If I had a real Pete

[Biggu]

Another small up date. Just installed the CTM pe grille. All I can say is wow. A perfect fit and changes the look to very realistic. It looks great in person. 

[BK9300]

Great addition, Jeff - very realistic

[Biggu]

  On 8/26/2024 at 8:22 PM, BK9300 said:

Great addition, Jeff - very realistic

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Thanks Brian. I am feeling, one can’t go wrong with the CTM pe. It sure is nice

[gotnitro?]

Beautiful etch work! 

[Gary Chastain]

Lookin good

[Biggu]

  On 8/28/2024 at 11:27 AM, Gary Chastain said:

Lookin good

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Thanks Gary. Crappy phone pics tho. 

[Jürgen M.]

Now that looks cool! That radiator grille is like real! 

Keep going! Watching is fun!

[Biggu]

  On 8/28/2024 at 4:08 PM, Jürgen M. said:

Now that looks cool! That radiator grille is like real! 

Keep going! Watching is fun!

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Thanks Jurgen. The CTM pe is amazing. You should give it a try when you can. Makes all the difference. Wait till you see the steps and deck plate

cheers. Jeff

[Rockford]

It does look the business. Very impressive. 

[TransAmMike]

Very impressive build ya got going there Jeff.  Man, the engine is super realistic looking!!

[Biggu]

Thanks , Steve and Mike … it is a fun build and I an really stepping out of the regular comfort zone. And have a little update as it were …. Mock up of cab to frame. Just making sure all the gubbins on the engine will tuck in.  The good news is , with this engine kit, the radiator was thoughtfully printed just a slight touch lower, so as not to cause any notorious hood fit issues and I an happy to say, upon test fits, ( not fits ??) but a test fit, the hood will be just fine and looks to work quite well. 

[Biggu]

Oh and the detail painting looks way better in real life. These pics seem to show lack luster painting skills,  honest it does look better a foot away. Again apologies for the lousy phone pics. 

[Rockford]

No need to apologize, I know exactly what you mean. I detail something and am really pleased with it, then photograph it and it looks like I used a 1-inch brush with my eyes closed. The difference between what the eye sees and what the camera sees is unbelievable. That looks great. I noticed the hoseclips on the after cooler pipes, they really enhance the appearance. 

[Jürgen M.]

I have nothing to add! Looks fantastic!

Same with me by the way concerning the pics! 

No matter how precise you work it always looks different on a pic! Not just the details but the colors too.

Your details look absolutely fab!

[Biggu]

Thanks fellas , I was hoping it didn’t look like a 4 year old painted it. ?, your kind words keep me going. It’s fun branching out trying new skills.  There will be a bit more to come. 

[BK9300]

Great progress, Jeff.  I agree with Steve’s comment about the hose clips.  Not sure how to replicate that on the Auslowe version I have.

[Biggu]

  On 8/30/2024 at 4:25 PM, BK9300 said:

Great progress, Jeff.  I agree with Steve’s comment about the hose clips.  Not sure how to replicate that on the Auslowe version I have.

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I cheat, Brian. CTM # 24072B Hose Clamps

[Biggu]

Well , there is a detail that a lot of guys do that it seems I have missed. Either forgot or lazy. Maybe both. That is the ‘rubber’ under the fuel tank straps. So looking at some real trucks and some builds, I decided on this… some Tamiya tape ‘painted’ with a fat Sharpie and cut to spec. It looks pretty good in real and does convey the illusion of a rubber strap. I think …. 

Edited August 30, 2024 by Biggu

[BK9300]

  On 8/30/2024 at 8:08 PM, Biggu said:

I cheat, Brian. CTM # 24072B Hose Clamps

 

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I have those PE hose clamps too, but I've not yet been able to crimp them up to look like the tightening screw.  I need to check CTM's web site - sometimes I find downloadable pdf instructions on how to do it right.

[Biggu]

Well….. cab installed, hoses hooked up intakes and rad supports. Also added the decals to the A/C compressor and alternator 

Edited August 30, 2024 by Biggu

[Biggu]

Ok. I HAVE to show this !! I am just ‘tickled pink’ …… the hood to cab issue with this kit is quite well known as the fit isn’t exactly perfect.  So with some trepidation , I installed the hood and it seemed a bit ‘askew’. Not straight against the cab and a bit of in overlap on the drivers side with a small gap on the passenger side. Not acceptable ….. hhhmmm. So I took the hood off, popped off a hinge, and shimmed it with a small piece of sheet. Reinstalled the hinge and crossed fingers??I let it set up a bit and reinstalled the hood….. and this is the result ! I am SO HAPPY. !!!  Not sure it gets a whole lot better. At least from my bench ! To tighten it perfectly just a slight push on the drivers side  this is how it fits with just closing it  normally  

Edited August 30, 2024 by Biggu

[Rockford]

Always a nervous moment, finding the hood-to-cab fit, can really spoil a lot of hard work. Glad it turned out for you. Looking good.

[Biggu]

  On 8/31/2024 at 9:34 AM, Rockford said:

Always a nervous moment, finding the hood-to-cab fit, can really spoil a lot of hard work. Glad it turned out for you. Looking good.

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Thanks Steve , I must admit I was sweating a few bullets there for a bit. And when the fit wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for the old grey matter between my ears was in full motion , BUT I didn’t swear. ……. Much ??

[Gary Chastain]

Nice attention to the fit details. I have seen real trucks that the hood and cab don’t fit well. 

[Biggu]

  On 9/3/2024 at 8:21 PM, Gary Chastain said:

Nice attention to the fit details. I have seen real trucks that the hood and cab don’t fit well. 

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Hahahaha. Me too. Those are the ones that are all split up one side and well worn on the other and a struggle to lift ! And don’t have any grease on the hinges ???