72 F100 step side short box

[Plain-O-Dude]

Yeah, I know, I know, what about that other post I started on the 65 4x4 dump bed?  Still pondering (procrastinating) on how to do the dump bed hydraulic ram.  And these past few weeks have been a little hectic. 

I had also been working on this '72 step side at the same time. You know "ponder" one project while working on another... This project is based on a truck sitting in the area for several months a while back.  Kept seeing it and finally got some photos of it before it disappeared. It was just begging to be modeled.

 

I am using the Moebius 72 F100 Sport Custom but changing out the bed (box?) with the step side box from the 66 F100 Flairside kit.  This is kind of along the same conversion as Dave Toups did on his 70 F100 stepside 4X4.  Not a 4X4 but it is pretty close to the same.  I have filed and sanded off the chrome trim areas from the cab.

 

I reworked (not recommended) the box sides so I could add the wood buck boards as seen in the photo.  Milled off and rebuilt the pockets and extended the angled tops.

 

 

I think I have the basic buck board configuration figured out so I don't have to ponder about that anymore.

 

Now to get up the nerve to follow Dave's lead and redo the back wall of the cab.  That involves two cabs being chopped up and reworked.  Also need to decide what to do on the tie rod linkage.  Making a brass tie rod isn't the issue. It is the linkage to the spindles.

Also leaning toward going with a straight six vs the V8.  Make it simple looker or a sleeper (all engine-nothing else)?  So many decisions to ponder over...

Thanks for looking, I will try to make better progress on this and the 65 4x4

Keith

 

[TransAmMike]

Sleeper would be my choice Keith. Not to sure about the "buck boards" but it should be a cool truck.  

[Plain-O-Dude]

Thanks for the input Mike!  OK maybe buck boards isn't the right name for those. Bed side racks maybe?

Was able to tackle the tie rod replacement.  Was actually easier then I was thinking it would be.  There wasn't much material on the ends of the plastic one so pinning the ends together would have left weak joints.  I fashioned a brass one from .047" brass wire and flattened the ends.  A .028" hole was drilled to accept a .025" straight pin.

It isn't exactly the same, just a representation. Finished assembling the front suspension with new tie rod in place.   I think it will hold up to my clumsy hands.

Time to tackle the rear cab wall.

Thanks for looking.

Keith

 

[Rusty92]

Great work so far. 

[hct728(Bob)]

I did steerable wheels on mine too, but no way they’re that realistic, even your tie rod look right, great job!

[deuces wild]

Love it!.....?

[cobraman]

Looking good !