Goodwrench3 Posted January 10, 2022 Share Posted January 10, 2022 I've started on this kit, and fairly soon into it I've hit a block that I'm not sure what needs to be done to correct it. This is the Detroit Diesel 8V-71 (I think it's the same engine as in the Pete 352 kit). In the photo, I'm holding the parts in place per the locations on the instructions to test fit everything. You can see that there is quite an "angle" on the belt and pulley assembly that obviously isn't right. Anyone had this issue ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldTrucker Posted January 10, 2022 Share Posted January 10, 2022 I did on the GMC Astro kit I'm building. I just opened the hole up a bit, will have to do the same with the fan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodwrench3 Posted January 19, 2022 Author Share Posted January 19, 2022 On 1/10/2022 at 8:59 AM, OldTrucker said: I did on the GMC Astro kit I'm building. I just opened the hole up a bit, will have to do the same with the fan. Thanks for the reply ! I'm guessing then you also nipped off the pin that came through that bracket on the center pulley ? I'm assuming that pulley shaft shouldn't really extend past the bracket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doorsovdoon Posted January 24, 2022 Share Posted January 24, 2022 I'm building the same truck. I didn't notice the leaning pulleys until I seen this post. I'll have to go fix that on mine! I'm working on the cab height at the moment so if you have any questions on your build just let me know or take a look through the pics on my thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodwrench3 Posted January 24, 2022 Author Share Posted January 24, 2022 10 minutes ago, doorsovdoon said: I'm building the same truck. I didn't notice the leaning pulleys until I seen this post. I'll have to go fix that on mine! I'm working on the cab height at the moment so if you have any questions on your build just let me know or take a look through the pics on my thread. LOL... yes the "leaning tower of pulleys" 😉 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodwrench3 Posted January 25, 2022 Author Share Posted January 25, 2022 On 1/24/2022 at 11:12 AM, doorsovdoon said: I'm building the same truck. I didn't notice the leaning pulleys until I seen this post. I'll have to go fix that on mine! I'm working on the cab height at the moment so if you have any questions on your build just let me know or take a look through the pics on my thread. Since you are working on the same kit -- did you have this issue ? The right side rear suspension fits fine on the frame rail (since there is only one pin). But on the left side, the pins in the suspension don't line up at all with the holes in the frame rail. You can see in my picture that the pin is like 1/2 a hole off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doorsovdoon Posted January 25, 2022 Share Posted January 25, 2022 47 minutes ago, Goodwrench3 said: Since you are working on the same kit -- did you have this issue ? The right side rear suspension fits fine on the frame rail (since there is only one pin). But on the left side, the pins in the suspension don't line up at all with the holes in the frame rail. You can see in my picture that the pin is like 1/2 a hole off. oh, that's odd. I had a similar issue. The suspension pins went in the holes just fine with me but the right rear leaf spring hanger wouldn't sit tight to the frame because the hole was too low, the rear most wheel would have been lower than the one in front of it, only by a couple of mm. I just cut the pin off and glued the hanger tight to the frame. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodwrench3 Posted January 26, 2022 Author Share Posted January 26, 2022 40 minutes ago, doorsovdoon said: oh, that's odd. I had a similar issue. The suspension pins went in the holes just fine with me but the right rear leaf spring hanger wouldn't sit tight to the frame because the hole was too low, the rear most wheel would have been lower than the one in front of it, only by a couple of mm. I just cut the pin off and glued the hanger tight to the frame. Thanks -- yeah... typical AMT assembly process... whack off the pins on parts that have them 😉 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodwrench3 Posted January 30, 2022 Author Share Posted January 30, 2022 OK.. that's much better. Shouldn't wear out that flywheel bearing now ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockford Posted January 30, 2022 Share Posted January 30, 2022 I'd forgotten just how bad older AMT kits could be, and yet how we love the things! Looking good mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodwrench3 Posted February 27, 2022 Author Share Posted February 27, 2022 Hi all: I've been away for a while due to my mother's passing. I picked it up again this afternoon and have another question. If you look at the photo, you can see the connection at the top of the water pump doesn't mate with the fitting for it on the piece labeled "water connections". I'm guessing I need to file on the left side of the "water connections" piece so that it will tuck under the back of the front cover and move that piece to the right ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodwrench3 Posted April 13, 2022 Author Share Posted April 13, 2022 Finally working on getting the frame glued. Made a "frame jig" to make sure I get it square, flat, and true. The frame always makes me nervous because I've had some where one rail "leads" the other and then I ended up with rear axles that "dog tracked" or the cab tilting and not landing square on the rear supports, etc. I needed something to help me get 'em square and true. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mopar - D Posted April 13, 2022 Share Posted April 13, 2022 That’s a nice frame jig. I sure could use one like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodwrench3 Posted April 14, 2022 Author Share Posted April 14, 2022 23 hours ago, Mopar - D said: That’s a nice frame jig. I sure could use one like that. Thanks. I got tired of ending up with hoods that didn't close "square" and axles that "dogtrack". I had to do something! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodwrench3 Posted November 22, 2023 Author Share Posted November 22, 2023 Well, a year later and this kit is back on the bench again -- originally parked in frustration with the rear suspension. Working from the other end now. Hopefully tomorrow I can drop the cab on to see how it looks. I know the cab on these Astros look like they sit way too high, so I want to see before I get too far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesBC Posted November 22, 2023 Share Posted November 22, 2023 Looking forward to the build. I learn alot from everyone here, thnaks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodwrench3 Posted November 23, 2023 Author Share Posted November 23, 2023 Houston, I think we need an adjustment. Looks like I need to fiddle with the rear cab supports now. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockford Posted November 23, 2023 Share Posted November 23, 2023 I usually envy you 1/25 guys but on this one I'll keep my snappers. I'm sure you'll make a great job of it. It does build into a great looking truck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jürgen M. Posted November 23, 2023 Share Posted November 23, 2023 Awesome work on that one! Beautiful! 👍😎 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodwrench3 Posted November 23, 2023 Author Share Posted November 23, 2023 10 hours ago, Rockford said: I usually envy you 1/25 guys but on this one I'll keep my snappers. I'm sure you'll make a great job of it. It does build into a great looking truck. I'd be interested in your thoughts/comments. Send a private message if you think that would be more appropriate. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jürgen M. Posted November 23, 2023 Share Posted November 23, 2023 Hi fellas, welcome to the Astro Club! I had all the same problems with my Astro. Like Rockford said, the old AMT's Had a really bad fit. Still, we're sort of pros in modelling. Nothing can make us give up! That frame jig ist really nice. I just use rubber bands, clothes pins and weights to be sure the frame turns out straight. Maybe it's not much of help but the Pete 352 was even worse! Keep goin', doing a great job! 👍 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Straightliner59 Posted November 23, 2023 Share Posted November 23, 2023 On 1/25/2022 at 5:16 PM, Goodwrench3 said: Thanks -- yeah... typical AMT assembly process... whack off the pins on parts that have them 😉 Sound advice for over 50 years!😄 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodwrench3 Posted November 24, 2023 Author Share Posted November 24, 2023 Thanks ! My next quandry -- for the single exhaust, I'm guessing the tabs on the exhaust need to be removed ?? And just attach the exhaust to the air intake pipe using the tabs on it ? The instructions don't show the tabs on the exhaust (parts 228 and 229). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockford Posted December 5, 2023 Share Posted December 5, 2023 On 11/23/2023 at 5:39 PM, Goodwrench3 said: I'd be interested in your thoughts/comments. Send a private message if you think that would be more appropriate. Thanks! I haven't built this kit for about 40 years! I'm sure you'll make an excellent job of it mate, you've got plenty of experience with AMT's ways. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodwrench3 Posted December 5, 2023 Author Share Posted December 5, 2023 Well now the next chore. Of course, the cab sits waaaaaaaaaaay too high on this kit. Looks like it needs to be lowered about 1/8" or 3/16" to sit correctly. Based on 1:1 photos, the bottom of that cab step should be about level with the top of the front tire. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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