I'm thrilled to get the opportunity to have one of my biggest influences show us his rig. "Old School" Jerry Delagardelle bought his '78 Kenworth W900A new and it's certainly been through plenty of changes over the years. I absolutely love the personal touches and customizations he's done over the years, particularly the diamonds, paint, and window etching. In its current form it's powered by a Cummins N14 backed by a 5 & 4 speed gear boxes and a Freightliner rear clip. The 3 tone paint scheme was done in 2004.
Photo #1 shows the truck in its original from when Jerry first purchased it from Kenworth in 1978.
Photo #2 was taken in the late 80's after the frame was stretched, the sleeper was extended , dual exhaust, alloy wheels, and a new paint scheme were added.
Jerry's personal trucking history & experience is:
leased to UMTHUN TRUCKING Eagle Grove, IA from 77-79
PACIFIC INTERMOUNTAIN EXPRESS (P.I.E.) Oakland, CA 79-81
THE WAGGONERS TRUCKING Billings, MT 81-85
TIGER TRANSPORT Missoula, MT 85-87
WATKINS SHEPARD Missoula, MT 87-95
3-I TRUCKING Bettendorf, IA 95-99
CRST Eldridge, IA 99-02
Started N.I.S.T. Independently with his own authority in 2002
If I have the opportunity, I'll hopefully be doing an interview & truck tour with Jerry's oldest son Joe and his killer Rat Rod Peterbilt and blacked out end dump. Stay tuned for that!
Huge thank you to Jerry for sharing his time & story with us. Truckers like him are more rare all the time. Take the opportunities to shake their hand, listen to stories, ask questions, and carry on the traditions & work ethic of the professional trucker. You'll be glad you did. Peace & grease
Filming & Interview Philip West @flannel_philip
Editing Noah West
Music Josh Sorheim @joshsorheim
Production Jacob West @eldest_arrow
Graphics Luke West