Aaronw Posted January 1, 2016 Posted January 1, 2016 I had a number of ideas floating around for this, but also have a closet full of "great ideas" that have stalled for one reason or another, so I'm going to try and keep this simple. I'll be doing the recently re-issued Peterbilt 359 "California hauler" as a logging truck. With the weathering restrictions I'll be building this as it would look for a factory new delivery photo shoot. While I'm not looking to recreate a specific truck, there is a lot of local logging history around here so I'll be using some of that for inspiration. Cummins diesels seem to have been the majority choice for these trucks, so I'll probably be swapping out the 8v71. I'll also be looking for some more aggressive drive tires as well.
Old Buckaroo Posted January 1, 2016 Posted January 1, 2016 This will be a good one, I almost went with a logger after seeing the pics of the old Kenworth you shared. Not sure of the era you are going for but the IH Mixer truck has those old cool looking military type tires which I have seen on many old trucks rotting away in the PNW.
Superpeterbilt Posted January 1, 2016 Posted January 1, 2016 I can supply you with the rear tires from the Paystar kit. Just drop me a line if you want them.
Petetrucker07 Posted January 1, 2016 Posted January 1, 2016 Can't wait to see where you go with this.
Aaronw Posted January 2, 2016 Author Posted January 2, 2016 I'm going to go with a late 1960s / early 1970s look which is what I believe the kit represents. I know there are some good aftermarket tires out there, but I'm most I've seen are too modern. I was actually thinking about tracking down the tires on the Paystar, so Terry that would be awesome, thank you.
gatorincebu Posted January 2, 2016 Posted January 2, 2016 Aaron, That kit is a good choice . A classic truck, and as a logger it should look great. Be Well Gator
DRIPTROIT 71 Posted January 2, 2016 Posted January 2, 2016 Great project!! My favorite era of trucks!!!
rctruk Posted January 2, 2016 Posted January 2, 2016 I like where you are going with this. Nice to have real reference material close at hand.
tbill Posted January 2, 2016 Posted January 2, 2016 this is going to be a cool looking set up, can't wait to see it progress.
jacobus Posted January 2, 2016 Posted January 2, 2016 i follow how it wil bygreat choice this project
Aaronw Posted February 23, 2016 Author Posted February 23, 2016 Ok, I've had a slow start, mostly work but, a little bit of working some time in at the bench around a 1-1 project of mine. My wife went back to work part time which leaves me with my hands full on my days off, at least until the energy fades (and assuming I still have any left). I have managed to get some work done on the truck. I snagged the Cummins 250 out of a White Freightliner SD. Early 70s so Peterbilt was still painting the engines white before they went in the truck. I tried to keep the weathering on the engine to a minimum since this is going to be a newish truck, but also felt the need to break up all that white. The engine will be getting some more work before I'm done with it. I spent some time on the dash, and added service and trailer brake knobs from styrene, as they were lacking and are a fairly distinctive feature. I spent a lot of time debating the trucks colors, I finally settled on IH Red over Ivory, both Krylon colors.
gatorincebu Posted February 23, 2016 Posted February 23, 2016 looks great ! I like the color combo X's 2 That is a good looking color combo And I plan to use that same variety on future builds. Your paint job looks pretty good ! Be Well Gator
Superpeterbilt Posted February 23, 2016 Posted February 23, 2016 Wow that really looks great. Good call on the Cummins. A motor swap adds points in my book. Hopefully you wont have this problem, but I put a snap Pete 3406 in one of these Cali Haulers, and the fire wall had to be moved back a bit. Keep up the good work.
Aaronw Posted February 23, 2016 Author Posted February 23, 2016 Wow that really looks great. Good call on the Cummins. A motor swap adds points in my book. Hopefully you wont have this problem, but I put a snap Pete 3406 in one of these Cali Haulers, and the fire wall had to be moved back a bit. Keep up the good work.I'll check the fit, but since the Ertl era release included a Cummins I'm assuming this will work without much modification. I do expect a little work converting the air intake plumbing from the Detroit to Cummins.
gatorincebu Posted February 24, 2016 Posted February 24, 2016 Aaron, Nice work thus far ! Have you resolved you tire issues? An alternative for the ERTL lug tires. You might look at the two piece tires from the older Revell kits.I think that they achieve that older tire look you seek. I am using them on a couple of my projects. And then there is always AITM , I don't think their tires look too new. Especially if mounted on spoke rims. The other thing you may want to consider. Would be adding a stinger to the rear of the truck chassis. Be Well Gator
Aaronw Posted February 24, 2016 Author Posted February 24, 2016 (edited) Terry (Superpeterbilt) took care of me for tires as well as a heavier suspension both from the Paystar. I am planning on adding a stinger to the end of the frame.Alcoa wheels are quite popular locally. Most of the vintage logging trucks I've seen use them so I'll be using the kit wheels. They will need to be modified to represent the earlier type though. The kit wheels actually seem to be an odd combination of characteristics from both the older type and the modern type, not right for either as is. Edited February 24, 2016 by Aaronw
gatorincebu Posted February 24, 2016 Posted February 24, 2016 Terry (Superpeterbilt) took care of me for tires as well as a heavier suspension both from the Paystar. I am planning on adding a stinger to the end of the frame.Alcoa wheels are quite popular locally. Most of the vintage logging trucks I've seen use them so I'll be using the kit wheels. They will need to be modified to represent the earlier type though. The kit wheels actually seem to be an odd combination of characteristics from both the older type and the modern type, not right for either as is. Glad you got your wheels. The only reason I mentioned the stinger was because you hadn't. be Well Gator
Tesla Posted February 24, 2016 Posted February 24, 2016 That's a nice paint job Aaron and great color choices. The Paystar suspension is perfect for this.
DRIPTROIT 71 Posted February 25, 2016 Posted February 25, 2016 looks great ! I like the color combox2
Canso65 Posted February 25, 2016 Posted February 25, 2016 Off to a great start Aaron. I'm looking forward to seeing all of the modifications you are planning. Time for me to get a pencil and paper out to take some notes!Rob
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now