landman Posted July 7, 2017 Posted July 7, 2017 Wow! Somehow I had missed this one. That is a fascinating project. I have to learn some of these techniques.
Chariots of Fire Posted July 8, 2017 Author Posted July 8, 2017 I'm still working on how to perfect the top of the cab. It has been a project to fill, sand, fill some more and work at the shape. I think it is almost there. Any advice you can give to improve it would be appreciated. I have the cab sitting on a 4x4 chassis just to see how it looks. The front springs are too long and the tires are only temporary but the height above the ground is as it should be, or at least that is how one truck sits that I was able to measure. Tires on it were 7:50 x 20's and the top of the fenders was 53" above the ground. Both are just about right in scale.
Wagoneer81 Posted July 8, 2017 Posted July 8, 2017 I'm comparing your work to pictures of the real thing ... You're getting very close! It's looking really good. The brow looks right.
DrKerry Posted July 9, 2017 Posted July 9, 2017 I think it looks pretty darned good!!!!! That is awesome looking!!!!!!!!!
Chariots of Fire Posted July 13, 2017 Author Posted July 13, 2017 (edited) Been making some minor adjustments to the top of the cab and I think now it is there! Study of the photos of the real thing from various points of view gave me a better feel for what it should look like. The hood also has been shortened a bit to draw it back. The separation line between the center piece of the hood and the butterfly sections has been cut in. A third try at a buck for vacu-forming the windshield finally gave satisfactory results. It was carved from Renshape and coated with Aero-Glos dope to really smooth it out. The windshield fits nicely behind the brass molding without any glue. And finally some interior door panels have been made and the dashboard basics are done. The dash will fit inside up against the bottom of the brass molding. Next are some interior fender pieces. Edited July 13, 2017 by Chariots of Fire photo location
Warren D Posted July 13, 2017 Posted July 13, 2017 This is looking great. Hope you are able to get it cast.
DRIPTROIT 71 Posted July 14, 2017 Posted July 14, 2017 Top notch!! I've been wanting to see one of these for a while!! Great Work!!
Chariots of Fire Posted July 17, 2017 Author Posted July 17, 2017 (edited) Still working on the windshield. I raised the top portion 1/16" and it looks a bit taller which I think is more correct. Going to let it sit for a while and see if I feel the same about it in a couple of days. Still some cleanup to do. It's amazing what shows up when you take photos! Hosted on Fotki Hosted on Fotki Edited July 17, 2017 by Chariots of Fire
mikemodeler Posted July 17, 2017 Posted July 17, 2017 Looking good, anxious to see this one closer to being done. Awesome scratch building as always!
dodgefever Posted July 17, 2017 Posted July 17, 2017 That looks closer. Comparing with your reference photo in the first post, it appears that the windshield curves up as it wraps around, following the crown of the roof, so the top rubber lies above the upper door line. It could stand to be raised a little more? You've done an outstanding job here.
Chariots of Fire Posted July 17, 2017 Author Posted July 17, 2017 I think I'm done with the adjustments. It does need some cleaning up around the edges though. Getting closer to the possibility of having it cast.
Rob Hall Posted July 17, 2017 Posted July 17, 2017 Looking good..always liked the Loadstars...rode in a school bus with a Loadstar front in the 70s, and a neighbor had a red Loadstar stake truck on his farm for years...
Chariots of Fire Posted July 27, 2017 Author Posted July 27, 2017 Well, I think we are there. The Loadstar cab is finished, the door panels, dash and floorboard are done. I've been talking with Dave Natal of AITM and he has agreed to look it over for casting. I will keep you posted on progress.
mikemodeler Posted July 28, 2017 Posted July 28, 2017 Looks fantastic Charles, sure hope he can cast it for you. What truck are you suggesting to use for the chassis?
Chariots of Fire Posted July 28, 2017 Author Posted July 28, 2017 The Ford snowplow kit has the right spring arrangement for a single rear axle. The frame cross members would have to be changed up. But the front springs are a bit too long as the front spring attachment is right behind the fenders. So some substitution might be in order. Some exploring on line for IH chassis photos would be best to see what might be matched up the best.
DrKerry Posted July 28, 2017 Posted July 28, 2017 Job well done Charles!!!!!!!! Looks awesome!!!!!!!!
JUNK-MAN Posted July 28, 2017 Posted July 28, 2017 (edited) Wow! looks great, There is one of these trucks for sale a few miles away with a full tandem axle semi frame under it and a fifth wheel carrier. Do you plan on going with a body (wrecker, service body, flatbed, etc.) or just a fifth wheel? Again, awesome work! Edited July 28, 2017 by JUNK-MAN
Chariots of Fire Posted July 28, 2017 Author Posted July 28, 2017 These trucks were used for just about everything. If casting works out there are multiple opportunities for various builds. Mine most likely will be for fire apparatus and then as a wrecker. We'll see what transpires with the casting work.
redneckrigger Posted July 28, 2017 Posted July 28, 2017 THAT is awesome................I used to run one of these plowing YEARS ago.............spot on! Would LOVE to have a casting of that!
mikemodeler Posted July 29, 2017 Posted July 29, 2017 The Ford snowplow kit has the right spring arrangement for a single rear axle. The frame cross members would have to be changed up. But the front springs are a bit too long as the front spring attachment is right behind the fenders. So some substitution might be in order. Some exploring on line for IH chassis photos would be best to see what might be matched up the best.Thanks Charles. I wonder if the recently reissued Louisville Hauler would work? That has a longer frame but is a single axle and I don't think the engine is close to being correct but might be a better start, no?
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