Haul of Fame: Tony's Custom Retro W900 Kenworth

Tony Huttenstine is a seasoned owner-operator.

Over the years, he has poured enormous time, money, and energy into customizing a retro-style Kenworth W900L truck from top to bottom, aiming to complete a classic 80s or 90s Kenworth Aerocab look. 

In this month's Haul of Fame, we take a behind-the-scenes look at the heavy-duty truck parts and accessories that make this custom Kenworth W900L the beast that it is. 

Tony's Origins: Getting Hooked on Diesel Trucking

"I actually never planned to be a truck driver," Tony laughed. "I thought I was going to be a teacher."

He started working short hauls for Meeks Lumber in Springfield, Missouri, while his dad and brother were already trucking out of Des Moines.

"My brother called one day and said, ‘Hey, come up here and go to work.’ I told him, ‘I ain’t gonna do that,’" Tony chuckled. "Well, that snowballed. I’ve been trucking ever since."

And over the years, he found more than just a job — he found a community.

"It’s a brotherhood," Tony said. "There’s still a mutual respect out here — especially among owner-operators. You help each other, you look out for each other. That’s what keeps me in it."

Nearly every facet of the truck's aftermarket add-ons has been custom fab-shop work, including accent light placement and the rear-end stainless steel pieces, from the T-bar to the deck plate. 

What Inspired this Unique Truck Build?

It all started with a phone call from Kyle at Fleenor Brothers.

"Kyle called and said, ‘Hey, I’ve got a truck you need to come see.’ I wasn’t even looking for one," Tony said.

"Then he throws the build sheet down and says, ‘Come out to the barn.’ When I saw it, I thought to myself, Yeah… I need that."

The Fab Team Behind the Build

Tony's dream rig came to life with help from: 

• Fleenor Brothers
• Brunner Industries
• Fletcher’s Diesel Truck Repair
• Roll On Customs
• Chrome Shop Mafia & 4 State Trucks (Cody and the other team members)

Every detail of the truck's aftermarket modifications was deliberate and tied into the theme. 

"Cody and the 4 State Trucks fab guys really brought it home," Tony said. "They built the riveted frame section, added the hidden toolbox — it’s just clean. The craftsmanship speaks for itself."

The Kenworth Truck Parts That Make it Shine

• Fuel Caps: JR Manufacturing — "They just fit and finish right."
• Exhaust: 7-inch Dynaflex stacks — "The sound and symmetry are perfect."
• Cab & Sleeper Panels: 2-inch custom panels from Fletcher’s Diesel Repair in Lancaster, California — "That glow under there at night? It’s wild."
• Air Ride & Front End: Custom setup from Lancaster, CA — "She sits low, smooth, and rides like glass."
• Frame Lights & Oil Caps: Roll On Customs — "Roll On makes some of the best detail parts out there."
• Bumper: 20-inch Valley Chrome blind-mount — "I love the look. It’s low, bold, and tough."
• Rear Frame & Toolbox: Custom fab work from 4 State Trucks — "Cody’s craftsmanship is unreal."
• Fenders: Hogebuilt full fenders — "They finish off that stance perfectly."
• Hub Covers: T-Kane billet aluminum — "They’ve got that solid, old-school look but with new-school polish."

Big Strapper Step Pad Kit

This premium step pad kit from Big Strapper is designed to fit on the semi truck step box as a low-profile non-slip rubber traction pad. 

It's a high-end aftermarket upgrade for any trucker who is willing to invest in it. 

Stainless Steel Semi Truck Visor 

Match the Look: Visor-Mounted Cab Lights

This style comes in various hues, a hooded and plain housing, and the option for alternating duo-lighting setups.

Painted Front Grille with Single Decorative Grille Bar

A few years back, Tony got caught in a sand storm that blasted the truck, chipping and damaging the paint and chrome finish.

The grille needed a total replacement. 

So did the chrome stacks.

He called his insurance company a few times. He put replacement parts on order. Then...

Tony ultimately chose to have his Kenworth W900 grille replaced with a stainless steel, single grille bar design, complete with a matching coat of paint.

Air Breather Panel Lights

On most Kenworth models, the air breather panels are set up to mount the lights facing a bit further out from the truck. 

These custom panels are mounted close to the truck cab, emitting a more luminescent nighttime glow effect. 

Match the Look: Glass Watermelon Lights

Watermelon lighting styles are consistently chosen for both the interior and exterior of custom builds. 

Nut Covers & Wheel Covers

The nut covers and wheel covers are from T-Kane, a truly underrated brand. 

Fuel Tank Caps Custom CNC Etching 

CNC laser-etched accents are neatly placed all over the truck, from the cap to sleeper cab siding and the rear trim of the air line box. 

Even the oil cap has a custom CNC laser design. The level of attention to detail on this build is insane. 

Fuel Tank Bracket Strap Covers 

The polished fuel tank wraps help to give a more uniform appearance to the truck's exterior. 

Rear-T Bar with Rear Tail Lights

Notice the subtle indented diamond-shaped panels? This was a deliberate design choice created by Cody at CMS.

The intention was to match the back of the sleeper cab windows. 

Custom Filler Panel with Light Brackets In-Between Fuel Tank 

The Hogebuilt Full Fender Stainless Steel 

Custom Deck Plate Crafted by Chrome Shop Mafia

This in-frame deck plate toolbox offers incredible storage capacity without any hassle.

With this in-built storage design, you just throw tools and materials in, then shut the lid. Easy.

Rear Sleeper Cab Diamond-Shaped Windows

Kenworth W900L: Looking Under the Hood

WHAT IT RUNS ON:

• 565 Cummins 
• 18-Speed Transmission
• 3.36 Rears

Tony's not planning on pursuing any major upgrades in the future. For now, this Kenworth performs on the road and looks sharp while doing so.

"You know what? I’m done," he said. "I’m happy. It’s time to just truck."

Custom Kenworth W900 Interior Upgrades

"I went with the Seattle Package interior because I’ve always loved that classic look," he said. "We button-tucked everything, added polished trim, and kept it clean but comfortable."

The "Seattle Package" is an upholstery setup that offers diamond truck stitching, custom paneling, wrapped steering column, and sleeper bunker trim.

The steering wheel is a Forever Sharp 3-spoke design with a removable hub and wheel ring, making it easy to switch color profile of the wheel regularly. 

Full Custom Interior Upholstery 

The truck's interior has seen enormous amounts of custom work, even the seat skirts feature a diamond-studded custom-made upholstery pattern. 

Sears Seat Model with Custom Modifications

The driver and passenger seats are both made by Sears Seating.

Both seats feature a two-tone aftermarket custom upholstery diamond-stitch pattern integrated into the premium leather material.

Shifter Base Trim Plating

The foot pedals (made by Davis Brothers) are 100% custom fab-shop add-ons. 

The Rockwood low-profile seat adapter bases provide even greater maneuverability and positioning for the driver's seat.

The well-integrated style pattern in the cab and sleeper doesn't take away from the comfort.

And nothing gives more comfort than a quality mattress.

Tony went with a Delux Ultra Premium Odyssey mattress that fits snugly in the back of his W900L sleeper.  

"That is the cat's meow...That first night out, I always used to hate it," said Tony. "You'd go home for a while, and you wouldn't sleep. But oh boy, it's gone. All of that, it's gone. 

Build with Pride for the Long-Haul

Tony’s tricked-out Kenworth W900L gives us a glimpse into what can be achieved when you have the right vision and the right parts to do it. Certainly, when it comes to custom truck builds, the opportunities are endless. 

From the Fleenor Brothers barn to the 4 State Trucks fab shop bay, this custom Kenworth captures what Haul of Fame is all about — hard work, craftsmanship, and love for all things diesel trucking.