mrglubaum Posted July 5, 2006 Share Posted July 5, 2006 I'd like to build mt Italeri Pete 378 with a set back front axle. Anyone have any tips or hints that might help me? Tim, Haven't you done one of these? Anyone else? Lee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackinac359 Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 I've done several 378-SBFA conversions to the Italeri kit. You have three choices, resin pre-04 hood, resin '04-07 hood and scratchbuilding a pre-04 hood. For scratchbuilding, take the kit hood, slice off the lower portion of the hood on both sides (equal and even cuts). Reinstall the lower hood section and fenders rearward to account for a 47" set-back. You will need to scratchbuild the bumper, or use one from a 377 kit modified. Either scribe of cut the fenders where the hood-to-cab line is. This portion of the fenders is mounted to the chassis and cab on the real truck. On mine I fix the hood closed to avoid all the fitment issues. The battery and toolboxes will need to be moved rearward slighting (the kit has mounting holes for a rear and forward mounting box) or mount the fuel tanks forward and the battery box aft of them, or use a COE style battery box or.. about any combination is/was available from Peterbilt. Headlight mounting location can be the higher-up on the grille location that the kit has or down low, which affords more protection for the lamp housing in obsticle filled construction sites. IF you do this, you'll need to fill in the existing mounting holes OR use a grille from a 377 kit. If you need more info, just post or email. Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrglubaum Posted July 8, 2006 Author Share Posted July 8, 2006 Thanks, Tim! Would I be better off using the 377 frame? Does it have the correct set-back? I assume the measurement you gave was from the front bumper, right? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackinac359 Posted July 8, 2006 Share Posted July 8, 2006 Lee The 378 and 377 chassis are identicle except for the front springs and the mounting for the sleeper are slightly different. Email me off group for a pic that I can't post on the web. Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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