How to Customize Your Peterbilt 379 on a Budget

The Peterbilt 379 semi truck is an iconic, bold, and rugged-looking classic, beloved among owner-operators all over America.

This truck model is renowned for its capacity to be customizable down to the last detail. 

If you’re looking for the best ways to start customizing, check out this guide!   

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Coolest-Looking Pete 379 Custom Rigs Customizations on a Budget Temporary Customizations Customizations for Performance Customizations for Driver Comfort  Customizations for Exterior  Customizations for Interior Cab Space

Why a Custom Peterbilt 379 is Worth the Investment

The 379 model is no longer on the market. So it’s even more important that you invest in quality performance parts that will extend your truck’s operability for years to come.

Cosmetic upgrades, like interior and exterior accessories and shiny new chrome just shows that you have pride in your truck. 

The Most Affordable Aftermarket Truck Parts Brands 

Tight margins and low costs means competitive price points.

These two brands deliver consistently affordable products: 

• TPHD (Truck Parts Heavy Duty)
• Turnpike Truck Trim

Quick Reference Guide: Budget Customization Cheat Sheet

Cool Customization Ideas for Your Peterbilt 379

• Extended Length Hood: enormous visual appeal and aerodynamic benefits (TPHD hoods are the lowest-priced options)
• Peterbilt 379 Dash Kits: Upgrade your dash in one fell swoop with a dash kit (kits sold low as $77)
• Custom Peterbilt 379 Accessories: chrome accents, LED lights, and interior trim can change the entire feel of your rig.
• Configurations for Peterbilt 379: There are plenty of options for sleeper cab and day cab configurations, but these aren't exactly cheap routes. 

Examples of Uniquely Customized Peterbilt 379 Rigs

 

 

Most Affordable Peterbilt Customizations for a Tight Budget

Here’s how to prioritize aftermarket parts on a smaller budget: start SMALL and work your way up. 

First, consider your needs and your long-term vision for what you want to do with your rig.

A total rebuild?

A slight overhaul on the front-end?

Interior upgrades for comfort and style?

Chrome Trim and Accent Accessories:

• Chrome Lug Nut Covers: simple upgrade that can add a more polished, clean-cut look to your wheels
• Door Handle Covers: inexpensive option when adding a bit of style and functionality to your Peterbilt truck. 
• Mirror Covers: chrome cap covers for your side mirrors offer a classic look.
• Hood Emblems and Bezels: wide array of shiny, custom-looking designs 

LED Lighting Upgrades 

Aftermarket lighting systems for the Peterbilt 379 aren’t just cost effective, they’re useful.

• Cab Roof Marker Lights: swap out the old amber lights with distinct, colorful LED lights
• Glass Watermelon Lights: less than the cost of going out to eat, these marker lights are a great buy. 

• Underglow Lighting Kit: mount under the cab some affordable LED strips that dramatically enhance the Peterbilt’s look

• Headlight Trim Rings: add chrome or color-matching trim around your headlights.

Mud Flaps 

Mud flaps are the go-to accessory for budget shoppers because they are customizable, functional, affordable, and give drivers the opportunity to do some personalized branding.

The Most Affordable Semi Truck Seats

With seats, you can go cheap, but you'll be very uncomfortable. Instead, prioritize a balance of value and affordability.

The best options are found in top-rated brands like National and Bostrom (both owned by CVG); these brands carry seats that range from high-priced premium designs to affordable base models that still deliver great comfort. 

#1 Pick: The Bostrom 915

The Bostrom 915 seat (formerly known as the Bostrom Talladega) is a basic, bare-bones air seat. It’s probably the most affordable option among the Bostrom T-series seats.

Top Features:

• Standard damper
• Standard recline lever (also a manual lumbar) 
• Non-extendable cushion
• High- and Mid-back cushion
• Stock suspension

Sure, you won’t get all the bells and whistles of higher-end seating options; but you still get a quality brand for the money you’re forking up.

The price will dramatically change based on the type of material you buy.

There are other economical Bostrom brands, like the cloth Corsair seat. But the 915 model is quite a bit better. You can build a 915 seat at Bostrom.com. Or you can save hundreds of dollars at 4 State Trucks. It’s up to you.

#2 Pick: National Ensign or Captain Air Seats

Top Features:

• Air lumbar adjuster
• Two position cushion extension
• Standard base 
• Vinyl material (not comfy? Just add a seat cover)

Getting the National Captain Air low-base version of this seat will require you to get a new seat adapter, unless you already have one that pairs with it.

If it's a standard low-, mid-, or high-back seat, you won't need one. Read our ultimate semi truck seating guide for more tips.

Interior Upgrades on a Budget

Customizing your Peterbilt’s cabin space can be an affordable way to start upgrading your rig. 

• Steering Wheel Covers: add extra comfort and style for a dirt-cheap price
• Dash Trims and Knobs: get uniquely designed dash cover kits or sleek, chrome trim
• Gear Shift Knobs: find chrome, wood, or color-matching shift knobs
• Shifter Extension Kits: an easy way to get your shifter knob closer to you (9" and 12" options)

Best Exterior Accessories on a Tight Budget

Hubcap Kits

Slap on a hubcap kit for your semi truck wheels. It's the best way to give your wheels that polished, sleek finish quickly, easily, and affordably. 

License Plate Frames

It's a small accessory that can add a lot of personality and character to your rig.

With unique designs ranging from barbed wire to skulls, or light-strip integrated designs in a polished chrome finish or black coated material.

Honestly, it just depends how eccentric you want to get with it. 

Some of the best brands include: United Pacific, Grand General, and Roadworks (to name a few).

Bug Shields &Visors

Among the most affordable aftermarket brands is Belmor.

They carry aerodynamic bug shields for long-hood and short-hood Peterbilt 379 models with clear or smokey finishes, depending on what style fits your rig the best. 

Fuel Tank End Covers

Quilted to help with weatherproofing, these accessories add a personalized, professional appearance to your truck’s fuel tank. 

Temporary Customizations (Easy Removal) 

If you’re driving a rig that belongs to a company fleet, there are probably rules around you customizing a truck. 

These parts offer a great way to add a bit of uniqueness to your rig and easily remove them when you turn your truck back in. 

Steering Wheel Covers: 

Easy to place and replace, steering wheel covers offer a cheap, easy way to add a little customization to your semi truck. 

Steering Wheels:

You can add and replace steering wheels with minimal effort.

From chrome bezels to striped dark wood grain wheel material and chrome wheel hub adapters, steering wheel kits offer limitless customization options for truckers who want to perfect the aesthetic appeal of their interior cab with complementary steering wheel designs and colors. 

Floor Mats:

As easy as it gets, just replace your Peterbilt 379 floor mats with new ones that feature unique logos and treads. 

Air Horns: 

Installing an aftermarket train horn is relatively low-cost and easy to do. You get to show off a unique sound and find a finish that matches the color aesthetic of your Peterbilt 379, be it a polished chrome or polished black color.

Decals: 

Technically, you can add and remove headlights and bezels, but it might be a bit of a hassle since you don’t own the truck and your headlight kit may not be compatible with your next rig. 

Peterbilt 379 Performance Customizations for a Better Ride

Aerodynamic Upgrades 

• Roof Fairings: minimize wind drag on your Peterbilt 379
• Side Skirts: cover the gaps under the trailer and reduce the drag 
• Bumper Valances: improve the airflow around your truck’s front end

Exhaust System Enhancements

• Exhaust Stacks: a must-have aftermarket customization for any Peterbilt owner; these pipes come in styles like miter, Y-pipe, straight, or flex, and not only look great but improve exhaust flow.
• Mufflers: Get a deep sound when you rev your engine and reduce backpressure to boot.

Engine Upgrades

• Turbochargers: get better airflow and power delivery to your Peterbilt 
• High-Flow Air Filters: simply improves engine efficiency with better air intake for combustion.
• Exhaust Manifolds: aftermarket components can withstand high temperatures and high pressure of your Cummin’s diesel engine.

Suspension Upgrades 

These parts improve your ride quality and stability. 

• Shock Absorbers: reduce the vibration of your rig and improve driving control.
• Load Share Suspension: distribute weight more evenly between steer axle and auxiliary axles to reduce overload on the suspension system.
• 2-Gauge Steer Axle Suspension Kit: reduces strain on kingpins, tie rods, and bushings while enhancing weight capacity (higher GAWR - gross axle weight rating).

Peterbilt 379 Parts that Enhance Driver Comfort

Sleeper Area Upgrades

• High-Quality Mattress: get a better night’s sleep in your Peterbilt with memory foam.
• Refrigerator/Cabinet: ergonomic way to achieve better storage space usage and securely hold your refrigerator in your cabin at the same time. 
• Storage Upgrades: investing in an ergonomic tool box will help keep you organized on the road.
• Back Support Cushion: find better lumbar support during long drives to help reduce driver fatigue. 

Peterbilt 379 Exterior Customizations

Bumpers 

Oftentimes, bumpers are straightforward to install with brackets and bolts. But the ease of installation depends on the manufacturer. Peterbilt 379 bumpers are something you should prioritize when customizing your rig. 

Choose from steel, aluminum, or fiberglass composite materials. Each material has pros and cons, from average weight to durability. 

You also have an abundance of bumper design options to choose from: 

• Blind Mount Bumper: sleek, streamlined look with mounting brackets that are hidden from view to give a clean, modern look. The hidden brackets can make installation more challenging. 
• T-Bar Bumper: prominent, horizontal bar across the front, integrated with lights 
• Mitered Corner Bumper: the corners are angled for a more stylish look, as well as aerodynamic efficiency. Sometimes these are less durable than squared-off corners. 
• Boxed-End Bumper: simplistic, classic design that features squared-off ends. 
• Rolled-End Bumper: the ends of the bumper are rounded for a smooth, elegant look. 

You get the most bang for your buck with BUMPERS. 

Not only can bumpers prove to be aerodynamic in their shape, adding to your Peterbilt’s fuel efficiency, they are among the first parts of a truck people see when on the road. 

Grilles & Grille Guards

In minor collisions, the grille guard can deter excessive damage caused by an impact. Here are some of the top style options to help improve the aesthetic appeal of your Peterbilt 379. 

• Herd Road Train Grille Guard: designed to make room for fog lights and auxiliary lights.
• Black Tuff Grille Guard: simple, black powder coat finish that doesn’t require drilling thanks to its retractable brackets. 
• Herd Defender Grille Guard: fully boxed-in uprights with lighting mounts and a polished finish.  

Front Fenders, Rear Fenders & Fender Accessories 

Sure, fenders are functional - protecting against mud, water, dirt, and environmental toxins that might come near the engine bay, but they’re also a great way to add a personalized touch to your Peterbilt 379. 

Front fenders come in aluminum and fiberglass composite material with a wide array of color options. Seamlessly blend the color of your front fender with the body’s paint. 

Custom Peterbilt 379 Interior Customizations

Dash kits

Dash kits offer a great way to start stylizing your interior for a relatively low cost. The average price of a kit ranges from $300 to $500. 

Seating Upgrades

This is where you spend most of your time. Invest in a quality replacement seat for your Peterbilt 379. There are plenty of great brands, like Pinnacle, Vendetta, and Legacy. Check out our semi truck seating guide.

Electronics and tech

Inverters, backup and dash cameras, and CB-related gadgets. If you happen not to own your Peterbilt, these electronic accessories can easily be removed and taken with you to your new rig.

Ergonomic accessories

An ergonomic accessory can be as simple and cheap as the right cup holder or a GPS mount for your dash. It can also be as expensive as a clock gauge. Seemingly small, trivial accessories can help elevate the comfort and functionality of your Peterbilt. 

Tips on Finding the Right Peterbilt Accessories and Parts

There are plenty of online platforms that provide aftermarket accessories, tools, and parts built to fit the 379 model. 

You can also look for flash sales or holiday specials for some dealers. 

How to Select the Right Upgrades for Your Peterbilt 379

1. Usage Habits

How are you using your truck? If you’re a long-haul driver, customize your rig to be comfortable and efficient. Try ergonomic seating or a larger fuel tank for fewer pit stops. 

If your Peterbilt is going off-road, invest in bumpers, skid plates, and mud flaps. 

And if you’re getting ready for a truck show, flashy LED light bars or watermelon headlights might be where you need to put your money. 

2. Your Budget

When it comes to customizing your Peterbilt 379, your budget plays a huge role. 

Set priorities and decide on what upgrades are the most important. You may decide to focus more on quality engine parts or fuel system enhancements as opposed to a new trim for your internal dash. 

You can mix and match high-priced premium parts in high-impact areas, like your shocks or suspension components, with budget-friendly alternatives for non-critical parts of the truck, like mud flaps. 

3. Part Compatibility

Make sure the part is compatible with your truck’s make and model year. Most aftermarket parts meet or exceed Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards, ensuring a proper fit. 

Think about your future upgrades when choosing parts. Make sure your new parts won’t limit your ability to add cool features down the line, like aerodynamic kits or auxiliary lights. 

4. Design and Style

The Peterbilt 379 can be stylized at the highest level. Whether it’s a custom paint job or vinyl wrap, new LED lights underneath the cab, or a chrome or stainless steel bumper, there’s a lot to choose from when it comes to getting the style and design that reflects your personality. 

Here’s Why You Should Start Customizing Your Peterbilt 379

The value of a well-kept Peterbilt 379 model will only go up as the years pass. It's a classic rig.

That's why it's worth investing quality replacement parts and sleek accessories. 

Here’s why:

• Potential for Higher Resale Value. 
• Improved Visual Aesthetics.
• Enhanced Comfort and Convenience.
• Unique, Personalized Style.

---