mackinac359

I do! Go to http://tahlborn.web.aplus.net/vacation1.htm Then scroll down and look for photos of the 1980 Peterbilt 359. Tim

This will be cool! I'll bet one of the first (of probably many to come) modifications of the ALF kit. Looks good so far! Tim

All orders will be filled that were recieved before the closing. Rick will be reopening under a new name in the future. Tim

The grille/crown is VERY rounded. "sad looking, like a Model T." The shape was changed for aerodynamics. The new 389 has a more rounded crown/grille (much like the AMT Pete 359 grille). Everything that was changed was changed for either the new engine cooling requirments or aerodynamics. Eventually the aero will take over and the 386/387 will become the prefered trucks due to the smoothness. BUT, if you take a 'square' 379, flat roof, flattop sleeper, underhood breathers, behind-the-sleeper exhaust, and cab/sleeper extenders, you end up with the same MPG improvements as a slope-hood aero tractor. Tim

2007 will bring a bunch of changes to Peterbilt Motors Co.'s trucks... New model numbers, new hoods, new grilles, new bumpers, new fenders, new visors, new mirrors, new sleeper interiors, new battery boxes, new emmisions boxes, new air dams, new engines after January 2007.. NEW! It would sure be nice to see a model company step up and make a truly modern Peterbilt kit. The Italeri Peterbilt 377 is outdated by 8 years now, the out-of-production Peterbilt 378 is out of date by 4 years. The Revell of Germany Peterbilt 359 kits are out of date by 20 years, the AMT Peterbilt is out of date by almost 30 years (we're talking styling). Italeri or Revell or even Trumpeter needs to make a totally NEW kit with a generic engine to avoid the licensing issues, but make the kit the new styles. Maybe a 389-131" BBC, or a 386. SOMETHING! Then follow with a Kenworth, maybe the new T660, or a T800. Then a nice Mack Granite or Vision. Come on Model Companies! Give us something brand new! I know I won't be able to keep converting older-style 377 kits due to the dramatic changes in hood designs. I am not advocating Italeri alter the toolings for the exitsing kits, as these are still nice desirable kits, they just aren't 'modern' anymore. Here's the 2007 Peterbilt long hood (131") 389 Tim

I have used Bare Metal Foil to cover the sections. Make sure that the opening for the sections is wide enough to clear the next section so that the foil doesn't peel/scrape. Tim

Steve Ok.. even better as a Pete! Tim

Hey Steve. that white and green Mafia lowrider is a Freightliner not a Pete. Tim

Nice job on the Bakersfield Boom wrecker body! The little Dodge L looks sweet too. Tim

Slick lookin' KW. Tim

Nice progress! That IS gonna look sharp. TIM

Mark This is gonna be a beast of a hook! Tim

Dan Built 25 years ago, does it still exist today? I only have one of my 'original' builds from 1978. I wish I had them all. Tim

Adam Sweeet 'Picker' Pete! Care to share some info or maybe some detail pics on the crane portion? I'd like to do a modern PB with a crane like this. Tim

Dan Cool lookin' Paystar. That Ertl kit is quite versitle. Tim

Not Worthy? Are you nuts? Looks just fine to me, and Jackson looks like he's trying to figure out what to haul with it. Tim

Jim Lost his sight.. tragic. By them going to another modeler, the previous owner's vision will carry on. Tim

Jim Nice! Were these published in a magazine at one time? They are vaguely familiar. $10 kits ! Yikes! Tim

Aaron Once a truck leaves the factory, anything goes when it comes to color! Tim

Thanks for the brown nosing! The AMT Peterbilt 359 is the SAME kit from 1975. It is full of little niggly flaws that will slow you down a bit. This wasn't one of AMT's better kits for fit. Test fit the cab/hood/sleeper mounting to make sure that all parts line up and sit on the chassis straight. Same for the exhaust piping from the engine to the mufflers. The rear axles need to be double-checked for equal height all the way around. I build the frame and put a set of tires all the way around on it (temporarily) to make sure all axles are straight, in line, and tires touching the ground. The underside of the cab roof has 2 big round mold marks that interfere with the glass-tub from going all the way up into the cab. This then prevents the interior from going all the way up into the cab. Remove the round obstructions and the glass fits better. For the roof lights, horns and air conditioner, I don't use the mounting tabs or open the holes in the roof. I cut off the mounting tabs and mount the componants 'free hand' so that the parts fit better. On the air horns there are nast mold seams and depressions on the front. I always fill the holes with filler (thick superglue) then sand smooth and cover with Bare Metal Foil (chrome). In the mirrors, I cut off the round loops at the ends of the V shaped brackets, I also cut off the verticle tabs on the mirror head brackets, then mount the mirrors to the V shaped brackets. This gives a cleaner more realistic appearance to the mirrors. Color information: In the 70's most all Peterbilt engines (no matter what brand) were white. Tranny should be black or rust red. Interior: Dash top: matte black. Dash face: Walnut woodgrain. Seats, doors, etc: Oxblood red, medium blue, dark olive green, black. Floors could match in color, or black for rubber. Seat bases would be matte black. Steering wheel would be off-white/beige. Body Colors: Standard: On color body and chassis with white wheels. Optional: ANYTHING goes. Whatever the customer wanted. Check out www.timstrucks.com then click on the Peterbilt links for paint job ideas. I use this kit for the base for many conversions and trucks. If you have more questions, just post! Tim

Aaron Sweet trucks! The dozer looks nicely weathered. Tim

That Revell KW kit sure builds nice. Tim

Sweet KW ! Tim

Dave Nice! The ALF looks like a super kit. I love your Peterbilt Rescue, and the Ford's too! Great models. Can you select some pics and send them to me for www.plasticcowboy.com (photos@plasticcowboy.com) sometime in the future? Thanks! Tim

Anthony, Each time Lance sends me photos I am amazed at the work and detail he puts in. Simply amazing. Tim