1948 Sterling HC 175

[Vince66]

Beautiful work on a one of a kind truck. 

 

Edited July 9, 2020 by Vince66

[Chariots of Fire]

A couple of more pix of progress made.  Deciding it was time to begin the truck body I got out the 0.030 plastic sheet stock and some strip stock of various sizes and went to work.  I adjusted the length to a 10' long body.  Somewhere in the process the sides got wracked so that it was not square.  It was taken apart sufficient to make a new floor and square up the sides and front.  The upper portion was going to be of plastic but the brass is so much easier to bend and when soldered together looks better scale wise.  A tailgate and lifting mechanism still have to be done and there are some details left on the chassis to complete.

[Chariots of Fire]

Got the body lifting mechanism done today.  It's an older style but the photo in the background shows that it was really done at least some of the time.  I would have expected a slightly more modern version of mechanical arms and just the piston but this is were we're at.

The piston in the photo above is in the retracted position.  When moved back the inner rollers apply pressure against the curved runners and move the body up.

And this is where it would be at full extension.

[Deuces ll]

??

[Biggu]

Your engineering and design is fabulous.....I love the box, and the lift hoist mechanism.... I have never seen that type before, I always had the impression that the old iron used the scissor lift set up, this is really cool.... love what your doing ....

[Chariots of Fire]

It surprised me, too, Jeff.  But the photo doesn't lie so that's the way it got made.  Working on the tailgate now.

[Mopar - D]

Excellent build! Always enjoy following your builds. 

[Chariots of Fire]

The work on the tailgate is done.  Although the option of adding a small sliding gate was appealing, I think I will forego it on this one and concentrate on just the basics.  The operating tailgate is taking shape though with the mechanical side of things done and ready to install.  The bottom needs to be painted first though.

In the photo are the latches that go through the end of the body attached to a long rod that is hidden underneath.  The handle for opening and closing the latches is at the corner of the body.  The connecting rod is in the middle.  It will be soldered to the handle after installation to insure that both the handle and latches are in the correct position for operation.

[Flynlo]

Charles, your attention to detail and ability to fabricate them so that they work is amazing!

The lift mechanism is odd...I love it though. Some of those old engineers came up with amazingly simple solutions. Only moving parts are the cylinder and rollers

[Biggu]

I have to well agree with Tim, your engineering is spot on and extremely detailed, and that tail gate locking system worked well , until the guy before you pulled on the handle too hard with a bound up tail gate and bent the rod ! Ask me how I know !!!  LOL!!  Excellent detailing, just excellent.... an absolute joy to watch come together...

[CRUSADER2]

Excellent work!! love the detailing.

[Straightliner59]

On 7/14/2020 at 7:40 PM, Chariots of Fire said:

Got the body lifting mechanism done today.

That dump mechanism is slicker 'n snot! Very cool!

[Chariots of Fire]

Daniel are you familiar with Littleton, CO?  Coleman trucks were made there and they came up with the Coleman front wheel drive.  Here is one with the same type of lifting mechanism.  The real one is in New Hampshire.

[Straightliner59]

35 minutes ago, Chariots of Fire said:

Daniel are you familiar with Littleton, CO?  Coleman trucks were made there and they came up with the Coleman front wheel drive.  Here is one with the same type of lifting mechanism.  The real one is in New Hampshire.

 

I was just there, last night, Charles! I never knew about those trucks. I am going to dig around, and see where the plant was. I would guess just north of downtown Littleton. Your work is exceptional! Thank you for sharing it, with us.

[Straightliner59]

You may have seen this before. A lot of interesting history, here.

https://www.littletongov.org/my-littleton/littleton-history/other-topics/harleigh-holmes-coleman-motors

[Dutzie]

Love to see your build progress Charles, great detail!

[Chariots of Fire]

Body is now painted and the latch and handle are in place.  Still some detailing left to do but we are approaching the end of the build.   Each of the driving chains need an oil container and spout that would drip oil onto the chain to keep it lubricated.  There are also some air cylinders needed as these rigs had air brakes and step on the driver's side.  Mud flaps and tail lights also need to be added.

I decided to make the interior of the body look as if it has been used in spite of its pristine outside appearance.  I left the center portion of the body in primer and then went over it with some Doc O'Brien weathering powders.

[Pete68]

That looks very nice 

[redneckrigger]

Love the hoist engineering! And the truck is pretty cool too! Awesome work, Charlie!

[stenfalk]

I love it! A great piece of truck history, very nicely recreated.

[Dave72]

Very nice truck build! 

[Chariots of Fire]

I can't believe I didn't post the final pics!  So here they are.  I added oil reservoirs above the drive sprockets and put on the mud flaps.  Tail lights and license plate finish off the back.

[redneckrigger]

You have the "look", Charlie..........................absolutely awesome work!

[Fanman]

Charlie when are you going to treat us to some pictures of your collection?

[Chariots of Fire]

54 minutes ago, Fanman said:

Charlie when are you going to treat us to some pictures of your collection?

Can do that any time you like!☺️