KENWORTH (Paccar) SUED TO STOP BUILDING THIS RARE 36” AERO 1 BUNK!!!!!

[@jamesfeeney7903]

I love this story. Kenworth should have talked to this guy. Then hired him. They screwed up. Thank you, Randy!!!

[@flintcreektransport]

Agreed !!

[@duanehanson8842]

Waiting for more on your build. Sure it will be cool. How bout "Undercover Brother". Be a cool name. Peace!

[@billjames3030]

@@flintcreektransport Cool project. Very uncool they sued him for his design. Have a happy new year. 👍

[@michealshelton2133]

They didn't screw up. They made money hand over fist in foreign markets and never had to pay a dime. CEOs play chess not checkers

[@thekingsilverado3266]

I had seen the original video when he found the truck with that sleeper and said it was not a factory made truck that it was in fact a conversion of a Day Cab. I met that guy that made those 36 sleepers some time ago at a salvage yard. He does other work even heavy equipment too. The guy from my area here where I live.

[@stansdds]

So it was a custom, hand built version! Way cool and that is the one I remember in Overdrive Magazine! It's a shame that PACCAR basically screwed over Mr. Whitmer. I always wondered about the usefulness of such a short Aerodyne sleeper, but the hinged bunk would make it totally useful on the road. Given the rarity, I vote that you restore it as close to original as possible.

[@northern1937]

100% Absolutely Its 1 of 3 in the world. Copied by Pacar but this is real..

[@timcanizares5240]

He needs to drop that cab and sleeper on a newer rolling chassis and keep it as close as original as possible

[@Carolinastrucks]

Agreed. The best they did was the short bunk aerodyne k100, and the standard aerodyne w900

[@lenpellerin]

This is absolutely great content. The fact that you actually found the guy who built it and got him up to tell the true story of the trials and tribulations of his vision are phenomenal. Not only do you have the sleeper, but you have the inner workings with the sink, water tank, and heater. If you restore it, please get him back to your shop and use his ideas including paint schemes. This is truly a part of American history and how a single idea can get phased out by corporate America. Thanks Flint Creek...

[@flintcreektransport]

👍🏽

[@jeffreycoon9634]

This is an awesome story and I could tell that Randy was just waiting for you to ask for his help in the restoration of that bunk. You’re doing yourself a disservice by not getting him to help you. He knows where everything goes and what it’s supposed to look like. You would make his day if you asked him to help you.

[@west1002]

This guy is a legend. Very cool to have him tell the story.

[@turbo6598]

👏🏾👏🏾 Great great fascinating story. You can tell Randy wants a part in the rebuild please give him a chance to work on this truck And put it back to its original look and working equipment . put Randy's autograph on this trunk it will be worth alot to him

[@shakes7333]

Would be awesome if you could find the other two. Love hearing to the history of how the bunk came to be. Thanks for posting! Should make a KZbin video about trying to find one or both other bunks that we can share and a Facebook etc. (if you have FB or other social media outlets) that we can share. Start spreading the word with the help of your awesome subscribers and followers. Hey, its worth a shot, never know.

[@flintcreektransport]

True !!!

[@kangaroo505]

Thanks Justin. Great background story of the 36" high-rise bunk. Very popular here in Australia.

[@rogerevans936]

Here in Australia the Aerodyne version of KWs 36 inch sleeper was released in early 1984 as part of the "Gold Nugget" package limited edition W900s and SAR s. Then in 1985 it was offered as an option on any W or SAR that was ordered. It did not have to be a "Gold Nugget " package. The 36 inch Aerodyne was also available on the C500R at the time. Price difference in 1985 was about A$3,500. The 36 inch Aero 1 bunks were hugely popular on Australian built KWs up until the introduction of the Aero 2

[@rogerevans936]

Price difference refers to the Aerodyne sleeper vs the standard lowline sleeper

[@darenramgolam3043]

Even more sad that this guy didn't see a cent of his design.

[@Plowguitarist]

Aussie’s drive on the wrong side of the road anyway!! 🤣😂

[@kellyboon4918]

​@@rogerevans936... The aero 1 style roof was also on the 42 bunk as well..... Which had the later style bunk doors... The curvature on Kenworth bunk corners has also changed 3 times....

[@EDBZ28]

Awesome video. Who’d think such history would be here in WNY?! Thanks for all your work of getting the OG BUILDER to make his way to Geneva, NY and a great interview and history. A good example of BIG business squelching innovation. The one with most $ usually wins in our society.

[@flintcreektransport]

Thankyou. Yea crazy right !!

[@trinidadzendejas1461]

Sad to hear kenworth would do a hard working man like that and not reward him

[@MyPromixdirt]

e-mail paccar and tell those jerk-offs they owe mr whitmer a bunch of tens of thousnds of dollars

[@vintagethrifter2114]

Should have started his business of right and checked with Kenworth first.

[@BandBconcrete]

@@vintagethrifter2114 I'm pretty sure in the video he did state that he contacted Kenworth and they had no intention on doing a 36". The real shame is the fact that the gentleman was correct when say whether you're right or wrong usually the person with more money usually wins. And I'm sure the person that Kenworth that made the decision to Sue this man knew that.

[@vintagethrifter2114]

@@BandBconcrete When he asked if they were going to make a 36" sleeper and they said "no", did he ask them if he could copy their design?

[@christopherness71]

@Vintage Thrifter , you’re being way too technical and not listening thoroughly, go back to 1:29 in the video, and listen as he tells about asking Kenworth, doing inquiries about patents and saying as long as a product doesn’t fit in another company’s mold, he wouldn’t be infringing on their designs or patents. Clearly , PACCAR saw an opportunity to take advantage of one man’s hard work and capitalize off of it without paying for it. Also, Clearly… his design was created in building something feasible for the semi truck length laws of the time, not for greed, Unlike PACCAR. So, not insulting you by any means, but you’re wrong, sir.

[@ben6119]

Such an interesting story. I am glad you were able to track down the builder!

[@joshuajesch7154]

I absolutely love the aerodyne 1 sleepers. Never seen or heard of these hand-built 36 inchers. Very cool story.

[@brianlalonde9704]

Thanks for creating a great video. That was an awesome custom sleeper. I can’t wait to see you restore it and get it back in service. Randy is awesome man for traveling to your shop and being part of this👍

[@dustindooley3155]

Great story! It's already so rare, being 1 of 3 and all, but it's even MORE rare that it's the ONLY one that was decked out like that. I personally think the story could only get better if you hired this original builder to return it to it's prior glory! I for one would watch every video in a build series with this man rebuilding this sleeper to its original shape! Right down to the original sink, bed, closet, and even the diamond pleat panels! Please consider it.

[@pvp64]

What a great behind the scenes story, thanks to you and Randy.

[@mowerjeff8990]

Great story. Thanks for putting in your time. Thank you to Randy for his time.

[@simonjamel2]

Absolutely love the story. I’d love to see what you’re gonna do with the actual cab of the truck. That’ll be a good show piece to I kind of feel a little bitter towards KENWORTH, but what they did to him, and now that they realize that they do manufacture the 36 inch aerodyne in Australia. I kind of feel like they screwed him over a little bit.

[@MyPromixdirt]

e-mail paccar and tell those jerk-offs they owe mr whitmer a bunch of tens of thousnds of dollars

[@markdanielczyk944]

A man ahead of his time! Typical corporate America screwing the little guy. Thanks for sharing this story.

[@wayneosgood3367]

What a great story on the 36 inch bunk ,we down under in Australia and new Zealand have had the 36 inch sleeper bunks back in the 70s ,I have just rebuilt one off a1979 W900 as a restoration project, I did not realize they were not part of Kenworth new truck orders, cheers 👍

[@chrismayer3919]

Is it me or does that 30” sleeper look kinda tiny?

[@jerrykinnin7941]

@@chrismayer3919 it's got a twin mattress in it. Get the sit down version it's better than the rear window pass thru. Like Snowman's KW in Smokey and the Bandit.

[@xrider3732]

A fascinating story! Amazing that you could connect with the builder. A great for him I'm sure that he could see that his work was still around after all these years. A little background on Randy's business would have been helpful. Obviously more than just a backyard hacker to accomplish that.

[@rwitmer688]

I started driving truck in 1975 and in 1976 but my first truck. A 1972 conventional Kenworth with a 30 inch bunk, 350 small Kim commons, two stick 4 x 4, and no power steering. After six months I bought a 1977 KW VIT. A year later I bought a 78 aerodyne, and then the 1976 bicentennial to start the process with a 36 inch aerodyne. after Pack car

[@rwitmer688]

I started driving truck in 1975 and in 1976 bought my first truck. A 1972 conventional Kenworth with a 30 inch bunk, 350 small Cam Cummins , two stick 4 x 4, and no power steering. After six months I bought a 1977 KW VIT. A year later I bought a 78 aerodyne, and then the 1976 bicentennial to start the process with a 36 inch aerodyne. after Paccar put me out of business, I went back to driving until April 1984. In 1986 I became a commercial pilot and flew a business jet until 2008. Then I drove motorcoach for 4 1/2 years. Then as fate would have it I found myself back in the Trucking business as an independent driver for the last 10 years. When I’m not driving truck I am an Uber driver to keep busy. I’ve had an interesting life to say the least.

[@villainjohnnoel8075]

Hi from France, yeah i grew up in Australia, i live in France now, but yeah if you had a three-foot sleeper (36" bunk) you were a pretty hot driver.They had two openings,a key-hole entry (that was the top of the top) or a coffin entry (they just took out the back window,and you just crawled in).Back then in Australia 5 foot (60") bunks never existed. Very interesting story.

[@ghostrider9978]

Awesome story guys,, bit of history worth sharing so thanks so much. Hope to see you down here in Oz. Thanks again for sharing,,, super interesting 👍👍👍

[@DavidC-wt9uk]

Interesting find, interesting story. Amazing how the “little guy” can get attention and then easily stopped by the “giant” and the “legend” is still available for the story. So cool. I’m from central NY and currently living in PA. I feel like you’re both my neighbors.

[@flintcreektransport]

Good point!

[@SVRANDGLD]

An amazing story, nice work guys. It's so rare to view something that's truly authentic, thank you.

[@charlesferebee263]

Great video. OUTSTANDING interview. ! Unbelievable that kenworth did not want to build a 36 inch aerodyne 1. I kinda know why. I had at least 8 trucks that were built between 1970 to 1982 that had 30 to 36 inch sleepers. All had that crawl through the back window. A real pain in the ass. Finally got a 42 inch sleeper with a big hole. Then I got a 94 T 800 with a Aerodyne 2 on a 50 inch sleeper. A aerodyne 1 style with about a 42 or 50 inch sleeper would have been perfect with a big opening to get into. 🤔 l wonder if you could build an aerodyne 1 style roof now. Seeing that they hardly build any flattop KWs. Keep Up the Great Videos. Stay Safe out There. HAPPY NEW YEAR. ! 🙏🇺🇸👍🎈🎈

[@flintcreektransport]

Thankyou !!!!

[@sheepdog1102]

Makes me sick that such a large company is so greedy and deceitful!

[@guruoo]

It's just part of the game that's becoming all too common.

[@matthewcaughey8898]

@@guruoo too bad you can’t take a contract out on a corpo rat

[@patricke3848]

The usual for large companies, unfortunately.

[@randallcarney1216]

Top level dishonest sobs!

[@Mouthy_Trucker]

he literally stole their product design that they spent millions on r&d and was selling it out of his garage , he would've lost in court even if he had the money to fight them because he was wrong !

[@darenramgolam3043]

Sir, you are a legend. How do we make this guy famous ? SUCH a good invention they pulled all the tricks to get him to stop and then sell in another part of the world hoping he wouldn't find out.. so much rage for this guy and yet he's so calm ...

[@matthewheinze1231]

What a story!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing! What a great guy that got taken advantage of by a large company.....

[@Plowguitarist]

Nice fleet boss. I personally would have to restore the A model. Also I have a trucking friend from Brisbane Australia, I will see if he can find out what the interiors of their 36” Aerodyne 1’s look like and let you know. Also KENWORTH still builds cabovers in Australia. The K200, and those interiors are sick. Equipped better than our 86” studios with a lot more diamond tuck than the U.S. trucks ever had except those with the Seattle Package options.

[@keytonstrutzenberg552]

That’s some real history right there. I can’t wait to watch the progress and the build. Keep the videos coming

[@RaymondMiller-l9m]

That is right what you're saying there I am from Australia I seen one on a Superliner Mack and we have a few run around the country here am I a good cat and I have seen on the old SR Kenworth what you're saying about the length you are right using more turning with your trailer I feel sorry for what you went through then big boys might think I know idea they go after the little battler then big firms but now I put my mates on the this site so they can have a look what you made the first bloke who did it so thank you for explaining how you did it you need a metal from Tamworth thank you Ray from the land down under Australia❤❤❤

[@lonnieblackwell9215]

That was a very interesting video. I remember that picture in Over Drive Mag. I feel bad for the guy that made those. Glad you got to have him tell his story.

[@truckerrespect7797]

This is really cool, just goes to show how money moves the world and how the little guy always gets crushed in the move. Nice to see the man that built it

[@nelsonmartin9719]

Wow! That's amazing! I remember Randy from the 80s and the truck he was running at the time. I talked to him on the phone a couple years ago, and I'll be calling him again.

[@toddrabideau5576]

Very cool video Justin. Thanks for sharing. Randy’s story was quite interesting. This kinda content is what I like most about KZbin👍

[@Hyrev1]

New sub..you got me hooked with this story! Glad the video of you guys pulling the truck out of the trees came up on my feed! Great video! 👍🇺🇸

[@flintcreektransport]

👌🏽

[@girardhunt4508]

Thanks Justin. Interesting. Great content, as always. Happy New Year.

[@justonemorepan1082]

I'm a tyre fitter in Australia, and I do a lot of work for our local KW dealer. Look up the legend series of trucks re-released in Australia. Some of the bunks resemble that bunk. KW Australia made integrated cab and bunks, high and low roof, but the legend series went back to old school Aerodyne style bunks. Legend 900, and Legend SAR. (SAR stands for, Short chassis Australian Right hand drive.)

[@benmurray8689]

Some of the legend t950s had the bunks converted to aero 1. Klos built Ballingers T950 as an aero 1 roof and Dawsons have the aero 1 roof modification. I read that the original moulds were destroyed and remade for the legend t900 and now the legend sar. The wife of Dane Ballinger had a the only T909 factory built with a 50 inch aero 1 built as a tribute.

[@andydelany8717]

@@benmurray8689 none of which were 36 ibch though

[@benmurray8689]

@@andydelany8717 I’m not sure if you are familiar with the legend series built by kenworth Australia. I was just stating how kenworth brought back the aero 1 roof for the legend T900 and SAR series and it was available in 36 and 50 inch. Kenworth did build a 909 with a factory 50 inch aero 1 that was really cool

[@benmurray8689]

@@andydelany8717 but yes the Ballinger and Dawson T950 legends had a 50 instead of the 36 inch

[@Hitman-ds1ei]

Yep the 36" bunk was the gold standard here for decades and the aerodyne version was grafted onto just about every truck make that was possible

[@cloudaround]

That was a really cool story and interview. Nice work!

[@ThomasLShope]

Man this brings back great memories. Randy made Smoketown Pa famous. I have a picture of an A model Aerodyne parked at Randy's shop. It was painted a solid color. I remember the lawsuit but never heard the whole story. Excellent video.

[@flintcreektransport]

Thanks for sharing

[@xkzmxbeastx1]

Awesome videos and content. I just realized you are in upstate NY. I'm in Ontario NY myself, seen some of your rigs around and they are beautiful! Crazy KZbin recommend this to me and your local!! Keep it up and stay safe and happy new year

[@flintcreektransport]

That’s awesome !!! Thanks for watching !!!

[@ultimatem9178]

What an interesting video. This type of information should go to a Trucking museum.

[@204Diesels]

What a cool video and interview. Thanks!

[@ashleywallis4138]

Hi Justin great history, surely the chassis cab it came off would be the ideal candidate for it to go back on its a really rare truck with all that documention regards Ashley

[@mikep1085]

Great story... with some neat history! Good luck with the build!

[@flintcreektransport]

Fingers crossed!

[@Ulfstigandr]

Love the Aero1 bunks. Always wanted to build a 74" Aero1 "studio".

[@mikenatale5269]

Great story. Can't wait to see it complete. Great that you hooked Randy up with some good stuff. Happy New Year!

[@mackenziesibley7025]

That's awesome true pioneer! You should try and get his story in the wheels of time magazine!

[@macho4x4warlock98]

It’s too bad he got taken to the cleaners. This gentleman still has a great attitude for all the crap happened to him!

[@allencupsie6560]

Great video very interesting I only started watching your videos very recently you got some nice equipment have a happy New Year

[@flintcreektransport]

Thankyou

[@pinkladybikermamma3603]

THE CORPS ALWAYS SQUASH THE CREATIVE LITTLE GUY

[@lanceewalt2431]

That is so awesome , I’m sure it meant a lot to Randy seeing and now knowing some of his work is going to live on ..

[@rafaelcoimbra6804]

I loved the story … im 40 years …same age of this bunk lol… thanks justin to bring randy …..i like your channel and you are good guy!!!(Brazil)

[@scottycollins1829]

Gr8 Content of an FANTASTIC PIECE of HISTORY!!!!!!!😎💎🔊👍🏾

[@flintcreektransport]

Thankyou !!!!

[@johnperun232]

Thanx Justin and Randy for sharing your experience with your build Have a Great Day 👍 God Bless America 🇺🇸🙏🇺🇸 Just like the Big Guys always want to squash the little Guys 😒

[@jbanuelos7388]

Wow! That’s an awesome story!! You should fixed it and put it on a special kenworth

[@flintcreektransport]

Gonna try !

[@Skwisgar2322]

Maybe even pull a fresh mold off the top.

[@truckingwithwim8039]

this is so cool, i would restore it 100% like it was, its a shame this guy got screwed over by paccar, it least he is the guy that probably made paccar consider to make 36 inch sleepers in australia and he can be proud of that, this is such a spacial sleeper to have for you in the US

[@flintcreektransport]

👍🏽 for sure !!

[@michaelsorrentino9279]

@@flintcreektransport Corporate pigs !!!!

[@7viewerlogic670]

Great story, I never Knew! I assumed it was one of those meant for Australia. Length laws went away at that time so guys could get 60" and bigger.

[@hilham89]

Well Australia had to get the mold somehow do I don't see how they couldn't cover that as well. They really screwed hom on that and I actually seem one of the 36 on a nether guys channel he found one and bought the truck and I was trying my hardest to find info on these and here it is. This is outstanding.

[@flintcreektransport]

Which channel

[@hilham89]

@@flintcreektransport wow I feel stupid😔 it was your channel I thoughts it might have been Hamiltonville Farms but it was your channel

[@jopete681]

Great video and thanks for keeping the sleeper alive!

[@peterrobinson-gu1rq]

they were a standard box in Australia, aero 1, 36inch factory direct from Kenworth available on all conventionals from about '82 onwards,

[@moosc]

That bunk is so cool. There's not a factory bunk that comes close. If I had the money I'd add those features like the sink n closet etc.

[@thekingsilverado3266]

I remember that well. I stated in my original comments the thing appeared in over drive magazine as a converted day cab truck. The fact is I am a devoted Kenworth guy only got one but I got a good one. 77 cab over areodyne. I love her.

[@chestergerber7125]

Thanks for sharing this.

[@frankgriffin1121]

Great story Justin. Love your content !

[@flintcreektransport]

Thankyou

[@thomaskraemer6583]

The background nice killed me. Such an amazing story. I'll never understand why big corporations would rather crush us instead of work with us.

[@darrellscott8287]

Great video I’m just shocked that kenworth didn’t hire him and partner with him his design could have redesigned all the cab sizes with water n space usage thanks for the video and his deign great minds

[@joemonroe3811]

Very good video I just started watching you not too long ago I love you brother you are a good man thank you have a great one

[@maxsteel6092]

Had this same issue with a boat. Beat it by altering the mold by increasing most of the dimensions and adding some features.

[@rwitmer688]

That’s exactly what I was talking about.

[@petedeluisa6315]

@@rwitmer688 l wonder how that other company got away with making an almost exact copy of the Aero 1 roof cap, but added 3" to the front to fill in the rest of the gap. Kenworth had 60" sleepers and Peterbilt had the 63" flattop, but you could buy the 63" aftermarket cap and have it converted to an Aerdyne. I thought Aerodyne Pete's were kinda funny looking at first.

[@michaeltoney2938]

Wow. To have the actual guy there, that actually built that sleeper was amazing.

[@nfprojectshop]

Looking forward to seeing the progress on this build!

[@keepontruckinoutlawlife1248]

This man is a LEGEND end of story. Kenworth you messed up!!! This is just amazing thank you for sharing Justin HAPPY NEW YEAR

[@roystoltzfus8919]

That's a really cool story! However shame on Kenworth for suing their customers, that's not very bright 😳

[@gerrymcardle9319]

Out here in Australia ,Kenworth threaten to sue a smash repairer who dared to fit an aerodyne top to an older truck with a flat top that was damaged in an accident. They saw that the mould was destroyed with only one built. My friend bought this truck later , it was now fitted with a cat engine , he checked Out the chassis number and found it was built with a GM 892 from new , he bought a new GM 892 computer controlled ex US army excess stock that he intends to fit to the truck. I will get some photos and post them .

[@flintcreektransport]

Please do !!

[@peanut_trucker]

That's awesome 👍great video Justin happy new year bud.

[@javieraviles6314]

Awesome. A unique peace of art .

[@gwstonemason]

Yeah as other Aussie stated very popular on W900AR and SAR Kenworth's in Australia. Seems like Bentz stole your fold down table / bunk idea too.

[@tylerswallie2653]

I feel so bad for that man paccar played dirty in my opinion. You should put that bunk back together with everything it had from the beginning in his "honor". To bad he didn't have extra money for a good attorney back in the day.

[@Dirthauler65]

Terpening used to have some 36in sleepers with some sort of an aerodynamic top on them, but it wasn't the the original "Aero" style like this. You can see them online, just type in Terpening trucking, then go to images.

[@carhaulingwithjuice2466]

Love how he designed it with the sink and table and seat love that man that’s awsome hate how paccar ain’t do this smfh

[@eliverstonadams4]

That's awsome u found the guy who built it

[@craigstreetzel7743]

What a wonderful addition to your project

[@joemoore8054]

Awesome video, great to hear the history.

[@frednewman2162]

That's such a cool story and how ironic that you found that guy that built it! Great Video and story!

[@flintcreektransport]

Thanks for watching!

[@hp1966-]

Randy was his time steps ahead, realy cool 👍

[@everrolmalcolm2933]

Randy is the man, if he had the money 💰 in the eighties to stand up to paccar he would of still been in the sleepers/ bunk business. Very interesting story ❤..

[@alanlofts1653]

Great video flint creek transport first class all the way safe travels

[@flintcreektransport]

Thankyou

[@philipcollins5440]

This was a good video. I feel for him. U do everything right and...

[@haulingfuel4759]

Great interview.

[@chuckthomas8176]

Wow.. thank u sir .. I was not aware, and that was happening during my time .. 😳

[@robbiecoomer4790]

Good info to know . 👍🤟

[@robpeters5204]

Big companies have huge law firms on 24 hour retainer. You can’t fight them. It’s sad this guy got fk’d deep by Kenworth. Just goes to show how ruthless companies can be. This guy was ahead of his time. Copyright infringement rights can be a nightmare. To be honest, all he had to do was to modify the top just a little and they couldn’t touch him. Once it does NOT fit into their original designs, you can do it. I’ve done it in the past. Let’s be honest, places like China, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, etc has been doing it for decades. My friend bought a kit of a Lamborghini countach from a company in Florida and it was next to impossible to detect it was a kit. They were later sued and had to destroy the moulds. He still has the car. It’s fun to drive. Thanks for sharing his story. I remember seeing the magazine with the truck. I might have that copy in my storage unit.

[@berniesands6201]

Really good video. 👍

[@flintcreektransport]

Thank you! 👍

[@colsonmyers9338]

Great video pretty cool hearing Randy’s story. Sucks Kenworth shut production down in the US. I bet it would’ve been a hit.

[@petrinkyle]

To cool keep it up can't wait to see what shade of blue you put on it lol

[@twitafftwitaff7029]

What an amazing story. 👍

[@charlie2b-d335]

The reporter looking annoyed when the tire guy sound bombed the interview hehehe! I really thought he has going to say something but chose not to so the guy kept doing it 😂

[@flintcreektransport]

🤣🤣🤦🏽‍♂️

[@aussiebigbangers]

Very interesting ,very popular bunk here in Australia at the time