Search results

Howard, There are two bus connections, 12 and 24 volt, that live inside the main power panel (fuses and breakers), low down in the center of the dash. The new front driving lights are run from there, up to a switch and fuse on the dash. They are wicked bright and seem rugged enough for the...

More Little Stuff... The front lighting needed a boost and pictures from Afghanistan provided the pattern. Trillant lighting from an SS listing, in 24 volts, seemed like the ticket. The doors were switched out, providing new glass and winders along with the mirror brackets. New Bostrom...

Got in a few more updates on the Freightliner M916A1, thanks to the NOS cab and nose (mini glider kit) from SS member Plane Fast. He was able to deliver it to TNJ Murray in Delaware so the ride back to VT was not bad. These were sold by GL over the last 1-2 years and this one I got was for a...

It was a good jump with the 14:00's since I had stared with 11:00's as it came from GL. The GPS speed went from cruise at 50 to cruise at 57 mph, at the same RPM. This now leaves good headroom for faster speeds for traffic situations, though the 55 stamped on the tires and the loaded trailer...

The AM/FM radio in the 916A1 is a Jensen model JHD3630BTB. These are part of a "heavy duty" line that is claimed to have more shock resistance and dust proofing. The ORT reports give it a good rating, it's compact and has all the bells and whistles. It is coupled to two speakers in the overhead...

Still looking for a replacement operators data plate for the rear hydraulic winch. The one for the M916A0 will work fine, or any that came with the M916A1,A2 or A3. They seem to be made from a form of evaporating etching- any help with a fresher one or a source greatly appreciated. Thanks, John

Steve--Yea, the wood grained dash is a piece of work- just off the regular FDL assembly line. Kind of like many of the pre-WW2 trucks where the military additions were often not much more than front wheel drive, blackout lighting and some standardization of accessories. They all kept their...

DS- I took out the paperboard liner and the open cell foam behind. There is better insulating material available these days- check on www.quietride.com for a good description of some of the kinds of materials in use. Most are available locally or on-line with the self adhesive backs. I filled...

A somewhat tough install was the overhead console, needed for speakers, CB and other handy stuff. The FLD model lineage of the M916A1 Freightliner helps in locating parts like this, then the fitting is up to you. Well worth the effort as it keeps everything squared away so you can concentrate on...

Needed a way to carry a sizable tow bar for recovery of the heavy rigs when they can't be fixed on the spot. It can be a long pull back to the trailer from a parade route or off road in the field. Needed a stowage bracket for the trailer electrical cable- attached early style model to the...

Snowed in winter weekends provided more time for "Little Stuff" upgrades to the M916A1. Have taken a lot of ideas from the later A3 model and added them on to the A1. The tire change last year to 14:00 X 20's left a little Michelin sticking outside the front fenders. The rubber fender flair...

The rear full fender is apparently already out there. Check out TM9-2320-303-24p for the M915A4. It shows the rear fender as a kit to be added on.

Artisan - The sliding rear window to replace the fixed one in the A1 came from Peninsula Glass Co., Vancouver, WA, 360-892-2029. It is their Series 900, with a good rubber gasket, excellent measuring directions, and sturdy shipping packaging. You can even get it tinted to match the original...

Steve, I plan to have the M916A1 at the Weare, NH show this weekend. It's about 175 miles from base, and will be a good test of the A/C. John

The Freightliner series provides lots of opportunities for neat little upgrades. Thought I would show some from over the past year and hopefully encourage others to post what they have developed. Sliding rear cab window--standard on the M916, but not on the A1. Needed to keep the air moving...