1973 Peterbilt 359

[leafsprings]

Here is my vision of an old school  early 70's 359. This was an older rebuild. New modifications are single exhaust stack, Ertl rear wheels, Revell front fenders and removing block molded into front springs to get the proper ride height. Don't know why I painted the Cummins engine green back then?

 

Edited March 23, 2023 by leafsprings

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Those modifications made such a huge improvement on this build. I’m glad to see the ride height with the blocks removed. It looks great! Excellent work! 

[Jim B]

Nice looking Peterbilt.  As to the green Cummins, why not!

[vincen47]

Maybe the Cummins was rebuilt in a shop that was out of tan but had a bunch of leftover DD green? Anything goes.

[Dutzie]

Great looking Peterbilt! 

[Warren D]

Nice job

[Pete68]

Very nice your stance looks a lot better 

[cifenet]

Nice job on this!

Looks proper to me in terms of proportion and overall quality.

Is this an AMT kit, right?  I guess you did mention parts were changed, perhaps it makes things better compared to the stock kit.

I am interested in building 359, I just didn't know how good or bad AMT or Revell 359 kits are, so just curious!

[leafsprings]

It is the AMT California Hauler, however it is the second generation 359 with larger windshield and rounded out doors. I'm just a basic out of the box builder, but try to change things up with other readily available parts, both from other kits and  from aftermarket resin pieces. The biggest problem with AMT Pete 359's, both older and newer versions is the front fenders. The fenders do not roll down to the bumper, they leave an unsightly gap.  Yes they can be extended with some work, but, luckily the Revell 359 fenders are available and work great.  Other problem is the front end sits too high if compared to a real 359. By removing the block molded into the front springs , the front end will come down and look closer to the real truck. ,Always preferred the simpler look, so usually build with single exhaust stacks and single air horns even though most all truck kits comes with dual stacks and horns. Usually build with steel type rear wheels, IMO a more realistic  look pre mid 70's, where almost all AMT and Revell  highway rig kits come with Alcoa type aluminum wheels all the way around. Again, just a preference. I grew up building  mostly AMT, so this kit is pretty much like all other AMT kits, they are good, but not at the level of more precise Ertl and Revell kits.

Edited April 28, 2023 by leafsprings

[Bronzekeg]

clean build that turned out nice!

[ChrisR]

Nice!