Overdrive

CUSTOM RIGS 46 | Overdrive | July 2017 E d Harwell, owner of this 1988 cabover Freightliner FLT86 (the 86 refers to the bunk size), says the truck represents "what you might see in a war veteran." Though Harwell put a great deal of work into repainting and refi nish- ing both the interior and exterior, he's left some nicks and dents to represent the larger scars of the old farm truck's own war with time. When he found it years ago, it was in a farmer's fi eld and missing its driver's-side door. Harwell served in the U.S. Army for more than a decade and is now a vice president with J.B. Hunt, managing the veterans employee resource group. He's also a self-described "truck guy" and guided this unit's restoration with a purpose to spread a message in tribute to military service. Following the approximate year Harwell spent working on the truck to make it what it is today, he's used it to help raise funds for the Northwest Ar- kansas Historical Society's in-progress Veterans Museum. Harwell serves on the Society's board. 'Service and sacrifi ce' Freightliner COE BY TODD DILLS The 1988 Freightliner's first truck show was the PKY Truck Beauty Championship at this year's Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. While Ed Harwell didn't bag any trophies, he's "just happy to spread the message" of the service and sacrifice made by military veterans. The tastefully appointed interior is decked out in red, white and blue and preserves the sleeper paneling's original feel. See the truck and an interview with Ed Harwell at the Custom Rigs playlist at youtube.com/OverdriveMag. The red, white and blue U.S. flag colors are carried throughout the dash front, background and framing panels. Ed Harwell took about a year to rebuild the FLT86. He extended and boxed the frame, painted it black and added patriotic accents throughout. 46 | Overdrive | July 2017

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