April 2018
Alex Bula's 1985 Freightliner FLT & Great Dane Spread-Axle Reefer
WRITTEN BY:
- Mark Harter
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- Alex Bula
Alex Bula, from Antigo, Wisconsin, is the proud owner of this 1985 Freightliner FLT Cabover. Purchased by his father Ritchie nearly 7 years ago as a "father son project" for himself and Alex to work on together. Ritchie told us "Alex initially didn't like the truck or wanted him to buy it." but after convincing his son of it's potential and that it was a solid old Freightliner Cabover, this truck is now the pride of the 19-year-old Bula.
Powered by a 350 bhp Cummins Big Cam III and mated to a Fuller 13 speed transmission, power is pushed to 3.70 rears, and rides on 22.5 tall rubber with Freightliner air-ride suspension. The FLT currently has a 190 inch wheelbase, Alcoa aluminum rims, with 8 inch 8 foot tall straight pipes, letting the Freightliner's big Cummins breathe as it rolls down the highway.
Powered by a 350 bhp Cummins Big Cam III and mated to a Fuller 13 speed transmission, power is pushed to 3.70 rears, and rides on 22.5 tall rubber with Freightliner air-ride suspension. The FLT currently has a 190 inch wheelbase, Alcoa aluminum rims, with 8 inch 8 foot tall straight pipes, letting the Freightliner's big Cummins breathe as it rolls down the highway.
Bula tells us that the interior of the FLT is still mostly stock, but a few small additions have been made, including interior glow lights and vintage anti-glare lights.
In addition, Bula also has a 1997 Great Dane 48' foot spread-axle reefer trailer equipped with an SBIII Thermo King unit, making this entire rig an impressive combination when it heads to truck shows.
In addition, Bula also has a 1997 Great Dane 48' foot spread-axle reefer trailer equipped with an SBIII Thermo King unit, making this entire rig an impressive combination when it heads to truck shows.
The Freightliner and it's Great Dane trailer are currently a play toy, but Alex enjoys showing it off at truck shows in the Wisconsin and Midwest states. The truck has received a few awards, notably at the 2017 Waupun Truckers Jamboree, where it placed 2nd in the Cabover class, the 2017 Antigo Car and Truck Show placing 2nd again, and it was on display at the ATHS National Convention in Des Moines, Iowa that same year.
Some future goals for the Freightliner include stretching the wheelbase out, changing the current Freightliner air-ride to a Neway ARD air-ride suspension, and doing more work to the interior of the FLT as well.
Some future goals for the Freightliner include stretching the wheelbase out, changing the current Freightliner air-ride to a Neway ARD air-ride suspension, and doing more work to the interior of the FLT as well.
Employed as a diesel mechanic/heavy equipment operator, Alex enjoys building and restoring trucks along with spending time with friends and family.
Alex is currently helping his father Ritchie rebuild the Cummins in his 1964 Diamond T 931C Cabover. They hope to have this engine work done this spring in time to have both trucks ready to exhibit at the 2018 ATHS Show in Lexington, Kentucky.
Alex is currently helping his father Ritchie rebuild the Cummins in his 1964 Diamond T 931C Cabover. They hope to have this engine work done this spring in time to have both trucks ready to exhibit at the 2018 ATHS Show in Lexington, Kentucky.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
- Special thanks to Alex for sharing his Freightliner with our readers! If you see Alex and his FLT at a truck show, make sure to say hi to him!
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