12 Years Restoring a $1000 Truck | 1985 Ford CL9000

When Randy started searching for his childhood dream truck he never realized his journey would take 12 years of blood, sweat and tears. This $1000 truck was a prime candidate for the scrap yard but Randy risked it all and brought it back to life. But this journey didn't come without it's challenges... check this episode out for the full story.
Chapters
00:00 Episode preview 1985 Ford CL9000
02:30 Condition of the truck when bought
03:20 400 CAT 3406
04:20 Why this truck?
04:35 History of cabovers
07:00 Exterior work
07:20 Painting
08:40 Memory of his dad
11:00 Front end
12:00 Part sourcing and manufacturing
13:23 Dashboard restoration
14:15 Test driving Ford CL9000
16:00 Childhood dream of owning a truck
17:25 Fuel efficiency of 80s cabover
20:00 Transmission
23:00 Was it all worth it?
25:40 Next on 1986 Fierro
www.Subdivisionauto.com
Master Episode 007
S01E07
Series: Between the Wheels
Episode: 1985 Ford CL9000
Year: 2022
Host: TrooperMax
Theme: Anthony Jarrett
Video Equipment Consultant: Mark Dalpe
Intro Graphics: Rahul Ralan
#BetweenTheWheels #FordCL9000 #BTW #SubdivisionAuto

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Guys I'm looking for your help. Trying to decide what type of truck to film next. Drop your suggestions on which truck we should film and why. This would help us a lot!

[@steveaugustine5832]

85 Autocar should be your next story....My business partner had one when I had my LTL9000 FUN TRUCKS!!!!

[@joshchappell8053]

Ford LTL 9000

[@Chuckrussell75]

Freightliner Powerliner, dual snorkel, 12v71 Detroit. Woo hoo. Or maybe an old cabover Pete. I did love this Ford though. Very cool

[@bobpaulino4714]

Autocsrs, Reo's, early construction work horses

[@joshhalderman2917]

Needlenose

[@gaillynds1049]

That’s my son ! He worked very hard on that truck of his ! So proud of him ! His father lm sure he is too ! He must be saying l told you so Randy ! Love you son ! 👏👍❤️🙏🏼

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Thank you for watching and commenting on the video Gail. You son is a great guy and having done a similar project (Much smaller scale) I know how much work it can be. What he did he is truly amazing and inspiring. Glad we were able to share his story.

[@robbyblack2699]

Blue Mule was a WT 9000

[@phillipgarrow2297]

There where a lot of them back in there day total petroleum crude had a whole fleet of them

[@petermckenna6093]

Your son done absolutely fantastic restoration and a great video well put together

[@castelnausci7315]

Proud mom. The truck is beautiful. Worth every pennies

[@jasonloveless7860]

That's a, Awesome beautiful CL, 9,000 Ford Cabover

[@37903eral]

The Ford CL9000 was way of it's time. I remember Tom Inman Trucking in Tulsa Ok had a large fleet of them. Some had 425 cat, some had 3408, and they ran. Cool old school trucking. 👍🇺🇲😉

[@bertgrau3934]

Tom Inman, had a contract to haul glass for Ford. I don't know if that was why they bought the trucks, but you are correct they ran very well.

[@jakem.6359]

That's about as good as it gets right there...and the fact the owner restored it himself makes it even better. Priceless! Nicely Done.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Yeah Randy crushed it. Have done a lot of these episodes in 2022 and Randy's is easily the most impressive.

[@shellyweiers121]

That truck is breathtakingly beautiful 😍

[@markli3889]

What an absolutely wonderful guy. His truck is awesome. Great video

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Thanks for commenting Mark

[@junkorbust9498]

The man seemed ashamed to say he spent $75,000. Think for a moment, he spent $35,000 just on the truck itself, the engine rebuild and tires. He has basically a new truck. I say well done. Beautiful unit!

[@fivenine1057]

And no emissions to deal with. win win.

[@robertpoudrette4483]

Besides, what do you get for 75000 nowadays? He did such a nice job restoring a piece of trucking history! These are unique!

[@ericbitzer5247]

I'm so glad he did. Beautiful restoration on a beautiful truck. Not too many big rigs from back in the day. Love the old cabovers!!

[@troydaigle1260]

Damn that is a beautiful truck. I love the ford cabovers. You sir did a fantastic job. Your Dad inspired an amazing son.

[@detroit8v715]

When trucks were trucks! Beautiful restoration.

[@gravytrain416]

Awesome video. I just now stumbled across it. That old Ford is a beauty. I've only been a CDL-holder for 27 years, but I've never had a chance to drive a cabover Ford. Always loved their look. Just a sexy-looking truck. I've driven plenty of Louisville 9000s over the years, but never a CL. Ford had a good thing going back then. Even through the very last of the Louisvilles, when Freightliner bought out Ford's big truck line. I drove a Sterling, and loved it. I wish they'd never stopped building them. One of the best trucks I've ever driven. I'm thankful that people have the money, skill, ability, and the passion to keep these old trucks alive.

[@zoomparker2154]

Ford made one of the best COE ever conceived by man. In the closest runner up to a Ford was MARMON. The Ford I spent 300.000 miles in. I quit my job the day they gave me 1989 Freightliner to drive..

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Thats some serious mileage. Seems like the cabovers were just overall much better. The quality in the cab was pretty high too compared to the frightliner my family had.

[@francisjaniewski5990]

Excellent job on the paint! A$1,000 truck? A labor of love.

[@magmomwise]

I worked for a freight company during the 70s and 80s that had over 200 CL9000 truck for line haul operations. Our drivers loved them. Compared to other cab over trucks at the time these Ford trucks where better riding, better handling. The high driver position gave the drivers a better view of the road. They where a very great truck.

[@freedomrings1420]

I'd love to just bobtail this around the US in nice weather. I'm adding this as I just got done watching the video.... it's a " Work of Art" . I would take this over any million dollar painting or art work. Just like he said .... I would just enjoy sitting in it in my backyard. I bought a special order cargo trailer with windows, 7x14 and built the inside to look like a beautiful log cabin with all of the things hanging on the walls including 5 foot long snowshoes. It was my dream like this truck, so I know what it means to just sit in it and enjoy it. What a nice guy.

[@kevinmershon8922]

Man that truck looks sharp, awsome job, well done!!

[@bartwilson1111]

Loved this

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Glad you enjoyed it thanks for commenting. Lots of cool episodes coming up every 3 weeks

[@mikemike5190]

Gorgeous truck , and a wonderful piece of trucking history.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Sure is!

[@Trident750UK]

Lovely truck…so glad you left it in original condition and that it has no silly stretched wheelbase..👍🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@shawntolliver6485]

U sir know nothing , that rig needs at least 10 ft of stretched chassis rails !!!!!!!

[@Trident750UK]

@@shawntolliver6485 no sir it doesn’t….stretched they look real stupid

[@392nightrunner]

Stretching a truck is like crossing dressing with a bud light

[@user-zq5co3br4n]

I worked at Garnon Ford in Erie Pennsylvania as a lot boy when these came out...took a couple of these out for test drives...19 year old kid playing with big toyss...loved it! Started my brief career for truck driving.

[@leyland272]

credit to that man thats a beautiful job

[@htdriver2012]

Another beautiful cabover. You did a great job restoring it. What a beautiful sound also. I have driven a 9000 Ford and they do seem tall .

[@kevinmurphy3464]

Wow, that rig is one of the most beautiful tractors I have ever seen! Looks amazing and sounds so sweet. Kudos to an amazing restoration and preservation of a historical vehicle.

[@daviddickey4331]

The best coe truck ever produced. You have out done yourself that one Beautiful truck. I am 59 years old and this was the very first truck that i drove in the State of N.C..After i graduated High School in the Class of 1983. I grew up in the Logging Industry with my dad so learning how to drive any thing back then. The good old days of trucking.. I would love to see someone restore That COE Ford from the movie ''' White Line Fever/ The Blue Mule. Thanks for this great Video. Stay Safe & Blessed.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Very cool thanks for sharing

[@StudioPhoenixMedia]

I know nothing about trucks but wow this beast look very good, i love the oldschool style! It definitely catch the eye! That man didn’t gave up and and made it work, Great episode man! We want more!

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Thanks man your the best thanks for commenting :) you always send positive vibes

[@jimmymiller7256]

Love the colors

[@randylynds307]

Great job putting this all together Max… Thanks.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Thanks for sharing your story with us. It was a pleasure being able to bring this to life. Looks like your story has resonated with a lot of people thus far... people seem to really like it. Should be proud of what you have accomplished.

[@johnmick9457]

I remember going to work for a trucking company just out of the AF in 77, and they ask me which rig I wanted as they had several to choose from. I said what about the Ford 9000 which was tucked away in the back. Oh, you don't want that none of our drivers like it. As the man said it was love at first sight, I said I'll take the Ford and never regreted it.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Hey man to each their own. I didnt know anything about this truck until Randy showed it to me and I can see why people like it. Really cool rigs, unique and beautiful.

[@earl4989]

I remember these on the road. I miss the good ol' era, when Ford and GMC made big trucks like these.

[@Terk131]

My dad hauled with a cab over. I have a special place in my heart for these trucks. The CL9000 was sweet. When he had downtime he would haul around carnival midway rides and when he retired from the road, he ran those rides regionally for another 8 years before god called him home. He LOVED running his old Ford, he could get that truck in anywhere know matter how tight it was

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Great story my friend thanks for sharing. Glad he video was enjoyable

[@mikep1646]

When I drove I Drove a 1980 CL 9000, GREAT TRUCK. YOURS IS AWESOME..

[@tommyhall2768]

Love the cl 9000 an ltl 9000 nice ride good job

[@2wagondragon]

Awesome restoration! I owned one back in the 80s . Purchased new in 1980 and sold it in 1987. I shook hands with nearly every nut and bolt on that truck by the time I sold it.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

That's very cool Dan seems to be the case with a lot of trucks. My dad did the same with his freightliner I remember him working on it nearly every weekend at one point. Or driving to truck repair shops with him hours away. Goodtimes

[@danielb.4461]

Now this is a real truck. Always my favourite cabover.

[@joeyjarman4605]

Driver that is a pure masterpiece! I grew up spending every possible minute I could riding with my dad in his 9000 I loved that truck, I lost my old man a year ago but the memories will live with me forever. Again beautiful truck and thanks for sharing.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Sorry for your loss but glad this was a positive moment for you today. Thabks for taking the time to stop by and comment

[@ericceulemans7851]

Looks amazing. Amazing job. Thats pure passion 👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Thank you so much 😀

[@chosenone101]

Beautiful truck!

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Absolutely thanks for watching and commenting!

[@gazzpazzer]

My dad bought a new CL 9000 in ‘77. I went with him on a trip. A unique experience.

[@MarkHerrmann-wf2yq]

I always liked the W9000, my dad drove Freightliners in the 70's and 80's, lot of memories in cabovers.

[@pauldillinger2286]

That Ford cab over is so gorgeous. I remember when it was only cab over trucks and then it went to long nose trucks i was like the hell with a cab over. Over the last few years ive seen more and more people restoring cab overs and its brought me back to a place where i started with trucking and its cab overs. I love them man. Thanks for the video.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Thanks for watching lots of new videos coming. This friday is the first truck episode since this one. And later in the summer we have a 1980 Peterbilt cabover

[@Ih8nine]

That's a nice truck. The owner has taken very good care of it.

[@maintuning]

I'm fairly certain I remember this truck. I used to drive for South West Transfer ( Winnipeg location ) in the late 80's. Steep Rock Transfer used to warehouse there . I remember what the guy that drove it looked like but I can't remember his name. He is probably gone by now. There were a lot of small town transfer companies back then. Gardewine bought out most of them. This guy did a great job restoring this truck !

[@claytonbrown7100]

What a heartwarming piece. Great restoration project....what a classic. AND he didn't stretch the frame and turn it into a stupid looking circus truck.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Yeah he even painted it the way they used to have them. His attention to detail was impressive which made this build as good as it is.

[@phaslow4393]

This just came up in my list and this guy is just like my old buddy Jason who sadly passed away. His eyes, mannerisms, the way he bursts out laughing....the hat...it's insane. I guess out of 8 billion people two are bound to be super similar.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Yeah it's funny how that works. We just edited another episode and the guy in it is exactly like Randy from this episode so there may be more than one doppelganger . Sorry about your loss

[@roberthodges834]

Work WELL done!! We share the passion for the CL’s for Ford’s. Ford’s Big Red shared it’s innovations with the CL9000. Thank u for the memories I experienced drivin 1. Yur Father is truly proud as YOU should be, thank you for yur contribution.

[@kens6437]

What a beautiful rig ! Great restoration!!

[@MylesLynds]

Wow Good Job Randy, Very Impressive!!!! Your Dad would be very Proud of You!!!!

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Randy knocked one out of the park with this one for sure. Never met his dad but I am sure he would be proud too.

[@randylynds307]

Thanks uncle Myles😊

[@mikesautotruckrepairinc.cr5621]

Nice job on a unique and good looking truck.Nice spec too with the 400 Cat and 13 speed with the Neway.I always had a soft spot for the LTL 9000.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Lots of comments about LTL 9000s here, may have to find one of those for a future episode!

[@Justone372]

Feel your dad’s spirit sir, awesome memory of him, which inspired you. ❤

[@fiqaaljafri5887]

Americans do everything in their backyard. Love it. 👍👍

[@keepontruckinoutlawlife1248]

What an amazing accomplishment BEAUTIFUL rig driv,ah and great story. Appreciate you sharing with us.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Thanks for taking the time to watch the video and comment. We are happy you enjoyed it happy to share. Lots of other cool stories coming up. Only make one video every 3 weeks or so but the stories are good. Thanks

[@royrogers2146]

Being one of the 1st cabovers to have 4 corner airbags, the leaning it did in corners could be very scary. Great job on the restoration!

[@BillyLapTop]

In 1978 I went for an interview with a pizza supply company in North Jersey. I was hired and told to come back that night to start my new job. The boss said the keys would be on the top of the drive tire. Came back that evening and saw a Ford CL 9000 for the first time. I didn't even know they existed. I grabbed the keys, unlocked the door and grabbed the the handle to climb up into the cab and the whole thing tilted with my body weight. Caught me by surprise. Got inside, inserted the key and started the Detroit 430 that was in it. It sounded like the engine was 100 feet away. It was so quiet. Put the 13 speed RR into gear and started across the yard to my trailer and the cab was floating around the gear shift lever as it staid in place. Totally new experience. That evening when I stopped to sleep, being winter I kept the engine running for warmth, I put my head down on the pillow and there was no vibrations, no thumping combustion cycles transferred to my head. So smooth and quiet. It was an amazing experience. I stayed in that truck for over a year, you could not pry me out of it.. But there was a learning experience in driving it, especially in icy conditions. The floating cab action could send mixed signals, the biggest issue was on black ice but I learned to adapt. 44 years later I still remember everything about that truck like it was the first day. Also, it was the first 100 mph truck I ever drove, really. Mack came out with a similar floating cab in the early 80's but the Ford CL was the best of them all.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Thanks for sharing that awesome story, a lot of people see to have great stories on these trucks. Thanks Billy!

[@paulgrimm]

The9000 was a big step in trucking innovation .The air bag cab was incredible back then.I started driving in 78 in a ups cab over GMC. I retired 39 years later in a KW conventional .Bravo Sir!

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Seems like a group opinion a lot of people have been saying that. Randy has a truck that's pretty important to trucking history. Thanks for you insight

[@edbigtruck]

Beautiful I love these and the LTL’s And what a great way to honor your dad.

[@amphore1604]

GG to that guy restoring a piece of history

[@samisilander9305]

A beautiful and rare truck!

[@philiptaylor174]

Super nice truck. Drove an identical 400 cat 13 speed cl9000 a fewtimes in the 80s. Nicest vehicule i ever drove on the big road. Aluminium flatbed in tow. Fully loaded it would climb the longest hills in tenessee at 60 mph when the others crawled up At 40.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

That's awesome Phil sounds like it was a blast to drive.

[@garycogswell5499]

What a beautiful truck. Sounds great.

[@alfredogonzalez8991]

Restauración 100% original, hermoso camión. 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@sergenadeau4720]

Omg I so remembered that truck when I was a kid seeing old Norval Sanders coming to Wpg with a load of livestock or lime coming out of Steep Rock and he'd stay at the Canadiana hotel in wpg overnight. Then reloading with Beer and Co-op groceries and general freight the next morning.My late father(driving and owning a small MB rural) just like Norval would talk to him weekly in wpg. Steep Rock Transfer, Moosehorn Freighters, Northwest Transfer written on the bunk and on the doors on his Ford LTL 9000. He was a good old boy! Always wondered what happened to them old iron, very happy you saved that truck from the shredder good job and enjoy your time with it. Thanks for the memories seeing that truck coming back to life, You made that engine purr again like it did in its prime trucking up and down #6 highway in MB. Congrats again on your prized trophy. Made my day lol

[@randylynds307]

I never met him in person seems like a great man. 😊

[@carriepoling4942]

Love this story! It’s a beautiful truck! 👌

[@ELDIABLO444]

Beautiful !!! The cab rode great but it felt like you were gonna flip over sometimes but it's ahead of K100s Freightliner etc . All the best to you and yours Sir.

[@robertwhite9898]

Great job on the restoration! That’s a classic truck ! Has style !

[@raginroadrunner]

The most amazing,best engineered class 8 tractor ever made. Nothing else came close.

[@jamesblissett9452]

Loved the cabovers.

[@jamieosborne8914]

Beutiful truck did excellent job, that paint job and design rocks

[@robs7901]

wow what a beautiful restored truck. From what I can see it looks better then new.

[@kleimbach77]

Love this my dad had an 86 Ford LTL 9000 I wish I could have one now w/ a 3406 CAT and a roadranger 13 speed

[@stevetaylor9770]

Those cab overs with a short trailer can get into places you would be very surpised it got in and out of. Very nice job Randy.

[@ronnierobertsband]

CB handle... Falcon. Best damn cabover I've ever driven. Nice job, keep on truckin brother! ❤🇨🇦

[@2504499]

This video is an absolute treat! Thanks for making it. These trucks were quite the show piece back in the day and still looks great.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Our pleasure glad we were able to share the story. Plan to do many more

[@irvingerbrand9273]

I'm sorry for your loss!! Beautiful truck !!

[@GlennCowie-jq1jx]

Wow, Terrific Job, Good for You, for proving the guy wrong, and completing him wrong.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Randy has motivated a lot of people l. His work is remarkable

[@feelnrite]

That is a good looking truck. Your dad would be proud.

[@lilbill85hawb]

white line fever was an awesome movie. very cool

[@dustyroads834]

Ive always loved these trucks. Best looking cab over they ever made.

[@Kermondale]

Fantastic!

[@jameshowe5051]

Hello Randy, Great story! Beautiful restoration!!

[@SubdivisionAuto]

It sure is. He reads the comments so I know he appreciates the love. Thanks for dropping in more trucks on the way soon

[@daviddoyle3246]

You gotta love those Ford tractors,I always liked the long nose

[@steverzepecki500]

I drove a new one in 1979 OTR, 350 cummins, air ride cab. It was a comfortable truck. I owned a 1977 Kenworth K100 for 5yrs. I should have never sold it. I bought it from a tanker driver, only 350,000 miles on it. Great truck, I bought in 1983. $10k can you imagine that.

[@rideshareog]

Beautiful. Well done.

[@-xy1ol]

Rip to his dad ,Beautiful truck. Well done

[@jo-nation6692]

CONGRATS ON YOUR REHAB REBUILD

[@hoonosewut443]

Nice smooth shifting. Great sounding 3406b. Nice truck.

[@Edeye-1]

Good Looking Ford !!!

[@matt82654]

beautiful!

[@richmiller5392]

Thanks for posting! My dad drove one of these, good memories for me riding in his doing East coast runs.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Right on Rich those are good times. Only my dad drove a freightliner and we did the trips drown to Florida. Good times indeed

[@marksmith801]

Hmm! OK my goodness yes this old school looks amazing! I was never fond of cabin in over which I drove in a couple during my trucking career but I did like 2 styles of these type these trucks (Ford and International). Good job bringing back this old girl. #keepontruckin 😉👌

[@joehubbard9288]

Beautiful truck.

[@geraldmcmahon7361]

Hi well done I admire your patience and understanding and energy. From uk love all you have done and achieve well done. I see your hart and mind is ease where thinking of your dad . Amazing i am proud to see and hear your history and connections with the truck 👍👏👍👏😇

[@kevinmurphy3464]

That is one of the most beautiful cabovers I have ever seen. That guy did an amazing job!

[@GaryBoyd02]

Those two story Edsels are quite neat. I had an 87 with the same powertrain this one has. That 400 Cat runs the same day in and day out no matter the weather with the intercooler instead of the CAC. Pulled the mountains the same at -30 or +30. Also you see things in a mountain trip out of that truck you won't see out of any other truck.Used to be fun to make a passenger grab on if you go around a corner not fast but just a little quick and that air ride can would lean over and they would be looking down at you! Hahahaha.

[@strokersteve468]

Yes, the old cats ran well. I remember making fun of these Fords until I took a load of frozen ducks from southern Ontario to Alberta in one. I was so surprised by how nice it drove and how comfortable it was. 1st time I had used cruise control. Pretty fancy!

[@GreenGrow-ck3pg]

Thank u for making this Chanel & having people like this good man on. His father stuck around till the finish of the truck

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Our pleasure we love doing this. Lots to come thanks for the support

[@JamesJohnson-ro2jq]

I wish I had mine back. Loved that CL 9000.

[@helixclipper9401]

Beautiful truck! Awesome work! Thumb up!

[@mikek7283]

Very cool tractor.

[@mnj640]

That truck is beautiful. Always loved cabovers

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Thanks for watching more trucks on the way

[@askroller]

Iconic look

[@fuzzybutkus8970]

I did 37 years in a big truck. Retired now That model Ford was the only COE I loved to drive. Gotta watch them in a cloverleaf. They tend to lean something fierce. Was an all black company here in Mich late 80’s early 90’s and 9000’s were the only truck they owned. Company was called OJ Express. Hauled Ford and GM parts.

[@robertbrake9927]

Amazing story and a Amazing truck.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Glad you enjoyed it