you up. Don’t know if he’s still alive.”
But they’re certainly out there.
At the rural ice cream shop a few miles from my home every summer Monday evening several local big rig truck collectors get together with their antique, vintage, old, classic, and/or custom rigs. At shows I’ve seen big rig truck areas and heard of dedicated big rig truck shows in my area. Every August in Cortland NY there is a large Brockway (and other makes too) gathering. So yes, there is a niche of big rig collecting.
Yes, the old tri fives, mustangs, etc. etc. are cool and fun to see at the shows and on here. But if/when I ever get the time and space for an antique vehicle it will be a medium weight class former hard working truck. Bigger than a pickup, smaller than a big rig, and just right for me. To me they’re more unique than all the variations of cars and symbolic of the hardworking common people that made America great in the middle half of the 20th century.
Seeing old trucks on here is what I really keep coming back for. So keep those old truck barn finds coming please!
If properly restored? they can be made into a great way to haul your other toys. All you need is step deck trailer and a place to store everything and you are all set for going to events everywhere.
I’m not a tractor-trailer operator, but why not put it back to work? Too vintage for the commercial market?
Hi Engident, because, we’re Americans and Americans are spoiled rotten. A truck like this would make new recruits run screaming in the night. Trucks today have become these cushy, rolling apartments, and I’d actually LOVE to see the face of some new driver, especially if this has manual steering, which many older trucks still had, when the boss says, “here you go”, :0,, Drivers today spend so much more time in their trucks, due to funky HOS ( hours of service) regulations, and this truck was made for a time, when you ran your aXX off, climbed in the sleeper for an hour or 2, and right back at it. It was the only way to make a buck, and we didn’t kill anyone either.
So yes, it could be used today, providing a company would put a 30 year old truck on, but realistically, as us older drivers fade away, it’s like classic cars, who today is going to drive a “Model A” of trucks?
I know of a beautiful Autocar truck parked with I think classic tags. They are my favorite but as much as I’d like to mess with one, I wouldn’t want to get a CDL just for that. You could always put the truck on a smaller truck frame, like a rat rod too. I’ve seen them on the road. It sure would pull my camper with ease but after the divorce, I’d be living in it..
Glenn, you don’t need a CDL if it’s for personal use.
Hey Howard, are you in Wisconsin?
Hi Howie, I was from Wisconsin and did all my trucking there. I retired in Colorado.
@Sonny Pruitt, is that really you? Did you get my letters? :)
( truth be known, it was a combination of “Movin’ On” and SATB, that got me interested in trucking in the 1st place.
@Glenn, you’d be amazed at how many people live in those things these days. “Gypsy’s”, we call them here. They float in from who knows where, work at the local Walmart for a couple months, and hit the road again.
trying to run a truck like this is impossible. it would nickel and dime you to death. it would be fun to run in some light duty non-commercial application…for those interested there is a site “cabover trucks for sale” I think it is that one of these after another. really brings back memories; not all of them good
Check out Gentry Brothers Trucking on You Tube.
You know what ol’ Jack Burton would say? “Turn that bad boy into the Pork Chop Express and drive it through the gates of hell.”
You had to say that,now you’re in Big Trouble!
My dad drove semi trucks for over forty years and cabovers were his preferred choice to drive. The last truck he owned and drove was an International 9670. I have so many memories of him driving trucks just like this. It broke his heart when he had to quit driving, it was the one job he always loved. It would be a crime to see this old girl torn apart and turned into she wasn’t meant to be. Dad has been gone for almost seven years but I imagine he’s somewhere delivering a load and enjoying every minute!
It was my understanding that Freightliners were very light compared with other trucks because of their fiberglass body. The lightness of the truck, coupled with the stiff clutch, made it virtually impossible to start without shaking. A less experienced driver would have the entire cab bouncing up and down. Freight Shaker.
These have ALUMINUM bodies…the same as any other cabover in that era, lol.
Freightliner tilt cabs never had a fiberglass cab, however the conventionals do have a fiberglass hood assembly. Freightliners are not any lighter, or heavier, than other trucks, it all depends on how the trucks are spec’d. The trucks spec’d with aluminum frame rails, bumpers, and rims, less front brakes, etc. are the lightest (goes for all brands). All stick-shift trucks have a 17″ two plate clutch and it’s very difficult to screw up off the line. The cab bouncing is usually due to a loose cowboy behind the wheel that likes WOT starts.
Howard has probably forgotten that Freightliner trucks were actually designed and built by a trucking company – it’s how they got their name. Now owned by Diamler NA.
No, I mentioned that, but may have it backwards. The engineers at Consolidated Freightways, that Freightliner trucks were a part of, designed the 1st Freightliner cabover. I had the year wrong, it was early 40’s.https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/1941-42-freightliner-cf-freightways-1889234006
It was the White 5000 that had a fiberglass cab. And the cab bouncing, not always a cowboy. Usually, what happens is the flywheel gets hot and warps. On most clutch changes, it’s never resurfaced, and causes that “chattering”. I drove trucks that the clutch chattered so bad, you literally had to just “sidestep” the clutch. Other than starting and stopping, I never used the clutch.
On a different note, I cannot believe how expensive it is to put a collection of toy/diecast cabovers.
DCP cabovers is the best quality/most accurate 1/64’s on Ebay and those run $60.00-$200.00 each!!
Seriously? I still have my Mack dump truck that I bought for $12 when I was 11 years old. Look at it now. And you can still buy them new!
https://smittytoytrucks.com/
People collect everything ,so there is a market for it just have to find the right one . Vintage trucks are cool & reminds you of the what the past was. So something for everyone , just have to fond that person!!!
I took a similar version a flat floor International and made it into a LQ/Service truck. I can attest to the freight shaker quality. You would feel every bump. The cab over advantage was great for a larger LQ and a 20′ service area. It was great for working around in city streets. OTR, not so much. I would consider building another one using a Freightliner Argosy lowered with air ride in the front, 10 spd automatic and 3:32 rears….
I LOVE these trucks. I called them BOX type semi,s. I use to love watching them on the highway, pulling a load. I wish i had learned to drive semi,s when i was younger but i was always working in factories, and then i became disabled, and now ,i can only DREAM of driving a semi now,but THIS one is one i love just looking at it. MR ENGIDENT i,m with YOU on this one, PUT THAT BAD BOY BACK IN THE SERVICE . SHORT HAULS IF NOTHING ELSE. BUT BACK ON THE ROAD AGAIN, THANK YOU MR WILLIE NELSON LOL.
I know in today’s world to most people even the thought of driving a cabover is revolting but to me they are a rough riding, noisy and at time verging on uncomfortable. In the end the 350 is a great long life reliable engine right along with the 290 I have no problems getting in a truck like this and driving 4000 miles, this is the only type of tractor I have ever driven maybe it’s ignorance but that’s ok to!
Do people collect old trucks? Yes… yes they do.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsjcFciM1xk
WOW!!! What a video (as I grab a napkin to wipe the drool from my chin)!!
Trace Adkins Lyrics
“Chrome”
Chrome, She can see herself In the shiny grill and the
Wire wheels of a red Chevelle with four on the floor and the top down
Chrome, zippin’ by on an Electra Glide
With dual tail pipes doin’ 105 in the broad daylight
On a two-lane headin’ outta town
Forget Pink and purple paisleys
little mellow-yellow daisies
Ain’t no pot of gold in her rainbow
Her favorite color is ..Chrome
Chrome, get her leg up high
on the bumper of my big black Mack truck
With a smoke stack pointed towards the sky
And mud flaps, you know the kind
Chrome,I said hey little girl you sure look nice
Do you wanna ride, I won’t bite, she climbs inside
Says hell no, I want to drive
Forget Pink and purple paisleys
little mellow-yellow daisies
Ain’t no pot of gold in her rainbow
Her favorite color is ..Chrome
It’s chrome alright Shiny,nice polished
Chrome, Chrome
Forget Pink and purple paisleys
little mellow-yellow daisies
Ain’t no pot of gold in her rainbow
Her favorite color is ..Chrome
Her favorite color is…chrome
That girl is all about chrome
She sure loves chrome
(https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/traceadkins/chrome.html)
“I know of a beautiful Autocar truck parked with I think classic tags. They are my favorite but as much as I’d like to mess with one, I wouldn’t want to get a CDL just for that.”
@ Glenn C. Schwass
If you’re driving a rig for private use only and/or have the rig registered as an antique you probably will not need a CDL. Check with your DMV (or with local truck collectors) and don’t let that hinder your enthusiasm. Get that Autocar! I saw some Autocars as shows last summer. Very cool rigs!!
I still work and have an hour one way commute. My dad was a trucker and my vocation is building them new. I have always loved COE’s as a kid. It is what a real truck was. My old man had a new Pete. He drove junk for years to finally move up in it. It was a prowd moment for him..
In the last 10 years or so I have been seeing more and more vintage rigs like this on the road being worked. My average is seeing two COE’s a week which is amazing. Just yesterday I saw a KW Tilton Hilton running out of Michigan pass by.
We built our last COE new in I believe 2007 or 2008 and was ordered by a defense contractor for use in Iraq. Had a lot of unusual equipment added like cold start etc. At the time I believe they ordered 12.
Anyone interested in seeing old trucks should google George Tackaberry who has 14 buildings full of old fully restored trucks. You can tour his collection as I did. It is located in Athens, Ontario. You will need a passport to cross the border.
For a truck like this, I would’ve installed a Turbo Diesel engine.
Hahahaha. You silly man.
Very few states would require a CDL to operate an old (or even not so old) truck tractor that’s only registered for personal use. Most either require an upgraded Class A or B (depending on whether you intended to tow a trailer with it or not) “Exempt” license (similar to a CDL, but doesn’t require a DOT exam and is not valid for any commercial use whatsoever), or a regular operator’s license.
I live in ND and as long as nothing is for commercial use you are good to go with a Farm License on the truck but you still have to file a 2290 heavy vehicle use tax one of my military trucks is a M977 HEMTT it’s max gross is 100,000 pounds my only limit I can go over 400 miles from home!
If you are interested in old restored trucks you need to google George Tackaberry who is in Athens, Ontario. He has 14 large buildings full of beautiful trucks. My favorite was a 1929 chain drive International with a trailer. You can go through his collection by contacting him. You will need a passport to go to Canada.
A couple of notes for US citizens going to Canada.
When questioned by customs DO NOT LIE.
A misdemeanor in the US is considered a FELONY in Canada, and it does not matter if has been expunged. DUI/DWI’s count. You will not be permitted to enter.
However, you can be “rehabilitated” for a “fee” and get a temporary pass until you get your rehab papers (about 6 weeks).
As a current OTR driver, I still see MANY cab overs still on the road. I dont see them hauling anything small either. We have an old saying with cab overs, if there’s an accident, you’ll get there first.
spent over a million miles in those old freightshakers in the 70’s and early eighties…..don’t miss ‘im at all