Kenworth W900 Sweet 80 and the Legacy of Custom Long-Hood Trucks

[MikePhua]

The W900 and Kenworth’s Long-Hood Heritage
The Kenworth W900 has long stood as a symbol of American trucking culture. Introduced in the 1960s and refined over decades, the W900 series became synonymous with long-haul durability, driver comfort, and custom styling. The “Sweet 80” designation refers to a 1980 Kenworth W900 sleeper truck recently spotted at a major auction site, showcasing the enduring appeal of vintage long-hood tractors.
Kenworth, founded in 1923 in Seattle, built its reputation on rugged, driver-focused trucks. The W900’s extended hood accommodates larger engines and provides a distinctive silhouette that has become iconic in the industry. By the 1980s, the W900 had evolved into a platform for customization, often featuring chrome stacks, polished tanks, and sleeper cabs tailored to owner-operators.
Engine and Drivetrain Configuration
The 1980 W900 in question was equipped with a Caterpillar 3406E inline-six diesel engine, a powerplant known for its torque, reliability, and rebuildability. Producing up to 475 horsepower in later variants, the 3406E became a favorite among long-haul drivers for its mechanical simplicity and fuel economy.
Key specifications:

• Engine: CAT 3406E, 6-cylinder turbo diesel
  
• Transmission: Eaton Fuller 15-speed manual
  
• Axle configuration: 6x4 tandem drive
  
• Front axle: 10,600 lb
  
• Rear axles: 38,000 lb Meritor SQHD
  
• Axle ratio: 3.70:1
  
• GVWR: 48,600 lb
  
• Sleeper: 36-inch flat-top aluminum cab
  

The Eaton Fuller 15-speed transmission offers a wide gear range, ideal for both highway cruising and steep grades. The Meritor SQHD axles are built for durability, with a reputation for handling high torque loads without premature wear.
Custom Features and Paintwork Critique
The truck’s exterior featured custom paintwork and suicide-style doors—rear-hinged doors that open opposite to conventional designs. While visually striking, suicide doors are often controversial in terms of safety and registration compliance. In some jurisdictions, they may require additional latching mechanisms or inspection approval.
The paint finish received mixed reviews. Observers noted uneven prep work, suggesting that the truck may have been refinished quickly or without professional-grade masking and sanding. In restoration circles, paint quality is often a reflection of the owner’s investment and attention to detail. A well-prepped paint job can last decades, while rushed work may fade or peel within a few seasons.
Recommendations for paint restoration:

• Strip old paint to bare metal and treat with rust inhibitor
  
• Use epoxy primer followed by high-build urethane
  
• Wet sand between coats for smooth finish
  
• Apply clear coat with UV protection
  
• Cure in controlled temperature to avoid orange peel
  

One restorer in Ohio shared that his W900 took over 300 hours of prep before paint, including bodywork, sanding, and masking. The result was a show-quality finish that won awards at regional truck shows.
Auction Format and Market Trends
The truck was displayed at a major auction site, likely IronPlanet or a similar platform. Auction formats have shifted in recent years, with many companies favoring timed online sales over traditional in-person bidding. While this increases reach, it also changes the buyer experience.
Auction trends:

• Online auctions dominate post-pandemic sales
  
• Timed bidding allows global participation
  
• Buyer premiums range from 10% to 15%, often with minimum fees
  
• Equipment sells to buyers in Mexico, Australia, and beyond
  
• On-site viewing still available at major yards like Nisku and Orlando
  

One buyer noted that a $75 item incurred a $100 buyer’s premium, making small purchases disproportionately expensive. Others criticized the lack of weekend pickup options and the removal of Sunday hours, which previously allowed more flexible logistics.
Collector Value and Restoration Culture
Vintage trucks like the 1980 W900 are increasingly sought after by collectors and custom builders. The long-hood design, mechanical drivetrain, and classic styling make them ideal candidates for restoration or show builds.
Factors influencing collector value:

• Original drivetrain and frame condition
  
• Custom features like sleeper layout, stacks, and paint
  
• Rarity of model year and production run
  
• Documentation and ownership history
  
• Compliance with modern registration standards
  

Restoration costs can range from $20,000 for basic mechanical refresh to over $100,000 for full frame-off rebuilds. Enthusiasts often source parts from salvage yards, specialty suppliers, or fabricate components in-house.
One builder in Alberta converted a W900 into a showpiece with air ride suspension, custom interior, and LED lighting. The truck now tours regional truck shows and serves as a promotional vehicle for his fabrication business.
Conclusion
The “Sweet 80” Kenworth W900 is more than a truck—it’s a rolling tribute to the golden age of American long-haul design. With its Caterpillar power, Eaton transmission, and unmistakable silhouette, it captures the spirit of independent trucking and mechanical craftsmanship. Whether parked at an auction yard or cruising down a prairie highway, the W900 remains a symbol of pride, grit, and the enduring legacy of custom diesel iron.