BLOG.CLASS8TRUCKPART.COM

Panelite Out of Business

2010-02-13T01:41:00Z

We are sorry to hear today that Panelite has closed as of February 10th. Panelite had a great selection of chrome accessories for all makes and models of heavy-duty trucks and was known as one of the great names in truck accessories. Panelite's Volvo Truck selection was a great product line for VTChrome.com and always sold well.

Class8TruckParts.com and VTChrome.com have taken our complete listings of Panelite accessories off our site tonight. We will however do a complete inventory of Panelite inventory remaining in inventory and sell our remaining inventory. VTChrome.com will still continue to offer our large selection of Dieter's Truck Chrome Accessories, and American Chrome products for your Volvo Truck Chrome and Accessory needs.

Snow Plow Season is Starting

2009-12-08T13:33:00Z

It's official we are now starting the snow season in most parts of the country. Wheeling Truck Center has recently added a variety of snow plow lights from Truck-Lite and Grote to our site. It may be a good idea to keep a spare set in your truck with you when you're out working. The last thing you need on a cold day in bad weather is poor visibility because your lights don't work. Also check out Grote's LED snow plow lamps for great visibility and long-life. Click here to checkout our complete selection of snow plow lights

Lobster Truck Leasing & Rental, Inc. a 2009 NationaLease Rising Star

2009-11-20T16:40:00Z

We are proud to announce that one of our companies Lobster Truck Leasing & Rental, Inc. has been named a 2009 NationaLease Rising Star Award Winner. We appreciate our many customers that have helped us grow throughout the years.

Check out the press release http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-detail.asp?news_id=68551&news_category_id=10

Lobster Truck Leasing & Rental, Inc. offers the following services at our locations in Wheeling WV and Steubenville Ohio.

Truck Rental
Full-Service Leasing
Contract Maintenance

For more information about Lobster Truck Leasing & Rental, call Chad at 304-232-1440. or email chremp@lobstertruck.com

How to find an Electrical Wiring Faults

2009-10-19T19:30:00Z

Anyone operating a commercial vehicle has dealt with it, electrical wiring corrosion. Chemicals used to treat roads (magnesium and calcium chloride) hang around on vehicles and do not easily wash off. These chemicals tend to find their way into electrical connections and down wires causing corrosion problems.
While this is a big problem to fix, it's even worse when you aren't sure which wire has the problem. Dan Sullivan has come up with the answer to finding wiring faults FAST! Dan has invented the TESlite, a special set of leads that work with a digital voltmeter. Simply change the leads out with the TESlite tool and now with the push of a button, you can load a circuit to identify the wiring faults fast. This tool doesn't damage wiring and has SteadyPin tips.

The TESlite Voltmeter Leads can be purchase from ClassTruckParts.com

Watch the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7_yV7jtQWE

Sylvania Replacement Bulbs

2009-09-22T20:23:00Z

Replacement lights are usually an easy fix to take care of for your vehicle, simply remove the lens, unscrew the old burnt out bulb, and install a new one. That is of course if you have the new replacement bulb on hand. We've talked before in earlier blogs about the importance of having an emergency parts kit in your truck. One of the items on our recommended list are replacement light bulbs.

If you look at a list of possible replacement light bulbs you'll see that many of these lights look alike. Make sure you replace the old light with the correct new light. Most miniature replacement bulbs have the part number stamped on the brass base, and most manufacturers use the same part numbers for the lights. So if you pull the bulb and see 1156, you can buy a GE 1156 or Sylvania 1156, they are the same bulb.

Class8TruckParts.com has a large selection of Sylvania Mini Replacement Bulbs available for purchase on line.

Installation Videos on VTChrome.com

2009-09-15T12:59:00Z

We've recently added some video to our website on how to install some commonly purchased Volvo Truck Chrome Accessories. You can view them on our website:

If you have suggestions on other instructional videos for Volvo Truck Parts and accessories, please give us some ideas on what you would like to see.

Save your Radiator from Impact Damage

2009-08-25T20:20:00Z

Anyone who's driven a truck long enough has had the unfortunate experience of the "Fender Bender". In the fall we see a lot of minor collision damage done from deer. Sometimes this minor collision damage can be a major cost due to radiator and cooling pack damage. This is not only expensive to repair, it involves a great deal of unnecessary downtime. Volvo has come up with a minor vehicle modification that can significantly reduce damage to the radiator and cooling system.

The Front Under Reinforcement is a Genuine Volvo part that helps to minimize front impact damage to your radiator and cooling fan. It installs between the bumper and the cooling package to help deflect items from impacting the lower portion of the radiator. It requires less than 30 minutes to install and can be done without removing the bumper or the hood; all you need is an air wrench and a small jack for the front end.

Cost of the parts are $171.99 for post 2003 model year trucks and $247.22 for pre 2003 model VN trucks. The price of this kit is a bargain compared to the price of a radiator assembly and more importantly the downtime that goes along with it. To order this Front End Radiator Reinforcement . If you're not sure which kit your truck needs, call us at 866-464-0183 with the serial number of your truck and tell our parts professionals you need a Deer Guard for your Volvo Truck.

http://hsmackvolvo.com/video.html

Seeing is believing, and that is why Volvo has put together this video showing a collision without the reinforcement, and then a collision with reinforcement. You can order this kit from www.Class8TruckParts.com Deer Guard

and protect your vehicle from unnecessary downtime and expenses.

Grote LED Strip Lights

2009-07-23T16:12:00Z

Grote has recently introduced LED strip lights for sale. These 18" and 48" high output strip lights are available with or without a switch and in 12 or 24 Volts. These strip lights make ideal compartment lights for tool boxes, truck cabs, sleepers or even van bodies. The strip lights are very low profile and have a rugged polycarbonate lens. As with all of Grote's LED interior lights, they are:

Low power draw
Generate very litte heat
Use LED's rated up to 50,000 hours.
High Output 500 lumen white LED

To purchase the new Grote LED Stip Lights, please visit Class8TruckParts.com

Lube System Maintenance Tips

2009-07-23T13:05:00Z

Yesterday we came across this great article from Fleetguard / Cummins Filtration on maintaining the lube system on your engine. In today's tough economic environment there is pressure to extend oil drain intervals beyond manufacturers recommendations. While this may save money in the short run, it can be much more expensive later. For all your Fleetguard Filter needs, please visit Class8TruckParts.com

Ensuring proper lubrication is critical to maintain the performance and life of the engine. It is essential to use oil and filters that are designed for each specific engine application. Without regular oil changes and filters, the oil becomes saturated with impurities and contaminant particles, preventing it from functioning properly. To ensure your lubrication system is always functioning properly, follow these guidelines:

Change the oil and filters according to the instructions of the operator manual.
Verify the oil level daily, or each time you use the engine.
Conduct regular oil analysis to prevent potential failures. Oil analysis detects wearing down of the engine and verifies the state of the oil.
It is normal that an engine consumes some amount of oil (but not in excess). Please review the operator manual to know how much it is allowed to consume.

Why I must change the oil and filters?
Engine lubrication is perhaps the most important aspect in a good maintenance program. The engine oil lubricates all moving parts, provides protection against corrosion, absorbs and neutralizes the contaminants, serves as a coolant and is a sealant.
Through regular oil and filter changes, the oil is able to remove contaminants from the engine, translating into a cleaner engine with diminished wear.
Maintenance Benefits
The benefits for a fleet or an organization with focus on maintenance are:

Diminished risk, preventing the probability of an occurrence of an engine failure
Improvement of service efficiencies
Reduction of operating costs
Prolonged equipment life

LED Headlamps from Truck-Lite Available

2009-07-21T20:32:00Z

Truck-Lite has recently introduced the world's first standard 12-Volt LED Headlamp. What does this mean? As many of you already know LED lights have a longer life compared to incandescent lights, and they also consume a lot less power. The life of these lights exceeds a typical headlamp life by as much as 50 times. What does this mean? You would need to replace your normal headlamp 50 times before you change one of these LED headlamps. While the initial cost is high for these lamps, they are a bargain in the long run. That's why the US Army uses them on their Humvee vehicles.

Some of the other benefits of these new lights are:

Better visibility and improved safety
Pure-white, aesthetically pleasing beam patters through precision optics
Low-power consumption
Solid-state circuit board assembly to combat shock and vibration
Hard-coated polycarbonate lens offers 30 times more impact strength than glass
Meets or exceeds all applicable DOT requirements
Made in America
Exceeds typical headlamp life by as much as 50 times.

"The LED technology used in Truck-Lite's headlamps will offer improved visibility over conventional incadescents, as the color temperature of the assembly is around 5000K, far closer to sunlight than incandescent or halogen lamps." explains Charlie Lambis, OEM sales manager for Truck-Lite.

To purchase your own Truck-Lite LED Headlamp please visit Class8TruckParts.com.

GPS System for Commercial Trucks

2009-07-20T01:11:00Z

Pana-Pacific Introduces new GPS system for Commercial Trucks

I'm sure many of you have been using a GPS system in your truck to help navigate around the country. If so many of you realize a automotive GPS system, while helpful, doesn't work if you haul hazmat, oversized loads. Pana-Pacific's newest GPS system for truck trucks calculates driving routes based of the characteristics of the vehicle that you can customize.
The first time you use the RouteFinder GPS system you will input the type of vehicle you drive, load type, height, weight, length, width, etc. The RouteFinder then stores this information and uses it to provide directions so you don't need to work about driving on a road that can get you in trouble.
While this software is exceptional, the GPS hardware is also designed for truck use. It has a large 7" LCD color touch-screen that can be viewed easily from a distance. Drivers can choose their destination by address, point-of-interest or by pressing your finger on a map and hitting the "GO" button. If you miss a turn of take a pit-stop the RoutFinder will calculate a new route to get you back to your intended destination.
The GPS system includes the navigatio unit, mobile docking station, home chargers, assorted cables and everything you need to get started right out of the box. All US and Canadian mapping comes pre-loaded.

For more information about the Pana-Pacific RouteFinder GPS system, check it out at Class8TruckParts.com

Emergency Truck Parts Kits

2009-07-17T16:36:00Z

Just as the Boy Scout motto says "Always be prepared." How many of us our prepared for our truck breaking down? While many breakdowns cannot be predicted, some minor issues can become a big expensive problem if you aren't prepared. Have you ever had a fuel filter plug up? A burnt out light? These are common problems that can happen, if you are prepared they are just minor problems, if you're not prepared they can become expensive problems. DOT fines, missed deliveries, tow bills, emergency roadside repair, all are expensive and can in many cases be prevented with a little planning.
Why not pack an emergency parts kit for your truck. Here are some items we suggest for your emergency parts kit:

Fuel Filter(s) - Many truck have more than one fuel filter, if you have a plugged filter you can save the money from a tow bill or emergency roadside service.
Filter wrench - How else are you going to change that fuel filter?
Diesel Fuel Conditioner - This serves two purposes. 1. If you need to change a fuel filter, you can use this to prime the filter. 2. If you find yourself in cold weather with fuel starting to gel, this will help prevent your fuel from gelling up. (Be careful to check your engine manufacturers guidelines about fuel conditioners).
Spare Light Bulbs/Lights - Prevent a DOT fine, and the downtime. Do a review of your truck and ensure you have replacement headlight bulbs, marker lights, tail/turn lights.
Oil/Coolant/Washer Fluid - These are main three fluids to keep in your emergency truck parts kit.
Fuses - Many trucks when they come from the factory have spare fuses either in bags or in the fuse control panel. Are all your spare fuses still there?
Belt/Tensioner - While you may not be comfortable changing a belt or a tensioner, you can save yourself some time and money by having a roadside technician change them for you. If not the road tech will drive out to your location look at what belt or tensioner they need, drive back to get the parts and back to you. All of this results in an inflated repair bill for you and excessive downtime.
Windshield Wiper Blades - While this will rarely down a truck, it can be unsafe to have wipers that cannot clear and windshield properly in the rain and snow. Also a squeaking wiper blade can drive you crazy, so have spare to help keep your drive safe and quiet.

With all the items on the list above, the goal isn't to be able to overhaul your engine on the side of the road. The goal is to make it to your destination where a trained technician can properly fix any problems with your truck.

If you need help figuring out what to put in your emergency truck parts kit, call the pros at Class8TruckParts.com / Wheeling Truck Center and let them help you build your emergency parts kit to save you time and money.

Making a Connection - Better Electrical Connections Help Improve HVAC Component Life

2009-07-11T13:55:00Z

Air and refrigerant aren’t the only things that circulate through a truck’s air conditioning system. A third element also needs to flow smoothly and unimpeded — electricity. The compressor’s clutch needs at least 11.5 volts to make the electromagnetic field that activates the clutch pulley, allowing refrigerant to flow. Without 11.5 volts, the clutch hub will slip against the face of the pulley, generating enough friction and heat to melt the clutch bearing seal. Then, lubricant leaks out, the clutch quickly fails and the entire assembly must be replaced.

Unfortunately, the replacement will fail, too, unless you can find out what is causing the voltage drop. Here are some tips to help troubleshoot AC electrical problems.

Improper Ground Wire Gauge.
Most technicians start their electrical diagnostics with a check of the ground path. A loose connection, corrosion or fleck of paint can create resistance, and they’re relatively easy to spot and fix. But sometimes the issue is the ground wire itself.
The ground wire is part of the complete electrical circuit, just like the power line. The longer the power and ground wires, the more electrical resistance it will have. If you’re still getting voltage drop after a thorough inspection, make sure the ground wire is the appropriate wire gauge size for the length. Check out class8truckparts.com for a selection of truck electrical wiring.
Poor Connections Loose electrical connections can cause heat to build up between the conductors. At best, the result is wasted energy. At worst, a bad connection can cause a fire. Inspect all connections and replace any poor connections with new wire connectors, or run new wires being sure to use heat shrink.
Recreate the Demand Take a voltage reading with the engine and air conditioner running, as well as lights, wipers and radios — anything that draws from the truck’s electrical system. Ideally, you want 13.5 volts, but not less than 11.5 volts, at the clutch coil. Don’t forget to check inside the cab or sleeper for an aftermarket power inverter with 110-volt AC outlets. It’s evidence that the driver may be drawing power the truck’s electrical system is unable to handle.

Check out Class8TruckParts selection of Red DOT HVAC Products.

Free Freight on Grote and Truck-Lite Orders over $100

2009-07-09T17:40:00Z

For a limited time (till July 17th) we are offering free shipping on order for Truck-Lite and Grote products over $100. Don't wait around, get your order in soon and save some hard earned money. Class8TruckParts.com has a large selection of Truck-Lite and Grote products in stock ready to ship to you, marker, clearance, LED, and more. Just enter the coupon code LIGHTS17 at checkout.

Class8TruckParts Available for International Shipments

2009-06-11T14:16:00Z

Class8TruckParts.com has opened it site up to ship parts internationally. With the large number of US trucks that have been exported over the past couple of years we found a need to provide replacement parts to these North American Trucks no matter where they may be located. Here is is list of countries we now service from our site. If you country is not listed, you can always email us and we can still help provide you parts for your heavy duty trucks.

Countries we now ship to:
North America:
Canada, USA, Mexico
Europe:
Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jan Mayen Is., Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Republic of Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Svalbard, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Yugoslavia
Asia:
Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Christmas Island, Cook Islands, East Timor, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Rep., Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Vietnam
Other:
Brazil, South Africa

Red DOT HVAC Parts Available for Purchase Online

2009-06-08T16:26:00Z

It's here!! You can now officially purchase Red DOT heating and AC products online with Class8TruckParts.com. We have a huge assortment of Heater Cores, Evaporators, Condensers, Blower Motors, Blower Wheels, Fans, Air Controls, Water Valves, Louvers, Diffusers, Receiver Driers, Clutches, Compressors, Hoses, Fittings, Switches, Thermostats, and Expansion Valves.
With over 300 part numbers available online we are you one stop shop for Red DOT AC.

Volvo Truck OEM Parts Available for Sale

2009-06-08T15:50:00Z

Wheeling Truck Center's Class8TruckParts.com site is proud to be the first online site for the purchase of Volvo Truck OEM parts. The site currently has over 250 of the most popular OEM parts for Volvo Trucks, with more parts being added daily. All of these Volvo Truck OEM parts carry a 1 year warranty that can be honored at any Volvo Truck dealership.
While the list of items available for purchase online is extensive, if you don't see it, just call or email us with your serial number and what part your looking for, and we can help you find it.

Red Dot AC and Heating Products Coming

2009-05-05T16:27:00Z

We're still at it, We are adding new parts daily to the site and have been making some minor changes to improve the site layout. Currently we are working on adding Red Dot products to our site, we currently have over 300 part numbers in stock for Red Dot, we just need to get them loaded on to our site. Please check back soon as we are working daily on adding Red Dot to Class8TruckParts.com. If you have an immediate need for Red Dot, please email us at admin@Class8TruckParts.com and we can quote you now.

OEM Parts Coming Soon

2009-04-29T19:22:00Z

If you've been browsing the www.Class8TruckParts.com site recently you've noticed some OEM truck parts have been added. You should start to see more captive OE truck parts from Volvo, and GMC added over the next couple of weeks. This will assist many customers thoughout the country who need the ability to order OEM parts online.
Look out for more information once we get more of these parts added.

LED Worklamps

2009-03-01T21:52:00Z

The day of working from sunrise to sunset are long gone, modern demands require all of us to work often at night. If you are working outside at night you know what a challenge it can be to see well. Grote has come up with a line of LED WhiteLights that are designed for everyone needing lighting after hours. It's hard to describe what a great functioning light looks light so Grote has helped us out with this image of an OEM light vs an LED WhiteLight.

As the saying goes a picture is worth a thousand words. Grote has variations available of this light depending upon your needs.

While the price of these lights is steep, the benefits are huge. The power draw of an LED is a fraction of the amount an incandescent bulbs pulls, and while you may change your regular lights several times a year the average Grote LED WhiteLight lasts 50,000hours vs. the 300 hour life of a typical incandescent. That's right, you'll change over 150 regular lights before you need to change your Grote LED WhiteLight!

A prototype of the Trilliant was tested during the 2006 Baja 1000 race. The lamp gave drivers optimal sight distance while reducing eye fatigue — and the light literally outlasted the vehicle.

To purchase your very own Grote LED Work Lights, visit Class8TruckParts.com.