Short Hood Diamond Reo Searchlight Truck

[Warren D]

1 hour ago, gotnitro? said:

You'll definitely hear that genny running  !! 

Yep, those old WW2 era searchlights pull a lot of juice, will make that ol' 4-71 scream!

[Bills72sj]

I love what you have done. Keep up the good work.

[Warren D]

Flat bed is out of paint and on the chassis.  Just waiting on parts to finish the generator and start on the light.

 

[gotnitro?]

Lookin good !!! 

[SpreadAxle]

This is a very cool project. 

[Vince66]

Very cool looking build 

[Mopar - D]

Awesome looking truck and build. 

[DRIPTROIT 71]

I really like this truck!

[Warren D]

Generator housing fresh out of paint.  Blue/gray won't take away from the cab color.  Gloss will go on the exterior surfaces tomorrow, then the DD 4-71 gets installed permanently.  Archer supplied the louvers and the hinges came from Dumas model boats.  Top is fit and painted, air cleaner and exhaust to come.

[gotnitro?]

The louvers look fantastic  !!! Really enjoying this build 

[Aaronw]

Neat idea for a project. I remember seeing those big searchlights when I was a kid. I saw one a few years ago but was very disappointed when I got closer and it was a modern version, bright but just a little thing.

[Warren D]

Genset is almost complete.  Need to do the stack and put in an instrument panel inside the door by the generator. Donor parts soaking.  About all that's left is the searchlight itself......let the fun begin!

 

[Oldmopars]

Dude! That is awesome, I love the work you have done. That Genny is perfect.

[DRIPTROIT 71]

That generator looks great!

[doorsovdoon]

I'm loving the generator! Awesome work.

[signguy2108]

looks like a fun build, the generator is cool!

[Warren D]

I'm calling the genny done with the addition of the stack flapper and instrument panel.  Not sure if I'll mount it right away or wait until the searchlight is well along (on the off chance I'd have to move it)

 

[gotnitro?]

That looks so realistic very well done 

[Biggu]

This is spectacular !  Love the color of the truck, gen set is spot on

[Warren D]

Thanks everyone.  You'll see how big the genset is when it sits on the back of the truck.  Guess I shouldn't be surprized, a DD4-71 isn't exactly small.  I would have liked a taller stack but it would have been over 13 feet once installed.  I've added a tool box and gen fuel tank to the truck and the parts I ordered for the searchlight from down under are in, so it'll be total scratch build from here.

[53gmc]

Looks great, been following this build!

[Mopar - D]

Excellent details on your genny. 

[Warren D]

Started work on the searchlight.  Reflector from the bottom of an aerosol can.  Pivot ring from Auslowe, barrel is a section of sheet stock formed around a can.  Piece is cut to size and formed by using plastic wire ties to strap it to a mold, in this case, the same size aerosol can as the reflector.  Important step, make sure the aerosol can is empty and drill several holes in each end!  Submerge the can with the plastic sheet attached into almost boiling water for 5-10 minutes then run under cold water to set.  I've used this technique before to form round truck fenders.  The reflector was "polished" using Molotow.  Whatever coating it had was well applied and wouldn't come off.  I considered BMF but the compound curves would have been near impossible.

 

[gotnitro?]

Very cool idea !  

[slusher]

Sharp semi and impressive scratch building on the generator!