38 10-4 Magazine / August 2025 The 1986 Peterbilt 359 pictured here went through a refresh before it got to this stage. What started out as a plain blue canvas, which was cool even then, transformed into what you see here today. The owner, Rick Nolt (37) of Quarryville, PA, first started trucking 15 years ago. Rick’s father helped him get into his own truck. Even before getting into his own truck, Rick always enjoyed seeing large rides rolling around the “717” (Lancaster, PA and surrounding areas). The 717 puts out some of the coolest rides you will ever see, and this truck is up there with the coolest. Hauling for Risser Grain, Rick and his 359 can typically be found hooked to a tanker hauling fertilizer and a hopper bottom hauling grain. The 1986 Peterbilt 359 began its life with a 209” wheelbase and was completely original when Rick got his hands on it. There are very few things left original on the truck, which include the cab mounts, the rear engine mounts, and two crossmembers. This classic and unique truck went through several changes before the final version, gracing these pages, was complete. The motor is a CAT 3406C that sends power to the 3.55 rears via a 13-speed Eaton. The motor has had some minor work done to it to make it run more efficiently, with a little extra power added, too. The truck got new frame rails from Zimmomatic, bringing the wheelbase to a nice 265” long. Dennis Reihl was instrumental in the re-wiring and re-plumbing of the truck, and helped in a lot of other phases of the project, as well. The original 359 rear suspension was replaced by a Peterbilt low air leaf system and 379 frame horns were added to the front. A car hauler front axle was swapped in and then a J. Ferrell front air ride kit was installed. Rick reskinned the hood, cab and bunk himself. The rear of the bunk has a starburst pattern, which was bent by Mellingers (a local shop). Special Feature: By Colin Kund The stainless battery boxes/steps were made by Zimmomatic, the same company that installed the new frame rails on the truck. The single round headlights were swapped out for 379 shaved double squares. Rick also made some other changes on the outside to make it more of his own. “I narrowed the center roof lights, removed the light holes in the air cleaner brackets, and some other minor details,” explained Rick. In addition to these changes, Rick added a 5” Dynaflex exhaust to keep the old school look intact. A LITTLE REFRESH
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