Never Satisfied Builds' Award-Winning 1985 Peterbilt 359

The truck, nicknamed "Outta the Ordinary," is about "98% customized" with intricate engine work, a totally new and custom interior, and plenty more.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:21pm

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An abstract, motion-blurred image of a 1985 Peterbilt 359 truck in vibrant colors, conveying a sense of speed and energy.The award-winning 1985 Peterbilt 359 from Never Satisfied Builds showcases the incredible artistry and innovation found in the world of custom big rigs.Louisville Today

The 2026 Mid-America Trucking Show saw the 1985 Peterbilt 359 crafted by Randy Menkel and the team at Never Satisfied Builds and J&L Contracting take home top honors in the Big Rig Build-Off. The truck, nicknamed "Outta the Ordinary," is about "98% customized" with intricate engine work, a totally new and custom interior, and plenty more.

Why it matters

The Never Satisfied Builds team's award-winning 1985 Peterbilt 359 showcases the incredible level of customization and craftsmanship possible in the world of custom big rigs. This truck highlights the passion, skill, and dedication of the custom truck building community.

The details

The Never Satisfied/J&L team put in around 11,000 hours of hard work on the truck, with 12-14 employees averaging 115-120 hours per week in the shop. The inspiration was to create a 359 that would catch people's eye from a distance, but reveal even more intricate details up close. The truck features a customized 5EK Cat engine, an 18-speed transmission with a 4-speed auxiliary, 46,000-pound full-locking rears, a double frame with a 320-inch wheelbase, and a 20,000-pound pusher axle. The cab is from a 359 but incorporates parts from later-model Peterbilts. The interior features a custom one-off dash and a completely rebuilt bunk. The audio system packs 4,000 watts and 30 speakers controlled by a phone or tablet.

  • The 2026 Mid-America Trucking Show took place recently.

The players

Randy Menkel

The lead builder at Never Satisfied Builds who oversaw the award-winning 1985 Peterbilt 359 project.

Never Satisfied Builds

The custom truck building company that created the award-winning 1985 Peterbilt 359.

J&L Contracting

The company that partnered with Never Satisfied Builds on the award-winning 1985 Peterbilt 359 project.

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What they’re saying

“We put about 11,000 hours' worth of hard work in for the finish, with 12-14 employees at various times 'averaging 115, 120 hours a week in the shop.”

— Randy Menkel, Lead Builder, Never Satisfied Builds

“The inspiration was a desire for onlookers to be able to "walk around the corner 300 feet away and go, 'That's a clean 359.' But whenever you got closer to it, you started seeing details of ideas, and then you pull the hood and you open the door to the cab, or open the sleeper door, and you're like, 'Wow, these boys came to play.'”

— Randy Menkel, Lead Builder, Never Satisfied Builds

What’s next

The award-winning 1985 Peterbilt 359 will likely continue to make appearances at truck shows and events, showcasing the incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into its creation.

The takeaway

The Never Satisfied Builds team's award-winning 1985 Peterbilt 359 demonstrates the passion, skill, and dedication of the custom truck building community. This truck's incredible level of customization and attention to detail is a testament to the artistry and innovation that can be found in the world of custom big rigs.