txdieseldog

Thanks Brian. I'm going for yellow on the cab. Been seeing tons of "Central Transport" exterior post trailers going up and down I-20 in both pup or 53'. I checked their web site and havent seen any COE but its just a good combo.

Update for ya. Got my frame completed and primer on it. It is sitting in front of my GMC Astro WIP listed on another thread.

Second run. Pic#1 the GMC frame next to an original from my new Chevy Titan 90. Pic#2 is mock up of the modified GMC. And Pic#3 is a comparison of the two GM frames against my WIP MACK Cruiseliner with DROM tank. Enjoy guys. Let me know what you think.

OK, this is especially for Brian (Camaro73) just down the road in Big "D", TX. The story goes like this;about ten years ago I bought a Freightliner DD and a moving van trailer to follow it. I decided to build a DROM box on the frame (before I even knew they were called that ) and I had not too far from that time frame purchased this GMC. For get MOMMA there quick moving power, I pulled the Detroit 8V from the GMC and put it in the Shaker. Unfortunely at this point the Shaker is in pcs. from storage damage (one of the few downfalls of the military). Fast forward to the not too distant past.........decided to work on the Ford Louiville. Turn it into a heavier set-up by throwing the GMC tandems underneath it. (It is currently one of my WIP) Now the good stuff. What am I to do with a normal aspirated Cummins with an air box from the Shaker and a single axle from the Ford.......hhhmmmmmmmm........... Took my GMC and hacked the frame, will leave the cab full size for an over the road pup hauler, (recently acquired those too ) have stripped all extra moldings on the frame for air filter placement and such due to the original air tube to the air box from the Shaker. Had to change crossmembers and lower the front motor mount for the engine height diff. Also going to use the muffler and pipes from Revell KW W900. Probably lots more there but take a look and let me know what you think. I needed to add a little more detail if you have already looked......... I shortened the distance between the main rear springs and the over loads due to the frame height diff between the FORD and the GMC, added the over load snubbers, (just cut em off the FORD frame) and replaced the straight I-beam looking cross member just behind the motor with a curved one from scrap bin for tranny clearance. The forum says too many pics. Gonna have to split it up. Final pics in next set.

Leo, I like your train of thought. I could use a truckload full of guardrail.

Brian, looking good. We will have to compare. I am working on a GMC Astro 95 that I was gonna put pics up for tonight. Keep it up.

Craig, its the quick term for BARE METAL FOIL.

Just a little slightly off topic note in time for the holiday approaching. I want to say THANKS to all the members of this forum! your tips and skills rock the house but most of all the fact that you guys all.....I reapeat all, at least in this section, support each other like family, both on the hobby table and off. Someone is having health issues.....you guys are there......work, "Hey it will be OK, hang in there!"......traumatic natural disaster..... It doesn't matter. I am thankful to no end on being able to pop on here and have a clean, enjoyable, and often times informative search in a hobby that I truly love doing. Thanks for being there guys ( and sometimes gals )

I see it as a trucker just trying to get by in the current economy. That box looks like it was added to a standard setup. He have the fifth wheel at the house in the garage?

bandit1, I will have to check. For that one, I had a GMC Astro that I wanted to shorten to a single axle to pull a set of pups. So......easy decision. I swapped the two. The Ford is sporting the tandem setup from the Astro kit and the GMC is sporting the single setup from the original Ford kit.

Hey Steve, gonna have to agree with Highway, well at least to a point. The plow is the same kit with plenty of extras, but the race hauler or box van already has an extended frame. Before I acquired my two plow kits, I already had a race hauler and a box van and I decided to tandem the box van. They say hind sight is 20-20. If I would have known about the plow kit, it would have made my tandem mod easier. Would have made a plow single and put the tandem under the box.

I've seen one on I-20 with "Mesilla Valley Transport" badges. I see their trucks all the time in central TX. They have always been International supporters but I never thought they would start buying the Lone Star that quick. They have lots and lots of Pro Stars.

No problem. Least I could do for a fellow New Mexican...............(even if you were transplanted there ) I grew up in Belen.

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=35758&hl=&fromsearch=1 Here you go Darren.........I found it. Hope this comes through ok.

Darren, I saw a post for a frame jig. Looked perfect for what you are asking. Might be worth searching out. Unfortunately I have no recollection of how far back it was.

I dont need them....but I could put them to use. Justin had a pair that we were working on a trade. But I do lousy with trades! I tend to be a parts horder. (I'll get to that/might need it some day!) I think Justin's tired of me not making up my mind. Don't blame him either.

Was about to cancel this post with the fit it was giving me to get the 2 pics on......but we got it worked out. Gotta cover a volleyball game tonight. Might get it primered depending on when the game ends.

The chassis is finally built. Primer tonight and pics will be posted. Stretched the frame about 3". Added a self steer lift axle to accommadate the frame weight. The DROM tank is sized and ready for piping. Now working on the plans for the "A" trailer. Trying to decide on 3 axle with a 5th wheel on back of a full length trailer, or leave the frame the same length with 2 axles and shorten the rear of the tank. Any suggestions? Didn't get to primer, but did get the pics on. need to put gussets on the sides of the tank so it doesn't look so high and then put in the piping as mentioned. I added a framework under it to house the pipes and it puts it almost to the same level as the trailers.

Right there with ya Tim. 1/16 is just too big for the shelving to start a collection at this point in time. If there was more to build up a collection with, maybe........but too limited at this juncture of my life.

Everyone keeps talking about alot of Internationals. How about a Sterling? It would be cool to build a modern Air Force hauler. Local cargo deliveries. Both on and off base stuff. They have used a ton of the LTL Fords in the past and continued with the Sterling. (It's the new Ford right?) They use some Internationals too......but I would be surprised if they ever pay for a Lone Star. Even a day cab.

Thanks. It answers my question. Unfortunately.....gotta redo the putty. Its enamel. I don't like acrylic. Some people love it but I just can't get used to it. Old school I guess. Thanks again Daniel.

Have learned from here about the wonders of Purple Power. That stuff ROCKS!!! Who knew! Anyway, have only tried on misc. parts here and there. Can anyone tell me what it will, or maybe won't do to Squadron Green Putty? Have an old build that didn't get finished before going to military and it had a rough life in storage. Need to refurbish it and it has a good amount of putty on it. Will the bath take it off, or leave it intact? Thanks in advance.

Darren, I have seen several pics right here in the truck 1:1. Might be a good start. BTW: just a little tid-bit. I grew up in Belen. used to go to concerts and such in Albuturkey! lol

OK. As promised......a few WIP pics. Frame is lengthened and getting the suspension on in prep for paint. Should have a decent size DROM tank to fit on that frame. Will try and update as often as possible. Thanks for looking. Barry

In regards to this build......would anyone happen to have the two end caps from an AMT tanker? Maybe one that got beat up somehow? I have two new ones, of course in good shape being new and all, and one older one that is still good. Would rather not butcher a good one unless I have too. Barry