1950 Chevrolet 3100 USFS "Chief's truck"

[Aaronw]

Over at the Scale Fire House we started a "Chief's vehicle" group build. This is my part, a 1950 Chevrolet 3100 used by a US Forest Service Assistant Fire Control Officer, more or less the Forest Service equivalent to a city fire departments Battalion Chief. I've had this AMT snapkit in the stash for quite some time, I bought it shortly before the full detail kit was re-issued. Since this is going to basically be a straight up 2wd pickup, it seemed a good time to get it out of the stash, saving the glue kits for more ambitious projects. I find snap kits great for breaking a slump and I've been in a pretty decent slump as of late.

The kit

 

My inspiration (a 1954 Chevy)

 

First thing I needed to convert the 5 window cab to a base model 3 window using a bit of epoxy putty.

 

Got some paint on the cab, and fabricated some brass railings for the bed. Cab paint still needs some polishing, but will need to cure a few days first.

 

[Jim B]

Looking really nice, Aaron.

[wayne swayze]

Nice job on the railings! I'll be following your build.

[gatorincebu]

Looking real good Aaron . I like your brass rails.

 

 

  Be Well

   Gator

[crazyrichard]

stunning !

[GLMFAA1]

Nice build, I see Charlie has been an influence, Did you have a mandrel for the bends or done by hand?

greg

[Aaronw]

The brass is solid rod, so I just bent it carefully with a pair of channel locks. Five pieces in total, the lower is sort of a long "L" the upper a funky "J", and a straight piece ties the two sides together. Charlie was a big influence as he has been kind enough to answer my many questions about working with brass.

[Sam I Am]

I have always built my pickups as street/hot rods. You are making me rethink the whole work horse thing. I am really liking it.