ABC Auto Industry

You know, that sounds like a very easy - albeit expensive - way to do it. I do, however, have a few questions: How much of a car do I need to build - or not build - for him to undertake work on it? Should I even bother with painting a car before sending it to him? Where can I find him?

OK, I will. I just thought I'd ask because I wanted to make a 353 dump truck or a logging truck (can't decide which).

I knew exactly what you meant, but still, it's nice to know that I can do that. I'm now leaning towards this method.

Good idea. Considering I might modify the suspension to further add to the crushed look, they'll most likely be invisible.

BRILLIANT! I might just do that, too. Decisions, decisions...

That's an interesting idea too, and it sounds a bit simpler than the epoxy trick. My only concern is if it'll hold the weight of the truck, and given how big and bad this truck is going to be, that's important to me. EDIT: On second thought, considering there'll also be other car parts under the body like an engine, interior bits and what have you, I might just go with it.

That's pretty funny, but that would look even chintzier than using plain aluminum foil.

That might work. My only concern is hoping that the foil doesn't deform when trying to put the epoxy in, but other than that, I could give it a shot. It seems better than aluminum foil alone.

I came across this topic while looking up monster truck stuff, and there is no doubt in my mind that Bigfoot was first. However, it wasn't the first to crush cars. That honor goes to either Jeff Dane's King Kong, Fred & Gary Dykman's Cyclops or High Roller (which later became Jeff Strand's Thunder Beast).

OK, so I have an idea for a monster truck model, and I want to make some crushed cars for a display for it. Problem is, how do I make car models look like they've been crushed? A lot of the info I find online suggests wrapping a car model in tinfoil and doing it that way, but I feel that would look too chintzy and wouldn't support the weight of the truck. Also, just in case anyone asks: You have my full assurance that I won't be using any classic American car models for this.

I know Spaulding Trading & Shipping used to sell Peterbilt 353 fenders many moons ago, but I can't find any, and I'm thinking of maybe pilfering some from an Alaskan Hauler and altering them, but that probably wouldn't be 100% correct. Anyone know anywhere else I can find any?

I ordered a set of wheels and tires for this project I have. They came in a week or two ago, and the quality is FANTASTIC! I'd definitely order again!

Good idea.

Yes, I found that quite helpful, thank you.

Hi, I'm slowly getting back into model building, and I'd like to print up some custom decals for my models. However, I'm clueless as to what the best brand of decal paper is, so if anyone could give me some suggestions, that would be great.

Well, thanks for saving me money on it. I know AITM is now part of Keystone, but Keystone's website looks like it's under construction...that is, unless I got the wrong website. Still, it might be worth looking into.

I've heard of Kit Form Services before, but I didn't know they made this. I'll look into this, too.

Perfect! Also, even if they don't do a front axle, I was planning on swiping a 5-ton axle from a USA-1 kit.

Hey, does anyone know if anybody makes aftermarket front drive axles or transfer cases for big rig kits? I'm planning something BIG and looking for such parts.

OK, never mind. I found it at https://scenesunltd.com

Really? When I tried opening that link, it said the domain was for sale.

Nice! That looks like some good stuff! Thank you!

A few years ago, I bought some resin Super Swamper TSL tires plus some wheels with the intention of making a tricked-out longbed version of the Revell GMC plow truck. Unfortunately, the wheels I bought didn't fit, and I've been having a heck of a time trying to find wheels that will fit. For reference, the wheel openings are about 11/16 of an inch (about 17.46 in metric). Also, if anyone knows any good place to get model 4X4 parts such as roll bars, winch bumpers, transfer cases, axles or whatever, I'd be interested in that, too.

For people who don't know what I'm talking about, the BL-9 was a high-velocity 122mm gun developed by the Soviets in WWII. In the video game World of Tanks, it can be mounted on different vehicles, including the IS-3 heavy tank. My question is, does anybody know of a place where I can get a BL-9 in 1/35 scale? I can only find a 1/72 scale version of the BL-9, and I'd hate to have to scratchbuild one myself if it can be avoided.

Thanks, John! Are you referring to that scale model of the Superior 61 widebody ambulance I saw while lurking around? Because that was FAR OUT! Truth be told, I'm not really basing my ambulance off of any specific conversion, although I was hoping to use the Superior 61-S - the regular-width version - as inspiration.