LivLab Sleeper: Part 1 of Rebuilding - Peterbilt 359

Part 1 of working on the LivLab Sleeper. The windows up top were left open when driving by the original owner which led to water damage. In this video, we will be removing the wood floor in the bunk, as well as the carpet and insulation and replacing it. This will give us a solid floor to then work on what is damaged around the windows.

[@mattdedasc]

in my head, it's 1982, no internet, I just bought this as an owner/trucker and I will have an incredible life of adventure going all over the US picking up jobs. Fabulous.

[@ThePoconoPete]

The way it should be!

[@caesar1295]

Thank you for showing the sleeper to us and make sure you don’t cover any mold up from the wet wood it will give you health problems in such a small place. I’m going to follow the rebuild such a nice rig brother Good Luck. 👍👏🏼

[@ThePoconoPete]

Most of the mold is gone already, that carpet was horrible. Will be getting rid of the rest soon! Had to wear our big polishing respirator lol!

[@stevencaka]

@ThePoconoPete Yes, I would’ve too 💁‍♂️😉👍 Gonna be a nice restoration project & do keep it mostly original, if you can. Those 359 like that are few & hard to come by in that great condition

[@lylechapman9757]

Thanks for bringing us along,will be awesome to see it back to her former glory

[@ThePoconoPete]

Thanks for watching!

[@pupweiller1]

That sleeper is awesome & well worth fixing ! I'm following the progress for sure.

[@ThePoconoPete]

THANKS! It's not hard to fix the water damage at all, so it shouldn't take us that long. Everything was pretty basic and easy to work on back in the day.

[@Jackarta47]

So cool i can't wait to see this truck fully rebuild

[@PeterGriswald]

I'm really proud of you for restoring this old girl to her original glory! Far too many people today would gut her, and do their "own" thing to her. As you well know. You have a one of a kind that without question, has to be kept original. Just a suggestion here for later on. When you get to the exterior. Perhaps consider having a coat of clear coat satin sprayed to protect all that original glory! Keep at it bro. We are ALL pulling for ya.

[@ThePoconoPete]

Thanks Peter. It’s nice having a truck no one else has. The truck was black, but I kind of like it white, screams ‘MERICA

[@PeterGriswald]

@@ThePoconoPete No kidding huh...Black?? I agree, it looks awesome with the color scheme it has now. And you have done wonders with her so far!

[@barrygibson1514]

Love the Rig Brother 🤙😎😎 Definitely want to watch you restore her! I remember in the 70’s when they were making the LivLabs but I got to see them in a magazine, I would love to see yours in person 👍 Have a Great Day and Stay Safe Out There Buddy 🙏

[@ThePoconoPete]

Thank you sir. I’ll keep everyone updated on the shows we go to!

[@lchebuhar9212]

Sweet rig. Definitely deserves to be restored! 💪👍🏼

[@ThePoconoPete]

Indeed! These old trucks aren’t hard to work on either

[@Brad.whatthe]

Your truck your choice, but studded leather panels around the side walls like a regular sleeper would be nice, easier to keep clean too, I totally love this truck

[@ThePoconoPete]

thought about that!

[@ericthiel4053]

I remember seeing a couple livlabs as a kid at the truckstop near my grandparents house in Kentucky back in the later 80s and early 90s. Always wondered how much extra space it provided. A shower and toilet of your own can definetly maske an absolute world of difference out on the road. Awesome find and its probably one of the coolest rebuild projects ive seen in a long time!!

[@ThePoconoPete]

That's cool! There's a lot more room than a regular sleeper for sure. The bathroom is a bit tight but thats just how skinny everyone was back then lol!

[@billping2633]

I miss the old wing windows in trucks. You got a new sub. I cant wait to see what you do with her. Show Tuck? I hope so.

[@ThePoconoPete]

Thanks! Well, we went to 75 chrome shop this year. Didn't have much time for anything but we went. Show truck but might put it back to work also!

[@Torsee]

Phenomenal truck! 👍👍

[@roberthill6393]

That is one of the coolest truck I’ve ever seen! Can’t wait to watch the progress!

[@ThePoconoPete]

Thanks Robert, we will meet someday at the truck shows

[@benbowles1014]

Looking forward to seeing more progress, mate. All the best from Australia..🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@ThePoconoPete]

Appreciate it! Will be working on it this weekend.

[@bunglebee1790]

Great truck and so original! A real national treasure right there.

[@Coalblack79k10]

Definitely the coolest sleeper next to a mercury I don’t blame you I’d leave it look just like it is paint scheme and all 👍

[@ThePoconoPete]

Thanks boss!

[@simonrussell6884]

That rig is in amazing condition

[@ThePoconoPete]

Yes it is!

[@PriestOfAuril]

This thing is awesome, will be following along with the rebuild, best wishes from UK (soon to be US)

[@ThePoconoPete]

Welcome 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@CrampedGrampy]

Interesting details, appears original install very designed. The new repairs should be every bit as good. Thankee for the video.

[@ThePoconoPete]

Indeed! It should be a fairly easy rebuild as well.

[@femaleprofessionaldriver7650]

All of that wood is beautiful !!!

[@ronaldohagenow1467]

I’d suggest insulation foam board, better r value than fiberglass, I just rebuilt a 44 ft 5th wheel toy hauler, good luck, awesome rig for sure

[@ThePoconoPete]

I appreciate the feedback. They put foam board against the fiberglass. I’ll put it all back when we get to the sides. Glad this isn’t 44ft LOL!!

[@bradclose722]

One trucker to another that is a beautiful truck wish I had one

[@ThePoconoPete]

@@bradclose722 want the sleeper? Lol

[@arrowkart4j]

Wow Pocono Peterbilt isn’t far from where I live. I don’t think it’s called that anymore. Been following these videos

[@ThePoconoPete]

Thanks! Last I heard they tore it down last year. But Pocono Peterbilt was sold to Hunter Peterbilt.

[@keepontruckinoutlawlife1248]

Glad you decided to keep it 👍🏻👍🏻

[@ThePoconoPete]

It’s one of a kind, will never find another like it again!

[@keepontruckinoutlawlife1248]

@@ThePoconoPete definitely not I agree 100% were bouts you from bud?

[@ThePoconoPete]

here in the Ocala FL area

[@keepontruckinoutlawlife1248]

@@ThePoconoPete right on I'm in Flint Michigan

[@ThePoconoPete]

@@keepontruckinoutlawlife1248 Will see you around at a show sometime in the future! Truck was originally in Michigan before she moved to FL

[@bjairo620]

sucesso pra vc nesse projeto, acho que esse truck merece ganhar esse carinho.

[@ThePoconoPete]

Thank you! Working on it and working on making a new video this weekend! Thank you!

[@billtodd6509]

I'm still going through my old trucking pictures and paraphernalia to find those pictures I took way back in the eighties out on a trip in New Mexico of her, another guy and the trucks. Ill make sure to get it to you. Are you affiliated with 75 Chrome Shop? I loved that place. I used to deliver about 4 miles down the road east of there, then hang out until my load was ready to be picked up down at Piper Aircraft. Those were the good old days. I'm sure glad its getting a proper caring for. Bill

[@ThePoconoPete]

Hi Bill, I’d appreciate seeing those pictures! Not affiliated with them, I just live 4 miles north east of the chrome shop, in Wildwood.

[@billtodd6509]

@@ThePoconoPete I haven't found them yet, but did run across an old (original Overdrive Magazine Tractor of the Month) photo of a White cabover tractor that a couple had leased to North American Van Lines that was converted with one of those. I don't want to cut the page out, but will take over to the print shop and have it scanned and blown up for you. Bill

[@ThePoconoPete]

@@billtodd6509 thanks! The original owner was on the cover of Overdrive in….. 1992 I believe it was.

[@Antoniobecerra519]

¡Hola buenos días, realmente un lujo semejante camión! ¿O me parece que el pedal del embrague fue adaptado por la altura que tiene? ¡Por lo de más se ve increíble y ese arreglo en la litera superior quedará un lujo! ¡Si podés activar el traductor en los videos... y desde ya muchas gracias por seguir compartiendo tus trabajos!!!

[@ThePoconoPete]

I’ll learn how to change the languages. Thanks!

[@Fivestar833]

That sleeper makes more sense than a 1 or 2 hundred inch sleeper and a long wheelbase truck that cant get around tight places

[@ThePoconoPete]

totally agree!!

[@adilsonlegalyt9647]

True I don't understand why they don't do it more and looks way cooler

[@vasiliid2473]

Супер. Шикарный трак.

[@adilsonlegalyt9647]

That's an awesome rig!!! Congratulations from Brazil.

[@ThePoconoPete]

Obrigado. Abraço 🇵🇹

[@fhwolthuis]

That looks amazing! Will you keep the original fittings and colors?

[@ThePoconoPete]

Yes!

[@rev.randall2292]

So Cool! Remember magazine ads back when. Not many around.

[@ThePoconoPete]

Indeed! Only 21 Made!

[@michaeldecker2725]

Are you to put back similar materials? May I suggest something lighter perhaps a pleated/ tucked padded vinyl on the side (with a finished trim around the windows of course). Consider lighting and charging ports as well? Would be great to see that on the road!

[@ThePoconoPete]

Hi Michael, I was planning on putting it back as is to preserve the originality. It has lights up top, I forgot to show it.

[@SchnelleKat]

Awesome rig for sure!!! You a fellow driver? P.s There is a chance I'll be getting a 1978 GMC Astro with one of these. I think 10 built?

[@ThePoconoPete]

I believe there were 21 built, but have not confirmed that yet. I know there's ours, the gmc astro, and then I heard there is one up in NY sitting in. a yard all rotted out.

[@John-qz7wq]

Well, looks like we've found that Robert guy a truck!!!!

[@jasonburks5911]

beatifull truck

[@ThePoconoPete]

Thanks Jason!

[@danielseelye6005]

I wonder if you could get the panels from the Daycab Company? I know they have quite a bit of stuff for 359s and 379s. I think they would also do one offs for this.

[@ThePoconoPete]

Perhaps, but the top is just carpet that’s cut to fit. I’m going to use the old carpet and cut the new one to size

[@Anonymous..VQ3.5Lg35]

Those stacks are interesting

[@ThePoconoPete]

Basically in the same spot as they were originally. Makes sense

[@Jason-vp8nd]

Don't get me wrong it's very cool I would love to sleep up there

[@neverlookback5922]

Pocono Pennsylvania???

[@ThePoconoPete]

Yes, Pocono International Raceway, it was the Pace truck in 1982 for the Great American Truck Race built by Pocono Peterbilt.

[@neverlookback5922]

@@ThePoconoPete that’s cool I live about a hour north of there

[@just4thetruckofit]

I definitely remember that Pete from somewhere….a long time ago….

[@ThePoconoPete]

Yes sir, you probably seen her running her oversized loads with it

[@evanpatterson7098]

I dreamed about a rig like this when I was a kid. I wonder why they don't build new rigs with this kind of sleeper??

[@ThePoconoPete]

Because now they have trucks that are allowed to be longer in length, without having to add height as a factor. Even though, the shorter wheelbase is good for a lot of places.

[@evanpatterson7098]

@@ThePoconoPete but this truck still looks cool. 😎

[@rags-fv6ko]

What year is the first for the dual rectangular lights 84? I had put some on my 82.

[@ThePoconoPete]

Not sure, but this was the first truck to have them. Peterbilt built this truck with the future in mind, it had all the upgrades at the time, in 82.

[@alexangus9966]

Just so cool

[@ThePoconoPete]

Thanks! 🙏🏼

[@donaldmiller2654]

It is an awesome rig, what is the light weight of just the tractor?

[@ThePoconoPete]

Before this sleeper was on, it was 16500 with the 63”. This brought it to under 20k but I’ll get a weight slip once we finish fixing it

[@donaldmiller2654]

Thank you

[@LL-be3rh]

Not to just critique but don't smack on chewing gum while filming. Very cool truck and thanks for showing it.

[@ThePoconoPete]

Wasn’t chewing gum my man. Just 100 degrees and trying to breathe.

[@LL-be3rh]

@ThePoconoPete gotcha, we get them really hot days here too

[@koolkat8639]

damn, such an easy mistake to make with those top bunk windows being left open. Something I would see myself doing hahahaha

[@ThePoconoPete]

😂 should put a note on the dash “close windows when raining”

[@ВладимирВМ]

Все таки делали вещи наши деды и отцы, какие планы на этот трак в будущем?

[@ThePoconoPete]

Restoring it a bit, but keeping it as is! Just minor things to fix/upgrade.

[@ВладимирВМ]

@@ThePoconoPete буду ждать дальнейшего продолжения восстановления этого прекрасного трака, хотелось бы увидеть работу эйпиюшки, кондиционера

[@JD-ce4so]

Too bad you did install rockwool. It would have made it quieter

[@ThePoconoPete]

I still can. I didn’t screw down the floor yet. Just through cheap stuff in there to work on the sides. I appreciate that thought. May do that when I get to that point!

[@brian-xf2cf]

You should do a little research upgrade your system better insulation tape insulation help fill it up makes it better upgrade your wiring little new technology don't hurt PS beautiful truck lucky guy check out RV conversions insulation

[@ThePoconoPete]

Will be doing that!

[@carloselizondo7671]

She looks all AMERICAN!

[@ThePoconoPete]

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@darrylrichardson1997]

Is the only one in the world ?

[@ThePoconoPete]

This sleeper on a 359, yes. But there’s another sleeper out there on a gmc Astro

[@Walaki]

Chewing gum was necessary during filming of this video? Kinda made it unwatchable 😅

[@ThePoconoPete]

I’m glad you watched, but I wasn’t chewing gum. It’s 100 degrees here everyday, it’s heavy breathing!

[@Biackforest]

Dirty, old, smelly car...

[@ThePoconoPete]

Maybe bring ur car to a car wash….