Longbox55

Here's another site with interior color codes and chips http://historicalcolorlibrary.axaltacs.com/hcl/servlet/com.dpc.hcl.search.HclSearchServlet?Operation=102&carRegion=1&carType=GM

I think Calnaiga Resin might have the front end you need, plus the reissue AMT Bronco and the Monogram Bronco have it, though the Monogram will be 1/24.

Not really sure how the author of that article thinks this is news, Plum Crazy has been available on several Dodge vehicles since '09, mostly Challengers, but I've seen a few Chargers and Rams in that color on the lots, too.

Since that model was part of the Industrial line, the standard color would be Highway Yellow, which was pretty much the same shade of yellow used by other manufacturers on their Industrial lines as well. However, they could be had in colors other than yellow by special order, such as Safety Orange. I have never seen an Industrial Deere in the traditional JD colors, with the exception of some Utility models that have an AG equivalent.

http://s281.photobucket.com/user/Longbox55/slideshow/Cheesburgers and Fun 2015

It's a GM engine, but far from being simply a "metric version" of the Chevrolet 6 of the same time. Yes, there' similarities, as GM did own Opel at the time, but there's enough differences that it is not a variant of the Chevrolet engine. The block and heads are completely different, only similarities I see, other than being an inline 6, is the crank has 4 mains like the Chevy, and the intake and exhaust manifold pots are similar. What kind of engine are you trying to build?

The S/C Rambler has the correct engine, or at least reasonably correct.

I see what you're saying. I didn't realize that they had a little more free reign over their equipment, figured that they were just like any other government contract. Yes, '55 hood with the '57 emblem. Inside the cab, you'll want to use the '55 column and steering wheel, as they are the same on the 1:1. You'll also want to use the engine from the '57, or any non-'55 small block. The '55 engine is unique to that year, and did not carry over. If you were to do an inline, the engine from the AMT '60 Chevy pickup is the correct one.

That is correct. But from what I could find, '66 was a changeover year. I found listings for both style engines being used that year, and the only engine I saw specifically as being available in the Marlin that year was the older engine (the 287). I am going to consider the source (Wikipedia) as possibly not being 100% accurate though. My post was really only intended to suggest researching the subject, if only to make sure of which engine would be correct, or if both engines are correct.

Just something to keep in mind that there are actually 2 completely different AMC V8 engines, which share no parts. From what I can find, and I'm going to look a bit deeper, the Marlin used the earlier V8 in 1966.

I have a can or 2 of the Duplicolor Acrylic Lacquer as well. Not bad stuff, but if the humidity is way up, it takes a while to dry. But it does lay down a nice finish, especially considering it's rattle can. I used to use that Testors enamel clear, it has a definite amber tint to it, and it gets darker as it ages. It'll even get darker in bottle. The Boyds version of it, which isn't being made anymore, seems to be much clearer, with only the slightest amber tint. I no longer use it as a final clearcoat, but I do sometimes use it in Testors enamel, mainly metallic, to get a "candy" effect to them.

My Wal-Mart doesn't stock models, but if my O'Reilly is doing that paint sale, I need to stock up on red oxide primer!

Great work Dan! That really looks super! And yes, there were '65 crew cabs. I'm not sure if they were factory or through a factory contractor. There were requirements in government contracts for them! I remember the US Army and Air Force having them back when I was an army brat in the 1960s. On Chevrolet and GMC, they would be aftermarket conversions. GM didn't build their onw in house crew cabs until 1973.

1959, last year for the Task Force, saw little in change other than trim. A new hood ornament and fender badge, plus a few new colors was pretty much it. The big news for '59 trucks was the addition of the El Camino. The main appearance changes were in the badging. The new hood ornament was a very wide rectangular shaped part, with a thick lower bar and a thin bar surrounding a black field with a red Bowtie in the center. V8 trucks also incorporated a "V" in the badge. The fender badges are now rocket shaped, and mount at the front of the fender. The model number, again in a 2 digit form like '58, is at the rear of the badge. There is also a very minimal change in the grille, the lower bar is slightly thinner than '58. Mechanically, there are virtually no major changes, other than a revised cam profile for the 235 for improved fuel efficiency. The major new mechanical option is the new for '59 (in trucks) Positraction option for 1/2 ton models. The new Positraction axle was a completely different unit than the standard Eaton sourced axle used in 1/2 ton. The axle itself is a Spicer 45, which was more commonly found in the GMC truck. It is a heavy duty variant of the Spicer 44, though few interchange with it. That axle is a somewhat rare part, and is often replaced with a standard Eaton axle in restorations due to lack of parts availability, bearings, brake drums, and parking brake cables, which are all specific to that axle, are not available anymore. I'm not going to go into the El Camino, as it is more of a Passenger car, and really doesn't fit into the information I'm posting. 3134 Fleetside 3100 Stepside Fleetside, rear view. Note the bumper. The rear bumper on Fleetsides is not the same as the Stepside or Panel/Suburban. It is flat, no curve like the Stepside. The Panel/Suburban have their own unique bumper, which is a modified variant of the front bumper. 3100 4x4. This truck is also equipped with the special Anniversary paint scheme. 6400 Viking LCF

1958 saw some major changes in the Task Force line. All new front end sheetmetal, 3 new models in the LD line, new engines for both the LD and HD lines, plus new model names for the trucks, one of which was synonymous with "Chevy Truck" for many years, and even is used by some as the model name for all years of Task Force. Sheetmetal changes were drastic for '58, quad headlamps, new grill, new hood and fenders. The fenders, while similar in shape, are actually wider than the earlier single headlamp trucks to accommodate the dual lamps. They also had some extra sculpting at the front of the fender opening leading into the new much wider grille. The fenders are also 2" longer that the earlier truck, requiring the frame to be 2" longer as well. The new grill is a wide, inverted T shape, with integral parking/signal lamps, and the Chevrolet name spelled out in block letter between the lamps. The hood is narrower, and now has a deeply sculpted recess in the center. The hinges are now attached to the inner fender instead of the cab. The hood badge, at first glance, looks similar to the '56/'57, but the center recess now goes over the top of the badge instead of below. Fender badges are all new as well, with a "jet" theme. The badges also only call out the first 2 numbers of the model, ex. 31 for a 1/2 ton. The Cameo is still available at the beginning to the year, but is phased out by midyear and replaced with the new for '58 Fleetside. '58 is the lowest production year for the Cameo, and among collectors, the least desirable. The new Fleetside is available in both the short and long 1/2 tons, as well as 3/4 ton, and in a 4x4 version for the short 1/2 and 3/4 tons (4x4 was not offered on the long 1/2 ton). New model names are also introduced, Apache for 1/2 through 1 ton, Viking for 1 1/2 ton and 2 ton, and Spartan for the 2 1/2 ton. The Apache name, which Chevrolet used on light trucks through '62, is associated enough with the Task Force body that even if folks ar looking at a '55, they will invariably ask if it's an "A[ache". I've actually had that happen to me at shows. Mechanically, the 283 is now available in all models, and the new for '58 348 is available on HD models. The Loadmaster 322 is also still available, though mostly relegated to bare chassis and School Bus models, as the 348 replaces it in most other applications. A reasonably well optioned 3100 The new for '58 Fleetside, model 3134 1/2 ton. This particular truck also has the extremely rare for '58 bedside trim. Very few '58s got this, most believe it to be a '59 only option, though some possibly late production '58s got it. Last of the Cameo Carrier trucks 4400 1 1/2 ton LCF Spartan w/tandem equipment. Next up, 1959

1957 brought several changes to the Task Force lineup, a few minor mechanical improvements, a new engine for HD models, new grille and badging, new hood, new steering column and wheel, plus 2 mid year changes; long bed 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks got a 6" longer bed, and the addition of a factory installed 4x4 system on light trucks. Externally, not much changed with the sheetmetal, other than a new hood and 2 extra tabs in the grille opening on LD models for the new grille, which is now a double inverted trapezoid with 4 connecting bars above and below holding the center "floating" grille section in place. The hood emblem was the same as '56, with the color scheme reversed. The hood itself is also all new, with the addition of 2 bulges that mimic the similar feature on the Passenger cars. Unlike the Passenger car hood, the Truck hood does not have any standard trim. There were optional "gunsight" ornaments, though. The fender badges are now an elongated spearhead shape, with an offset oval at the rear of the emblem with the Chevrolet name in script and the model number. The oval is filled with red paint. It is not uncommon to see them mounted backwards, even a few got out of the factory that way. Inside, the steering columns are 4" shorter due to the requirement of dished steering wheels for safety. There were also new hubcaps for '57, which were used up to '60. Mechanically, not too much changed other than improvements on the engines. The 2 ton and larger trucks did get a variant of the Passenger 283, smaller trucks would not get this engine until '58. Also new, starting mid year, was the availability of a factory installed 4x4 system on LD models, which GMC had gotten the year before. The system was not designed by GM, but rather was sourced from NAPCO, who was a factory authorized aftermarket upfitter. The NAPCO 4x4 system had been available on GM trucks as a dealer installed option t least as early as 1952 (some source say 1949). The 4x4 system could be ordered on 3100, 3600, and 3800 (1/2, 3/4, and 1 ton, respectively) models, and were only available with the base 6 cylinder, 4 speed transmission, and single wheels on the 3/4 and 1 tons. It was not available on the 3200 or Cameo. Here's a very high optioned '57, with V8, Hydramatic ('57 is the only year with the Hydramatic badge), Full View window, Chrome package, Chrome bumpers, Deluxe Cab, hood sights, and rare factory spotlight. Here's an oddity. Factory 4x4 3/4 ton, equipped with an aftermarket crew cab body. Chevrolet did not make a factory crew cab until 1973, but there were several aftermarket companies that did make them. Most were sold to logging companies and railroads. Another 4x4, this one is a NAPCO conversion, which was still available even after GM made it a factory option. Note this truck is a V8. Since you ordered the truck separate from the NAPCO conversion, a V8 truck could be ordered and upfitted. Cameo. In addition to the regular line changes, the Cameo also got new trim added for the bedsides, as well as it own fender badge that reads "3124". '57 is the only year that the Cameo has its full model number on its identification badge. 6400. HD trucks have the same appearance changes as their LD brothers, except for the grille which did not change. Next up, 1958

Now for the '56. The '56 really didn't see much in the line of changes beyond a few mechanical improvement, new paint colors, and a few trim changes. The big mechanical changes include a new head for the 235 6 cylinder (the famed "848" head), plus the V8 gained a full flow oil filter (the '55 did not have an oil filter standard, the only year that lacks that feature). Other new mechanical changes include the new Powermatic transmission in HD models, plus a new 2 1/2 ton model in both single and tandem axle, as well as Conventional (8000 and 10000) and LCF (7000 and 9000) cab configurations. There was also a new engine for the 2 1/2 ton models, the Loadmaster V8, which is a 322 cid engine sourced from Buick. Also, as with 1955, all LCF trucks, the 5000 plus the new for '56 2 1/2 ton models (7000, 8000, 9000, and 10000) were the only models with a V8 as standard equipment. Cosmetically, the '56 has a few easily overlooked changes, as much of the look stayed the same. The grille has no change at all, but the hood ornament is inverted in shape. The indent, which is the same color scheme, curves around the bottom of the emblem. It also has ribbed pattern instead of checkerboard. V8 models also incorporate a "V" just under the Bowtie. The other major trim change is the fender badge, which is still the same basic shape, but is now mounted above the fender crease. The emblem is not the same as the '55, and they do not interchange, as they are shaped different on the back side. The '56 emblem is also 2 piece, with the split being just before the model designation number. They did that so that the forward part can be used on all models, and only the rear piece needs to be specific. The area around the Chevrolet lettering is also now black, instead of white on the '55. Inside, there were some new interior options, a Charcoal/Black, 2 tone green, and 2 tone blue. Some trucks also have a '56 specific horn button, the jury is still out as to which is actually "correct" as both the '55 button (which dates back to the '54) and the "56" button have been found on known unrestored trucks, as well as spotted in factory literature. One theory is that it might be tied in with the dual horn option. '56 3200 with the chrome package, chrome bumpers, and door handle scratch shields. Note the differences in the emblems. Cameo, fully loaded truck. Note the "V" on the hood emblem. 6400 this truck also has an aftermarket 4x4 system, most likely a NAPCO or Coleman. Close up of the '56 badge, showing the split. New for '56 Tandem. This is the lubrication chart from the '56 manual supplement for the Tandem Axle truck. They used an "over the shoulder" drive system, each axle has its own driveshaft. The rear axle is normally not driven, and is only engaged when the power divider, a combination transfer case and 3 speed transmission, is put into the "puller" gear, or if the decluthing lever is engaged in any gear. There is no center differential between the axles. Next up, '57.

This topic came up a few days a go on HD trucks, thought I'd put together a quick ID guide for both LD and HD trucks, showing the visual differences through the years, as well as samples of the assorted models and differences from LD to HD. Here's a good example of the typical '55 light duty truck, a 3100 1/2 ton. Note that the hood and fender badges, as well as the door handles are chrome, even though it is a base model truck. I only mention this as I have seen a few builds with those parts incorrectly painted when they are chrome regardless of trim package. This one is a little higher trim truck, with both the chrome grille and chrome bumper options, plus the Full View cab. All 3 were separate options, and the Full View window does not necessarily make it a "Deluxe Cab" truck, as that was another separate option. This particular truck is also a model 3204 longbed 1/2 ton, a new model for 1955. It's a combination of 1/2 ton (axles, brakes, wheels) and 3/4 ton (frame, bed, brake hydraulics, rear springs) parts. My own personal truck, which is also a 3204. The Cameo Carrier 3124. Another new for 1955 model, this truck has flush fiberglass bedsides in place of the standard fenders, plus many other parts specific to this model. All other options were available on these, and many were fully loaded. Bombay Ivory/Commercial Red 2 tone was the only option, and it is the only '55 that has an interior in colors other than the standard beige/brown/black combo. Note that this truck is a V8, and also has the very rare (though it has ben reproduced) hood bird ornament. Model 6400 2 ton. The 4000 series 1 1/2 ton is visually identical. Note the badge on the fender. The '55 HD trucks did not use the spear badge the lighter trucks used, they only have the model number. The grille, while it does look great in chrome, was never offered as such. It only came in white, or could be ordered in body color. Most of the LD truck options, including the chrome package (except grille and bumper), Deluxe cab, and full view cab, could be ordered on the HD trucks. 5400 Low Cab Forward. 2 ton rated, but could be ordered as a "Special" with 1 1/2 ton running gear. These were also new for 1955, taking the place of the cabover trucks. There were no Chevrolet cabover trucks bad through the Task Force era. Also, the 5000 series trucks were the only trucks from '55 with the V8 engine as standard equipment. Just a note, I know I put "delete" a little bit ago, but I retract that as I have got the picture thing down. Next post, the '56 model year.

You might take a look in here. http://www.oldcarmanualproject.com/

This one is done using Pearl-X Interference Red mixed into Paint Shop clear. It also has some Cherry Red Recollections flake added in, and is shot right over the black, no different base coat under it. Not really the effect I was after, but it turned out ok.

What you want to watch for with polishing compounds is whether it is paintable or not. Paintable compounds will not have silicone in it, and can be used to polish the base coats prior to clear. I use Turtle wax compounds myself, they've done what I need them to do.

You're going to find that most "glitter" is going to be really too coarse for scale use, and will also clog up your airbrush. Pearl-X, as mentioned by Frank, works very well, and is very fine for the most part. Their "sparkle" metallics are a bit chunkier that their regular pearls, but they only come in gold and copper. They also have a macro pearl that is a white color, but under a candy/transparent color topcoat, it makes for a very chunky metalflake. So far, other than Pearl-X, the only other glitter/metalflake I've found in retail that seems to spray well is Recollections Extra Fine, which so far I've only found at Micheal's. It does ok through an airbrush, but takes lots of coats to really get any sort of noticeable effect, and will take several coats of clear over that to smooth it out. My clear of choice when using any sort of powder additive is Duplicolor Paint Shop, it seems to hold the powder in suspension a little better. even then, it still needs agitated every once in a while shooting to keep it mixed. I tend to use the old "hold your finger over the tip and shoot some air" trick, which backflushes the airbrush back into the cup/jar. I use the air to agitate the paint.

I've used all 3. The Wet Look and Ultra Gloss seem to be pretty much identical to me. They lay down the same, and seem to have the same amount to gloss to them. IIRC, the Ultra Gloss was released first, as part of the Custom Lacquer system line, which as pretty much all factory type colors. The Gloss Clear Lacquer seems to orange peel, or at least that's been my experience with it. it's more or less the same as the old Glosscote that's in the Testors line. While I do have both the Wet Look and Ultra Gloss in my paint arsenal, plus Tamiya gloss and matte clears, my go-to clear lately has been Duplicolor Paint Shop, plus occasionally their acrylic lacquer in the regular Duplicolor line . All 3 seem to work well over the each others base colors, and I do tend to use them interchangeably at times.

I switched to it a couple days ago, so far, so good. Only gripes I have is that it didn't save any of my passwords on my favorites, and I had to completely reset my screen image size. Other than that, it's working great.