78 Chevy Silverado Plumbing truck tribute

[martinfan5]

Model Car Garage has P/E slam locks

https://www.modelcargarage.com/eshop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=309&idcategory=28

[Vince311]

I had the bumper mounted pipe clamp 3D printed. Not great 😞 I wasn’t really sure what to expect. This guy usually prints out full scale motorcycle parts.  nonetheless… I might have to find someone who can do small resin parts. 

 

[TransAmMike]

On 1/28/2025 at 12:58 PM, mikemodeler said:

Morgan Auto Detail. Kris Morgan is a member here (Kris Morgan) and if you message him he can get you the details.

 

Sent Kris 2 messages on his website...no reply.

If you see this Kris please message me here.

[Ulf]

On 2/11/2025 at 12:42 AM, Vince311 said:

I had the bumper mounted pipe clamp 3D printed. Not great 😞 I wasn’t really sure what to expect. This guy usually prints out full scale motorcycle parts.  nonetheless… I might have to find someone who can do small resin parts. 

 

It looks like when it snowed on the workbench during the night, all mornings were not fun when I was a plumber.

[Vince311]

Few updates on my build. First...I found out that my dad's truck is actually a 1977 instead of a 78. lol. Dad's memory isn't great. These trucks all looked the same, but the 77 was an anniversary year and had gold stripe on the side molding. How I'm going to add that will interesting. 🙂

I'm narrowing the paint colors. The GM color were 'red poly' and 'santa fe tan'. Neither is perfect, but getting close.

I'm also working on the scratch built canopy. Lots of trial and error with scale, angles, etc.

 

The Sam Mills slam locks worked great! thanks @GLMFAA1  Got a few more details to go.

 

 

Found a good representation of the original interior, sans bench seat. 

 

Edited March 5 by Vince311

[Vince311]

Slowly getting a few odds and ends moved along. 

 

[Vince311]

Santa Fe Tan paint laid down. Refining the canopy. Metallic Red is next. Fairly complicated masking...lots of trim to contend with. 
The bed sides will get several snaps installed...per the original 1:1 truck. 

 

[bandit1]

2 hours ago, Vince311 said:

Santa Fe Tan paint laid down. Refining the canopy. Metallic Red is next. Fairly complicated masking...lots of trim to contend with. 
The bed sides will get several snaps installed...per the original 1:1 truck. 

 

Nice, I do however would suggest to redo the side of the camper being the slam locks on that one are sitting way to high to be any use on a real camper...

 

[Vince311]

29 minutes ago, bandit1 said:

Nice, I do however would suggest to redo the side of the camper being the slam locks on that one are sitting way to high to be any use on a real camper...

 

Placement reflects the 1:1 go-by. They  seemed to work on original canopy. 

[Vince311]

Cab paint is on. ready for decals and then some clear! 

Bed paint is on...but not thrilled with the tonneau snaps i added. Had a reaction with the glue. I photo'd close up...which makes it look much worse than if just viewing at arm length.
contemplating next steps...

options:

1 - Sand down, re-prime and paint. leave the snaps off. bit worried this could create additional issues... look worse, etc.

2 - leave as is...paint the snaps silver, call it good. 

hmmm.

[meechum68]

Looking great! Nice scratch building! 

 

[Vince311]

Decals installed on cab....as well as clear coat. the clear saved me. Looks better in person, removed a bunch of the small flaws. whew!

onto the bed and canopy.

[Vince311]

quick chassis and canopy fit. List is getting shorter....but lots of little elements to finish out.

 

[Ulf]

Absolutely fantastic, thank’s som for posting.

[Vince311]

Body fit/spacing on chassis. Finalizing interior. Adding pipe to canopy rack. 

[dino246gt]

That sure is shaping up to be a fantastic replica!

A great tribute!

Sweet!

 

[Biggu]

Absolutely fabulous !!!!

[Stanward VonDiederichs]

On 1/14/2024 at 12:26 PM, mikemodeler said:

I would contact Kris at MAD, here are pictures of his 78 Chevy Pickup resin kit, mastered by Tom Ellifritt. You get the side trim, bench seat, correct grille and bumper, filler panel below the grille and a cab and bed that look like kit pieces, not clunky resin casting. I bought one from him and IIRC it was $70 plus shipping. It might be more but the Deserter kit will get you the tail lights, rear bumper, glass, drive train. You will either have to extend the kit frame or find one and of course the front 2wd suspension.

 

This kit is NOT on his website, so email him or contact him here on the forum.

 

 

That looks interesting for a kit I like the bed it looks like a long bed I have a 80 long bed with a 5th wheel.

[Stanward VonDiederichs]

On 1/13/2024 at 7:47 PM, Vince311 said:

Not sure starting another project, with four stalled projects on the bench, is a good idea. But... planning them is my favorite part. 

This build is a tribute to my dad's Plumbing truck, from the early 80s. I hope to get this started this year.

It's got a few unique elements to it that should be a challenge. Here is my build sheet thus far.

 

EDIT: updated build sheet with new plan of attack. 1/23/24

 

Hi I really like what you are doing the cabs are different from a 73-80 to a 81-87 all the early ones are step sides and short beds. Seeing long bed and early can kit wow and Texas 3D for the chassis works. 

You are doing a great job on your dream truck can't wait to see it finished.👍👏👏

[Stanward VonDiederichs]

5 hours ago, Stanward VonDiederichs said:

Hi I really like what you are doing the cabs are different from a 73-80 to a 81-87 all the early ones are step sides and short beds. Seeing long bed and early can kit wow and Texas 3D for the chassis works. 

You are doing a great job on your dream truck can't wait to see it finished.👍👏👏

Some of my work a add gages for pulling a transmission tamp and vacuum gage and a tach mine is a Cheyenne and comes stock with a oil cooler and one ton suspension and two gas tank.

[Vince311]

last shot of interior before it goes into cab. almost forgot the thermos 🙂