Father-In-Law's 1940 IHC Log Truck Replica

[redneckrigger]

My father-in-law's health, (he just turned 92), has taken a turn for the worse. He is bed bound, and has lost most of his short term memory. But, he can still remember his younger days, and often talks about his days back in the late 40's and early 50's when he traveled with his brother from Vermont to the Northwest in Washington, and worked as truck drivers. They hauled many loads of Willys vehicles from Toledo to Seattle. They hauled almost anything they could find a job doing. But, by far, his most fondly remembered job was as a log truck driver, having purchased a 1940 IHC D Series truck, a former Mayflower unit, and set it up to haul logs. It was a single axle truck with a five speed transmission, and a three speed auxiliary transmission and two speed rear end. It had a bunk for logs and had a single axle pup with a bunk to haul the longer logs, somewhat like the Peerless log trailers of today. Since he really remembers this so well, and loves talking about those good old days, I figured I'd try to replicate that truck, as a present to him, as something he can remember and identify with.

I started with a First Gear 1938 IHC D Series pickup. I took it all apart, and painted it matte yellow. I used a frame from a Ford C Series truck, and parts box bits and pieces to try to replicate the truck he had, as shown in one of the photos. This is a curbside build, but I put as much detail into it as I could. Unfortunately I figure I don't have too much time to get this done, so I am rushing as much as I can to do so. I still have to do the bunks and the pup, but it has at least a passing resemblance to the photo I have. I will be weathering this to the best of my abilities, (NOT one of my strengths), and have to put it all together yet. Here also, is a rough mockup with it just set onto the tires. Have to do the chrome trim on the hood and grille, but most of the fine detail work will be muted with the dust and rust.

 

 

 

Edited April 15, 2019 by redneckrigger

[Jim B]

Cool conversion.

[Dave Van]

What a great project!!!  My grand father drove a MACK AC and I need to build a replica too. 

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Very nice project with a great story! Looking forward to seeing more!

[Flat32]

No better reason to build a model than that.   The time you spend with him asking questions that remind him of days he enjoyed benefits everyone more than you may realize.

Don't wait until the last minute to source the logs.  Perhaps your wife could help with that.

Outstanding truck. I like vintage ones most of all.

[redneckrigger]

 

Got the truck all done except for weathering, but I am going to wait on that. Going to visit Dad tomorrow morning and bring the truck to him. The weathering and the pup can wait. I am hoping this gives him some pleasant memories. I do know he is always happy when talking about those days on the West coast with his brother and this old truck. I do think this may be my most rewarding build I've ever done, and definitely the quickest, having just started this yesterday. Hope I get it there on time.

 

Edited April 16, 2019 by redneckrigger

[DRIPTROIT 71]

That looks AWESOME!!!! You've really done a great job on this!

[Vince66]

Nice build he should be happy to see it if that's the time frame he remembers .

Thoughts are with you. 

[Gramps46]

What a commendable project.

[ChrisR]

Very nice!

[gotnitro?]

Very nice replica Tom ! 

[mredjr]

Nice job! I hope it brings much joy.

[DrKerry]

Great build!!! Hope it put a smile on his face!!!

[redneckrigger]

Got in to see him first thing this morning. He was confused and only semi alert. BUT, as soon as I showed him his truck, his eyes lit up and he then went on for an hour about that truck, how it worked, and how the pup trailer was built. It was an amazing transformation. We had a great talk about all sorts of things, log trucks specifically, and I think that the purpose of the build was met. He is a great guy who is nearing the end of his road on Earth, but is ready to continue his journey. Thank you to all whose thoughtful comments surely help at this time. I am going to try to get the trailer done next, but the main purpose has been achieved, that of giving Dad something he can hold onto in his memory, and enjoy. Thanks everyone!

[bigred63]

Awesome truck, as long as it makes him happy, and brings back good memories, you did it Right! Remember, a Smile is worth a thousand words.

[redneckrigger]

11 minutes ago, bigred63 said:

Awesome truck, as long as it makes him happy, and brings back good memories, you did it Right! Remember, a Smile is worth a thousand words.

Exactly! And he was smiling as he recalled those days gone by!

[dsldriver]

Tom, 

Great story, and a great build, especially considering how fast it was done! I'm glad that he was able to see and enjoy it, and share some more memories with you.

[afx]

Great project and you're doing it for a great cause.

[TECHMAN]

FANTASTIC BUILD!!!!   And it couldn't have been for a better cause...…   Hats off to you!!!

DJ

[redneckrigger]

Got the pup trailer all done, and have posted the photos in "Under Glass". Thank you to all for the great comments. This one build, more than any other I have ever done, has meant the most to me. Dad is fading fast, but when he sees this truck build, he has moments of clarity, and actually smiles. Awesome!

[Chariots of Fire]

Hey, Tom.  Nice project.  Can I suggest some simple weathering techniques for you?  Overdone is usually what is seen but with just a bit of easy stuff the results can be very significant.  Get one of Tamiya's small weathering kits that has three colors in it.  Actually there are two.  They are called Tamiya Weathering Masters.  One has orange rust, gun metal and silver.  The other has a dull yellow, gray and green.  They come with a small applicator with a sponge on one end and a brush on the other.

Try the gun metal or silver on the running boards, door handles and the doors where you might close the door with an open window; any place where there would be obvious wear.  The sponge works best for this.  The orange rust might be used on the edges of the fender openings and the edges of the bumper.  Maybe the yellow and silver on the rocker panels under the door where it opens showing wear.

Try the gray on the wheels, especially at the edges and around the lug nuts.  Apply some weathered black to the face of the tires (Master Modeler acrylic)

If you want a bit of rust at the edges of the hood where it meets the cowl and radiator shell, try some acrylic rust color and some water diluted with detergent.  The detergent reduces the surface tension.  Wet the brush with water and a very small amount of the rust color, touch it to the edge of the closed hood and allow it flow down the edges toward the bottom of the hood.  Use a paper towel to sop up the excess.  Let it dry on its own.  Run some along the center hinge of the hood.  Best to experiment with this as too much color and the effect is lost.

Just some suggestions to try out!

[redneckrigger]

Will give it a go this evening. THANKS!!!

[DrKerry]

Very nice, glad it brought him as well as you some joy to be able to talk about a common bond between the two of you!! There are days I'm glad my dad and I talked about arrowheads and Indian culture in his latter days, it's something that I keep near and dear in my heart and mind knowing we shared the common bond!! It's also something that he took with him, as well as your father will take with him!! God bless you all!!

[dimaxion]

You are to be commended sir . It did awake the remaining memories he has . It is difficult not remembering ! Excellent re-working BTW .. Wowser by all means .. I admire this build . I admire more the Memories and Bond is created . After all is not a Model a 3 D Memory eventually you can see . That is as long as you preserve it . Thanx ..

[redneckrigger]

Thank you so VERY much to all for the great comments.............this was absolutely my most rewarding build ever!