What to do with a California Hauler?

[explorer2770]

I know I'm about to get 500+ different suggestions on how to build the re-released CH, a truck that I've only heard rumors about and have never built before but now hold in my possession thanks to HL and Round 2.

Anyway, I've been thinking about turning this into a 289 to haul a scratch built Hackney or Mickey beverage trailer for a volunteer fire department's haz-mat or rescue truck.

Or

A 1500 gallon dual axle fire tanker based on the ALF pumper body, but with a front-mounted pump.

The only reason I'm hesitant and not fully committing to the tanker is because I don't know if there were any Peterbilt 359's built with a stationary grille with the Unilite cab. I've been all over Tim's website and haven't found anything close to a stationary grille for the unilite cab. I don't want to go to a butterfly hood since I'm only aware of the 351/281 butterfly hood for this cab, but if it was an option, even aftermarket, sign me up for the tanker.

So, if anyone knows an answer to my question of whether or not a stationary grille, or even a butterfly hood, was an option (even aftermarket) for a Peterbilt 359 unilite cab, let me know. If not, I'm off to the chopping board to adjust the CH's frame rails to single rear axle.

Thanks.

Edit reason: posted too soon

Edited September 19, 2014 by explorer2770

[Jim B]

As far as I know, the 359/289 always had a tilt hood. The only reason the California Hauler doesn't have one is because AMT didn't make it that way originally back in 1969. The second issue of the 359 with the 1100 series cab has a tilt hood. It shouldn't be too hard to make the hood on the CH tilt. The 351/281 had the butterfly hood, and the 358/288 was the narrow nose tilt hood.

Edited September 20, 2014 by Jim B

[Mackvision]

Not by any means a Peterbilt fan,but i want to do a kit similar to this truck,just a simple, classic looking west-coast truck............................Mark