JimmyG Posted March 16, 2021 Share Posted March 16, 2021 Restoration and modification of my very first big rig model first assembled back in 1980 when I was 12 years old.... as per the box art... then dismantled and repainted in black... twice.. now its the final and most invasive reconstruction: - Stock hood modified for right air cleaner with flared fenders for the floatation tires -Single headlight mod. -Customized stock bumper -Steerable Heavy spec front axle with super single rims and flloat tires -Twin late model air cleaners -Chrome vent visor -Stock stacks cut short and finished with stainless foil -Black painted fuel tanks with foil straps & details & mounted under cab -Custom Battery boxes mounted under sleeper -Single bunk walk in sleeper using cut down original -Custom headache rack -Mesh platform over rear frame --Frame has 1.5 inches inserted between rear axles for a Canadian spread appearance -70 ton fifth wheel and supporting mods -Upgraded air bag rear suspension -custom individual full rear fenders -Black painted body with red painted front fenders, roof cap and sleeper top for a classic scheme -Possible conversion of the CAT 3408 to a Detrot silver 8v92 TTA and addition of a roof top AC unit... More to follow.. & more pics to come.. - - - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigred63 Posted March 16, 2021 Share Posted March 16, 2021 James, Good luck with your rebuild! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimmyG Posted March 16, 2021 Author Share Posted March 16, 2021 Thanks ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DRIPTROIT 71 Posted March 18, 2021 Share Posted March 18, 2021 I’m looking forward to seeing this one! I like the direction you are going! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShakyCraftsman Posted March 18, 2021 Share Posted March 18, 2021 (edited) Hey JimmyG Sounds like a proper project. Were are you getting your float tires from? I have a 3D resin printer that I can print rubber tires on, plus I have some Bridgestone L375 445/65R22.5 front floats and Bridgestone M710 285/75R22.5 drive tires model up on Cad. Actually I have a complete Peterbilt 359 heavy haul tractor with lift axle, based off of the 1/25 Revell Peterbilt "Cando" wrecker. So any parts you might need I might be able to print them for you. Drop me a PM and we can talk price. I modeled them on Unigraphics NX16 full size, so I can print them in any scale, as long as the part/parts fit in the printers print envelope. Check out my Peterbilt 359 Heavy haul tractor build and you can see what the tires and model look like. Ron G Edited March 18, 2021 by ShakyCraftsman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimmyG Posted March 21, 2021 Author Share Posted March 21, 2021 Hi Ron, thanks for the input man, appreciate the offer for the 3D print service. I am looking at diving into the 3D print world this coming fall when my shop is set up. I will keep you in mind for sure. Right now... a 1/16 scale version of a detroit 8v92 TTA engine would be the only consideration... and lucrative for you maybe.... dont know what the current climate is for folks building these big kits... i paid 70 dollars for this kit back in 81... bought 2 more NIB kits for cheap off a local guy. and 200 cdn recently for an aerodyne KW kit... I got the floatation tires and some other bits off a damaged NIB erlt farm toy truck with low boy trailer for 40 bucks US shipped.to my place here just North of Rochester NY on the Canadian side. I was inspired by the Bill signs model I have.. to breathe new life into my old 359. More to follow ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldcarfan27 Posted April 30, 2021 Share Posted April 30, 2021 Enjoying all the work you're doing on this one. You just don't see these big trucks built and super-detailed much. Your thread title should be, "She's real fine, my 359!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gatorincebu Posted May 3, 2021 Share Posted May 3, 2021 James, I always enjoy following rebuilds . And though 1/16th isn't my preferred scale . I will be following this project . Be Well Gator Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bennyg Posted May 20, 2021 Share Posted May 20, 2021 Very nice! I’ve got one in the stash and would love to shorten the sleeper. Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kilrathy10 Posted May 22, 2021 Share Posted May 22, 2021 These are awesome rigs built up... Even out of the box they are pretty impressive... I'm shocked you still have one you built as a kid... ALL my early stuff has long ago been smashed and/or blown up with fire crackers!! Excellent idea for the supers... I have 3 of those 1/16 toy trucks, (with the grain trailers) as well as 7 or 8 of the KW and Pete kits in 1/16... I planned on modifying the trailers and pairing them up with one of the kit trucks.... I'm inspired by you effort, here... Very nice idea... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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