1983 - Volume #7, Issue #3, Page #21

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Dream Pickups Have Over-The-Road Cabs

Dream Pickups Have Over-The-Road Cabs PICKUPS Modifications 7-3-21 If you think you get a great ride in a Cadillac, you should try settling yourself into the air seats in a new "Mini Big Rig" pickup. Mini Rigs feature cabs that are exact, same-size replicas of over-the-road semis. The new pickups are being built from the ground up by Mini Big Rig, Inc., in Bourbonnais, Ill. The cab and small-size 4 by 8-ft. box are mounted on 3/4 or 1-ton pickup chassis with either a conventional or a beefed-up engine and drive train. Russell Reed, a partner in the Mini Rig operation, says interest is strong from both companies and individuals who are looking for a unique vehicle. The truck sells for $35,000 to $40,000. "The body is made from fiberglass and aluminum and will maintain its good looks far beyond the life of most pickups," says Reed. "Because the cab is the same size as the originals, they use standard parts that are available anywhere in the country." The truck features a fully functional tilt hood, full fenders front and rear, and the same heavy duty commercial truck quality as the Peterbilt, Kenworth, Mac, Ford and other trucks they are patterned after. Each has two 40-gal. fuel tanks and are outfitted with air seats and brakes. "Our first experimental model built in 1979 now has 180,000 miles but it still looks new," says Reed, noting that the company has built eight mini rigs since recently going into full production. The company also offers kits for do-it-yourselfers. Kits include cab, bed, and fenders but doesn't include the seats and other accessories which are available from the truck manufacturers. Kits sell for $12,000. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Mini Big Rig, Inc., Rt. 1, Box 13, Bourbonnais, Ill. 60914 (ph 815 937-9027).