traditional Posted March 18, 2015 Posted March 18, 2015 (edited) I've just completed this 1/24 model of a basic, stock '58 Chevy Suburban with the factory optional Napco four wheel drive option. In previous years, the Napco 4x4 was a dealer installed option but beginning in '57 it became a Chevy factory option. They all came off the assembly line with the 235' Six cylinder motor and, in '58, all the light trucks (without deluxe two tone paint) used black painted wheels. Although many currently restored versions use chrome deluxe trim, you can imagine that the vast majority of the original factory versions used the basic painted bumpers and trim since these were almost always utility vehicles used in relatively rough conditions by construction contractors, surveyors, and civil engineers back in the day. I started with a derelict diecast '57 Suburban which was suffering from severe 'paint rash' as well as missing some trim, and adapted the front clip from a cheap MotorMax '58 pickup (one that I'd already cannibalized for the Fleetside pickup box on my previous model...a Custom '58 pickup). The original dog-leg door hinges have been replaced by fabricated 'tight-swing' hinges, and the original windshield has been replaced by a fabricated polycarbonate version that tilts back slightly to have the more accurate small roof peak that was missing on the original '57 Suburban diecast. The basic Napco 4x4 front axle and transfer case was from a $19 Walmart M2 GMC pickup that also contributed some of the Suburban's missing trim as well as the 4-speed standard transmission. The paint is basecoat/clearcoat mixed to approximate the original factory Granite Grey. These 4 wheel drive Chevies weren't expected to be overly pretty, but I really like basic work trucks just as they came off the assembly line by the truck manufacturers in the '50s, etc., and the Napco Suburbans are particularly interesting to me. Edited March 19, 2015 by traditional
traditional Posted March 18, 2015 Author Posted March 18, 2015 (edited) Edited March 18, 2015 by traditional
southpier Posted March 18, 2015 Posted March 18, 2015 Fantastic. thanks for the detail pictures, too.
Chuck Doan Posted March 18, 2015 Posted March 18, 2015 This is really nice! Very unusual too. Good job!
randx0 Posted March 18, 2015 Posted March 18, 2015 Looks great! I like seeing interesting subject matter like this , and it's nice to see diecast getting cut up instead of just sitting in the box on a shelf.
mrknowetall Posted March 18, 2015 Posted March 18, 2015 We're not worthy.Outstanding replica, and thanks for the look-see!
tomsheehy Posted March 18, 2015 Posted March 18, 2015 Absolutely fantastic, so subtle, but so detailed. Great execution.
wayne swayze Posted March 18, 2015 Posted March 18, 2015 That looks fabulous! Nice job. I like your "style" of building cool and clean.
Fabrux Posted March 19, 2015 Posted March 19, 2015 I love it! Seeing this kind of fabrication with diecasts really opens my eyes for what is possible to build.
Danno Posted March 19, 2015 Posted March 19, 2015 Absolutely fantastic, so subtle, but so detailed. Great execution. Dittos!
tubbs Posted March 19, 2015 Posted March 19, 2015 really nice job. would be a real neat 1:1 ride. not too sure about that "ball steering" stuff.
migace Posted March 19, 2015 Posted March 19, 2015 I love that Suburban, I too share your interest in these vehicles, and I must say I wish that was in my collection! You did a wonderful job
gatorincebu Posted March 20, 2015 Posted March 20, 2015 Awesome job! I like it. AS I love sedan delivery and panel vans, and also like it when they are 4X4's as well. I often envison these builds. As vehicles used for surfing trips !! Be Well Gator
60s Doorslamr Posted March 21, 2015 Posted March 21, 2015 Once again a superb replica, very well done.
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