December 01, 2011
Peterbilt Spotters Guide
A brief photo reference guide to identify various Peterbilt models from the 1980s
During the 1980's Peterbilt continued to refine the conventional line-up. The model 349 was introduced as a wide-hood 348 and a highway-lightweight version called 349H was available. The 1st stand-up sleeper was installed on a 359 in 1986. 1986 also saw the introduction of an entire new line of conventional models and the last 359 in 1987.
MODEL 348
The 348 carried over from the 70's.
Model
348 6x6 shared the 359-113" SBFA hood.
MODEL 349
349H with bright polished crown, 36" sleeper and roof
fairing.
349H
with standard hood, roof fairing and non-sleeper. Note the battery box now
has a built in step with tread designed to clear slush and snow. This 349
also has square turn signals and roof lights.
349
vocational configurations - 3496x6, 349 FEPTO and 349 SBFA.
This I-DOT 349 has the Severe Service cab.
MODEL 353
The model 353 continued from the 70's. The 353 pictured has a FEPTO
bumper, Severe Service cab, set forward front axle and painted crown and
surround. 353 was available in SFFA, SBFA and tandem-steer configurations.
MODEL 387
387 also continued from the 70's. This 387 has the Severe Service Cab
option. 387 was available in SBFA configurations.
Rear
view of a 387 prime mover.
MODEL 397
The
model 397 was the largest Peterbilt built. 397 featured a 40" wide
frame, 11.5" rails, optional suspensions up to 150,000 lbs. and power
plants
up to the Cummins KTA-600, Caterpillar 3408 and Detroit Diesel 8v92. Only
2 397's were built.
Severe Service Cab
The
Severe Service cab option included an optional windshield mask with a wider
center post and rounded glass corners. The mask was availble on all 1100
cab models.
MODEL 359
By
1980 rectangular quad headlamps became available. By the mid 80's square
fender turn signals became optional, along with Hadley square air horns and
aero-style roof marker lights.
Late '79 into 1980 builds saw the all-Peterbilt 36" sleeper.
Photo courtesy of R.Gaines
A late year 359 similar to the '84 calendar. This 359
has square turn signals, roof lights and no fender marker lights. The
bumper fog lamps are also the rectangular style.
Another later year 359 with square turn signals, roof lamps and
no fender marker lights.
This 1986 built 359 has one of the first factory installed raised-roof
sleepers. The new sleeper had rear doors on both sides. Note the
square fender mounted turn signal and the forward fender corner marker light has
been omitted.
359 became the benchmark for the "Large Car" customized
truck. Here a 359-127 has large aftermarket sleeper, fat straight pipe
exhaust, extra horns, extra grille bars and numerous custom items.
"Old No.One" the first truck from the Denton, Texas
plant in 1980 was bought back by Peterbilt and restored to factory-fresh
condition by staff and remains on display at the plant.
The last 359. Compare it to one of the first.
Even 20+ years after the last 359 was built, the 359 remains popular with many
still in service and is a favorite for restoration for show truck duty.
Eighties Interior
Classic II interior in blue vinyl and velour. 
Classic II in brown.
Peterbilt Spotters Guide Page 3
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copyright 2010 Tim's Trucks and Tim Ahlborn. Photos copyright their original photographers and Peterbilt Motors Company.