Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/232692
CUSTOM RIGS By James Jaillet The Big Red Hay Sled J eremy Leavitt, a third-generation trucking company owner, devoted the work done to his '05 Peterbilt 379 and matching Western stepdeck trailer to his grandfather, who was nicknamed Red. Leavitt's always done a little work to the trucks he's bought for his Le Grand, Calif.-based hay hauling business, but nothing like what he did with this truck, which he dubbed the Big Red Hay Sled. Leavitt started his work on the headlights and grille and worked up and back, changing out common items like the stacks and visor before adding the hot-rod flames on the truck and the trailer. Leavitt spent five months in his shop working on the rig. The interior makeover included moving the truck's stereo and CB, installing new seats, adding aftermarket toggle switches and highlighting the whole package with chrome and wood accents. "I wanted to keep a truck look instead of a European sports car on the inside," he says. On the trailer, Leavitt polished the aluminum deck and posts. He cut off the rear dock bumper and welded on stainless-steel pieces to fashion a shiny new replacement. He sanded, stained and refinished wood sections. From there, the truck was ready to work its double shift as a full-time hay hauler and a part-time head turner at shows. Jeremy Leavitt added old school-style red and orange hot-rod flames on both the truck and the trailer. 30 | Overdrive | January 2014 CR_LEAD_0114.indd 30 12/20/13 9:35 AM