Fat Brian Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 I'm just getting started on this, still kind of feeling it out and getting parts together. So far I have chopped the top about six inches and sectioned the cab about 3 inches. I will probably channel it some but I'm running out of room in the cab to do much more. I'm going to use the wrecker parts from the kit but I want to build a wooden bed and some other stuff for it. I'm having the most difficulty finding the engine I want. I want to use a Detroit 3 53 or 4 53 inline engine but I don't thing one has been done yet, Sourkraut did a 4 71 but they''re gone now. Anyone know where I can find a reasonable facsimile of a Detroit 53 series? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Brian Posted May 2, 2012 Author Share Posted May 2, 2012 (edited) I did some testing today and decided to try to pump up the size of and existing engine to see what I would get. I took a Chevy stovebolt six and widened it about three scale inches and raised the head by the same amount. I think with some more work I can make this into a respectable, if not 100% down to the nuts and bolts correct, Detroit 4 53. Edited May 2, 2012 by Fat Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Brian Posted May 4, 2012 Author Share Posted May 4, 2012 I did some more work to the engine, tomorrow I will work on the front and rear gear sets. I made a quick and rough mock up of the bed out some balsa wood to kind of get a feel for what it would look like. I still don't know what wheels to use, I want some thing sort of industrial but classic. I'm thinking of finding some 1/32 dayton semi style wheels or maybe some military-esque duece and a half wheels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JunkPile Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 I'll be watching you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brendan30 Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 (edited) Brian, I was looking at tires from this website (http://defmodel.com/) earlier in the week, not sure if you have been here or not. They would be interesting for a rat rod. Also check out Dakotah toys, scale tractor parts. Edited May 4, 2012 by Brendan30 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 Nice Start! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jantrix Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 Brian, I've recently built a flat bed '34 using an original AMT kit. The bed was a lot of fun to do. I used balsa and basswoood. Here is the build thread if you'd like to see how I did it. http://s53.photobucket.com/albums/g73/Jantrix/Shop%20truck/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Brian Posted May 4, 2012 Author Share Posted May 4, 2012 (edited) Also check out Dakotah toys, scale tractor parts. Thank you for the heads up on Dakotah toys, I've been wanting to build a replica of the Krimson Krusher monster truck for ever but couldn't justify spending hundreds of dollars on tractor models just to rob the rear tires. Edited May 4, 2012 by Fat Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Brian Posted May 4, 2012 Author Share Posted May 4, 2012 (edited) Brian, I've recently built a flat bed '34 using an original AMT kit. The bed was a lot of fun to do. I used balsa and basswoood. Here is the build thread if you'd like to see how I did it. http://s53.photobuck...x/Shop%20truck/ Your truck is really cool, I think I'm going for something rattyer though. http://www.killbille...43&d=1241337150 Edited May 4, 2012 by Fat Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMD904 Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 Krimson Krusher was a cool truck back in the day. The driver said having 2 skinny tires helped control the bounce from jumps when it landed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Brian Posted May 4, 2012 Author Share Posted May 4, 2012 (edited) They must have really helped him when he rolled it over. http://t1.gstatic.co...ET3LDkx1KR0qRYl Edited May 4, 2012 by Fat Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brendan30 Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 Thank you for the heads up on Dakotah toys, I've been wanting to build a replica of the Krimson Krusher monster truck for ever but couldn't justify spending hundreds of dollars on tractor models just to rob the rear tires. No problem Brian, some of the front tires aren't to bad either interesting parts and they are definitely reasonably priced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jantrix Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 Your truck is really cool, I think I'm going for something rattyer though. Oh I like that. Kinda looks like a buckboard wagon. very cool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Cole Posted May 5, 2012 Share Posted May 5, 2012 "Industrial, but classic". Maybe medium duty truck tires? These are from Modelhaus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Brian Posted May 5, 2012 Author Share Posted May 5, 2012 Those are nice, I'm trading for some Pegasus wheels that may be suitable but if they don'y feel right when they get here those are a definite option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Brian Posted May 6, 2012 Author Share Posted May 6, 2012 (edited) I was never really happy with my engine, it just wasn't working out right. So, I spent last night looking for pics and measurements and spent today scratchbuilding a correct engine. Here is the bare block: Here is what I've got so far, I need to do some more sanding on the water passages at the top corners of the block but so far it's much better: It's really tall, the head and valve cover aren't even on it yet, but it measures to the correct specs. It will sit lower in the frame when the wheels are on but I'm probably going to channel the cab some so the improvement might be minimal. The fuel tank is from the Mad Mudder kit. Edited May 6, 2012 by Fat Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rustybill1960 Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 I am very impressed with your scratch building skills! My hat is off to You Brian! I really like what you are doing with this build Thank You for sharing Later Russ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Brian Posted May 9, 2012 Author Share Posted May 9, 2012 I've done some more work to the engine, it's complete up to the cylinder head and I've built the rear gear cover and filled in the gap in the oil pan. I have an 8v92 Detroit coming in the mail and if it is in good shape I have an 8v71 that I will use parts from for the front cover and the valve cover. In the mean time I will start working on the truck bed and wrecker setup, I want to build something more like the pic I posted than the kit parts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Brian Posted May 13, 2012 Author Share Posted May 13, 2012 I reworked the wrecker part, I wanted it to be more like the pic above but I want it to appear as if it would really work. I'm goint to cut the verticle white bars off level with the top of the cab once everything is getting closer to its final position. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Brian Posted May 17, 2012 Author Share Posted May 17, 2012 I've gotten started on the real bed, the white parts will be rusted with Sophisticated Finishes rust patina kit. I'm not super happy with the frame, I might redo it. The engine is complete except for the accessories and exhaust, I'm still trying to find a transmission that looks right, beefy but not really huge. I traded for some Pegasus wheels that kind of look like semi wheels but I think I want to go with the spoked wheels from the Mack AC kit, I just have to buy the kit I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rustymodeler Posted May 18, 2012 Share Posted May 18, 2012 Wow, I will be keeping a close watch on this one. Very good start man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Cranky Posted May 18, 2012 Share Posted May 18, 2012 It looks to me like you are off to more than a great start. I'm watching along, please keep it going. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rustybill1960 Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 (edited) WOW! Killer build Brian! I really am liking that bed work! Totally Awesome stuff! I am gonna hang on for this ride, er, build. Thank You for sharing Later Russ Edited May 24, 2012 by rustybill1960 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Brian Posted May 19, 2012 Author Share Posted May 19, 2012 I bought a Mack AC off ebay last night so my wheels should be here midweek, I also rebuilt the frame out of smaller square stock. Once I get my rolling stock in I will be able to set the ride height and really make some progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARTEMIS1759 Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 "Industrial, but classic". Maybe medium duty truck tires? These are from Modelhaus. OOOhhhh........those will work for my 51 Chevy wrecker. I'll have to get a set. Not exactly what I wanted but they would work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.