Big Dog II ('53 Ford Shop Truck)

[Tommy Kortman]

Some of you may remember the Big Dog I, a 29 Ford that I built as a shop truck for my fictitious speed shop, "Big Dog Speed Shop". Well, I decided to move forward a few years and create the next in line in a series of proposed vehicles that I hope will chronicle the life of the speed shop. Just to bring everyone up to speed, here is Big Dog I.

Big Dog II is an AMT 53 Ford F100 that I was hoping to have finished for the web theme at this years NNL East. (maybe next year). I started by mocking up various wheel and tire combos. Looking for the right "look."

 

 

After settling on a style, I started scratch-building rear wheel wells, and grinding down the wheel backs of the rear wheels. (from the John Mazmanian Willys)

The engine was the next piece of the puzzle. I decided on an early Hemi. I initially wanted to really detail out the carbs, but I was in a time crunch, and after I stripped the kit chrome, the kit supplied carbs looked pretty good.

 

Next came the interior.

 

I finally got the chassis completed.

Edited July 20, 2015 by Tommy Kortman

[Tommy Kortman]

...and moved on to the body

 

 

Finally got the body in paint. This is where I'm stalled. I want to do a black scallop on the nose like So-Cal but I'm afraid that since the green came out so dark, the black won't really show well. I also need to get decals made somewhere for the shop logos.

 

Edited July 20, 2015 by Tommy Kortman

[johnbuzzed]

Maybe use flat black for the scallop?

[chunkypeanutbutter]

Or gloss black with a white pinstripe to divide the green and black.

BTW, what kit did the Firedome Hemi come from?

[John Goschke]

Hey Tommy, the truck looks great! What about Tamiya light Pearl Green for the scallops? Or perhaps Tamiya Green Metallic (though that might be a bit too far to the yellow side of green.)

 

 

[JTalmage]

I'm guessing from the trucks, that the first truck was an early 50's shop truck that was kept around but showing its age, and the 50's truck is a mid 60's shop truck. I like what you're doing.

[Lanny Haas]

WOW very very nice, the tail gate chain is killer. have you thought of using real wood for the bed?

 

Edited July 20, 2015 by Lanny Haas

[espo]

Really like the "Big Dog" and this should be great also. I think John's idea of a lighter shade of green or even a white may look good for your scallops . The slot mags fit well with the time frame of the build.

[bobthehobbyguy]

Very nice start. Great to have a back story to go with the modekls. Looking forward to more.

[John Clutch]

Lookin good !

[slusher]

Looking great. Keep those pictures coming...

[Tommy Kortman]

Thanks folks for the kind words. I am thinking about a white pinstripe to separate the colors. That would keep the colors from fading into one another.

I'm guessing from the trucks, that the first truck was an early 50's shop truck that was kept around but showing its age, and the 50's truck is a mid 60's shop truck. I like what you're doing.

That's pretty much the idea. How the trucks have changed through the years. I'll also change what they are carrying in the bed. I'm thinking this one will be hauling a Ford 427.