Search the Community

I passed over this kit when it was last reissued back in the 1990's (I think). Not too long ago, I found the most recent issue at a great price and decided to give it a whirl. I don't now about the older issues, but this one has some slight issues around the rear doors in that the frame area doesn't seem to be 100% formed. No bother though; it's a custom! Anyway, so far, I've shaved the bumpers front and aft; and I split the rear doors into two parts along the vertical center line. The whole folding down rear door thing seemed hookey to me. I considered making the rear doors open, but finally abandoned that idea when I couldn't quite figure a good solution for the hinges. I'll need to snap a photo of the back later. I've also included some "wood paneling" courtesy of the wild, wild web. I found a pattern I liked, download it, made some copies, and hit the ol' printer. Once all is said and done, not too much of it will be visible anyway. I've added flocking to the floor and ceiling. I'm planning to add a "chain" steering wheel from some lowrider parts that I had; and I was considering possibly making a CB for the cab area. I've slapped on Testor's Inca Gold (what, no black for the Vandal? Blasphemy!) Right now, I'm trying to decide on wheels. Should I got with the slotted wheels that come with the kit, or perhaps these "solid" ones that I found in the parts box? (last pic, front wheel) Oh, and the Firestone lettering came from Joseph of Fireball Modelworks. I realize the decals aren't right for the tires, but he does great work, and I liked the look of having something beside Goodyears on the Vandal. (I do, however, have Goodyears on my 1:1 truck, in case anybody wants to know. ) Now that I've been messing with this kit, I've had several ideas for customized Vandals. My favorite, but I'm not sure I could pull it off, would be to swap the entire cab and engine such that it became Right-Hand-Drive. Then, I'd make it a Postal vehicle with "Going Postal" or "Express Mail" or some such markings.

Well, I'm calling it done. It could use some refinement, I'm certain. I actually managed to booger up both the rear axle and the rear door. But, I think it'll look just fine in the display case. I may build another sometime. Might even do it "stock". Anyway....here it is. I switched the steering wheel with a chain unit I found in my spares box. I added a barefoot gas pedal. I used rear tires from some 1/24 Monogram kit or other; and I built up some "struts" using insulated wire and a paper clip. I also shaved the bumpers, filled the CHEV on the back door, and made some "paneling" using my computer. I was surprised how much my take on the Vandal looks like some other ideas I've seen around this site. I hope that's okay. And to top it all off, most of these pictures were taken after a collision between the Vandal and my workbench. Turns out, having no rear-view mirrors must be a bad thing. Nothing too bad, but I had to re-attach all of the doors; and my second go at the struts isn't as cool as my first time. There's too much traffic on my bench! On to the pictures: Side view, showing the stuts to hold open the door. Chain steering wheel: Basic wiring; shaved front bumper: I split the rear doors, and shaved the 'CHEV' on the back. I tried to think of a way to actually open the doors with side hinges; but I gave up pretty quickly. You know, that whole "quick build" thing... Little better view of the "Struts" holding up the side door. And, some very basic engine wiring. No cooling system to get in the way, though. Fancy interior with groovy 70's paneling. Never mind that paint bugger: Here it is prior to the collision on my workbench. Oops. 'nother pre-collison shot: And we're off to build something else!