Dodge Driver

I generally like what you did. I'm using the difference of opinion as a learning experience on aesthetics and proportion. Hope you don't mind my jumping in,

I think I get it. The lengthened version appears chunky and not sleek through the middle. The short roof adds to the chunky appearance. To get off point some, that front wheel is throwing me off, making it hard for me to take in the total image. Looks wrong to me.

Maybe third times' a charm for me on building this one. Redemption for trashing an original kit and a later version is in the cards

David, I'd be interested in knowing what exactly looks wrong to you in the concept. I don't find the design off-putting at all. Does your more experienced eye see something I don't ? Or is it just a matter of taste?

Glad it worked out for you Mark! I painted and detailed the steelies on my Catalina and they look really good that way. Maybe following along here will motivate me to work on my Pontiac.(after it sitting in the box for ten years or so )

Thanks for the link and the leg work on this manifold, Chris. I think I'm going to place an order for future builds. I'll have to try taking a photo of where I am with my manifold project...

Mark, While admiring your fine work I came across the above post. Scenes Unlimited sells resin Pontiac steel wheels. They look like an exact match for the kit wheels. Perhaps the wheels will fill the void?

Here's a video I came across while browsing-

Thorough and well-done video. I didn't care for the fade in/out music while you were speaking. Very good format otherwise!

That is stunning! Please show us more pics!

I've seen Mopar models of this style built on a stretched Viper chassis. Viper kits and parts are cheap and plentiful on ebay.

Superb representation of a weather-beaten old truck!

The manifold on this engine from BnL Resin is very close to a Mopar single plane manifold. I'm currently modifying it to work on a 1/24 scale 440. http://www.b-n-lresins.com/shoppingopencart/Aftermarket-resin-cast-1-24-1-25-scale-model-engines-Ford-Diesel-Mopar-Oldsmobile-Toyota-Honda/Aftermarket-resin-cast-1-24-1-25-scale-hobby-model-Chevy-GMC-engine/Aftermarket-resin-cast-1-24-1-25-scale-model-resin-engine-chevy-502-single-carb-engine

Really excellent! Seamless integration of multiple media. Everything enhances and complements everything else!

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Ma's Resin sells copies of those ARII wheels and tires. Just an FYI!

Much appreciated, John! That helps a great deal. I have several B-body Mopars that will benefit from using your method

That's a fine looking grille, John! Would you tell us your technique? Specifically, what type of black do you use? I always seem to get mediocre results when I blacken a grille. My efforts end up too heavy or too light when I'm done.

Well done! Very nice purple color. Can you tell me about the wheels/tires please? I'm compiling a mental database of rolling stock that I like. Needless to say, I like what you've chosen here.

My thoughts exactly upon seeing the first photo. I was taken aback by how "right" this looks!

Are you asserting that we, as kit consumers are in a good position, all things considered? A decent variety of subjects is available and while not perfect, the selection is pretty good. Considering that kit companies are subject to market forces too, not everyone is going to get everything they want. I think that's the point the OP is driving at. Hopefully he will clarify what his conclusion is.

Your truck is a great platform to modify as you drive it. A 360,727,9 1/4 swap would be all nuts and bolts

My only real complaint is the typical molded in underhood detail. The brake booster is especially bad looking. You'll have to find an earlier style steering wheel, as the kit has the airbag type wheel. The transmission looks like an older style 4spd, so a swap of some kind is in order if you want an accurate trans.

Following along, as I had an '85 D150 long bed with a 318 4spd.