1981 Peterbilt 359 Extended Hood! 3408 CAT WOW!

1981 Peterbilt 359, extended hood, CAT 3408, FT sleeper, 3:70 gears, 277" wheelbase, original interior, "4 door" cab/sleeper configuration, original drag links, original front bumper, restoration in process. Doug Graham in Colorado.

[@douglasgraham1308]

Thanks for all the complimants. It's a fun truck. Recently set it up to 750 hp marine specs . Got 6.8 mpg out of it last week. never late with a V8

[@eurekasevenwave2297]

How on earth can you get that type of mileage out of a V8 Cat? I heard from old timers those things got like, 2 MPG max. Only thing I can figure is you keep your RPMs way low and run in the range of 50-60 MPH... not that I'm judging you on that, diesel is very expensive to be running faster than 1500 rpm in high gear!

[@douglasgraham1308]

@@eurekasevenwave2297 It's the same old argument. More HP equals better fuel economy when used right. I keep it under 1700 rpm's and shift around 12. The truck has too much h/p to hammer on it at lower speeds. I am not easy on it but i run it sensibly. I cruise around 70 mph most of the time. I to have owned 2 other 3408's and neither one of those did any better than 5 mpg. Most of the time around 4. I really can't explain why it does so good, it was a surprise to me also. If you tell me where I can send you a photo, I'll share my fuel book to prove this.

[@eurekasevenwave2297]

@@douglasgraham1308 Tell me if you got that post I sent - I think KZbin dislikes putting email addresses in YT comments. Irritating, but once you're online let me know and I'll post it so it doesn't get sniped again. EDIT: I put my email address on my profile. Head over to my profile, click on the "About" section, and it should say show my email for "business inquires". That might make KZbin happy. Anyways, I don't know how in deep you got into this 3408, but with that good of fuel mileage, the first thing that popped into my head was intake port matching - just a little bit of grinding to clean up the holes and the flow of the intake manifold...that said, I don't know if it's as effective on a diesel as it is a gasoline engine, I have seen it done with cars with benefit. I also think your rear-ends play a role in it, since the higher the ratio, the engine doesn't have to work as hard to turn the drive wheels...plus less shifting in the mountains. You also seem to be running taller rubber, for even less revolutions on the road. A smart combination in general.

[@yankeewatchdog6493]

Hey Doug. As an ex heavy hauler, that truck would have been my dream truck, back in the day. V8 and a Colorado 9 speed, couldn't ask for more. Heavy haulers never really cared about fuel economy. An old V8 Mack Superliner I drove for a bit was either empty or 120k lbs. moving a Grove RT35 crane. Gotta love the sound out of that Cat. Beautiful truck. I gave up heavy haulin not long after 9/11. Regs got stupid and the fun was gone. I build houses down in the San Juan Mts., now. Still a truck hand, at heart. Greasy side down, Bro...

[@AltonDick]

Does the 3408 as Jake brake brake

[@brianbowman5262]

Truck is absolutely perfect! I’ve been driving 18 years I’ve never seen a 3408 in person. But I’ve been told by old timers you were “Never late with a 3408”!

[@mitchheine6878]

You will be late if it’s not a turbo model!

[@EddyGarch]

@@mitchheine6878 NO you won't be late. at 8:42 "It has a 35.....08 turbo on it" I love these engines since it was the first cat engine I'd ever saw and worked with when I was 15 y/o and I have never seen one N.A.

[@southernpride9557]

Those were the days . No Computer Crap . What a Beautiful truck . He's right there is no sound like a V-8 Kitty Cat . Love that you are keeping it Old School .

[@jimanderson6108]

Been some time since I drove a 3408, best pulling truck I ever ran!!

[@craigjensen789]

I’m no trucker; never have been in one, but I appreciate a thing of beauty and craftsmanship and this Pete is awesome.

[@jimanderson6108]

Yes it is, I have been Trucking over 50 years and this is as SWEET AS THAY COME!!!

[@douglasgraham1308]

thanks for that

[@orlandomoreno5326]

@@douglasgraham1308 God Bless You And Thid Fine Piece Of Machinery Sir 👍👍👍

[@douglasgraham1308]

hp marine secsThanks for the flowers. . St it up to @@orlandomoreno5326

[@289hipo]

'81 was right in the middle of my 5yrs as an ASE certified truck tech. 3408's were the gold standard of truck engines

[@Dennis379c16]

40 plus years I have had the pleasure of driving many v 8 engines. 71 and 92 Detroit, 903 Cummins , v 8 mack and 3408 cat nothing better than cat. Thanks for this one.

[@semiprofessional8470]

Man I'm jealous. I got to ride in a silver 92 a few times in a GMC steel hauler. I'll never forget that sound.

[@mtyemti]

Except an E9 Mack

[@harold6603]

A good Briggs lawnmower has more power than a 903 Cummings

[@orlandomoreno5326]

@@harold6603 903 Cummins was a great motor. The new Cummins cant hold a camshaft in them without breaking

[@harold6603]

@@orlandomoreno5326 my favorite was a 1693 cat with a 5x4

[@alleycat1084]

If I could go back to those days I’d leave so fast my boots would still be sitting here! Great find, happy for you.

[@sikorik9964]

In 81 I was 13, my dad had a few of these in his fleet, I thought I was the luckiest kid ever, I got to work on them, wash'em and then move them around the yard and hook them up to their respective trailers.

[@deangraham9406]

Thank you for preserving and protecting a piece of history, Very well done, hope to see you on the road enjoying your great ride.

[@jerrykinnin7941]

I love the old sckool 359. 3408 is Ledendary. Dad had one in a 79 W900 with the 13 speed then swapped in the 6x4. Ran produce out of Fresno. The turbo mufflers are perfect for the cat. Excellent Ride, Sir.

[@JoelAlvaradodelReal]

Love and respect men that love their trucks like this gent ! I wish more people was like him ! 🙏🏽

[@xxxyyyzzz7739]

Absolutely love it! My old man had 359's when I was a kid. Had a 3408 with a 6+4 in an 81 Kenworth. I'm now driving our 04 379 with just shy of 2 million on it now. He loves his 2020 389! He has been trucking most of his life, he's just shy of 70 now. I would love to find a 359 for him that we can rebuild!

[@raganelle4830]

...my Dad has a '78 359....memories!❤

[@Retired88M]

Love the “Old School “ dash all filled to the max and his unique cb radio and kicker mounts

[@orlandomoreno5326]

Nothing like the old school feel.....

[@markduncan6105]

" she's so fine my 359" my eight holer 359. A wonderful video on an amazing piece of American Trucking History. Al Peterman would so proud of your Peterbilt Pride. Safe Trip Driver. Keep on Trucking. Old School Pride.

[@jakem.6359]

Old school...can never get enough of that ....and the fact that it has original paint and was purchased from the original owner...that's about as good as it gets.

[@thomaskirk9341]

I'm not really a "classic" fan, but that is probably the nicest example I've seen, really pretty truck. And that 3408 sounds like nothing else out there today. Doug is obviously very proud of this tractor, and rightfully so, that's a perfect example of the best of "old School" and the best part is that it's a daily working truck. Beautiful truck and great job keeping it close to its roots.

[@orlandomoreno5326]

I love these old school truck so much. And im Young, but theirs nothing like the old school class in my opinion

[@talkinboutchronicpain]

Just seen this video , brings back fond memories, used to drive a pete but not as beautiful as she is , glad to see she is mostly original, he's a proud daddy , take care of her , thanks for sharing , peace

[@raywilson800]

Oh, what a grand piece of truck history. It's a rare treasure with that V-8 Cat between the frame rails. I had a 1986 model 359 short hood with a Cummins. It's a beautiful truck for a Work Truck. Thanks for showing it to us.

[@timstroh216]

Sweet lookin ride there Doug!!! Love the old “359” old school Rocks!!! Hammer Down!👍👍

[@brandonranger2899]

I must agree this is a dream truck. I am hoping and praying to one day have one. I worked in truck shops growing up. I was a mechanic in the army for 10 years so I have plenty of miles driving in the Army, Iraq and Afghanistan. So now finally getting my life to some what normal after 6 years really being lost. The lord brought me through it and now I am getting my CDL and hoping to get a truck soon and start the next chapter of my life. I have always loved Pete's and 3408s. So this video was like a prayer being answered because that truck is my goal to have one day. So thank you so much for making this video and to the gentleman for making that truck happen thank you.

[@Chevy4x4dawg]

Keep up the dream!!! You will make it brother

[@kevinullrich1619]

This is a beautiful truck. You can tell the O/O loves his truck and takes care of it. I think the old Pete’s are the quintessential American truck. Love ‘em!

[@davidbastow9319]

This is a dream truck! I finally saw one restored right! I used to have a friend who sold Petes. I still remember the last 359 he sold.

[@ministerspencer3751]

That is A beautiful tractor !!! Standing TALL !

[@WestsideWoo]

I'm a W900 fan, but dang this is one gorgeous rig. Please keep us updated on it.

[@JARRETT7121]

Proof once again that the finest trucks ever made were these 359 peterbilts

[@skeleguns10oooooo10]

I think both the 359 and 379 Peterbilts are the finest

[@michaelgoza5437]

Man what a dream truck. I’m a trucking man myself. I hate that these old 359s and mechanical cats and cummins are just fading away.

[@langmussen3169]

Thanks for sharing. Makes my day to see a 40 year old large car in such pristine condition being cared for and worked! My hat is off to your dedication to the trade.

[@RockyMountainPeterbilts]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kevinmillin2848]

Awe ,she is absolutely beautiful ,please keep it this gorgeous.You can't replace that look

[@melvinpeachey6963]

I appreciate those old trucks. Brings back good memories. I drove Peterbilts. I love nothing more than a good old fashioned Peterbilt

[@bretyoung1869]

Very nice 👍 Happy you saved a great piece of trucking history !!

[@RockyMountainPeterbilts]

You got that right!

[@robertburke3316]

What a tractor. I believe that this mans equipment reflects the pride he has in himself and the truck. Maybe someday I would be fortunate enough to own a vehicle like that. It would be an honor. Thanks for the great video

[@RockyMountainPeterbilts]

Well said!

[@sergiorivera4973]

I have my dads 1984 359 extended hood here in Los Angeles that the state has made obsolete. Truck is more reliable than any new one.

[@roscobear6143]

Whats it got for a motor

[@sergiorivera4973]

@@roscobear6143 ,350 Cummings.

[@1pieman]

Old truckers never die they just get a new Peterbilt. That's living what I would give to go around the block. Boy did you bring back some memories. Put the 6×4 back in it . Thank you for sharing

[@chuckhelson3744]

Gods to see an ole girl like this being well preserved and upgraded. Rock on.

[@gm16v149]

Interesting Doug says they had a reputation for breaking cranks, well they did if you didn’t do bearing rolls at the recommended intervals. They’ve got an odd shaped crank with off-set journals to keep the V angle narrow. Basically it’s a 60° V8 that “thinks” it’s a 90° V8 for good balance. My 3408 has done huge hours but I’ve owned it 25 years and always done bearing rolls at around 450,000 miles and done CAT SOS oil sampling every oil change. Don’t go over 1900 rpm and don’t lug them below 1400! The marine dual turbocharged 3408s are factory plated at 800 HP, so they can take it!

[@tyrellboyd8997]

that truck is an absolute piece of art, what a beautiful truck and I really respect that he kept most everything as close to original as possible, he definitely has me respect for that what a beautiful truck

[@grant8490]

The nose of the 359 will never be duplicated. Flawless.

[@thejerseyj9422]

A working truck in show condition. Man, it don't get better than that. Also, nothing like a Peterbilt dashboard.

[@JCA-Z]

The one guy that thumbed this video down is a cummins enthusiast.

[@The_One_Over_There]

i like Cummins too, But i still gave a thumbs up since i can appreciate a nice Cat non the less.

[@truthseeker3512]

Probably a dang Series 60 fan.

[@b-trucker7717]

Even though the kta was the best motor at those times, caterpillar are bad too😁

[@ccclc6159]

i bet it was another guy who tried to buy it

[@sammygonzalez7627]

I REALLY LIKE CATERPILLAR ENGINES, BUT THEY ARE SOMETHING OF THE PAST, SINCE THEY ARE NOT MANUFACTURER ANYMORE. UNLESS YOU BUY A USED ONE AND REFRESH IT... DETROIT'S ARE GOOD ENGINES AND CUMMINS I HAD THE SATISFACTION TO DRIVE A X15 PERFORMANCE SERIES 605hp 2050tq AFTER THAT I WILL NEVER SPEAK NEGATIVE ABOUT A CUMMINS ENGINE

[@gregkulig8463]

Do I wanna hear it?!? I've been waiting 14 minutes for you to start that thing up son!

[@brandonranger2899]

I watch this video every day. I am dreaming and hoping to get one someday. People think I am stupid for wanting one. But I am praying everyday day. I love this video. I hope I can talk too Doug the owner and ask him for advice

[@robertgasawayiii9394]

That's an awesome pete. Back when they made real trucks. Simple in design and made to work !!!!

[@rodleypumpkins4174]

You can tell how much he loves this truck in his voice. I can respect that. What a beautiful truck.

[@ClintsTractor]

Ford man at heart here. That's a good looking Pete. I have an '88 LTL9000 with a 3406B out front and flat top bunk. All original truck. Good looking old truck. Will take some videos of it at some point. I plan on restoring it hopefully this time next year. Be on the lookout for restoration videos.

[@RockyMountainPeterbilts]

Very cool!

[@jonscott7686]

Excellent video love how these old-school guys can keep these things going

[@johnwobma6532]

Awesome! Pure original PACCAR Class Remains! I like this sound of the CAT Power 3408! I have heard of the term " clanky" sound! It's true! Nice Peterbilt! I'm sure it is a keeper! You are proud of your truck! Rightfully so! Thanks for sharing this interview! Interesting information! Enjoy the open road!

[@snydedon9636]

That truck and myself have been in the trucking industry for the same amount of years. I have to admit it looks a lot better than me although I never spent thirteen years in storage.

[@robertesposito9871]

I rather have this truck than one of the new ones with computers and def tanks, beautiful truck be safe

[@808TheDuck]

Beautiful old ORIGINAL Pete! Glad that you are running it daily! Goes to show what proper maintenance can do!

[@craigpennington1251]

Drove one of those before. This is a very nice rig here. Retired now but this is very tempting. A special feeling driving one of these that just can't be explained. I want to get back in one but the body says it ain't hapnin. My truck had a 4' tall bug screen out front. Boy do they ever help. Keep it shiny and right side up.

[@craigpennington1251]

You're welcome.

[@kellumreynolds6113]

😁 very nice 👍 I too owned 1980 359 3408 FT 4 mpg . When I roll the hood back always a crowd. Keep the rubber side down shiny side up and blowing that smoke

[@arrowkart4j]

Absolutely gorgeous ❤️🇺🇸

[@chadwilliams2973]

I have worked on 3408 alot of times love them and nice 359

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

Great to see one being kept original!! Beautiful truck!

[@blaneycrabbe3390]

I drove with a 3408, turbo charged, it makes all the difference !

[@kevinrice4909]

Who knew computers would ruin trucks... Thanks for sharing the Pinnacle of Peter built

[@nhp1508]

Had a 1979 3408 pc 15 speed awesome power 4 1/2 mpg pulling a flatbed trailer. Nice truck, beautiful interior.

[@peterbilttom7997]

O my gosh this truck , so beautiful. Great story. Great power plant.

[@RockyMountainPeterbilts]

Thanks 👍

[@nomdeguerre13]

Not too jaded with trucking to appreciate this fine piece! Love it.

[@RockyMountainPeterbilts]

Glad you like it!

[@turkeyslayer63]

Man that sounds great and I graduated in 81 just down the road in Loveland Nice Truck.

[@toddrabideau5576]

Sir, that is one beautiful truck! Stuff a truckers dreams are made of. SOOO envious......

[@danshelburne1948]

Have never heard a better sounding big rig with the rite exhaust , u didn't have to see it to no what was coming .

[@kevinrice4909]

That's the sound...washing machine full of bottles at idle.... never late V8 King cat... your living the dream driver... thanks

[@alanchase63]

Classy older guy with a beautiful one of a kind truck I’ve watched this vid a few times and enjoyed it!

[@hawkeye7834]

That's one beautiful rig love that you keep it original wish trucks were that good today and looked that good

[@53otahoe61]

Carbon flakes everywhere 😂 killer 359 Love the Scottied style interview reference. Gonna have to let him know about this vid/truck

[@walterhatfield8767]

Drove a 3408 Pete like that with a double over 13 speed was one of the fastest I trucks ever drove back when chicken haulin was fun

[@EPstroker]

Wow beautiful piece of old iron. My papaw retired from cat in the early 80s. He worked in the engine reman shop 30 something yrs. No telling how many rebuilt 3408s he tested over the yrs.

[@thomaspipes6406]

My first truck 30 years ago looked like this.Intimidating for a rookie. Day cab.Miss it big time.

[@1valleycity]

Beautiful truck. A friend of mine converted a PC to a B Model and also made it Air to Air. Ran very well and also was very efficient.

[@gm16v149]

I converted my 3408A to a B with the pencil injectors. Definitely makes a difference with smoke and mpg. Haven’t air to aired it though.

[@castirondude]

@@gm16v149 Was that A to B or PC to B? I just bought a set of worn 3408 A's , they likely need to be rebuilt, a set of B heads is about $3k , wonder if it's worth it. Probably better investment than redoing the old heads.

[@gm16v149]

@@castirondude Mine is direct injection DITA. You’re probably better off getting the B heads if they are in good condition. We used adaptors in the A heads. They are a CAT part but probably hard to get now.

[@castirondude]

@@gm16v149 I'm replacing a 500HP DD 8V92 with a Cat 3408 in a 40,000lb RV. The DD had enough horsepower but abysmal torque. 3408 has similar HP but way more stump pulling power. The 3408 was $1800 in unknown condition. It turns over so likely it will run. An inframe is another $1800. But the B heads are about another $1800 a piece. If the A heads are good I don't know if it's worth spending double the money on this engine to get the B heads. I'm trying to find someone who has some real world experience how much better the B heads with the pencil injectors are.

[@abikerinpa]

Now this is a very beautiful truck , thx for sharing ! ❤️😎

[@theGovnr1]

Awesome Rig! Would love to see video of it when he gets it all done

[@MarkSmith-dh5dh]

Hmm! Yes old girl looks good thanks for showing her off! #keepontruckin 👍

[@robertcrawford4555]

Beautiful truck that interior is immaculate.I’m the same way I like my trucks insulated and quite too.

[@grant234]

I have 2002 379 with ism to me nothing is better than a Peterbilt. What a truck, well kept looks good just a beautiful truck

[@stormyweather9054]

Gorgeous " nickel nine" . 40 years old & only 600,000 miles hell thats brand NEW in my book. Dad left me his old 359 & it's a 81 w/ a V8 & a 5+4 .we took this engine out of a D8H bulldozer ( that's what Cat originally designed them for & reason there no Jake's ) .

[@louiskats5116]

Absolutely unbelievable gorgeous Pete, Comes from Colorado, Monfort Country, Monfort Heart. Lots of love from Australia 👍

[@RockyMountainPeterbilts]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@crslyrn]

Very sharp looking & sounding ol' workhorse. 👍🏻👍🏻 I hope you can catch up with him again after he has the paint done on it.

[@murattaylan9602]

Excellent truck.I love peterbilt.🇺🇸👍

[@RockyMountainPeterbilts]

Thanks 👍

[@shelbychilingirian1479]

@@RockyMountainPeterbilts. Can I learn to drive the rig with a manual stick shift

[@donnatalielucasheimbigner7598]

Sweet, sweet ride. Love Cats, especially the V8 sound.

[@justinprice9590]

I love peterbuilt and I love cat in general but that 359 with that 3408 you have got a true beauty

[@habib.ghalamkarian]

Love that in cab and under hood paradise ❤❤❤

[@seanoconnor1398]

The fact that the bumper is 30 years old and front drums are original says so much that if you know you know… it’s cool you put the mic on him to hear his introduction but when he fired it off that kitty I was so bummed because your mic set up was to good and didn’t t get what I anticipated the entire time hearing that engine and all it’s glory. A follow up video would be awesome if you recorded him blowing by you or even better if you were pulled over and had him pass you making sure he’s loaded while pulling a hill, sure might be lot to ask but that right there would be the greatest walk around truck video ever done period. Anyone who’s ever heard a 3408 pulling a hill will tell you there’s absolutely nothing like that sound on the planet, it can’t be replicated only appreciated even with the little bit of muffler he’s got on it that yes he’s right as much as anyone loves that sound if you’re in that truck 12 hours a day you’d put mufflers on it too no matter how old school or cool or tough you think you are 12 hours a day sitting in between 2 straight pipes of a 3408 will make you honest real quick but I’d still love to hear it one if these days

[@cecillay6220]

I had a 379 extended hood with a 3408 d bulldozer motor with a 600 hoss turbo with 356 gears out of a 79 kenworth an 18 speed Allison granny 8bag air ride mine lip stick red I had a walk in very beautiful diver

[@donaldoyler2092]

nice truck that brings back memories I love it. I drove a 85 back in the Day.

[@jakebrake2520]

She is absolutely beautiful and runs like a sewing machine

[@buddyduncan2095]

I had rather have half of this truck than 10 of the new ones this is when a truck was a truck

[@5.43v]

So a single rear axle cat 3208 truck

[@604h22a]

That’s just beautiful and a sight to see on the road for sure

[@davidkirkham6497]

Doug, that is a beautiful, Peterbylt! Enjoyed watching this! Good luck in your travels & future endeavours!🇨🇦

[@johannesliebenberg2078]

Beautiful truck, brings back good memories, thank you 😊

[@RockyMountainPeterbilts]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@drjohnsonhungwell5115]

It's in amazing condition can't beat old school mechanical injector pump engines , I'd take a truck like that over a new one .

[@Fordman6546]

Wow, what a gorgeous truck.

[@longtimepittsowner5589]

Very very nice to get her the way you want….

[@newjawn9004]

Very beautiful truck. Many thanks for the video.

[@pointingdog7235]

Thank you for sharing your truck with us and please post with the new paint scheme when you're done with it.

[@edwu8253]

This is pretty much what every truck wants to be when they grow up 😍

[@chromedome1120]

They don’t git no better! Yah, she’s a keeper!

[@thejerseyj9422]

Sounds like the right man has it. My compliments.

[@kennyspry5189]

WOW!!!!! What a Awesome Amazing Good Looking Truck They Sure don't Make Them Like this anymore Love that Motor again They don't Make AWESOME Motors Like that anymore

[@bryanschmidt9539]

Sharp truck it really brings back memories.. I had 6x4 in mine

[@davidhostetler2769]

Love the 3408 cat love the sound of that engine.