'75 Suburban [First post]

[Havamodeler]

Hi guys. Im Derek and welcome to my workshop! 

So Im new to the site, I've been checking things out as a guest for a bit, and i liked a lot of what I've seen, and thought I'd finally start an account and share too. Been building models for a while,  started around middle school and all thru high school, then i had a few years hiatus, and then worked on a few here n there,  and now finally have had some time n space to get back into it again. 

Right now my current project is a bit of a first for me: splicing 2 bodies from 2 kits together. I started off wanting to build just a k5 blazer, but after opening the kit,  i quickly decided i wanted to build something with more detail and this curbside kit just wasn't gonna cut it. So after a debating about it, i decided i was gonna chop up the blazer some more and splice it into the back of a pickup cab n make a 4x4 suburban

I wanted to use the '75 front clip, so i had to swap n splice the corners of the front fenders for the correct body lines. This is about the point i figured out the one problem that will continue to plague me in this build: despite both kits being a 1:25 scale,  they're not exactly the same dimensions. I had to cut the center and remove maybe all of 1/16 inch, if that. And i couldn't fudge it even that much,  so i had to cut my grille, deciding to just remove it all, leaving just the trim and headlight bezels. 

Next, I needed to move up the rear wheel wells to the correct wheelbase. Then, time to fill in everything. Fill in the lines for the Blazer's removable shell, all the joint lines between the two bodies, all the fenders and the roof. ....ooohh the roof. Remember my size difference problem? Well it was in the roofline that its reared its ugly head again. Luckily, in my endeavor to fill in the oddly placed sunroof, i was able to sand and fill enough that it tapered the mismatch enough that i can live with it. 

After days of sand, fill, dry, repeat, i think im nearly done with the body work. I just need to source some extra plastic to reform the rear side doors a little better and rebuild new drip rails. 

Next up will be interior. I hsve a pretty good idea of how im going to set it up, but I need some more materials before i can make more progress unfortunately. 

 

Thanks for lookin'!

Edited October 19, 2016 by Havamodeler
One pic didnt link correctly. Forgot to link another pic.

[mcvickj]

Looks like a really cool project.  Looking forward to the updates.

[carman1]

Very cool, I like where this is going, will keep watching.

[iamsuperdan]

I'm digging this project!

 

[Fat Brian]

Wow, that's ambitious but you're doing a great job on it. I had an 88 Suburban and would love to build it, you have my attention.

[iamsuperdan]

Jsut spent some more time looking at the pics. And I still love the project. Makes me want to start cutting apart a couple of kits I have and finish up an idea I've got.

 

One suggestion, the OCD in me says you need to relocate the rear door handles so they line up with the fronts.  

[Davewilly]

very cool!   Wish they would kit some Burbs...Its cool the 66 is coming out but an 80's and then 90's would be cool also.   I had(1:1's) a 84 4x4 and trhen a 96 4xx4  Loved them both!

[Jantrix]

Outstanding idea. Looking forward to seeing more.

[mikemodeler]

Nice start, like where you are going with this. I just picked up another one of those Blazer kits today at Ollies, might have to consider using two of them like you did here to build a 'Burban!

[Havamodeler]

Jsut spent some more time looking at the pics. And I still love the project. Makes me want to start cutting apart a couple of kits I have and finish up an idea I've got.

 

One suggestion, the OCD in me says you need to relocate the rear door handles so they line up with the fronts.  

hey dan, ya those door handles are buggin me too.. if i can figure out a way to replicate them i just might, but i don't want to end up with shaved door handles on a truck like this. 

[Havamodeler]

Nice start, like where you are going with this. I just picked up another one of those Blazer kits today at Ollies, might have to consider using two of them like you did here to build a 'Burban!

thanks Mike. Ya if i had to do this again (which i might, too many ideas for just one truck lol) i would definitely use two blazer bodies instead of my p/u cab - blazer combo. (I just couldn't wait lol)

[mikemodeler]

Not sure if you have an Ollie's near you, but some of them have that Blazer for $7.99.

[Havamodeler]

Mike, never even heard of them. Only thing i have local is a Hobby Lobby and an RC shop that said they could order things for me.  And the Hobby Lobby here's good for kits but not much else... gonna have to start shopping online reluctantly 

[oldcarfan]

It's looking good! And I wish we had an Ollie's in Texas. All we have is Big Lots and they haven't had any kits for ten years.

[GTC]

Looks great. Might have to try and tackle this myself. 

[mikemodeler]

 

 

One suggestion, the OCD in me says you need to relocate the rear door handles so they line up with the fronts.  

Check with Fireball Modelworks, I think Chief Joseph offers those door handles in resin, probably easier to shave those off and use resin ones.

[Nova-ss]

wow Derek so cool.love your work on the burban.....Chris 

[Nova-ss]

Derek.I see the problem with the grill.I have 74 stepside pickup.the grill insert is set in .it mite be easier to work with.lookin good.....Chris