DRIPTROIT 71

This was a learning experience for me. I just got back into building after about an 11-12 year break. Let me be the first to say this truck has several flaws, but I enjoyed the build. This truck was inspired by the Apollo 116 built by Sean ("Old Buckaroo") and a story with pictures of an Apollo 92 with a IH style sleeper that was on Hank's Truck Forum. The hood was shortened, the doors opened, the interior is scratch built other than the dash and seats, sleeper is from the 4300, 8v-71 is courtesy of the Titan kit, front wheels are Auslowe, and a lot from the parts box.

The one from Spaulding looks better. I can't get it to show up good in a picture. I bought it a month ago and it was $12.00 plus shipping. It also has two kinds of Western Star side logos.

I looked at these last pictures before I read anything (I haven't tuned in to this one in a while) and I thought it was all metal especially the Alclad work. Excellent work!!!

I've got a set of the Spaulding etching at home, I will check the font on them.

This is what Auslowe has.

Auslowe makes them (I think? Go to their site)) and Spaulding Trading and shipping did have some as well (you'll have to call ans ask for them).

The illustrations on the 1973 brochure show this emblem, but I have never seen an actual truck of this era with this emblem. I have, however, seen several examples with the single headlights. Depending on what you are wanting to build you have options. Since the 73 brochure shows this emblem, there may have been some made this way, or if you are making a modern day custom, the sky is the limit. If you are wanting to make a period correct truck like we see in most photos, sand the emblem off and replace it with a photo-etched one. You will notice on my builds that I'm not a "rivet counter", though I respect the ones who are, but my philosophy regarding model building is: that if you are not making an exact replica of a particular vehicle, then you have freedom for variation. Remember, in the 1:1 projects, people have made all kinds of variations of vehicles. I have plans to build one myself using the old 4000 style hood, I've just got to make a grill (and finish my other projects)( L.O.L.). Keep us posted on your build, I like Western Star's!...Brian

Very Vintage. Nice!!

Looks much better!!

That looks good! You ought to cast that. It would be a hit.

WOW!!! Awesome Build!!! The weathering is spot on!!

When and how will these be available? I'm hoping to start a 71 Ford 4x4 soon and if these are an option, I would like to get some for it.

Thanks Ben, I will try that! My real concern is the top of the cab, it is "dog dished" instead of domed. I will try the hot water trick on both. Thanks again. I thought that the firewall could be used to fix the issue with the cowl. Thanks neighbor.

Very Nice and Clean Build!!!

That is one cool truck!! Great body work, Awesome color, Roll bar and KC lights. You didn't miss a thing!!

Wow!! First truck build?? Wow!! Definitely not your first model though. First of all, I really like the old workhorses, and this one is off the charts. These make nice trucks, but they do require a lot of T.L.C.. This looks like an A.I.T.M. cab. Is that what you used? Again, Wow! Great Work!! Looking forward to seeing more truck builds with a start like this.

Thanks for all the encouragement and comments guys!! I hope to have this one finished soon.

It must be something with the newer cans. I still have some that are at least 13 years old (many brands including Testors) that have been in an out building that has been below freezing in the winter and over 100 in the summer. Other than the gas getting weak in some of the cans, all of them that I have tried have been fine. The paint in one can of MCW lacquer separated beyond use, but not a single can leaked, though they required a lot of shaking (LOL).

Now that is one sharp looking Freightliner!! A real workhorse!

Awesome paint!!!

Wow, you work fast!!

Awesome!! Glad you went with the boat tail! Man you work fast! That is the only top that I have ever thought looked really good on a Cobra. Very cool and original build!!!

Impressive Work!!! I like old Blazers, and to door Tahoes.

Looking good! Looking forward to seeing your progress. I started an old M.T.F.A. B-61 years ago, but after cutting the hood loose, and making a replacement hood that I wasn't happy with, I gave up. Keep posting the progress.

This is definitely not a two man truck. Imagine trying to sleep in that bunk while loaded down climbing Black Mountain. Thanks for the encouragement Sam!