1977 GMC K10

[Fabrux]

The base kit for this build is the GMC plow truck kit. I'm using a fenderside (correct GMC terminology) bed from an earlier Chevy issue along with the GM truck rallye wheels. I cut down the chassis to have single exhaust and single tank. Like the Blazer I just did, I used a piece from a scrap frame to fill in the crossmember where the second muffler was.

Then I went and cut out the second molded-in battery and filled in the "hinge" openings in the firewall.

One feature that I really don't like about the Monogram pickup kits of this era is the separate rear cab wall. I have glued this one in and reinforced the inside with melted sprue so that it will stretch enough to get the interior tub in but won't break the glue seam. I smoothed out the cab/cab wall transition as it was rather square.

Here's a mockup of how the truck will sit. The bed is from a gluebomb so I've actually had to cut out the floor (to be replaced with basswood) and make my own tailgate.

And here's how it sits now, a mockup with paint.

The color is Testors Aztek Dark Grey. I stripped the wheels and bumper and painted them white; the grille was stripped and painted Krylon Matte Aluminum. As the kit is molded, it has a SBC with a column-shifted manual transmission, so I decided to build this one up as a base model truck. In my mind the engine is a 305. 

[Longbox55]

Looking good. A couple of things you might consider; Adding manual hubs to the front wheels. That would be correct to the part time 4x4 system used with the manual transmissions. Also, if you're going for  an original condition truck looks, the bedwood would be painted flat black. That would be the same on all models, regardless of trim level.

[gatorincebu]

 

   Nice work thus far !

 

 

   Be Well

    Gator

[Fabrux]

My master bedroom is currently undergoing mold remediation, so it's contents are spread out between my model room and my daughter's room; we are staying at my inlaws for now. Modeling is difficult, but I made myself a path to my workbench and I've been working on this truck while the remediation guys work. I have the chassis just about all done, just need to hang the spare tire.

As with the Blazer, I had to fabricate a Y-pipe. I tried a different method, didn't work so well. I cut little slivers and styrene and glued them in the front centrecaps; together with the red paint they look like manual locking hubs. From a distance, anyway.

[mikemodeler]

That is looking great Chris, nice details. I appreciate the tip on the cab backwall, it has bugged me too and your fix sounds like the perfect solution!

That gray with white trim reminds me of the trucks I used to see around the Navy base in Northern Illinois where I grew up, they were that shade of gray and usually were bare bones vehicles.

 

[Fabrux]

All done. Under Glass thread here: http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/112792-1977-gmc-k10/