Longbox55

Where is would be odd is that the government pretty much always went with the lowest price they could on vehicles like that. The V8 would have been an extra cost, and given the torque curve on the standard 235, the I6 is actually the better choice. While the 265 does have a higher torque output overall, the 235 has a relatively flat torque curve, almost like comparing a modern gas engine to a Diesel. There was also fuel consumption, the 6 being far more economical to run. Even on civilian trucks, the 6 is far more common in the Conventional '55-'59 Chevrolets that the V8s (LCF trucks are an exception, all of those are V8, no option). Another variant that would more likely see a V8 in would be the Tandems, which were common with the Loadmaster 322 V8. You make mention of the Dodge trucks from the era, I would suspect the majority of those used for government contracts were 6 cylinder as well, the WM300 Power Wagons would be for sure, no V8 option was available on those. With the GMCs, again, comes down to cost. GMC were more expensive than a comparable Chevrolet. You would have to get into the 3 ton and larger to really see GMCs for government trucks, Chevrolet didn't have anything over a 2 1/2 ton during that period.

That one is a '59. The hood emblem and what you can see of the fender badge is the giveaway. I don't think they are the same truck. The one you posted is not a Napco, but a standard 4000/6000 truck. The badge on this one that is below the model emblem is a V8 badge. Somewhat odd for a government vehicle.

Just for comparison, here's the '55 and '57. '55s http://www.stovebolt.com/gallery/douglas_andrew_1955.html http://www.stovebolt.com/gallery/droege_matt_1955_01.htm '57s http://www.stovebolt.com/gallery/droege_matt_1957_02.html http://www.stovebolt.com/gallery/lowrie_cliff_1957.html Plus, since they are mentioned, this is a '55 1rst http://www.stovebolt.com/gallery/ward_scott_1955_02.html

If you can't find the AMT '27, the Revell '27 Touring body will also work.

The regular issue had the fuel injection unit, I have both kits, the scripts, hardtop, and hubcaps are the main differences. I believe the Prestige version also has a more accurate air filter housing for the carbureted version that the regular issue kit.

It's a '56. Here's the clues that identify it. One, the flat hood. All '57 Chevrolet and GMC trucks have the twin "bullets" on the hood, whether they have the gunsight trim or not. The other giveaway clue is the side trim. That spear, which is 2 piece, is unique to the '56. The '55 2nds have a similar one peice side trim piece mounted lower on the fender, but only on the 1/2 through 1 ton pickups. Big truck, 1 1/2 and 2 ton only have the series number designation in chrome numbers on the fender. '56 got the spear on all trucks, 1/2 through 2 1/2 ton. The '57s have a different side trim, more of an elongated egg shape, with an oval towards the rear of the emblem with the series designation. It mounts in the same location as the '56, though. A third item is the hood emblem. Only used on '56 and '57, the giveaway is the color scheme, '56 is black with a red Bowtie, '57 is reversed, red with a black bowtie. http://www.stovebolt.com/gallery/ensrud_grant_1956.html http://www.stovebolt.com/gallery/droege_matt_1956.htm

I should be fine, then. My "new" vehicle is an '85, and the daily driver is a '55!

So, most of us know about the old tire sanding tool made from a bolt trick. For those who don't know about it, basically, it involves cutting the head off a 5/16 or 3/8 bolt to allow it to be chucked in a drill, then trapping the kit tire between a couple of nuts and washers. Well, I was sanding some tires a few weeks ago, and having a little trouble keeping them square on the arbor. Got me thinking "This would work better if there was a good way of centering it. Like if it has a cone like a tire balancer or brake lathe uses". Did a little thinking about how to make a cone, and after a little trial by error, this is what I came up with. As you can see, it's not really much different, only replacing the inner nut and washer with a cast resin cone. Here it is with a tire installed. Fabrication was pretty simple, once I figured out a good way to do it. For the cone, I used a small funnel for the mold, packing the bottom of it with non hardening clay. Originally, I has intended to simply cast the cone, the drill it, bt decided that casting the bolt shank in the cone would work better. The bolt was centered into the funnel, with extra clay packed around the threads up to the level of the bottom of the taper of the funnel. I also checked the centering with a fender washer placed on the bolt higher up. Once satisfied with the position, resin was poured, then the fender washer was replaced on to hold t centered. Some minor trimming after, and cleaning up the threads, I now have a tire sander that will positively center any 1/24-1/25 passenger and light truck tire. Nice thing is, if I need a larger one, it can be easily made with the same procedure, just higher up in the taper of the funnel. It also came in handy for truing up the tire shown in the pic. It is an M&H from an AMT tire set, and I was pretty shocked at how out of wonky it was in the tread. It's now perfectly true, and has a nice even sanded surface. I'll add some more pix, as I am planning to make a larger one for 1/16 scale and larger truck tires.

YEs, AMT actually did make a stock '76. Much of the kit is actually the same as the pro street version.

That's the one! Just finished building that kit a few weeks ago. I was aware of what was in the box when I got it, though. Had an original issue of it when I was a kid, so I knew what I was in for.

That is correct for Passenger cars. It was dropped mid year. However, the 409 and the 348 were still available in '66 in medium and heavy duty Chevrolet trucks.

Neat. Many older Revell kits have a very similar drum brake backing plates, mostly the old opening everything kits.

They are also identical to the wheels from the PMC '57 Chevrolet passenger car promos.

Esso is still pretty common outside the US. However, in order to maintain the rights to it here, they have to put the name on some sort of product sold in the US.

X3. Just for the record, I like these posts from Greg as well,

Upon further review, you're correct, I was mistaken. Could have sworn I saw that EFI setup in the sedan and 3 window kits (I don't have the roadster). Just checked them, not there.

No, they all have the EFI. Some of them do also have a 4bbl carbureted intake as well, and may not show the EFI on the box art. But it is present on the trees.

I have a a pair of the rear wheels and tires shown on this box art from one of these kits. Not sure what became of the rest of the kit, it was one my Dad had back when he was in high school around the early '60s. I'm not sure who did the measurements to scale it, but those wheels almost have to be 1/20th scale, rather than the 1/24 stated on the box. I measured them to check the scale, they come out to be a 19" wheel in 1/24. Did a shrink mold of the wheel, got it scaled down to a 16.5' in 1/25, they make great truck steelies.

All of Revells '32 Fords, except for the Rat Roaster, have this engine.

If you're still looking onto getting one, go to Menard's. They have them for about $9. Much better that the $20-$25 on Amazon. I picked up one today, haven't tried it yet. Other than the the nozzles, it's pretty much the same as the refillable sprayers that shops use for brake/carb cleaners.

In my case, it was a neighbor, Mr. Potter, that lived a block or so away from me that was a vintage car collector. He also had a 30s Buick, a '64 'Vette coupe, and a '48 Chevy 4 door. He was the original owner of the Crosley. At the time, I was looking for a vintage car or truck to restore, really wanted a '55-'59 Chevy or GMC truck or a Tri-5 Chevy. Hear from one of my dads cousins that Mr. Potter was thinning out his collection, and had the '48 Chevy for sale for $800. Went up to talk to him, yes, the Chevy was for sale, but for $8000, more than what I had to spend at the time. But the Crosley was also for sale, and it was the one he wanted $800 for. I considered it, but decided to pass and keep looking for what I was really after, which I did eventually get.

The Vacation movie isn't a remake, it's a sequel. Only this time, it's Russ and his family.

Did you get it all from the same source?

You know, as big as US style hot rods and customs are getting in Japan, I'm somewhat surprised that none of the Japanese kit companies haven't gotten into that subject matter. Granted, they may have a Japanese flair to them, but that's something that could be dealt with easily.

Forgot all about the Crosley! I almost bought one once, too.