Biglorryblog was wondering when I was going to get my next update from Andrew Cooper and 'Project Peterbilt'. I shouldn't have worried for AC e-mails me to say: "Hi Brian, we're now at the George W. Bush 'mission accomplished' - that's to say that a lot has been done, though there's still quite a bit more to do!"
"We're concentrating on the interior at the moment, as can be seen with the pictures of the floor and sink/cooker unit. I'm also converting a steel frame bunk bed that I purchased in kit form (via e-bay) from a lovely lady in Maesteg several months back. She kindly told me to ring her if I had any problem assembling it - only I didn't have the heart to tell here that we would reduce its width by a fifth and make the upper bunk swivel into the roof and mount the whole unit into the sleeper pod of a 26-year old American truck!"
Andrew continues: "Most of the outer work is now complete, with the exception of the wiring as my colleague/friend Ken Britton (the best sparky in Wales) is unfortunately not too well and has been unable to finish the rewiring that he started several weeks ago. Get well soon mate!"
"I'm really champing at the bit now as I was proved totally wrong with the DVLA and their registration procedures." And to find out how wrong Andrew was (and to see some fancy bits at the back of his Yankee Clipper) click through here!
Andrew says: I filled in the correct forms proving that all duties had been paid when the truck arrived in the UK last October etc etc. I then personally submitted the paperwork to the local DVLA office last Friday afternoon. Then blow me down along with a polishing cloth, my tax disc was delivered two working days later! I was astonished, so now the clock is really ticking and i will be going out for the test drive very soon!!!!" Well I look foard to seeing it in all its pride and glory and Gaydon at the 'Steel Boys' run. And Vic H from New Zealand wants to see it too!
That is just looking great, Andrew, especially with the great selection of tyres on the driving wheels! You must have gone to a lot of trouble hunting around for so many different ones.
I'm very much looking forward to seeing it in the metal when I'm in the UK in July. Looking forward to meeting its restorer/rebuilder too, of course.
Ok, I tried being nice and asking in a respectful manner, that didnt work, so who do I have to bribe to be the first Journo to take this awesome beast for a drive?
Joking aside, taking a work-a-day truck and creating a classic icon in the way these guys have deserves a round of applause from anyone with a hint of passion for trucks.
Good job guys
Andrew,your[semi] tractor unit looks great.It looks more like a well kept owner operator truck,as opposed to a pure show truck.
You seem to have the balance right,nothing over the top.Here in the States they go over the top with chrome etc,it takes the personality away in my view.Great work.
Paul.
Andrew - As the prestigious winner of the highly coveted Steelboys "Change of Allegiance" Dafta award.
I am delighted to see judging by the legs on the red cabinet that you have not totally switched your allegiance from all things Swedish. I believe they are 2009 Ikea Faktums with 190 degree door openings - with your own unique custom doors - I need to fully check the spec on www.thecabinetsinkandworktopblog.co.uk
I trust the line dancing lessons are going well as we will expect a full demonstration at Gaydon?