25 replies to this topic

[fatkidd]

here's a model that I've been working on off & on lately. It started out as an MPC Truckin' USA West Coast van


From what I can tell, this is not a reissue (not sure if there was ever a reissue of this kit). From what I believe, this kit is from 1974/1975ish. I bought it at a swap meet a few years ago, got home, opened the box, and found 2 complete kits in the one box.

Well, lets see what I've done so far shall we?

1st pic is the stock body.
2nd pic is the chopped & sectioned body.
3rd pic is the two bodies back to back for comparrison.
4th pic is the mock up of the stance.

I still have a lot of work to do on this thing. Hopefully I will get it done before I move on to another project or kit.

[fatkidd]

forgot to add that the chop is approx. 4" in scale & the section is approx. 3" in scale

[Foxer]

I'm working on a '85 GMC Vanthat my daughter had and using the A-Team Van kit. This is virtually the same body .. it was used for every Chevy van AMT/MPC made. There were little variances every edition ...

I really like the look after the chop and section. It has good proportions and looks longer. I love the fact that you're chopping up that old kit!

Edited by Foxer, 28 September 2010 - 02:37 PM.

[randx0]

I like it .and it is pretty cool when you get home and find a whole 'nother kit when you were only expecting one.

[Romell R]

looks good so far!, i had this kit as a kid my brother and i used to love building vans and trying to customize them. I would love to get my hands on that kit now that im older and a lil more skilled have fun and Im headed to ebay to look for it now LOL!

[MARAUDER]

very VERY kewl!!!

[Jon Cole]

Custom van! Nice chop & section! The wheel/tire size is a little much for my taste, but it's not my model! Hope you keep on truckin' (*>~groan!~<*) with this build.

[modelguy( jeff)]

hello great looking van iam a vanner i have seen a 1;1 like this at a van event if i can ask will u sell the 2nd kit plz
i beeen lookg for the truckin usa van for yrs
i have 12 van models but never tryed chopping one

[Jantrix]

I'd love to see a realistic tire/wheel combo, but aside from that- great work. Way to be original!

[rustybill1960]

Nice chop!
I remember that kit, my brother built it way back when . . . .
Looks interesting
Thanks for sharing
Later
Russ

[fatkidd]

thanks for comments/compliments to those that replied. the wheel/tire combo that i you see was used because i wanted a big/little set and that was all i had in that category. i went through some of the wheels i have and i think i like this setup better. let me know what you guys think.

i plan on putting a viper engine in it mid-engine. the from seats will prolly be wrapped in leather. the rear doors were opened as one door and will open upwards, like a hatchback style. the side doors will open traditionally...like saloon doors.

oh, btw, this is my first chopped top and section.

these wheels are hopppin' hydros slim 20's Shokks

[Michigan Madman]

Liking what I see so far!

[Lownslow]

niiiiiice now i know what to do to mine

[gray07]

This is coming out great, i have hundreds of van kits, and i have this kit, its a great kit, if you want inspiration to finish this model go to www.vannin.com, iam a member there to. I will be watching this build.

[fatkidd]

thanks again for the comments. it means a lot to me!

here's a few pics with the rear door hinged (taped for mock up purposes)
i still have to make the hinges for the side doors.
the paint scheme has been floating around in my head, but we'll see how it goes.

thanks again for looking

[Hattley]

I like it .and it is pretty cool when you get home and find a whole 'nother kit when you were only expecting one.

For Real!!

[Hattley]

Why is it that I’m getting the munchies just looking at this van?
Kidding aside, I’ll be following your build!

[Hornistfuller]

Yeah hahaha i can just imagina this van bombin down the highway with smoke porin out of the cracks of the rear door, and the popo in hot pursit hahaha

[Joe Handley]

I'm going to be watching this one!

[fatkidd]

[quote name='Hattley' timestamp='1285880376' post='369715']
For Real!!
[/quote]


this isn't the only time it happened. i bought a 1/20 scale mpc van at the same swat meet (different years). i got home, opened it up, and there was a revell baha bandito vw van...with the red glass (no box, but it had instructions, decals, and all the pieces). i love going to swap meets.

[quote name='Hattley' timestamp='1285880596' post='369717']
Why is it that I’m getting the munchies just looking at this van?
Kidding aside, I’ll be following your build!
[/quote]


[quote name='Hornistfuller' timestamp='1285901966' post='369896']
Yeah hahaha i can just imagina this van bombin down the highway with smoke porin out of the cracks of the rear door, and the popo in hot pursit hahaha
[/quote]

the munchies comment had me laughing.

here's a small update for today (so far)...
i got one of the hinges for the side doors completed
and the interior tub cut for the rear door assembly.
i also removed the "dog house" from the interior tub as it will no longer be needed (no picture of that).
i hope to build a nice center console for it.

here's a pic of the rear door open and the interior tub and a pic of one of the side doors hinged (2 down, 3 to go)