M-715 Pickup

[cobraman]

Looks like it's coming along nicely.

[1930fordpickup]

Thank you for the answer Charlie. I am enjoying another one of your builds. 

Edited January 18, 2022 by 1930fordpickup

[Chariots of Fire]

Adjustments have been made in the wheels.  I used some Tamiya "German gray" for the tire color.  Tires are not jet black, especially the sidewalls.  The part that is in contact with the pavement is darker because it is constantly being worn away just a little but not the sidewalls.  The wheels were modified to a 6 lug design rather than the original 5 lugs that were on the Power Wagon that I originally took the wheels from.  The 5 lugs were cut off and the surface sanded smooth.  Then I traced around a hexagon pattern that is on a circle template.  A hole was drilled at each angle point and a piece of brass wire was glued in.  Then #15 fusion beads were dropped over the wire and superglued.  Then the wire was cut close to resemble the studs.  The front wheels are done.  The back ones needed to be done at the time of the photo.

[hct728(Bob)]

Very nice detailing on the wheels and tires! Thanks for the How-To, looks easy once you see how

[Chariots of Fire]

Here's an updated photo with all wheels finished.  The underside of the body was given an initial coat of dark green OD paint.

[hct728(Bob)]

I was kinda hoping you would pretty it up with red paint and some bling, LOL! Pretty basic transportation, esp. considering how flashy those woodgrained Wagoneers were back then! Nice steady progress, and looking good!

[Chariots of Fire]

This one will be somewhere in between, Bob.  It's a special build with certain specifications that will become apparent eventually.

[Chariots of Fire]

Getting ready to make up the top.  The framework is done except for some cleanup of the joints.  The engine is also done.  Things are coming right along now.  The gnomes have been busy but will take a well-deserved day off for now!  That first photo is lousy, I know!  Have to brush up on holding the camera steady!

[NOBLNG]

Looking great Charles! Your attention to detail is inspiring.?

[hct728(Bob)]

That engine looks great in place, neat workmanship everywhere else too, very impressive!

[GLMFAA1]

When will you run out of O.D.? Nice job as usual. What does this match up to? I like the German gray on the tires.

greg

[Chariots of Fire]

The color is picked.  This one in the end will be in service as a surplus piece doing duty in another capacity.  No, it's not going to be a fire truck.?

[mikemodeler]

Another great work of art Charlie, as always very impressive on how you improve or make what you need for it to be accurate. Always enjoy your projects.

[Chariots of Fire]

Thank you Mike.  I appreciate the kind words.

[Chariots of Fire]

The top work is nearly done.  It's not connected yet, Just sitting in the rear pockets.  It has to be secured at the windshield.  Two ply facial tissue and some white glue/water mix and it is done.  Just have to get it painted now.

 

[hct728(Bob)]

Hmm, you opted for the soft top version, guess this one won't be doing any brush fire duty, LOL! I assume these don't have any top fasteners, those were a neat detail on your previous build. That's a nice technique I plan to try, it looks great!

[Chariots of Fire]

2 hours ago, hct728(Bob) said:

Hmm, you opted for the soft top version, guess this one won't be doing any brush fire duty, LOL! I assume these don't have any top fasteners, those were a neat detail on your previous build. That's a nice technique I plan to try, it looks great!

No brush unit, this.  No visible fasteners either.  A very basic build but for a specific purpose.

[Chariots of Fire]

Worked some on the front of the cab today.  Waiting for the big snow storm tomorrow.  Made a mold for the headlight surrounds and got the front bumper done with tow eyes.  Then the grill was done using brass wire.

 

[Paul Payne]

Another great project! Curious about the special project status of this build!

[Chariots of Fire]

On 1/29/2022 at 9:17 AM, Paul Payne said:

Another great project! Curious about the special project status of this build!

It may become clearer after the build is complete!☺️  If not, I'll let you in on it.

[hct728(Bob)]

Such neat work on the grille guard and bumper, love the little loops cut into it! Nice details everywhere, sharp when made out of brass, too. Gotta ask why the separate headlight surrounds though

[Chariots of Fire]

1 hour ago, hct728(Bob) said:

Such neat work on the grille guard and bumper, love the little loops cut into it! Nice details everywhere, sharp when made out of brass, too. Gotta ask why the separate headlight surrounds though

That's the way they were done and I did not have any to use from the kit.  The kit grill for the Gladiator is altogether different and the headlights are square.

[Oldmopars]

I really love this truck. I have always wanted a 1:1 of these. Around 1996 Uncle Sam sent me to Egypt with our C141s. We were helping to train the Egyptian army load and unload the planes. They had a bunch of these trucks, but they were new. Turns out that the designs were sold to Korea and they were making them from old Jeep tools and designs, with new parts. I also had fun running around the desert outside of Cairo in a 2 1/2 ton fuel truck. Good times. 

Keep up the good work on this. I love watching you build these things as I always pick up tips and tricks to improve my builds. You help push us all to improve our skills.  

[Chariots of Fire]

We're almost done.  The interior is nearly complete and the top has been changed a bit to represent a dirty white top.  Headlights and such are in place.  Just a bit more tweeking here and there and it is a finish!

[Chariots of Fire]

Got rear view mirrors on today along with the side windows.  We are almost done with this project.  Two or three details still to go and then we can call it good.