3D 1953 Studebaker pickup + MPC 1984 GMC 4WD

[89AKurt]

14 hours ago, David G. said:

Excellent progress Kurt!

Could the mystery part be a heater box?

David G.

Looks like the hood latch.  No matter, I made a heater box. 🙂

Made cup holder, handbrake from styrene, aluminum plate, and a cut-up shirt pin,.  The heater box is Corian®, which is totally imagineered too.

Disassembled everything to prepare for paint.  Cleaned up some parts, improved the front shocks, drilled spark plug holes in the block, etc.   What a messy bench!   I have cleaned up in preparation for clean parts paint and assembly.

Shocks going through the floor pan wasn't cutting it for me.  I was surprised how much I have modified the chassis, now that it's bare of parts.

Laid everything out before washing in warm dish soap water.  This is a fun extra step I enjoy doing, like the car ads.  When I cleaned up the bench, unearthed the front bumper splash pan. 😅

Have some more parts to make, such as the hood ornament, door cranks, seatbelts, some photo-etch, that is not included here.  Oh yea, "glass".

[David G.]

Wow!

That is a lot of custom fabrication!

David G.

[magicmustang]

12 hours ago, 89AKurt said:

Looks like the hood latch.  No matter, I made a heater box. 🙂

Made cup holder, handbrake from styrene, aluminum plate, and a cut-up shirt pin,.  The heater box is Corian®, which is totally imagineered too.

Disassembled everything to prepare for paint.  Cleaned up some parts, improved the front shocks, drilled spark plug holes in the block, etc.   What a messy bench!   I have cleaned up in preparation for clean parts paint and assembly.

Shocks going through the floor pan wasn't cutting it for me.  I was surprised how much I have modified the chassis, now that it's bare of parts.

Laid everything out before washing in warm dish soap water.  This is a fun extra step I enjoy doing, like the car ads.  When I cleaned up the bench, unearthed the front bumper splash pan. 😅

Have some more parts to make, such as the hood ornament, door cranks, seatbelts, some photo-etch, that is not included here.  Oh yea, "glass".

Man, I'm telling you, Studebaker didn't put that much effort into the real truck. Outstanding work so far. 

[Chariots of Fire]

I love it!  It's nice when things come together!😍

[espo]

Been enjoying all the fine details on this build. Feels like you could drive it home when finished. 

[89AKurt]

Thanks for the comments everyone.  I'm on a mission, from God, to make an Easter Egg model. 😆  (heard on the radio, that it was an insult to tell a woman she's an Easter egg, meaning they put on way too much makeup)

PAINT!!!!! 🤸‍♂️  Last night I got all the little parts done.

First task today was to brush Tamiya primer on where there was cast iron texture, and under the chassis to help blend in new with existing, and the seat.

Sprayed the grey primer on the body parts, flat black on the chassis.  Masked the wheel backs like this, hoping it will make the brake disks appear to be separate from the wheel.

At this point, if I was doing a shiny paintjob, I would have refined some areas, and done another coat.  But I'm not, I'm on a mission to get this puppy done in a week!  I took the roughest sanding stick to create buff damage marks.  Next step was doing the rust, which is 'leather' with some flat black, then lighter tints until the last one which has Afrika yellow splattered on.

First application of salt and water.  Put in the cab of the pickup to dry faster.

I have no idea what Studebaker used for primer, assumed it was white, so flat white was sprayed on.  All layers are put on really thick and crappy, the more orange peel the better.  Painted the Bilstein shocks.  Interior panels are custom mixed.

I want what could have been a repaired truck some time ago, perhaps it was a flatbed and they found a bed and good fenders, to fix it.  Masked each color, because if it was sanded down, you would see that color when you shouldn't.  Applied the salt for each coat too, should add more variation.  I also added successive amounts of white to the color, top pass is the lightest, and concentrated on top.

I looked at my stash of paint and compared to the paint charts to find something close that matched.  I really wanted to do turquoise, but they didn't do that, and I didn't have any blue that I liked.  Didn't worry about bad masking, it will be covered up with the last coat.

Now it's time to mask the interior panels for the final color.  The bumpers and grill are white.  Painted flat black in the door jambs before this coat.

While I was waiting for each coat to cure, I worked on the engine.  I got oil filter decals at the last swap meet, so did the Fram.  Used a reject turned aluminum oil filler from the previous build.  Added fuel line from the pump to carb, will also run to the gas tank.  Started the plug wires (not doing boots).

Gearing up to assemble the chassis.  Polished the roll bar.

[Belugawrx]

Great work Kurt, can't wait to see how it looks when you take it down to the base coats 👍 

[David G.]

That's going to be so cool when it's done, can't wait to see it!

David G.

[Spex84]

I've been watching this build with rapt attention. Holy moly! The work you're doing is super entertaining.

At one point I really really wanted to 3D model a stude truck to 3D print, but only made it as far as assembling reference material and concluded it would be a "maybe someday" project. I'm delighted that a printed version already exists--but all the extra work you've done to yours demonstrates the amount of attention required to make it sing! Not sure I'm ready for that 😆

Anyway, I love this thing and I can't wait to see further updates!!

[89AKurt]

Thanks again for all the comments!  I can hardly wait too. 😋

First thing this morning was to unveil the process.  Before:

Scrubbed the tires with Comet.  Also scrubbed the body first with the toothbrush.  Then wet-sanded with fresh sandpaper.

After:

Rhinoliner is done with acrylic artist paint, with tile grout mixed in.  Used a short brush to stab at the paint to get the texture.  Put in the real pickup cab to cure quickly, it's finally Spring here.

Also did the floor, better than a rubber mat (or lousy rendition of carpet).  Gauge decals applied.  Made 2 switches, polished aluminum plate, black bezel is flash from the kit, sticker is the switch.  Shirt pin knobs, some photo-etch screws for ignition, tiny lights.  Solder wire for the high beam switch on the floor.

Sprayed flat black again.

Wheels got valve stems, used stretched black sprue.  Then the halves got glued together.

Sprayed Deft varnish on interior parts, lightly on the doors and dash, more over the gauges.  I have done the leather seat process learned from my previous project.

Started on chassis assembly.  The suspension went together without glue except one shackle pin.  Gas tank was glued on first, so it was easier to run the fuel line, forgot the procedure was to screw the back end of the chassis to the body, so will have to rely on glue.  Have sanded the tires, this "rubber" works really nice, and painted in the treads.  Kit decals, and Gofer bumper stickers applied.  The shocks have punched aluminum with photo-etch screw heads.

Looking more complete!

Going to run heater hoses, had to do some research, found a video of a guy who was going to delete his heater to save weight. 😆  Also needed to know how to orient the parts I removed from the firewall, should have taken notes.

[Steve H]

All kinds of awesome going on here as usual Kurt. Thanks for being OCD! 😜 Gives the rest of us a whole bunch of inspiration. I would say it looks like you’re almost done, but I have a feeling you will find a few more details to add.

Cheers, Steve

[89AKurt]

48 minutes ago, Steve H said:

All kinds of awesome going on here as usual Kurt. Thanks for being OCD! 😜 Gives the rest of us a whole bunch of inspiration. I would say it looks like you’re almost done, but I have a feeling you will find a few more details to add.

Cheers, Steve

Thank you.  I made a list, and then found more things to do, and the list is still intimidating. 😅

[Ace-Garageguy]

So nice. Kindof a shame to hide that fine looking body under a layer of grunge, but she looks great anyway.  

[89AKurt]

12 hours ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

So nice. Kindof a shame to hide that fine looking body under a layer of grunge, but she looks great anyway.  

Gee thanks. 😆  I picked this look just to annoy guys like you. 😏

Mudflaps, glued to black paper.  Used Corian® to clamp with.

Made a wood block for the reduced kit box.  After cutting with the crosscut saw, used the bench sander to get to size.  Was very careful to not remove fingertips! 😱

Back to the mudflaps, after cutting to size, used the pen to blacken the edge.  Used the calipers to clamp the sides of the box onto the block.

When I was driving today, saw a pickup with gloves on the back bumper, which reminded me of seeing a truck with a wrench welded to the bumper, in an attempt to discourage tailgaters. 🤔  I should blacken around the weld.

Got a sheet of brown paper to make belts.  First thing I did was wet the paper and roll the knurled knife handle over it to get a texture, it doesn't really show up.  Detail Master photo-etch hardware, the slots are super small, had to shave the paper ends, and apply superglue, then roll the knife handle over it, to get thin enough to insert.  Used superglue to attach belts to the p-e, Testors canopy glue to stick on the seat.

Painted red on the Fireball Modelworks jack mount parts, figured it would be easier to see those knobs when using it, and I wanted some color.  Even though the mounts are intended for roll bars, I located on the bed edge instead.  Tailgate chains are done, used 2 sizes of solder wire.  Forgot to mention that I got the gas cap detail done yesterday.

I can have the tailgate up, but the hooks don't really go in well, so I will display with it down, which will hide the wrench and license plate light.  😑  I'm impressed with the decal printing, very sharp, there are tags and screws; used Molotov pen on the edge of the paper (did not apply as a decal).

Have most of the items on the checklist marked off!  Just need to finish the plug wires, then the engine can be installed, leading to the driveshafts and exhaust.  Next are the handles, and the the big tiny project, the hood ornament.  If the CAD guy would take the time to create the parts I'm making, it would make the Studebaker a nicer model, this ornament could be done.

[zaina]

This thing is turning out awesome. Waaayyy nicer than the basic body I printed for ya. You gotta tell me how you do the welds. 

[89AKurt]

On 4/11/2023 at 7:35 AM, zaina said:

This thing is turning out awesome. Waaayyy nicer than the basic body I printed for ya. You gotta tell me how you do the welds. 

Top Studio (edit) photo-etch welds.  Thank you!

Today it was getting the chrome parts done.  1/16" Plastruct rod, think it was 0.03" sheet scraps, the thinnest wire I have was used.  Cordless drill to turn the end using sanding sticks.  The little clothes pins held the wire, when the handle was glued on it rested on the pin.  Exterior handles needed sanding off the 3D woodgrain.  GMC sway bar used for the window cranks.

Hood ornament started with the 1/16" rod, when I cut a length to do all these, just happened to end up with the exact size, so I had a good feeling.  The black piece is from the GMC kit, it was some major flashing, just the right thickness, and having some genes from that kit involved was like spiritual, man.  Steel tubing for the ring, used the wood stick for holding to finish with the Dremel and sanding stick.

AK Interactive chrome paint, the black lays down so much better than Testors black.

Took a break, then sprayed the chrome.

This is my drying booth.

Glued the handles on the door panels.  Window crank knobs were not painted, sanded the end, then rubbed on my cloths to polish.

Messed up the hood ornament a little, but I'm calling it patina.

Assembled the taillights, and glued to the bumper.  Installed the mudflaps, used Grandt Line bolts.  The side lights are license tag reflective sticker.

Winch was detailed with some cloth covered wire I saved decades ago, painted steel.

Exterior door handles glued on, driver side sags because it's worn out.  If there was one thing you can do to improve a model, it's this, look how light shines under it.  Aluminum tape escutcheon.  Starting with the "glass", there are vent wing windows, will *have to* make one in the open position.  In pictures with the window rolled down, don't see the metal divider, think that is attached to the big window, so I'll *have to* have one rolled down most of the way.   Now I have something to think about, the lip is not on the real thing, I know that's for the glass to glue on, but I was thinking about putting it inside.

Added little orange turn signals.  Punched out aluminum tape that acts like a reflector.  Painted the headlight bulbs for the halogen look.  Still need to paint the tiny turn signals something, like diluted white?

Took this picture in the dark, to see if the rear sidelight reflects. 😅

Edited April 13, 2023 by 89AKurt
past bedtime

[David G.]

Wow Kurt! You are a model building machine! 😮 

You have so much amazing and impressive stuff going on here that it's almost impossible to comment on any one item. But it sure is shaping up to be one gnarly monster of a model truck.

BTW do you plan to be at this year's Desert Scale Classic? If so, is there any chance of seeing this amazing build in person?

David G.

[89AKurt]

2 hours ago, David G. said:

Wow Kurt! You are a model building machine! 😮 

You have so much amazing and impressive stuff going on here that it's almost impossible to comment on any one item. But it sure is shaping up to be one gnarly monster of a model truck.

BTW do you plan to be at this year's Desert Scale Classic? If so, is there any chance of seeing this amazing build in person?

David G.

YES David, that's the whole reason I'm living and breathing this build.  😁  I didn't enter last year because I had only 2 new models.  BTW I'm bringing kits to sell in the swap meet too.  And thank you, when I milk out a build in a WIP, it showcases each little detail, instead of having a list on a sheet at the contest, I should provide a link to this forum since almost everyone does internet on their phone.

[89AKurt]

Believe it or not, I do not like doing plug wires.  But anyone who tries to build a detailed model, that's the first thing they do, eh?  Made a more stable engine stand, which really helps.  Another detail, alternator mounts, just really simple aluminum plate.   Made wire looms from the flash piece mentioned earlier.

Decided to add the CB, might as well.  Made Monster coffee cans, labels from the Subaru Cannonball project.  Final assembly.

I should have paid more attention to how lousy the engine mounted, along with the transfer case.  Had to modify the front driveshaft, and cut down the transmission mount.  Almost a disaster, this area of the kit sucks.  The fan blade ended up interfering with the fan shroud, but I managed to get it all crammed in.  Added battery cables, heater hoses, and lower radiator hose.  Hooked up the fuel line.

Final assembly of the chassis.

Glass is done, glued on the kit mirrors, final body to chassis assembly is done.  Touched up the chrome that got rubbed off.  Disk brakes are masked, ready for weathering.

Did several layers of various mixtures of Dullcote and leather, some Afrika yellow and black, with a final layer of straight leather dust.  I'll sand the treads tomorrow. 

All I need to make are the windshield wipers, and CB antenna, and glue the wheels on.  And one more thing..... 🇺🇸

[NOBLNG]

Wow, simply amazing details you are adding Kurt. I really like the weathering job on the exterior. Also, those door handles and window cranks are very nicely done! Please do a detailed account of how you built them and add them to my thread in the tips and tricks section. I’m sure everyone would love to see them.

[89AKurt]

14 hours ago, NOBLNG said:

Wow, simply amazing details you are adding Kurt. I really like the weathering job on the exterior. Also, those door handles and window cranks are very nicely done! Please do a detailed account of how you built them and add them to my thread in the tips and tricks section. I’m sure everyone would love to see them.

Thanks for your support!  I checked out your topic real quick, I'll post later when I'm not wigging out about preparing for the contest this weekend.

All this to make the CB antenna (red arrow).  Model railroad coupler spring, steel tubing, wire insulation, aluminum plate, photo etch nuts, and a little wire that goes nowhere but looks like it goes down under the cab.

🇺🇸 American flag 🇺🇸 was printed when I did the kit box and mudflaps.   Started with gluing the fold in the flag with superglue to the K&S steel wire.  Then I brushed diluted Elmers glue on one side and stuck the halves together, then folded up in an attempt to make it not look like a Moon landing flag.

Found windshield wipers in a left-over Ferrari kit, cut up, used left-over photo-etch steel to connect back together.  The glass rubber is wire from the stash, used Testors canopy glue which is ideal.  Hope there is this size wire at the contest, I'm out, wanted to do the back window too.

I'll airbrush the smallest parts, in this case Splash paint aluminum dries faster and harder than Testors or Model Master.  Something I didn't test fit, how does the other side fit, and I should coulda woulda modified it, so it's in a weird position.

First time I tried this trick, small black wire for the rubber instead of brush painting.

Used the hot-wire to cut foam for the box (better than stuffing with kleenex or paper towels).

If I can park my OCD, safe to say.... 🥁
IT IS DONE!! 🎉

About 195 hours not spent at a bar waiting to lose at pool. 🎱  I took outside on-the-hood pictures, need to get dinner then share post edit pictures. 🙂

[Lordmodelbuilder]

Another awesome build Kurt!

 

[89AKurt]

On 4/14/2023 at 9:09 PM, Lordmodelbuilder said:

Another awesome build Kurt!

Thank you!

My OCD said to balance the back with another flag, added last night the Don't Tread On Me 🥁..... Big Foot .... get it? 😏

[charlie8575]

Well, the Corian will weight it nicely, given the high center of gravity...

This was a fantastic job, Kurt.

Where I'd do a more stock truck....I wonder how the AMT '50 Chevy or '53 Ford chassis would work under this?

Did I read correctly that you said this scales out to a 3/4 ton, given the box size?

Charlie Larkin

[Brian Austin]

Fun thread.  I happen to be wearing a Studebaker truck T shirt. 

🙂