W900a project truck

bam1968

Member
Hi. I am thinking about buying a 1979-80 KW W900A that has been sitting for approx. 15 years. I think it has been about 5 years since it has even been started. I have been debating whether it is even worth the effort. I don't have any pics yet but here is a description of the truck..... 400hp cummins, 13 or 15 speed (can't remember for sure which one), 60" flat top, peterbuilt air ride suspension. As far as appearance, it looks pretty good for a truck that has been sitting outside for 15 years. Initially, I thought I would pull the sleeper and make it a day cab. Then possibly shorten it up a little (right now it is @ 260" wb). Of course get it running first and fix all the problems that will surely pop up from sitting all those years. Then ultimately resell it and put a little money in the bank. I guess my question is... Generally speaking, is there any demand out there for a truck like this? I realize there is basically a limitless list of problems that can pop up from sitting that many years that would result in getting upside down on it pretty fast. Worst case scenario I would end up with an old truck to pull my lowboy that I have way too much money into. I just hate seeing a neat old truck like this just sit under a shade tree and rot away. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I will try to get some pics of it soon.
 

Truck Shop

Well-known member
First question how much money to buy it? Aluminum frame or steel? The Pete suspension is a down fall for some buyers [it's not all KW]. Fixing one to make money on
normally does not work out. What type of steering does it have? But I'm like you I hate to see them rotting away also.

Truck Shop
 

BoxCarKidd

Active member
Unless you buy it, get it going, and sell it for a profit you will never make money selling it. Some of the things you are talking about cost a lot of money, even if you do it yourself.
Never had a problem with either type frame but suspension is a good point. Is it torsion bar and that early 8 bag cost some money to upgrade also.
Steering: Manual, air assist, or hydraulic? Good point.
Was it parked because grandpa passed away or it was ran in the ground and break down maintenance was costing more than a replacement? One could be good and the other never will.
 

bam1968

Member
Actually we have not talked any $$ yet. It has hydraulic power steering and a steel frame with the peterbuilt air ride that was popular in the late '80's and early to mid 90's. It has been an owner operator truck as long as he has owned it. I think he bought it in the mid 80's if I remember right. Originally it had, I believe, a 36" sleeper and a spring ride suspension. When he switched it to air ride he lenghthened the frame to accomadate the 60" sleeper. I don't think it was run into the ground. I think the only reason he parked it was because the company he was leased to encouraged him to get a newer model truck. So he went out and bought a 1996 Peterbuilt and parked the KW. We would do all of the work ourselves. I hadn't thought about just getting it running and reselling it. That would probably be the way to go. Even though it would be a pretty cool local lowboy truck, I actually have my eye on a mid 80's Pete 359 that has been sitting for a number of years also but the owner is not ready to sell it yet. Thanks for the input. I appreciate it. Hopefully I can stop a get a few pics of the KW tomorrow so I can post them on here.
 

Truck Shop

Well-known member
The reason I bring up aluminum frame is at the age of most of those now you will find rot and corrosion around any area that has cast steel or steel crossmembers
and or fasteners. The fact that the truck your looking at has a steel frame is a big plus. But depending on the work and or quality of the job that was done when the
frame was extended has to be considered also. Does it have a liner or inside rail added?

Another thing to look at real close on these old 900's is the fiberglass roof cap, for stress cracks around the rivets. And the hood for stress cracks around the lower
portion of the fenders and around the grille or nose. Another area that's also over looked is the radiator core, look for green stuff. Unfortunately people who have
one to sell think it's rare or a family heirloom. Any W900A's that aren't restored really are only worth about 5 grand depending on the shape there in.

Truck Shop
 
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