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Freightliner FLD 120 - Ugly, but she makes money

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Inspired by the steel haulers that run I-75 between Detroit and Toledo, here’s a parts box/glue bomb save that was an enjoyable build.

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Now, don’t get me wrong, many of the Detroit area conestoga pullers are beautiful large cars, worthy of best in show. The most beautiful rigs decked out in lights and chrome. But, there’s a few steel movers that are running out their twilight years wearing dirt, missing parts, and held together with duct tape and a prayer.

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This old Freightliner has seen better days, but she’s still earning her keep.

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The kit engine was replaced with a wired, plumbed and weathered Italeri Detroit Diesel Series 60. Aftermarket wheels and mismatched tires were added.

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It’s missing some fairings, and one of the original fuel tanks. The factory exhaust was replaced by a single weed-burner pipe.

IMG_2241.thumb.jpeg.3379dde756b662f71bbc336b41a2c521.jpegIt represents a truck that has had it’s series of changes and modifications over the years, many the result of fender benders and even a low bridge (That’s how the rooftop fairing and upper exhaust met their demise).

IMG_2263.thumb.jpeg.bccd0fc50b2131163adb1f17bdeafc70.jpegThe repairs are often back-yard style…just throw on cheap junkyard parts and make it work. The kind of truck that you need to know how to wrench-on if you want to own and drive it - for someone that’s mechanically savvy (and resourceful).

IMG_2247.thumb.jpeg.4699cd8bdf500a91ea2d7fe3e0795013.jpegIMG_2254.thumb.jpeg.61b809127fd88a63299a0454282c8bd8.jpegIMG_2253.thumb.jpeg.36e9197ebfe4b40b93a2e1cce2ae514a.jpegIMG_2256.thumb.jpeg.ee44f018523cd459c413a7b6e5110c7d.jpegIMG_2261.thumb.jpeg.8a5cf662a30f2c15a8f6fe8b25f687e5.jpegI hope you enjoy it. But don’t call her ugly. At least, not to her face.

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...You captured the essence of a used truck with many unused miles......if I had a dime for every time I've seen this truck in my travels, I would sure have a heck of a lot of dimes. 

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