1961 Kenworth K-523 Cabover restoration reveal

[@kerrysgarage4641]

This is how you restore a truck. Everything original, no aftermarket chrome bumpers or quarter fenders. Just a fantastic example of doing it right. Congratulations on a beautiful restoration. Kerry

[@thinairdiesel3158]

It’s not original. The Mud flap hangers and straight pipe on this truck are not OE. But restoring to OE original is different than restoring to use a truck for work.

[@chandlermealey1962]

Mehhh chrome always looks good on a truck.

[@kman-mi7su]

That is more of a mild resto-mod than a restoration.

[@29Mucker]

Love the truck. The sound of the Cummins coming out the straight stack is music to these old ears!

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Jimmy Dolittle glad you liked it. Something about things from the past can stir the soul :)

[@the.porter.productions]

My dad bought a cabover from you guys back in 1967...I found the letter about some service it had on it and had the playing cards that came with it...wish I could find them now. Enjoyed the video...love cabovers! Porter Dude of Ohio!

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Absolutely awesome to hear stories like this!!!! Thank you!

[@michaeltoney2938]

As a trucker of 18 years. I really appreciate videos like this because I've been fascinated with trucks every sense the age of 5. I took my first ride in a cab over midnight blue pete at age 9 from Milwaukee WI to Chicago IL. I knew from that point my carer was born. Hopefully one day i can my own truck and show how gorgeous she is like this one.

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Keep working at it!!!!

[@gregdavis19]

How fantastic! It’s a beautiful piece of history done right. That being said, I couldn’t imagine no front brakes.

[@KenworthofRichfield]

There's something just a bit too sketchy about that. LOL

[@michaelrzeszuto777]

Being born in 1967 I remember back when there were cab over's all around. Ya'll did an absolute beautiful job on this truck. I myself miss the days when there were trucks going down the highways of all styles. Now it seems like like cars we are starting to get cookie cutter trucks. Sad. Wish I had the money to bring more of these old girls back with the modern updated safety and comfort from present day. Being a Kenworth and pete.'s lover my whole life, I can appreciate all the work that you put in and thank you for it. Thanks for sharing.

[@andrewtiefry5990]

Yes I hear your pain when you know there are people scraping these jems. I have 2 w900 a models and love every min of working on them and especially driving the old girls.

[@joeresendes3602]

Beautiful! I appreciate the accuracy in the restoration. Applause to all those who brought her back to this pristine condition.

[@brandonmoen6956]

That 1961 Kenworth Cabover is gorgeous!

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Thnaks! The guys in the shop did a great job.

[@bryce1916]

Well done very nice restoration .

[@KenworthofRichfield]

We've got some talented guys in the shop.

[@soapboxgeezer4283]

that truck was top of the line in its day. Great job on the restoration.

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Funny how things have changed, no? haha. Thanks! The guys in the shop really did do a great job on it.

[@scottbaker1018]

What no Bluetooth or gps..The big rig school jockeys and foreigners couldn’t get this tk out of the parking lot. Lol 😂🤣🤣

[@ThePete352]

Now what a beautiful lady that K523 is. Great restoration Kenworth of Richfield

[@mwhitelaw8569]

Y'all did Renton proud All correct I love all the attention to detail Knocked it out the park y'all!!!

[@KenworthofRichfield]

The guys in the shop definitely did a great job on this. We've got some talented guys there.

[@mwhitelaw8569]

@@KenworthofRichfield You ain't kidding That whole rig is like brand new!!! Seriously cool

[@Rwalt61]

Thanks for showing us this truck. That truck is as old as I am. I wish I looked this good!

[@KenworthofRichfield]

You could look this good also with a complete restoration. :D

[@camdeskjockey2355]

Wow! The restoration team was meticulous with their detail. Pretty cool how they stayed "old school". with the front bumper. That is a machine you can be very proud of.

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Definitely! They did a great job with it.

[@timspiker9550]

I'm a tow truck driver in the area, i had to use your lot to turn around one day and I've seen this thing in person. it. is. NICE.

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Thanks Tim! If you see it out again, we'll give you the full tour. :D

[@scottbaker1018]

Beautiful restoration..That hendrickson load cushion rear suspension will beat the kidneys out of you. 😂😂....I can say i had this on a tri axel KW in the 80’s. Hauling Big loads out of strip mine jobs to power plants...very stable with 55 net on

[@MasterWitchDoctor]

that truck belongs in a museum

[@KenworthofRichfield]

We actually have plans for something close..... :D

[@jaysongraft3627]

That's a great classic kenworth. The team that restored it awesome job.

[@darrenbartlett3294]

I wanna thank you for showing me this truck, I started driving trucks from Reading all the old American truck magazines, in the UK we had some good ole trucks, but they just didnt do it for me like the kenworth trucks do, I've always wanted to drive one, but they are now as thin on the ground in the UK, sadly odschool trucks are becoming as rare as old school drivers, tha ks again this made my day,

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Glad to hear it Darren!!!! The guys in the shop get the credit for making the truck look like it did way back when....

[@JasonSmith-vd1sz]

Beautiful truck thanks for sharing!

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Thanks for watching!

[@DrivenTrucking]

She’s a beauty!

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Driven Trucking she turned out pretty good! Pretty stoked to see the updates to yours also. :)

[@crushingvanessa3277]

Nice to see a dealer actually do this. Most just care about money. Like to see photos of the restoration or how it looked long ago. I converted the AMT model into a '61 for a friend of mine who has one. Might have to make another looking at this. Love the red/white, maybe because I'm a Canuck.

[@KenworthofRichfield]

That's awesome! If you go to make the model, keep me posted. I'd be happy to supply any detail pics you'd need.

[@crushingvanessa3277]

@@KenworthofRichfield Thanks, when I do, I'll let you know. Be awhile yet.

[@markjurkovich7814]

Great job guys! Nicely done.

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Thanks! The guys in the shop took a lot of pride in it.

[@lisanichols9347]

Very interesting restoration. Thanks for sharing.

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Thanks Lisa!!!

[@victoryrider]

Beautiful job on that truck. And a good story to go with it.

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Thanks Duane. We had a lot of fun with this one.

[@roosthrower]

Wow alot of work put into it. Looks great, awesome job.👌👍🤙

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Thanks! The guys in the shop did a super job on it.

[@bigpaul5589]

That's a beautiful ride man I'm a truck driver and a mechanic and that brings a tear to my eyes it a beauty

[@KenworthofRichfield]

We've got some pretty talented guys in our shop

[@dr69296]

While attending college, my summer job was hauling boats up and down the east coast. It was my uncles company and it was based out of Dade county. This was from 1990 to 1993. I drove 1979 K100. It had over 400k miles, but she was in excellent shape. It had the 400 hp Cat 3406.

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Nice!!! Sounds like a good way to spend a summer

[@dr69296]

Kenworth of Richfield I could have made more money laying bricks, but the smells, sounds and experience would not have been the same.

[@robertpattison7988]

Amazing work guys! My 1983 KW cab i used to have over looks pretty much the same

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Thanks Robert! The guys in the shop are all pretty talented.

[@7viewerlogic670]

Very nice classic!

[@bradh7472]

Man what a great restoration!! Love the old cabovers.

[@maxpuppy96]

I got a friend who runs an old Autocar with no front brakes DOT stops are always a treat and he always wins the argument, trailers had no maxi (parking) brakes on them use to do forty mile an hour backups to hook on.

[@keepontruckin7135]

What a great peace of history

[@tommcclellan1047]

Love that ole trk my dad drove one when I was kid remember sitting on that box seat wasnt comfortable but i was a kid anything to ride with dad thx for memories

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Totally get it. As a kid, things are sometimes easier to sit on for an extended period of time. lol

[@jdtrucks5936]

Reminds me of the one my Dad had when I took my first trip to Florida when I was 10 yrs. old back in the summer of '72 Super well done truck! He even had that same motor in his! Beautiful Job!

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Thanks!!! Had to be a fun trip to make for ya!

[@melodynpepper]

Very kewl restoration indeed. I love the cab overs more than todays conventional units.

[@timothywalker9043]

Killer truck. Love the paint job great body guys at your dealer. You guys really knocked it out the park as a whole on that thing

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Thank you! I'll make sure that they get the message. :D

[@abpsd73]

Would have been good to actually hear the truck when it was running/driving more, and less of the cheesy muzak.

[@KenworthofRichfield]

I will have to get that as an update. :D

[@garykocker5785]

Thank you Kenworth of Richfield! That is Awesome i got to ride in a few K100s with my Father 1974 first brand new then new in 1978 again then my First truck driving job the same 1978. My first new truck was 1984 W900B. Kenworth is my number 1 Truck. Thanks again!

[@KenworthofRichfield]

That's awesome Gary! We love hearing stories like this!

[@danielwebb9306]

Love the old school look wish Kenworth would make a comeback with the cab over

[@KenworthofRichfield]

It is a sharp truck.

[@tileman1814]

Nice job of bringing this old girl back to the highlights!!

[@michaelhosking8150]

Stunning restoration! I love the colours! We never saw this model in New Zealand, the first Kenworths were L models imported in 1964.

[@deepcow]

Very nice, fit for a museum.

[@wayneosgood3367]

HI, great restoration on cab over, I am doing a 1971 cab over down in New Zealand ,has a day cab , was a semi fuel tanker, going back to original shell tanker when finished, will watch out for your videos , cheers Wayne

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Thanks Wayne! We're looking forward to seeing yours done!

[@joelovelace5270]

Love the restoration! Volume up for vocal.. then the music makes you bleed.. yes that's exaggerated but loud is an understatement!

[@kraigsickels3918]

Super great job 👍👍 what a marvelous effort on all the guys that worked on that beautiful beast !!!! Way to get it done ✅.

[@Steve.Vaught]

The only real truck there but LOVE IT!!! Split rims are the coolest looking.

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Right on

[@ehhjeep]

Great looking old school ride. Next time please show the inside of the side boxes.

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Thank you!!! I wanted to....but kinda forgot during filming and on top of that, ran longer on time than I thought. :D I may try to update those in an Instagram post later. :D

[@the.porter.productions]

My dad bought a K100 from Hissong and got the deck of cards with KWs on them. Brakes on only the front axle...I know drivers that ran into problems with that kind of setup. Was that how it was made that year? I think the old cabover is cool...love to see them. I’m shocked that the cab doesn’t raise up. Looking forward to seeing this rig! 🤩

[@KenworthofRichfield]

The cab does raise up, but as you know, it's never a simple operation. The parking brakes on the front tandem was pretty common back then. As you mentioned, it occasionally caused some issues though. We need to collab on a video sometime!

[@the.porter.productions]

Some of the old cabovers were mounted pretty tightly and then some weren’t and would fly up when you were rolling down the road. Even when I was a kid, I loved the cabovers. That’s when my dad had the K100. I guess some things stick with ya.😳 Bet you had fun.making this video. Hope you got to drive this rig.🥰 Sure. Have a great day!

[@KenworthofRichfield]

@@the.porter.productions shoot me a message at [e-mail] and we'll see what we can do. :D

[@johnkennedy1750]

It's a very gorgeous kw , love it ..

[@kennethwishop4653]

That's real old school power nice job

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Thanks! We have some pretty talented guys in our shop.

[@VK-qe7if]

Gorgeous truck, and a fantastic restoration job, and it sounds great to. 👍 😍👌

[@danielaguirre2516]

The truck looks so new! like it was just factory built.

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Daniel Aguirre that’s what we were going for! Thank you!!!

[@dirtydan3775]

Nice work! Just love them old COE. And for the paint scheme just right i think. Any way looking great! Danne/Sweden

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Dirty Dan thanks! It’s the factory colors and scheme....and we thought it was perfect :)

[@michaeljones34]

Beautiful truck

[@KenworthofRichfield]

We've got some pretty talented guys in our shop

[@davekri1662]

wow beautiful job

[@KenworthofRichfield]

We've got some pretty talented guys in the shop :D

[@bigbrick4245]

Damn its gorgeously done

[@montana12810]

IT'S SWEET! MY FAVORITE DEALER!

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Thanks John!!!!

[@robertbrake9927]

Awesome truck❤️❤️

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Thank you 🤗

[@christianotten560]

Awesome work .....I am speakless

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Thanks Christian!!!!

[@Forsaken_Angel_of_Darkness]

I drooled a bit too much watching this

[@KenworthofRichfield]

We're ok with that.

[@SPEEDOFDOG]

Real truck from a real time

[@chuckshaffer1940]

As to your comment about front brakes, most trucks of that era until well into the 70's possibly the 80's did not have front brakes or they were removed. Tech of the day did not allow the brakes to work together as well as today's rigs. So without them the driver still was able to steer if the brakes locked up on ice. As I remember my step father's KW COE had them removed.

[@andymacdonald30]

No front brakes ?? What was the thought process that made that an option ! A fantastic restoration tho

[@KenworthofRichfield]

I'm not sure either.....but it is what it is. LOL

[@oldman3861]

Four axle brakes all that was required.

[@bryanmoffett1917]

No front brakes save weight

[@andymacdonald30]

@@bryanmoffett1917 Yes, When the Driver crapped himself trying to stop the truck ? LOL

[@nickkercheval2704]

Andy m Conventional wisdom of the period was front brakes were dangerous especially on wet roads. Many trucks of the period had front brakes but had a switch that said dry road/wet or slippery road that was used to turn off the front brakes.

[@RMTTR640]

The passenger caster wedge is in backwards and I don't know what is in the driver's side???

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Nice catch! I believe that we had to do that for a reason. I remember hearing a discussion on it, but not 100% sure on why. :D

[@RMTTR640]

@@KenworthofRichfield you want + caster say +2 degrees on the left and +2.5degrees on the right and the height of your frame from front to back should be a half inch taller in the front. It all had to do with the handling and making turns and resetting its self to center and not wandering.....check into it

[@ravendaniel5005]

Cool truck , were did you find door parts such as window rubbers

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Thanks Raven! I know that we had our parts department doing some serious digging!

[@kevinrichards3288]

Kenworth cabovers are super rare nowadays.

[@Truckingwithglenn]

I would love to have a chance to operate that beast

[@SuperTransmission]

If i am not mistaken single countershaft trans was a fuller roadranger R96 Looks like SQHD rockwell rears Real nice old truck ,my back is starting to hurt just thinking about it HAHAHA

[@KenworthofRichfield]

back...kidneys...neck.....arms....

[@MrAndriy1982]

I would love to see Cubovers back to US market

[@KenworthofRichfield]

I can understand that. THere's a few spots where there's a big benefit to them. For the most part, the better ride and aerodynamics win out though. :D

[@davidsutton3453]

Good looking old truck just curious does it have air assist steering

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Nope. Power steering by armstrong. :D

[@ladonnad.steele2470]

@@KenworthofRichfield lol oh heck yeah

[@marksanchez6580]

She's a beauty

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Thanks Mark! We happen to agree. :D

[@MrSlicer2424]

Maximum speed plaque?

[@KenworthofRichfield]

It was in there. Did you see it?

[@mikegaspar1905]

Do you have records of who bought it new in 61?

[@KenworthofRichfield]

I'm sure that they're floating aroudn here somewhere Mike, but it's not something that I dug up.

[@davidwolff8878]

A MASTERPIECE👍

[@cassandratownsend7290]

Would you be interested in another unrestored Seattle cab . Its complete all the way to the drip troit and split ring aluminum wheels. 1961 kenworth cabin over. Thanks

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Thanks for the message, but probably not. For us, this was a unique find as this was one of the first trucks that we sold here almost 60 years ago. That's why we took to it. :D

[@anthonyforret2117]

Perfection!

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Thanks Anthony!!!!

[@jerrykinnin7941]

Simple elegance. It's perfect for pulling my company's 1974 12 pin 40ft strick container chassis. 10x20 tubes rule. Lol

[@KenworthofRichfield]

It looks great, but it's not often describes as elegance. it's more brutality.....especially on your back. LOL

[@ShainAndrews]

To each their own. I could live with everything but the front bumper.

[@maxpuppy96]

your right it looks like a barber pole

[@KenworthofRichfield]

It's how it came from the factory

[@ShainAndrews]

@@KenworthofRichfield Understood. I figured that may have something to do with it.

[@mr.redneck7495]

What’s the horsepower on it

[@KenworthofRichfield]

I believe we have a dyno sheet for the engine in it at it was just under 400 if I remember right....but don't quote me on it.

[@mr.redneck7495]

Kenworth of Richfield Thanks it’s an awesome truck

[@john1cheree]

How much did these old trucks cost when new?

[@KenworthofRichfield]

We actually tried to find some of the original bills of sale from the era and didn't come up with much unfortunately. :(

[@holmes1956O]

Kenworth of Richfield in 1980 in canada a truck like that would set you back around 80 grand. I don't go back far enough to give you 60s price

[@truckingreviewchannel]

Well done.ove it

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Trucking Review Channel think the dogs would like it? Haha

[@truckingreviewchannel]

@@KenworthofRichfield no but my fisrt dog did

[@OffroadCpl]

Wedge brakes?

[@davidfay1061]

no, cam brakes

[@ithomasschacht4331]

Did it have power steering?

[@bigtruknut]

That was also my question because it wasn't mentioned.

[@davidfay1061]

no

[@napoleonbonaparte6037]

What year is that truck

[@KenworthofRichfield]

1961 :D

[@ronniemoore4719]

Take us for a ride that ol girl is a thing of beauty

[@jshafi1]

This KW of Richfield guy is just too cool. Simply A fantastic person. It is for this reason that he probably does not mention a lot of things that would potentially offend the audience such as cabovers having a ride that would make air ride softened current generation semi drivers cry like a baby after less than an hour behind the saddle.These cabovers were cold during winter like there was no tomorrow as there was nothing in front of your feet other than that thin sheet metal to which the headlights and grill are attached. They were noisy and would probably make rock concerts seem whisper quiet by comparison. They were also hard to handle and as not roomy as they look and actually required crawling with in the cab. They had literally no safety at all. Engine access was hard as well. So with so many negatives that this wonderful KW Of Richfield guy didn’t mention, why do people drool over vintage Cabovers? I guess the answer lies in the novelty of rarity.

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Thanks! There's a reason why these trucks are a thing of the past....and the stuff you mentioned is exactly why. I still love old stuff. It's cool. It's neat. It's fun for exactly what you said, novelty. I have a friend that collects old cameras. He shoots with the same camera I do though. :D

[@barrymarcy1421]

Length restrictions of the day were the reason for having cabovers

[@oilburner2012]

You can see the inside wheel was mounted with the valve stem blocked by the outer wheel at 03:35

[@tracywood1623]

I wish kenworth still made cabovers for the American buyers.

[@KenworthofRichfield]

It'd definitely change the look on the roads out there!!!!

[@Landon_Durrant]

3 people need to put on their funderwear and come drive a real truck. If my 1955 825-KW didn't have the original paint job. Id love to clean it up and nicely as this sweet ol' gal. Nicely done.

[@KenworthofRichfield]

hahaha. Love it!!!! thanks!

[@Steve.Vaught]

One question. Where do you get those tires. Do they still make old looking tires like that?

[@chuckyf-u2395]

Would love to see any pre-emission truck you have for sale. Will that cabover be for sale?

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Steve, you can check our site and see what all trucks that we have for sale and you should be able to search by year on it. As for the cabover....we're hanging onto this one as it's back home now.

[@skidoorulz4914]

You did it right! No 8 inch exhaust no front chrome bumper that drags the ground no a whole bunch of other crap that make a truck luck like a pimp ride. The only thing missing is a two stick.

[@hahahaha-dr2ge]

Tim Sleeth make it 3 sticks and let's roll

[@Turbo-wj9qc]

Looked like no power steering, that's as real as they get!

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Power steering by "armstrong" lol

[@robkelly9397]

Good luck checking the pressure on that inside rear tyre...

[@anthonyforret2117]

Where did you find that many GOOD split rims? Alcoa's! Let alone the tires, tubes and liners?! I had a 1969 W-923 former log truck from Washington State-where I'm from- about 10 years ago. I couldn't FIND ANYTHING for 10.00 × 22" THEN.

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Anthony Forret we had a few originals and did some digging....and digging...and digging....

[@RMTTR640]

If you are interested I have 2 or 3 spilt rim ...aluminium 2 are very nice and the other has a couple of scares tha could buff out

[@briandodd6764]

What shape was it before the restore? Where do you find the parts to restore as far as I know no one makes restoration parts for hd trucks

[@professorwot]

Why don't they sell the K200 here in America, it seems only available in Australia.

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Not sure honestly!

[@scottb3742]

That's a beautiful truck but I hate that bumper it needs a nice chrome bumper

[@KenworthofRichfield]

Agreed....but that's how it came from the factory and we wanted to keep it close.

[@theh0r5e90]

Not everything has to be chrome man

[@crushingvanessa3277]

No way, painted stay away stripes, want to see this treatment on a new rig. i do like chrome bumpers though.

[@crushingvanessa3277]

@Lorne Johnson true, but mum said no girl would get into a truck unless it had a rose somewhere on it.

[@everetteboulware2854]

She is GORGEOUS.... Question, how much do y'all charge to restore a 1977 K100?