Class 8 semi stretch

[gandrew]

We are going through the process of stretching a semi tractor. We found a guy in this forum who operates out of southern Ohio that talked a good line. We drove the semi tractor and chase car 400 miles to him and left it and a $4000 deposit there with him promising we would have the complete job ready in one week - stretch, box and all. A week later he says he is having trouble finding a driveshaft, and needs more time. Later that week he tells me the truck is in the shop jig being cut as we speak and it will be ready the following Tuesday. Then he stops answering his cell phone, home phone and shop phone. We rent a car, drive 400 miles to his shop and he and his bud are working on some crap V-6 engine block. My truck is not there, but the box is- still sitting on sawhorses, lights out of the body, not touched in two and a half weeks. We all get in the rental car and drive to "his shop" which is another guy's business 7 miles away. Our truck was just brought there a couple days ago and went into the line of other jobs waiting to be done. Along the drive I catch this guy in several lies. Two and a half weeks lost. He was nice enough to refund our money and pay for the rental car! Our company gave us names and numbers to call locally. Truck will be done in 4 days, guaranteed in writing.

 

[Glen Rice]

I learned my lesson a few [20] years ago with a similar incident. You were very fortunate to get your money back. I only deal with reputable shops today.

 

[LDB]

I'm considering the same process and would appreciate you posting the names and numbers of the good shops as well as the one to avoid. Thanks.

Leo
truck 4958

Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

 

[tazman]

Glen,

In reading these posts I was wondering if you could elaborate as to why you would "stretch" an existing frame/cab-chassis ?

I guess understand the fact that you woulg gain a better sleeper unit and perhaps get that bigger engine and front axle....
However arn't you technically changing the engineering of the original intention of the truck????

I see so many of the units out there with rear axles almost beyond the mid-point of the frame or Cab-to-axle distance...It seems dangerous or at at least changes the ratio of front to back load....
That affects fuel economy and load balancin etc.....

Does the frame strength change as a result of making it longer ???

I do a lot of body upfitting for my customers...especially in the medium duty area mostly under 26000#...I when my body companies ask me for info they will not build certain length boxes on shorter frames....
I try not to even cut a frame when I do a build...I look for the manufacturers body build guide and then size a wheelbase and cab-to-axle unit to match their load recommendations....

Perhaps I'm being a little nieve here but will you discuss this ???

Thanks,

Frank in Pa.
"The Beast in the East"