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Pullin Gears

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Posts posted by Pullin Gears

  1. Introducing my latest labor of love, "Big Red." Started life as a two-wheel drive gas truck, until I got a hold of it!

    IMG_0068_zpsc9451453.jpg

    The list of modifications and scratch-built items is pretty long, but I'll do my best to sum it up:

    • Front grill modified to fit custom bumper
    • Front bumper built with evergreen flat stock and diamond plate
    • Craft wire tow hooks
    • Tow-mirrors
    • Lift kit components including all brackets, leaf spring mounts, steering stablizer, shocks and mounts
    • Transfer case mount and crosmember
    • Front and rear "Dana 80 Axles" with breathers
    • Driveshafts
    • Cummins engine swap (Diecast crane donor)
    • Engine/transmission mounts
    • 5 inch turbo back exhaust with 10 inch miter cut stack
    • Cold air kit
    • Exhaust heat shields
    • Windshield banner
    • Tint
    • Body color rear bumper
    • Camo headliner
    • Color matched interior accents
    • Pintle hitch (parts box) with scratch built mount
    • Train horns
    • Tires from SoReal Concepts painted black with added valve stems

    IMG_0076_zpse6410983.jpg

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    IMG_0060_zps67a90591.jpg

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    IMG_0077_zps81af32e8.jpg

    IMG_0095_zps6b8df69b.jpg

  2. I know I'm all over the place but back to Big Red, the last couple shots before she goes "under-glass," or hits the showfield and some mud holes!

    I fabbed up some shocks with external reservoirs out of evergeen rod and detail wire:

    IMG_9751_zpsc719cc24.jpg

    Assembled them and made some brackets to mount them:

    IMG_9754_zps1c7f0b6a.jpg

    Painted and installed:

    IMG_0067_zps99c31e84.jpg

    Then I figured what good is a diesel without tow mirrors, so I built a set of those too, I also wrapped up the steering and put some drive shafts in to complete the 4X4 swap:

    IMG_9752_zps3d8be5dc.jpg

  3. So I changed my mind on the single cab conversion and my original paint ideas got thrown out the window, left it and extended cab, and added some of the body kit (which I later regretted)

    First up came a failed attempt at a fade job:

    IMG_8324_zps71d07a5e.jpg

    Then I shot the truck Duplicolor Chevy engine orange, with black accents. Came out much better!

    After paint and polish:

    IMG_0084_zpsc33d5dce.jpg

    I used Testor's pearl clear top coat ( Special thanks to Marcos Cruz for getting me into polishing!)

    IMG_0085_zps831e070c.jpg

    I'm really proud of the paint on this truck!

    IMG_0086_zps2506a6c0.jpg

    Now I'm thinking about changing the build theme from a lowered street truck to a another diesel, this time a sled puller. The chrome wheels and stance just don't seem to fit this paint scheme. Hear is a mock-up with the wheels I might use if it becomes a pull rig:

    IMG_0087_zps3f9dc662.jpg

    Thoughts and opinions welcome!

  4. Thanks for the compliments guys! They keep me inspired on builds like this that seem to drag on forever! As usual college and life has kept me from the bench, but I did manage to get Big Red finished!

    Clint-

    The wheels off the lowered one came from a Jada Diescast 1951 Mercury.

    The swampers are from SoReal Concepts. They scale out to 44 inch tires. I sanded the tread, painted the wheels black, and added valve stems. Occasionally they turn up on ebay:

    IMG_0082_zps5ad9fb38.jpg

    Jose-

    Diesel Power Mag inspired parts of the build!

    Bruce-

    I changed my mind on the single cab conversion, but i did buy a third Silverado kit so eventually I'll cut one up!

    James-

    I don't think would call what I did the "right way" to lower a truck because it is not realistic or accurate to a 1:1 but hear are some pictures anyway:

    IMG_0202_zps5c850ea8.jpg

    Up front I cut apart the kit control arms and mounted them directly to the frame/ cross-member.

    IMG_0201_zps9d66f1d1.jpg

    Out back i fabricates a sort of four link using the stock rear and control arms made from evergreeen tube which I highlighted with blue dots for you:

    IMG_0199_zpsad82e00e.jpg

    I have not added bags yet, and I may not. I would be a ROUGH ride! but "aired-out" the rear contacts the frame.( I cut the bump stops off) I did not want to go any lower on this build because a C-notch would have to be fabricated and the stock gas tank would have to removed/relocated:

    IMG_0198_zps18e210e6.jpg

    I hope these help, keep in mind the ends of the control arms will also get tabs so they will look more "finished."

    IMG_0197_zpse93e4230.jpg

  5. Glad you like it Caleb!

    I painted and detailed the stack:

    IMG_7838_zps1488ce67.jpg

    And finalized the hole in the bed along with "sticker bombing" part of the single-piece rear window that I turned into a three-piece slider with the help of some electrical tape:

    IMG_7837_zps774b1d4d.jpg

    The third brake light is 1-1 trailer reflective tape:

    IMG_7840_zps54a0b1c2.jpg

    Also got the hitch finished up:

    IMG_7842_zps06f9b641.jpg

    And painted the differentials

    IMG_7850_zps750f3f4a.jpg

    Then the motor went in!

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    One more sneak peak:

    IMG_7843_zps14604b22.jpg

  6. Thanks!

    I managed to get the front end done, I ditched the twin I beam suspension; I used upper control arms from a Revell 99 Silverado:

    IMG_7858_zps43f28d58.jpg

    The steering rack is stock ranger, I cut and bent it "slightly", the lower control arms came from the parts box

    IMG_7860_zps1d074516.jpg

    It will have a just a little negative camber

    IMG_7859_zps0df14b64.jpg

    Then I assembled the interior, box stock with some paint detailing:

    IMG_7861_zps50fa8948.jpg

    My favorite part is the hand-painted eye ball shift knob

    IMG_7864_zps6d69475b.jpg

    I smoothed out the top of the dash a little bit, the tan is cheapo hardware store enamel

    IMG_7866_zps9d71d476.jpg

    Then I mocked up the interior on the frame and mounted the front wheels

    IMG_7867_zps489b89ed.jpg

    Sneak Peak of the paint!

    IMG_7824_zps772c3f54.jpg

  7. Thanks Everyone

    Chris- Unfortunately there are no resin Cummins or Duramax diesel engines that I know of

    James- The lowered Chevy is in body shop prison! It's been painted, I decided on a little bit louder color.........going to be a surprise until I get it polished!

    Back to Big Red:

    IMG_7800_zps9b361f6b.jpg

    I added some Diamond Plate to the front bumper along with a brush guard for the grill and headlights

    RL]

    Shot it semi-gloss black, added a MD vanity plate, and some paper clip tow hooks

    IMG_7849_zpscaac38c8.jpg

    Then I wrapped up the interior, kept it simple sine the windows are tinted:

    IMG_7764_zps7c860d54.jpg

    I added a flip out monitor, custom gear-shift, and some body color inserts

    IMG_7766_zps5f477b31.jpg

    Seat inserts were done in flat black to represent suede

    IMG_7767_zps81be2153.jpg

    And of course there is a Monster Energy Drink in the cup holder!

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