DRIPTROIT 71

That's what I always thought Sam, and there is probably some truth to that. Daddy always said it was because people wouldn't take the time it required to fix them. There may be some truth to both. What I do know is that in 1983 the company that my dad worked for bought over 40 new 3406 powered Freightliners, and sent the 5 remaining Detroit powered trucks to the shop in Alabama (where I think that they were treated as spares). I remember one Saturday the 1978 Cabover Ford pulled on to the yard to the fuel pump for fuel. The driver got out, opened the side box, pulled out a gallon of oil and started pouring it in the access on the front. Someone had lost the oil cap, (driver said it was because it was off more than on) and according to the driver no one else would drive that truck. The funny thing is, when it left Lexington it was probably the best of the 5. I said all of that to say this: I think Detroit 2 strokes much like steam engines have a lot of character, but also require a little more constant maintenance (as a general rule) than say a Cat or Cummins did.. Keep in mind most of my experience with Detroits was helping my Dad. My personal experience was mostly with Mack and Cat. So my observation may not be 100% accurate. But,I do love the sound the 2 stroke Detroit makes though. I road many a mile listening to one hum. That makes them my favorite old diesel. I would like to put a 4-71 on my M Farmall one day.

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My Dad went to school to work on Detroits, and was a Detroit mechanic for years. He always told me that he could make a Detroit "drip free."

My first truck kit was the AMT 359 Peterbilt (Matchbox version I think). I got it for Christmas when I was about 9 or 10. I put it together without paint or anything. The fit was terrible, I got glue all over it, but it all started there. The following year I got several truck and trailer kits for Christmas. My mom use to take me to the Rose department store to buy model kits after I started building. I Remember the DM800 Mixer and the DM800 tractor sitting on the shelf forever, I thought that they were ugly then. Live and learn.

I don't know... I've never really cared much for corvettes, but this one does have personality. What kind, I'm not sure of. It is definitely an original, a head turner, and a conversation piece. Do you think any Bondo was involved??? or maybe chicken wire and wood screws????

You always pick the best paint schemes! Looks great!!!

Now that's Cool!! Nice Work!!!

Oops!! The Title answers my question. Maybe I should pay attention, but I was so distracted by the build.

Clayton, I know that I couldn't pull it off, but if any one could it is you: "Bare metal cab"

Great work as always!!!

Very Nice Work!!! The trailer and the Ford are awesome!!! KJ, there seem to be a lot of people kicking themselves. I didn't even know about them and I'm kicking myself. Before anyone gets injured, is there any chance that these may be available again?

Great rescue project! Looking good so far!

Looks Good!! That frame looks straight as an arrow in the pictures. Great work.

I'm liking this build! About what year model is this? I didn't realize that this hood and grill were used together. I was wanting to build a White Western Star with the 4000 White style hood, but never got around to it. Then I traded off my hood. It was just one of those projects that I would have probably never gotten to anyway. Great work so far, especially on the hood!!

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I like where this one is heading!

Nice work on a truck that I've always wanted to build!!

Cool Build!!! Looking forward to seeing more!!!

Looking good!!! I need to get back to building myself.

KJ not only has great stuff, but he is a great guy to deal with!

Very nice job on one of my favorite trucks. Old Iron is the best! Nice Work!!!

I've been following this thread from the beginning, and I have just one thing to say: Merry Christmas to you ALL!!!!

Thanks Gator!! Merry Christmas to you all!!!

Thanks for the link. Enterprise Truck Rental has given some body shop some steady business.

That is the best looking 7400 that I have ever seen built! I built one about 12 years ago, but was never happy with it. I am planning on building another one soon though. I had been debating on what to do about the grill, but if mine can look close to as good as yours, I will be happy. Excellent Work!!!