1989 Crane Carrier Co Glider Kit Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs
The 1989 Crane Carrier Company Glider Kit, while not a conventional passenger vehicle, was a popular choice for heavy-duty vocational applications. Primarily a chassis and cab designed for customization, it served as a robust platform for specialized trucks like dump trucks, concrete mixers, and fire apparatus. Its model year is 1989, and it didn't have traditional trims but was configured based on the intended application. Pricing varied significantly due to its custom nature.
The Good
The Crane Carrier Glider Kit offered exceptional durability and a customizable chassis, appealing to practical buyers seeking a long-lasting, purpose-built workhorse. Its robust construction provided peace of mind for demanding jobs, while the potential for powerful engine configurations offered emotional satisfaction for operators.
The Bad
As a glider kit, the primary weakness is the inherent variability in the final build quality and component sourcing. Potential buyers should watch out for the condition of pre-owned components, particularly the engine and transmission, and ensure proper integration of all systems.
1989 Crane Carrier Co Glider Kit: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: As a glider kit, the 1989 Crane Carrier Co. Glider Kit did not come with a standardized engine. Instead, it was designed to accept a wide range of remanufactured or used diesel engines, typically from manufacturers like Cummins, Detroit Diesel, or Caterpillar. The specific engine installed would have been chosen by the buyer or the upfitter based on the intended application and desired performance.
- Horsepower: Horsepower figures varied dramatically depending on the installed engine. Depending on the chosen diesel engine, horsepower could range from approximately 250 hp for smaller displacement engines to over 500 hp for high-performance, larger displacement engines commonly used in heavy-duty hauling.
- Fuel Economy: Fuel economy is highly dependent on the specific engine, transmission, drivetrain configuration, and the weight and type of the body or equipment mounted on the chassis. For heavy-duty vocational trucks of this era, fuel economy would likely have been in the range of 4-8 miles per gallon (MPG), but this is a very rough estimate.
- 0-60 Times: 0-60 mph times are not a relevant metric for a glider kit chassis designed for vocational use. These vehicles are built for work, not for acceleration.
- Towing Capacity: Towing capacity is determined by the chassis design, axle ratings, frame strength, and the specific configuration of the truck it becomes. As a chassis, it was designed to support substantial gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) for dump bodies, mixers, or other heavy equipment, which indirectly implies a significant capacity for hauling or towing when fully outfitted.
- Trim-Level Features: Glider kits, by their nature, do not have traditional trim levels like passenger vehicles. The 'features' are entirely dependent on the cab style chosen (e.g., conventional, flat-nose) and the components the builder selects. This could include custom interiors, specialized instrumentation, and various operational controls for specific vocational tasks. The focus was on functionality and durability rather than luxury or convenience features.
1989 Crane Carrier Co Glider Kit Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 1989 |
| Make | Crane Carrier Co |
| Model | Glider Kit |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Truck |
| Category | Heavy Truck |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | TULSA |
Dimensions
| Doors | - |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | - |
| Engine Size | - |
| Engine Cylinders | - |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Glider Kit |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
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What Problems Does the 1989 Crane Carrier Co Glider Kit Have?
As a glider kit, the 1989 Crane Carrier Co. Glider Kit itself is a platform for building specialized vehicles, meaning reported problems are often tied to the components installed by the upfitter or the subsequent use of the finished vehicle. There are no widely documented recalls specific to the 1989 Crane Carrier Co. Glider Kit chassis itself, as it's not a complete, mass-produced vehicle with standardized parts.
However, common long-term reliability concerns for vehicles built on glider kits from this era often revolve around the drivetrain components. Buyers should be particularly vigilant about the condition and history of the remanufactured or used engine and transmission installed. Issues such as:
However, common long-term reliability concerns for vehicles built on glider kits from this era often revolve around the drivetrain components. Buyers should be particularly vigilant about the condition and history of the remanufactured or used engine and transmission installed. Issues such as:
- Engine wear and tear: Older diesel engines, even if remanufactured, can develop issues like oil leaks, fuel injector problems, turbocharger failures, or head gasket failures if not properly maintained or if they have high mileage.
- Transmission issues: Similarly, transmissions can experience wear, leading to shifting problems, clutch wear, or complete failure.
- Electrical system complexities: Integrating older electrical systems from donor vehicles into a glider kit can sometimes lead to intermittent electrical gremlins, such as issues with lighting, gauges, or accessory functions.
- Frame and suspension wear: Depending on the original source of the components or the rigorous use of the finished truck, wear and tear on the frame, suspension components, and braking system are also points to consider.
How long will the 1989 Crane Carrier Co Glider Kit last?
Estimating average mileage or years of service for a 1989 Crane Carrier Co. Glider Kit is challenging due to its nature as a custom-built chassis. However, vehicles built on robust chassis like Crane Carrier's are typically designed for longevity. With diligent maintenance, including regular fluid changes, component inspections, and timely repairs, these vehicles could realistically serve for 500,000 to over 1,000,000 miles, or 20-30+ years. The long-term durability is primarily dependent on the quality of the installed drivetrain components and the care provided. Weaknesses over time would likely stem from wear and tear on those specific installed parts, such as engines and transmissions, rather than inherent flaws in the chassis itself.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The 1989 Crane Carrier Co. Glider Kit, by its fundamental design as a vocational chassis, offered minimal to non-existent built-in technology, entertainment, driver-assistance, or advanced safety features as standard. This was an era where such amenities were largely absent or considered secondary in heavy-duty work vehicles.
Technology and Entertainment: Standard features would likely have been limited to basic operational instrumentation like a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge, and temperature gauge. Entertainment systems were typically aftermarket additions, such as a basic AM/FM radio. Modern infotainment systems, navigation, or connectivity features were not part of the original design.
Driver-Assistance and Safety Features: Driver-assistance systems were virtually non-existent. Features like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) might have been optional on some axle configurations, but electronic stability control, lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, or backup cameras were not available.
Safety features would have been limited to the fundamental structural integrity of the cab and standard safety equipment of the time. This would include seat belts, basic lighting (headlights, taillights, turn signals), and potentially power steering. The primary focus was on mechanical robustness and the functionality required for the specific vocational application, rather than the comfort, convenience, or advanced safety technologies found in modern vehicles.
Crash-Test Ratings: Crash-test ratings for such specialized vocational chassis are generally not conducted or published in the same way they are for light-duty passenger vehicles. The safety performance would have been evaluated based on industry standards for heavy trucks and the specific regulations governing their intended use.
Technology and Entertainment: Standard features would likely have been limited to basic operational instrumentation like a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge, and temperature gauge. Entertainment systems were typically aftermarket additions, such as a basic AM/FM radio. Modern infotainment systems, navigation, or connectivity features were not part of the original design.
Driver-Assistance and Safety Features: Driver-assistance systems were virtually non-existent. Features like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) might have been optional on some axle configurations, but electronic stability control, lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, or backup cameras were not available.
Safety features would have been limited to the fundamental structural integrity of the cab and standard safety equipment of the time. This would include seat belts, basic lighting (headlights, taillights, turn signals), and potentially power steering. The primary focus was on mechanical robustness and the functionality required for the specific vocational application, rather than the comfort, convenience, or advanced safety technologies found in modern vehicles.
Crash-Test Ratings: Crash-test ratings for such specialized vocational chassis are generally not conducted or published in the same way they are for light-duty passenger vehicles. The safety performance would have been evaluated based on industry standards for heavy trucks and the specific regulations governing their intended use.
What Colors Options are Available?
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In the meantime, feel free to explore the other sections for more content.
1989 Crane Carrier Co Glider Kit Prices and Market Value
The original price of a 1989 Crane Carrier Co. Glider Kit would have been highly variable, as it was a base chassis sold to upfitters and end-users for custom vehicle construction. Prices could range from tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand dollars depending on the specific configuration and options chosen for the chassis.
Current used market prices for completed trucks built on 1989 Crane Carrier chassis vary enormously based on the vehicle's application (e.g., dump truck, concrete mixer, fire truck), its condition, the quality of the installed components (especially the engine and transmission), and overall mileage. A well-maintained vocational truck from this era could still fetch anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 or more for specialized or well-preserved examples.
Depreciation on these vehicles is less about typical automotive depreciation and more about the functional lifespan and market demand for the specific vocational use. Resale value is significantly affected by the condition of the powertrain, the integrity of the chassis, and the usability of the existing bodywork or equipment. Highly specialized or rare configurations can hold or even increase value among collectors or specific industries.
Current used market prices for completed trucks built on 1989 Crane Carrier chassis vary enormously based on the vehicle's application (e.g., dump truck, concrete mixer, fire truck), its condition, the quality of the installed components (especially the engine and transmission), and overall mileage. A well-maintained vocational truck from this era could still fetch anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 or more for specialized or well-preserved examples.
Depreciation on these vehicles is less about typical automotive depreciation and more about the functional lifespan and market demand for the specific vocational use. Resale value is significantly affected by the condition of the powertrain, the integrity of the chassis, and the usability of the existing bodywork or equipment. Highly specialized or rare configurations can hold or even increase value among collectors or specific industries.
1989 Crane Carrier Co Glider Kit Cost of Ownership
Owning a 1989 Crane Carrier Co. Glider Kit based vocational truck is generally considered costly, reflecting its heavy-duty nature. Insurance rates will be higher than for passenger vehicles, varying based on the specific application and coverage. Fuel costs are substantial due to the typically large diesel engines and the weight of the vehicles, with fuel economy being quite low. Maintenance and repairs can also be expensive, as parts for older heavy-duty diesel powertrains can be costly, and specialized mechanics are often required. Overall, while the initial purchase price for a used completed vehicle might seem reasonable, the ongoing operational and maintenance expenses position it as a costly vehicle to own, suited for commercial or specific industrial purposes where its utility justifies the expense.
1989 Crane Carrier Co Glider Kit Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Type
Diesel
Fuel Capacity
-
City Mileage
-
Highway Mileage
-
1989 Crane Carrier Co Glider Kit Warranty
Basic
Original warranty
0 months / No data
Estimated remaining
Expired
Powertrain
Original warranty
0 months / No data
Estimated remaining
Expired
Rust
Original warranty
0 months / No data
Estimated remaining
Expired
1989 Crane Carrier Co Glider Kit Insurance
Insurance for a 1989 Crane Carrier Co Glider Kit is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Truck with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 1989 Crane Carrier Co Glider Kit Compare to Other Truck?
Comparing the 1989 Crane Carrier Co. Glider Kit directly against traditional, mass-produced vehicles is not a straightforward comparison due to its nature as a customizable chassis. However, when considering its intended use as a platform for heavy-duty vocational trucks, its rivals would be other glider kit manufacturers and chassis suppliers of the era, as well as complete vocational truck manufacturers.
Performance: Performance is entirely dictated by the installed engine and drivetrain. A well-equipped Crane Carrier Glider Kit could achieve comparable performance in terms of power and torque to trucks from competitors like Freightliner, Kenworth, Peterbilt, or other glider kit specialists using similar powertrains. However, the integration of these components by a third party could lead to variations.
Features: As previously mentioned, the 1989 Crane Carrier Co. Glider Kit offered minimal in terms of integrated features. Competitors in the glider kit space would have offered similar levels of customization. Fully built vocational trucks from major manufacturers might have offered more integrated factory options for features, but at a higher initial cost.
Reliability: Reliability is the most significant variable for a glider kit. A Crane Carrier chassis itself was known for robustness. However, the reliability of the entire vehicle hinges on the quality of the remanufactured or used engine and transmission installed. This is where it differs from a factory-built truck with a new, warranted powertrain. Major manufacturers might offer more predictable long-term reliability due to standardized manufacturing and quality control.
Price: Glider kits, including the Crane Carrier, were often chosen for their potential to offer a lower upfront cost compared to buying a new, fully built vocational truck. This allowed buyers to specify their exact needs and potentially source cost-effective used components. However, the total cost of ownership would need to consider the ongoing maintenance of used parts.
Alternatives: Similar glider kit manufacturers from that era included chassis from companies like Sterling, Spartan Chassis, or custom builders. For those seeking a more predictable, factory-backed option, looking at used vocational trucks from established manufacturers like Freightliner (e.g., FL series), Kenworth (e.g., T800), or Peterbilt (e.g., 378/379) would be comparable in terms of application, though likely with a higher initial purchase price for a similarly equipped vehicle.
Performance: Performance is entirely dictated by the installed engine and drivetrain. A well-equipped Crane Carrier Glider Kit could achieve comparable performance in terms of power and torque to trucks from competitors like Freightliner, Kenworth, Peterbilt, or other glider kit specialists using similar powertrains. However, the integration of these components by a third party could lead to variations.
Features: As previously mentioned, the 1989 Crane Carrier Co. Glider Kit offered minimal in terms of integrated features. Competitors in the glider kit space would have offered similar levels of customization. Fully built vocational trucks from major manufacturers might have offered more integrated factory options for features, but at a higher initial cost.
Reliability: Reliability is the most significant variable for a glider kit. A Crane Carrier chassis itself was known for robustness. However, the reliability of the entire vehicle hinges on the quality of the remanufactured or used engine and transmission installed. This is where it differs from a factory-built truck with a new, warranted powertrain. Major manufacturers might offer more predictable long-term reliability due to standardized manufacturing and quality control.
Price: Glider kits, including the Crane Carrier, were often chosen for their potential to offer a lower upfront cost compared to buying a new, fully built vocational truck. This allowed buyers to specify their exact needs and potentially source cost-effective used components. However, the total cost of ownership would need to consider the ongoing maintenance of used parts.
Alternatives: Similar glider kit manufacturers from that era included chassis from companies like Sterling, Spartan Chassis, or custom builders. For those seeking a more predictable, factory-backed option, looking at used vocational trucks from established manufacturers like Freightliner (e.g., FL series), Kenworth (e.g., T800), or Peterbilt (e.g., 378/379) would be comparable in terms of application, though likely with a higher initial purchase price for a similarly equipped vehicle.
Final Verdict: Is the 1989 Crane Carrier Co Glider Kit a Good Truck?
The 1989 Crane Carrier Co. Glider Kit, or vehicles built upon it, is ideal for experienced operators, fleet managers, or custom builders who require a highly specialized, robust chassis for demanding vocational applications and possess the expertise to manage or source specific powertrain components. It is worth buying for those who prioritize customization, cost savings on the initial chassis purchase, and the potential for a long-lasting work vehicle, provided they can thoroughly vet the quality of the installed engine and transmission.
Buying a completed truck based on this glider kit is most advantageous when purchasing a used vehicle where the builder's reputation and the condition of the powertrain are transparent. It is less about specific trims, as these were custom, and more about the quality of the build and the suitability for the intended task. For those seeking a turnkey solution with factory warranties and modern features, a complete, contemporary vocational truck would be a better, albeit more expensive, option.
Buying a completed truck based on this glider kit is most advantageous when purchasing a used vehicle where the builder's reputation and the condition of the powertrain are transparent. It is less about specific trims, as these were custom, and more about the quality of the build and the suitability for the intended task. For those seeking a turnkey solution with factory warranties and modern features, a complete, contemporary vocational truck would be a better, albeit more expensive, option.
Cathleen V
Cathleen is an exceptional freelance writer covering hot topics in the automotive world from a gearhead's perspective. Her articles delve into various aspects of automotive technology and history, offering readers detailed insights into engine performance, reliability, and maintenance. Through her engaging and informative writing, Cathleen provides valuable information to automotive enthusiasts and consumers alike, helping them make informed decisions about vehicle maintenance and purchases.