Murder Pete - Johnny Ray Morris's Legendary Custom 2000 Peterbilt 379 Truck

Johnny Ray Morris's Passion for Trucking

Johnny Ray Morris is a lifelong trucker who found his passion for the open road at a young age. Born in rural Oklahoma, Johnny got his commercial driver's license and started driving trucks professionally in his early 20s. He quickly fell in love with the trucker lifestyle of independence and adventure.

After driving for various trucking companies for several years, Johnny took the leap in the late 90s to become an owner-operator. This allowed him the freedom to choose his own loads and schedules. It also enabled him to customize a truck that was his own, instead of driving a company truck.

Murder Pete - The Legendary 2000 Peterbilt 379

Shortly after becoming an owner-operator, Johnny purchased a 2000 Peterbilt 379 - a classic and iconic long-nose truck model renowned for its styling. While Peterbilts are famous for their distinctive designs straight from the factory, Johnny took the customization of this Pete to a whole new level.

Johnny named the truck "Murder Pete" and began modifying it extensively both visually and mechanically. The exterior was transformed with a vivid black and red paint scheme accented by ghost flames on the hood and sides. The sleeper was lengthened to a spacious 72 inches, giving Johnny room to stand up fully inside.

Under the hood, Murder Pete packs a punch with its heavily modified 550 horsepower Caterpillar engine, paired with an 18-speed transmission. This powertrain gives Murder Pete the ability to haul massive loads with power and speed.

One-of-a-Kind Custom Touches

Beyond the paint and powertrain upgrades, Johnny added all kinds of custom touches that make Murder Pete truly one-of-a-kind. The interior features red and black leather seats embroidered with his CB radio handle "Hillbilly."

Exterior chrome covers nearly every inch of the truck, from the plentiful lights to the stainless steel sun visor and custom-built front bumper. Johnny even customized the wheels to 24-inch powder-coated black rims that create a seamless look from the tires to the black paint.

LED lighting illuminates the exterior for an eye-catching glow at night. From the underbody to the sleeper to the tanks, Murder Pete lights up with a unique flair.

Fame on the Truck Show Circuit

It didn't take long once Murder Pete hit the road for word to spread about the jaw-dropping Pete. As Johnny started entering truck shows across the country, Murder Pete gained more and more fame and recognition.

Truck enthusiasts were drawn to the extensive customizations that made Murder Pete stand out from every other truck on the road. The vibrant paint job, massive chrome, and sheer imposing size of the Pete demanded attention at truck shows everywhere.

Major truck magazines like Overdrive and Hot Rod took notice, featuring Murder Pete in spreads that further boosted Johnny's reputation. He and his Pete became celebrities in the trucker community.

Covered in Chrome

One of Murder Pete's most defining features that created such a buzz is the incredible amount of chrome covering the exterior. Johnny has said he loves the style that chrome brings and enjoys spending hours polishing it to a spotless shine.

The chrome visor, custom bumpers, stacks, lights, tanks, and accessories give Murder Pete a look that just screams old-school trucker style. Combined with the flawless paint job, the chrome turns the Pete into a true work of art.

A Powerful Pete

While show-stopping looks were clearly top priority for Johnny's custom creation, performance matters too for hauling heavy loads across long distances. That's why Murder Pete sports a heavily tuned Caterpillar engine under the hood.

The 550 HP CAT motor hauls the Pete's bulk with authority. This power gives Johnny the ability to pull loaded trailers weighing 80,000 pounds or more with enough torque to climb tough grades and cruise at high speeds.

An 18-speed transmission gives Murder Pete flexibility in choosing the right gear for power or efficiency as needed. With the loud jake brake announcing its presence, Murder Pete has the muscle to handle any driving demands.

Built for the Open Road

Johnny Ray Morris and his Murder Pete are familiar sights on the open road. While he enjoys showing off the Pete at truck shows and meetups, Johnny's priority is driving. He routinely logs over 100,000 miles per year moving freight coast to coast.

The customized 72-inch sleeper with kitchenette, bathroom, entertainment system and other features ensures Johnny has all the comforts of home while traveling far from home for weeks at a time. Murder Pete truly embodies Johnny's passion for the trucker lifestyle and the freedom of the open highway.

Final Thoughts

Johnny Ray Morris has made quite a name for himself in trucking circles by building his amazing custom 2000 Peterbilt 379 known as Murder Pete. This one-of-a-kind truck is the perfect representation of Johnny's personality and love for trucking.

With its recognizable paint job, massive chrome, and performance upgrades, Murder Pete has achieved celebrity status at truck shows across the country. Truck enthusiasts and magazines can't get enough of this stand-out Pete.

For Johnny, Murder Pete is more than just a show truck - it's his office on the road. He's proud to drive his Peterbilt creation across the country doing what he loves. Murder Pete demonstrates that passion and creativity can go a long way in customizing a truly unique rig.

FAQs

How did Murder Pete get its name?

Johnny Ray Morris named his 2000 Peterbilt 379 "Murder Pete" because of its imposing, aggressive look and powerful presence on the road. The black and red paint scheme evokes danger and mystery like a murder scene.

What kind of engine does Murder Pete have?

Murder Pete is powered by a heavily modified 550 horsepower Caterpillar engine, which gives it tremendous hauling capability to pull loaded trailers over 80,000 pounds.

How much chrome is on Murder Pete?

Johnny Ray Morris covered Murder Pete in chrome from bumper to bumper, including the visor, bumpers, lights, tanks, and other accessories. The extensive chrome is one of its most iconic features.

How long is the custom sleeper?

The sleeper on Murder Pete was lengthened to 72 inches, giving Johnny ample space to stand up and include amenities like a bathroom, kitchenette, and entertainment system.

What magazines featured Murder Pete?

Murder Pete and Johnny Ray Morris were featured in trucking magazines like Overdrive and Hot Rod for its extensive customizations. This exposure boosted its fame.