Little Red Express rebuild

[restoman]

I built this sometime around 1995. While it looked good in the cabinet, the 4x4 ride height and the big block four speed bugged me.

While dusting it off a few years ago, some pieces fell off. Into the box it went, for that "someday" when it'd get fixed.

"Someday" has arrived...

I lowered it, and added some period-looking white letter tires. 

Turfed the big block four speed powertrain and used a resin-cast small block auto, with a column shift. The engine is ready to go in, just as soon as the motor mounts are finished up. Going to add the fresh air intake system, as well.

Working on some clear headlights and turn signals, and some better underhood detailing.

Happy with how it's sitting now.:)

Comments always welcome.

[oldnslow]

Nice looking truck , have a friend that has one .

Is it just me or does it look "off" that the rear wheel is not centered in the wheel opening ? Looking on line at the pics , there are trucks , obviously rebuilt, with it both ways , even and forward spaced . 

 even

forward

?????

 

[David G.]

Looks good.

Do you have a "before" shot to compare it with?

David G.

[restoman]

5 hours ago, oldnslow said:

Nice looking truck , have a friend that has one .

Is it just me or does it look "off" that the rear wheel is not centered in the wheel opening ? Looking on line at the pics , there are trucks , obviously rebuilt, with it both ways , even and forward spaced . 

 even

forward

?????

 

Leaf spring geometry works that way. It's more noticeable on trucks, especially if they sit a little higher. 

Narrow wheels - or wheels tucked farther into wheel houses exacerbate the illusion. 

Angles of photography or short depths of field between the camera and subject affect it, too.

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

Edited April 22, 2020 by restoman

[SuperDave]

How did you modify it to sit lower? I have one in the works as well.

[restoman]

14 hours ago, SuperDave said:

How did you modify it to sit lower? I have one in the works as well.

The rear, I shaved down the spring-to-chassis mount points, and the blocks between the springs and rear end. Nothing fancy.

The front was fast n' nasty: I just altered the wheel backs and used a plastic axle instead of steel, so the axle doesn't go under the engine block anymore.

This will likely never be out of it's display box, so none of the hackery will be visible...

[kelson]

Nice rebuild!, I want to build the same kit,but as the Midnite Express I just need the decals from Ray's kits.

[restoman]

Small block nestled between the frame rails...

Onto the fresh air intake system.

Comments always welcome.

[Bucky]

This is a cool project. Makes me long for the days I owned a real one. Just about the most fun vehicle I've ever had, even more than the '79 Trans Am.

[AmericanMuscleFan]

Nice little truck Mike!  One of my neighbour had one back then so it bring back to me some good memories...  This small block (360 I suppose) looks accurate and perfect for this truck.  Nice stance too!

[espo]

Besides the really bright Red paint, the engine is nicely detailed and looks as it should. 

[MeatMan]

Nice refresh!

[restoman]

Close to wrapping this up. Yay me!

I wanted the fresh air intake tubes for the small block 360, and was going to use Steven's trick to try and replicate them. Problem is, I didn't have any round tubing in the right size, and ordering some would put me two weeks out on finishing up... so, I used solder wrapped with some thin wire and CA glued in place. Not perfect, but good enough for this build. A coat of flat black completes the illusion.

Just the front bumper and some tail gate chains, and it's good to go in it's display case. 

Comments always welcome.

[Bills72sj]

Very very nice. I have two to build. You say the kit comes with a big block or was that something you changed way back when?

[espo]

Very nice redo. I still really like that paint job. Excellent engine detail here. 

[AmericanMuscleFan]

Good trick for the intake tube Mike!  Very convincing and well done, I will be tempted to use this technique on my next projects.  Thanks for sharing!