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In memory of John Visconti III: The custom 2020 Pete 389 glider of Casey Wendling

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Updated Jun 9, 2022

When Sevierville, Tennessee-based independent Casey Wendling went to upgrade his equipment and build this project 2020 Peterbilt 389 glider, he dedicated it to the memory of a man he calls something of a “second dad to me” -- South Jersey-based fellow owner-operator and sometime “Farmer,” as he was known, John Visconti III.

Visconti, Wendling said, was killed in a wreck on the Jersey Turnpike in 2014, an eventful moment in Wendling’s life given how close the friends had become through the years after Wendling lived for a time near Visconti in Jersey. Today, as owner-operator Wendling hauls grocery loads with his authority principally for the Ingles regional supermarket chain, Visconti is “always with me,” his memory enshrined on the back window of the 389’s sleeper.

Casey Wendling's blue 2020 flattop Peterbilt 389Hear much more from Wendling about Visconti as well as the overall build in the video at the top. (Music therein by

With Fitzgerald Glider Kits limited in terms of glider options by the time Wendling began spec’ing the truck, he went with Nebraska-based Elkhorn Valley Trucks for the build in order to get what he wanted, including a variety of options meant to enhance not only the look but the functionality of the rig, as you’ll hear in the video.

Owner-operator Casey WendlingOwner-operator Casey WendlingThe unit is powered by a Caterpillar 3406E tuned to 650 hp, and Wendling has changed out seats and steering wheel on the interior in addition to many exterior mods (bumper, underglow lights, breather lights, metallic gunmetal gray frame paint and other painted parts -- fuel tanks, air tanks, back of the visor...).

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