Biggu

Brian and Gary, thanks. I hope it comes out like it is in my head ??. I thought the subject might garner some interest. Sorry for the lousy pics. It’s my phone. Kind of sucks….

So …… when is a Peterbilt Not a Peterbilt ??? Well, I can actually answer that ……. When it’s a Hayes . My next project is a conversion of sorts. Not a massive amount of body work and rebuilding but rather a mild conversion to what seems to be a rather rare unit. I checked this forum and as far as I can see this particular ‘conversion’ hasn’t been done as yet. So I don’t think I’m doubling up on a former build. The basic back story is that the conversion will start with the re-issue of the AMT Peterbilt 352 cabover to which I was actually going to build as Peterbilt 352. As a young boy back in the day nothing would do until I got THE Peterbilt cabover model kit. I pestered my dear old mom until I got one. I did build it although I thought I did a good job on it …… but my skill set wasn’t all that great . Typical kid ….. So this build was going to be in honour of my late mom who out up with her little boy being a pest. In doing a little research, it came to me that I am going to build the kit in her honour BUT why not do something just a little different and somewhat rare, and the real deal was built just a few hundred miles down the road ? Hayes has a rich history here in British Columbia, mostly in the heavy haul logging operations on Vancouver Island. There are a few misconceptions about the company where it has been assumed that Hayes ‘outsourced’ some of the manufacture. That is not exactly 100% accurate and over time if anyone is interested, I will explain some of Hayes’ history. But for now this is the kit and the conversion kit I will be using. And a pic or two of the real deals….. I hope not to bore you but I think this is going to be a bit fun. I am not going to use the chrome 10 hole Budds but rather 2 hole Budds and a different set of drive tires. As always comments are welcomed….

I do too …

Nice clean build , Johnny ! Your patience with the mirror brackets well paid off they are perfectly straight. I missed your build thread so I must search that out. Did you hinge the hood? Always loved the Louisville. Drove many many miles in them. They were good trucks. Nice job ! Jeff

Gary, when I read the first 8 words of your last post , I thought oh no, the guys in white coveralls are out side of your house with a jacket that has VERY long sleeves !! Are ready to take you away …. ????????, but as I read onI knew you were safe …. For now …….. love the idea of the ‘change’ of direction , you had my attention before but now I have moved to the front row ……. this sounds very interesting. Looking forward to the next instalment….. Jeff

This is sweet … I really like the paint job and color combo …. A lot of work went into this build. Nicely done. Jeff

This is really cool. There is a local fellow who has his own service truck, its a s/a Cornbinder and is set up almost as Gary says his local one is but our local guy’s truck is a 4x4 which looks pretty neat. It also has the compressor and welding gear as well as the crane. Also has a vise mounted on the rear bumper. I like this build a lot Jeff

JM .. I agree with Rockford … your builds are very inventive, which is a great thing as it shows huge imagination and engineering. I love this build. Also good color choices and your chrome is really good. I am looking forward to your next update. I do hope you are feeling better and on the mend. Keep it coming as this is a really interesting project. Jeff

Oh … that PAINT !!!! ?

Chevrolet should start building Camaros again do this one. Its pretty cool , I owned a ‘79 Z-28 bought new and an ‘86 IROC also new , never ever thought of the combination but this works, and looks great. I bet it would sell. Jeff

I feel bad, I didn’t mean to shame you into adding extras but I have to say they are dead on and are exact in detail. Finishes off that plate perfectly 10/10 ! Jeff

Re chroming turned out really nice , Gary. I like the sounds of your adjustments and I agree about the second set of steps, in this configuration they may be surplus to requirements. Nice clean good looking build. Like this a lot. Jeff

Wow!! Those clamps are perfect !! Really adds realism. Your engine is BEAUTIFUL. I can’t wait for more !! Jeff

Lol !!! Does Strato have a website or just Facebook?

Thats a beauty. ! I hope you do a wip on that. I wish it wasn’t sold out. Jeff

Pictures? Please

You have SO much detail that one or two small things that may not even be seen anyway won’t make a lick of difference. There is SO much to savour with this build as it stands. This is without question a museum quality build. The level of detail you have achieved is spectacular and your scratch building skills are off the clock. When this is done it really needs to have a place of honour for display so many people can enjoy your efforts. Just a random thought ……. Jeff

NO KIDDING !!! I am SO impressed. Those hydraulic fittings are nearly perfect. I have also found their pe is easy to bend and stays put. They have the detail down pat. I am almost not able to build now without it…. It is well worth the money.

My latest order from Paul at STSupplyco

Brian, this looks spot on.... along with the removal of the pintle, Ken and the boys in our shop, also used to remove the glad hands and put caps on the hard lines that protruded through that plate, as well as take the hydraulic quick coupler off and plug the hydraulic line as well, but also sometimes left the quick coupler on and shoved a rag into the receptacle and wired it so it would seal the fitting. Also the trailer ABS and light plugs were left on.... not sure how exactly detailed you wanted to get, but that was part of the winter change over. This was only for the body sander units of course, as the Tenco units could still pull the pup and equipment trailer if needed, we did a LOT of hauling with the pups during winter shift. I love your updates, I was comparing some of it to the real thing I have photos of and your paint is dead on as well as the details..... incredible workmanship.... Jeff

THIS is just plain KILLER GOOD ‘!!!!!!!

I know ….. I need a doctor ….?

Boy, Henry , you sure got that right, these old AMT kits can be a real challenge at times, and sometimes the instructions leave a lot to be desired , but they can, with a little love and patience build up into a real nice replica. But those challenges to my mind are actually ‘modelling’, and not just assembling. Your General is really looking good, keep going as it is gonna look really good when completed.And yes they are addicting, I’m sure you will soon be into another and looking to modify from box stock and be branching out with your new addiction! Looking forward to more updates on your General. Jeff

She is ‘ under glass ‘ now … thanks for following along guys.

Thanks Bill and Gary ! Comments like yours are great motivators, makes me want to try more new ideas and expand my skills. Thanks