Final Touch Coach Works is known for quality repair and paint of all types of motorhomes, but that doesn’t mean the Final Touch team doesn’t enjoy a new challenge every now and then. The RV collision center is currently working on the final phase of a frame-up restoration – the period-accurate paint scheme and re-assembly of a Kenworth K-100 big rig truck.
It’s the dream project of Paul J. Cox, a British transplant working as a specialist in the U.S. designing electronics for recording studios. Cox fell in love with the Kenworth K-100 when he was a young boy visiting the United States with his parents. His affinity for the big rig was later sealed by the American television show BJ and the Bear, a popular series in 1979 that featured the truck in each and every episode.
When Cox found the truck of his dreams—in Fontana, California— it was ready for scrap. It was 27 years old and had 2.2 million miles on her. Replacing the tires was worth more than the value of the entire vehicle! Still, Cox knew he had something special. This Kenworth K-100 had all the factory options, including the rare aluminum frame. And miraculously, no structural changes had been made to the vehicle or to the frame in its lifetime.
And so the project began as a full tear down, frame-up restoration. Cox has spent countless hours meticulously researching and restoring his truck; and he has now entrusted Final Touch Coach Works to help him bring it all the way back to its original glory. It’s a restoration that is faithful to the original down to every last nut and bolt, with period-correct theme and paint of the era.
“Final Touch Coach Works has been involved in the restoration of many unique vehicles. And this Kenworth K-100 is a great project,” says Joel Forte, President of Final Touch Coach Works. “Paul appreciates our attention to detail, or rather in this case, fanaticism. We hope to exceed his vision.”
“It’s not about money,” says Cox. “It’s a passion project. I’m lucky to be able to fulfill a childhood dream.”
The truck is scheduled for delivery in early August, when it will likely receive many oohs and aahs before beginning its next 2.2 million mile journey.
Final Touch Coach Works is located at 28532 Livingston Avenue in Valencia. For more information, please call 661-775-8375 and visit www.FinalTouchRV.com.