Ford L9000

[Fat Brian]

I guess I'm far enough into this that it's going to get done. This build is inspired by the "King of Obsolete" L9000 that was on Ice Road Truckers a few seasons back though I'm making several changes. I lifted the truck a bit and added a sleeper, I'm also going to add an auxiliary transmission, at least one hydraulic winch, and a headache rack. Power is a non-turbo 8v-71 from the 4070A kit with the accessories moved around a bit, the cab and frame are from a Coke delivery truck shortened two or three inches. The wheels are also from the 4070 kit, the sleeper is from the GMC General kit, the rear suspension is from the California Hauler, and the hood is a resin piece from ebay. I bought it thinking it was a Plaskit piece but I fear it might be a copy. The color will be weathered black with gray wheels. I still have to pick the tanks and scare up a fifth wheel, along with building the headache rack.

[guitarsam326]

Great start Brian, anything detroit powered has my vote!

[DRIPTROIT 71]

I'm really liking this build! Everything about it is cool! Detroit power, Auxiliary trans, and a Louisville cab, with a GMC sleeper to boot. Great start on a great project!

By the way Auslowe has some great Ford tanks (Rectangle with the battery box on top), but it takes about 6 weeks to get them. The quality is very nice though.

[Fat Brian]

1 hour ago, DRIPTROIT 71 said:

I'm really liking this build! Everything about it is cool! Detroit power, Auxiliary trans, and a Louisville cab, with a GMC sleeper to boot. Great start on a great project!

By the way Auslowe has some great Ford tanks (Rectangle with the battery box on top), but it takes about 6 weeks to get them. The quality is very nice though.

I think I might rob some out of one of the Mack kits out now, the real truck has big mismatched auxiliary tanks too so I've got a bit freedom.

[towman1271]

 I remember that truck on the show.. Love the idea..looking   forward to this

[Fat Brian]

2 hours ago, towman1271 said:

 I remember that truck on the show.. Love the idea..looking   forward to this

I really liked the idea of the truck, a simple, rugged truck that can survive in the harsh environment at the edge of civilization.

[Fat Brian]

Here is a pic of the actual truck for reference.

[Fat Brian]

I built the auxiliary transmission last night, it's upside down in the pic. The top will be hidden by the sleeper so I didn't detail it.

[leafsprings]

L 9000 project looks great.  Already it is a big improvement over the LN front end. The L was always more popular than the LN,  but leave it to AMT to do the oddballs. IF, the L front end was easily available, I would buy 4 or 5 today.

[Fat Brian]

36 minutes ago, leafsprings said:

L 9000 project looks great.  Already it is a big improvement over the LN front end. The L was always more popular than the LN,  but leave it to AMT to do the oddballs. IF, the L front end was easily available, I would buy 4 or 5 today.

Yep, the kit would be so much more versatile as a regular L.

[Fat Brian]

I think I've finally got the tank and battery box arrangement fixed. I also got the cab and sleeper supports done.

[DRIPTROIT 71]

This project keeps looking better!

[gatorincebu]

 

 veddy veddy interesting. I like what you've done thus far !

 

 

  be Well

  Gator

[cowboy rich]

I'm liking it was wondering if someone would build that truck, like that one myself. I'll be watching for sure.

[Fat Brian]

With the paint drying on the major sub-assemblies its time for details, the dash is almost done except for dry brushing the gauges and a few other things. Because I secretly hate myself I also made functional rain caps for the stacks.

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Very nice work!!

[Jim B]

Those rain caps loom fantastic!  Very well done.

[Fat Brian]

2 hours ago, Jim B said:

Those rain caps loom fantastic!  Very well done.

Thank you, they were quite a pain to do but are a nice touch.

[Fat Brian]

Now that the paint is dry enough I tacked everything together to make sure it's got the look I'm going for. I'm going to have to strip the cab and sleeper, cheap paint betrayed me.

[DRIPTROIT 71]

That looks very Cool!!

[Fat Brian]

Just now, DRIPTROIT 71 said:

That looks very Cool!!

I'm really happy with it so far, it's been an interesting build.

[truckabilly]

Shaping up nicely. Keep on working like that.

[bismarck]

Good lookin rig Brian. 

[gatorincebu]

Nice work thus far. Love your rain caps .You did a great job on them .

 

[Fat Brian]

 

In a new endeavor in self flagellation I've come up with a way to make tire cables out of small jewelry chain and guitar string. I've had to order some cheap bulk strings to get enough for all four wheels so it will be a while yet until I can finish this, hopefully the weather will clear so I can get some painting done.