Oldmopars Posted October 8, 2019 Posted October 8, 2019 OK, its done. I had a full description, but the stupid "securities" on this site kept giving me a 404 error. I will have to post more in small bites till I find the keywords it does not like. But here it is till I figure it out.
Oldmopars Posted October 8, 2019 Author Posted October 8, 2019 (edited) So, this is my entry into the 2019 Vannonball Run Community Build. My goal with this Van was to build a Van that looked like it was from 1976. I wanted a 4 wheel drive van that could head off the main road should the cops be looking for us. Being a full camper it allows the drivers to rotate out and get some sleep between driving shifts. It also have a full kitchen and toilet so stops can be reduced to get more time on the road. Then, once the race is over the van can be used to tour the country and camp in and have more adventures. I started with an AMT Rescue Van, it is a G20 2wd. This kit is OK, but really lacks details of any kind. There are no interior panel, door panels, etc. I also wanted this to be a 4x4 and it was not. I started with some parts from B&N and Fireball. I got wheels and tires from Fireball and the axles, and front bumper from B&N. I had to remove all the 2wd stuff and build custom springs for the front. B&N also supplied the transfer case. Custom drive shafts were made to connect it all. The body needed a lot of work. I removed the lower trim to give it the older look. I opened the rear doors and converted the side sliding door to 2 hinged doors. The drip rail was and missing body line at the roof were added as AMT left them out. Various small additions were made to the outside of the body that would be on a camping van(water, power, sewer, heater, etc.) I cut in a side window and added a propane tank under the drivers side. Edited October 8, 2019 by Oldmopars
Oldmopars Posted October 8, 2019 Author Posted October 8, 2019 The high top is not from any van kit, it was made out of a top from a MANN truck cab. I had to build it, cut it down the middle to narrow it, then cut it in half and lengthen it. This took a lot of work, but gives the van standing room inside for more comfortable travel. I left ir removable so I could photo the interior. Inside the van is where even more work was done. I created a full camper interior to include a bathroom, sink, stove, bed/couch, table, fridge and several drawers. The front doors received door panels that were missing from AMT design. I also created interior walls for the inside of the van like the real thing would have had. The front bumper from B&N got the winch and "Bull Bar". The paint is all Rustoleum and in colors to match the 70's theme I was after. I finished it off with a large Indian decal and several cation and warning decals on the different doors and propane tank. As for the engine, well it is in there. It is a Stroker 383 (because I said so) with enough performance mods to move this beast down the road at race speeds. However it is all hidden by the bodywork and once sealed up all you get to see is the oil pan and transmission, but I swear it is all there. I spent a ton of time on this one, 10 months and I am mostly pleased with the results. It was a fun build and cool to get to build my dream camper van.
stitchdup Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 cool, i like everything about this. the camper coversion is particularly cool
espo Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 This is a very cool build. The detailing and the body modifications are outstanding. I looked in on your build often and all your hard work sure paid off. This looks almost as real as a real vehicle.
mikemodeler Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 That is very nice and I like the way you finished the interior!
Belugawrx Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 Great work on the interior Scott ! Love the Formica table top
TarheelRick Posted October 9, 2019 Posted October 9, 2019 Excellent build. I watched this build come together and was amazed at the work you did. The final photographs also add a look of realism. Great work.
LouO Posted October 10, 2019 Posted October 10, 2019 I don't know where to begin with the compliments. Great ideas and execution. One question (caution...I might "borrow" the idea LOL)...How did you fabricate the tinted window (near the dining area) ? It looks pretty awesome (period correct) ! ?
Oldmopars Posted October 11, 2019 Author Posted October 11, 2019 On 10/10/2019 at 6:30 AM, LouO said: I don't know where to begin with the compliments. Great ideas and execution. One question (caution...I might "borrow" the idea LOL)...How did you fabricate the tinted window (near the dining area) ? It looks pretty awesome (period correct) ! ? It is just clear plastic that I have for making windows and I "Tinted" it with some spray bumper coating paint. I just sprayed it very lightly
Plowboy Posted October 14, 2019 Posted October 14, 2019 This is a really cool looking van! You obviously put a lot of work into it and it shows. Loads of details! Nice work!
slusher Posted October 15, 2019 Posted October 15, 2019 Outstanding build!! Well detailed and really nicely done!!!
Goose1957 Posted October 15, 2019 Posted October 15, 2019 That came out very nice. Great scratch building on the roof and interior. Jeff
Jim N Posted October 15, 2019 Posted October 15, 2019 Great work! The scratch building is top drawer.
Oldmopars Posted October 15, 2019 Author Posted October 15, 2019 Thank you everyone for your comments. It was a fun build.
DRIPTROIT 71 Posted October 21, 2019 Posted October 21, 2019 Everything about this build is Awesome! It would be Awesome if it was two wheel drive. Making it four wheel drive on steel rims takes it to the next level! Great work! The interior is awesome too!
Rusty92 Posted November 3, 2019 Posted November 3, 2019 Cool build, Amazing how 2 of the same kit can go totally different directions. Love the talent you have. I'm still hoping to finish mine.
Tom Geiger Posted November 3, 2019 Posted November 3, 2019 Very cool build! I was reading your build thread today and had no idea you had finished it, nor had seen this thread! I'm a fan for sure!
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