Bulk Transport Since 1950'
Custom Truck Builds  & Landscaping Yard

Tony Whelan's 1986 w-model was originally ordered by Bob Guthrie of Busselton WA, the truck was soon put up for adoption when word of the 'Big Cab' was coming to Australia. As a result , Peter Hill took over initial delivery of the truck courtesy of Kenworth at Footscray, putting it to work towing reefers under the name 'Rayles Transport' subbying for TNT refrigerated. Around 1992 Ron Mackie made the transition of being a company driver in a Comet SAR to an owner driver when he took ownership of the W900. He put the truck to use doing the Comet run from Maryborough/Ballarat to Melbourne on a 5 nights a week basis, it was here the truck was dipped in Comet's blue and white livery and continued working.

Originally powered by a 400 Cummins and 13 speed, the truck was given a transplant and is now utilising the conveniences of an N14 Celect Plus and 18 speed, the truck is still running the 90 tonne rated 6 rod suspension.

Although well looked after, years of work, stress and fatigue had taken its toll. Its life as a working truck came to an end in 2012 when Ron Mackie retired.​

Fortunately, the truck found itself in the hands of Tony Whelan, a passionate enthusiast who then put it on club plates. In 2021 after owning the truck for a number of years, Tony brought it to us with the vision of having it restored back to its former glory by the team here at Kuchel Custom Trucks.

The truck was completely disassembled and stripped back to reveal all the areas in need of attention. This resulted in the cab and bunk being gifted with numerous new panels from firewall to rear bunk wall, replacing the corroded panels that previously existed.

Fortunately, during disassembly of the truck, traces of the original colours were revealed giving the ability for DJs Sandblasting & Restoration to match them to what the truck was originally finished in.

​The truck interior was in good condition for its age and was predominantly re-used. The only interior work that was requested were a few minor repairs where required and re-upholstering of the new seat inserts, expertly carried out by Steve Baum of Stateside Trim. The chassis was torn apart and rebuilt using new rails supplied through Kenworth. After paint, it was fitted with all new valves and re-plumbed from front to rear.

Components were either replaced or refurbished throughout the restoration process to achieve the end result maintaining the authenticity and nostalgic charm of the legendary W900. It was then sent to the talented Heath at Saunders Signs & Graphics to give it the stripe work to finish it off. Thanks to Tony for giving us the opportunity to bring it back to life.