DRIPTROIT 71

Thanks! Can't wait to see more of that Pete!

With the Ford done, this one is on the work bench now. The plan has changed on the engine. Instead of an 8v-71, this one will have a 6-71. I have an old Clint Freeman engine to use. I have a set of frame rails from GW Trucks to use. This one is going to have a "Big Stick" wrecker bed. Here is what I'm starting out with. IMG_9224 by Brian Smith, on Flickr

Mine looked the same as yours. It was an airplane project for my son. I had used lacquer automotive primer for the base thinking that whatever paint that I used on top wouldn't be hotter than the primer. I shook the can of Rustoleum well, ran a test spray on a piece of metal with no problem, and when I sprayed the plane, it looked like I sprayed it with little balls of paint, almost like ground marker paint would do. I wasn't meaning to make a painful experience more painful. I was just curious if it was the same brand of paint that I had trouble with. Sorry again for the set back, but I'm sure you will have it back to looking like new soon.

The only reason that I asked is that I had the exact same result with Rustoleum red. It worked well on metal, but it had the exact same result on a plastic model. I had used lacquer primer as well. I will now add Premier to the list of paints that I avoid.

Thanks for all of the kind words guys!!

Very nice work!!!

Man I hate that about your paint! I'm sure you'll get it straightened out. Out of curiosity, you didn't happen to be using Rustoleum in a spray can were you?

Thanks guys!! This one is finished and under glass. Thanks to everyone who commented along the way!

This began as an L8000 car hauler kit. The 3406 Cat is from one of the snap kits. It was tilted and modified for this project. Tires are from KJ at Doubletake, Front wheels and tanks are from Auslowe, Decals are from Jerry at modeltruckin, the rest is parts box. IMG_9095 by Brian Smith, on Flickr IMG_9168 by Brian Smith, on Flickr IMG_9147 by Brian Smith, on Flickr IMG_9161 by Brian Smith, on Flickr IMG_9156 by Brian Smith, on Flickr IMG_9112 by Brian Smith, on Flickr IMG_9122 by Brian Smith, on Flickr IMG_9140 by Brian Smith, on Flickr IMG_9142 by Brian Smith, on Flickr IMG_9107 by Brian Smith, on Flickr IMG_9098 by Brian Smith, on Flickr IMG_9124 by Brian Smith, on Flickr

Very nice!!

Looks tough!! I like it!! Nice work!!

According to the Mack brochure the cab was offset to improve driver visibility. Mack says; "The cab is offset 11 1/2" to the left, putting the driver directly behind the left front wheel--a position that provides unexcelled visibility for maneuvering in tight places." I have also read that this improved vision for sharp curves such as mountains. The U model is very similar and had the offset cab. The U was very common around here as a road tractor. I talked to a man two weeks ago who once worked for Overnight Freight. He said in 1985 that he had purchased 100 U models used for city delivery. Several other companies ran U models as well.

Looking great!! I personally would spray the interior first.

Very impressive!! You just have a gift for capturing that vintage look! Excellent work as always!! I really like what you've done with the front wheels!!!

He's still in business, I just got an order from him a couple of weeks ago. As has been said before, the majority of his listings are permanently out of stock, many are from suppliers that no longer exist. However it is a great website to browse what has been offered before. I've never had a problem with service either.

The hinges are by Mayberry Street Miniatures. I picked them up at Hobby Lobby. I take one and cut it down the middle to make two. I have also made hinges out of brass tube as well. That is what I used to swing the fenders on my Highbinder. I hope this helps.

I often use doll house door hinges split in half so the hood can open 90 degrees and there's a closer fit to the bumper. I attach them with super glue and reinforce them with epoxy. This how it looks from the front. They are actually mounted to the bumper. 100_2247 by Brian Smith, on Flickr And the hood can open 90 degrees. 100_2245 by Brian Smith, on Flickr You can see them a bit better on this one: White 9000 6-71 Detroit by Brian Smith, on Flickr

Thanks guys!!! I tried out my decals from Jerry at modeltruckin.com today. I'm pretty happy with them. IMG_9060 by Brian Smith, on Flickr

Very nice!!!

Beautiful!! Mr. Haney would be proud.

Thanks Guys!

Looks Great!!

Looking good!

Peterbilt switched from the Unilite cab to the 1100 series cab in 1972. Not only did the 1100 cab have larger windows, but the bottom of the doors were rounded off and slam locks replaced the lever style door handles. The corners of the windshields are a little more rounded on the 359 than the 379. Not all 359s had center point steering. The dash went through changes during the production years of the 359 as well. The 1100 series cab is definitely closer to the 379 than the Unilite cab, but still quite a few differences. As was mentioned before, research reference pictures of the real thing and check out Tim's website for a lot of good info including Peterbilts you've never heard of.

Cool Build!!