Hi all,
Has anyone removed a integral sleeper form a truck?
The Volvo 610 that I'm looking at has the sleeper still on it. In fact, the truck is still in use.
I'm going the Showhauler route and a day cab is needed enable to have an overhead bunk in the coach. I have heard that there are people that do it, but I was looking to see if any of you have any experience.
From all appearances, the metal cab stops just above the rain gutter and a fiberglass top (of the sleeper)is installed over that. It also appears that the rear of the sleeper is actually the same metal back that would otherwise be on a daycab, fitted back to the fibergalss top. Other than dealing with a large chunk of plastic, it seems that the sleeper could be removed and the original back used. All that you would need is an original roof, likely removed from a wrecked truck or bought as a repair panel.
When I looked at one of the Freightliner reconditioned trucks that Showhauler was building, it appeared the factory did exactly that. Cut off the sleeper and pop rivet on a standard back and roof.
The reasoning behind this exploration is (1) the frame is longer to begin with, reducing the extention needed, and posibily gaining one of the bearing carriers and a drive shaft (2) I know the history of the truck, (3) Long haul trucks seem to have a milder life than stop and go day cab trucks. At least the ones that I have run across.
Open for suggestions and corrections....
Bo
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