'77 GMC Wrecker

[bobss396]

I picked up the snow plow kit at my model meeting and jumped into it. I had gotten some Revell tow truck parts on eBay. 

So far the wrecker back is close to being complete. I need to do a major bench clean up and will post more later.

Everything is pinned with .047" brass rod or 0-80 socket head screws.

[Chariots of Fire]

Nice work here.  Looking forward to more pix!

[bobss396]

Got more done on it today. Made the front bumper and grille. Opened up the kit grille.

Have not squirted much primer except for the chassis. Which will be box stock.

Everything has locating tabs, have to do some for the front bumper next. I have wheels and tires on order.

[Zippi]

I'm liking this build.  Lots of neat stuff going on.  

[bobss396]

There was nothing in the kit to locate the cab to the chassis, I can imagine some little kid building this.

Now I can mount the cab and bed where they need to be. The push bumper was modified after I shot some primer on it.

 

[bobss396]

Squirted paint on a few things today.

[stavanzer]

Nice Build.

Is the Wrecker Bed a modification of the Kits Bed sides with other parts added to it?

I like the look of it.

[bobss396]

7 hours ago, stavanzer said:

Nice Build.

Is the Wrecker Bed a modification of the Kits Bed sides with other parts added to it?

I like the look of it.

Thanks, the bed is from the snow plow truck kit. I just cropped the fenders and added a flat piece of plastic to cap it off. Also angled the inner bed to match.

On building real tow trucks, the magic number for the rear-tow bar plate is 38" behind the axle centerline. This one was pretty close out of the box.

[bobss396]

Got it mocked up with tires and wheels on. I used .047" brass rod to pin the shocks. I need to fine tune a few things before I continue with prime and paint.

[bobss396]

Dragged this out again. I was waiting on a VCG Resins BBC engine. Way better than the kit piece which I will salt away. 

I have to use the kit transfer case and transmission. No more slice and dice on this one. So I have to get the pieces to play well together. The engine came with a 5 speed option, I'm using the bellhousing.

[slusher]

Looking really nice Bob!

[bobss396]

8 hours ago, slusher said:

Looking really nice Bob!

Thanks, I'll post more pix later today. I've been working on it steadily for a few days. I have the interior painted and the body color selected.

[Edward Gore]

I like where this is going. Looking forward to the colors you chose

[bobss396]

More progress. Paint is Tamiya Bright Blue. Bed is Tamiya German Gray. Dash is good enough. Tow plate is assembled. Boom and winch is done. Chassis is close to complete. Cab and hood are in final primer.

[Noah H.]

That's a sharp looking dashboard. Looking forward to seeing this one come together.

[bobss396]

I decided to add a clear pearl over the blue. So far have the rear fenders done. Cab and hood are painted blue so far.

[bobss396]

This is the TS65 clear pearl over the T44 blue. Good enough, no polishing required. I did the hood, looks good too. The cab has a sag, not a big deal with some luck. I'd like to shoot black in the inner fenders, etc.

[Zippi]

That's looking pretty sharp so far.  

[bobss396]

22 hours ago, Zippi said:

That's looking pretty sharp so far.  

Thanks, I have show on Saturday, iffy if it will be done. I have good painting weather at least. Quite a bit of it is done. I have to look at the sag issue on the door, seems to be minor.

[slusher]

Some impressive work Bob, I have been watching your build and work. I am really enjoying your work..

[bobss396]

A little more done, battling lower back pain ... no fun.

Some of the bed is done, have line on the winch and the boom attached.

Interior is complete, lights are going into the tow plate next.

[DaveB]

Great work so far!

[bobss396]

I'm still chipping away at it due to lower back issues. I'm barely able to sit upright for more than 20 minutes at a time. I will take more pictures later. I have the under-hood completely done, the radiator mounted, rear lights installed into the tow plate.

[bobss396]

Getting close. Only a few items remain like the mirrors and rear license plate. And a general cleaning. 

[Model Builders Mafia]

Excellent work