AMT Exterior Post Doubles Vans

[Bren]

Finishing up the trailer sub-frames and the dolly. Just need to plumb and wire them now. 

[Bren]

And the landing pad assemblies are done. So now comes the assembly of the trailer walls and mounting all the sub-assemblies. I'll post some pictures of that when they're done. I'm using @BK9300 mudflap technique with the thin vinyl and 3D printed hangers - I'm still experimenting how best to put logos on the vinyl ?paint/stencil. 

Edited March 7 by Bren

[Jürgen M.]

That is one fantastic build! The rust and weathering look so real! 

You sure you're not working on a real trailer?

[BK9300]

 Been said before - your rust detailing is incredible!  Those trailers must have seen some very salty winter roads!  Any possibility of making logo decals for your flaps?

[Bren]

1 hour ago, BK9300 said:

 Been said before - your rust detailing is incredible!  Those trailers must have seen some very salty winter roads!  Any possibility of making logo decals for your flaps?

I just don’t know if the decals would stick, and if I could kill the carrier film shine with dull coat. I thought a stencil and paint might be more doable. But I’m experimenting - so you’ll see the results here….

[Rockford]

I use electrical tape for my mudflaps and I find that decals will adhere but they pull the flap out of shape as they dry. 

[Biggu]

Bren, as the guys have said, the weathering is really exceptional. That dolly looks like it has been neglected for a VERY long time. A day or two in the shop for the mechanics to give it a good inspection, checking brakes, air system and electrical. Maybe pull the hubs and change the oil as it’s in the barn while they are at it. What an outstanding job. I can’t wait to see the rest of the project. ….

[Bren]

2 hours ago, Rockford said:

I use electrical tape for my mudflaps and I find that decals will adhere but they pull the flap out of shape as they dry. 

Great idea Steve - I hadn’t thought of that. For what it’s worth I’ll try decals first - if they don’t work, no Biggu (see what I did there?) 🤣

[Biggu]

New lines …..?

[Rockford]

The weathering on this is just brilliant. I love the rubbed circle on the hitch plate, very realistic. 

On the mudflaps, one method I use is to put a piece of bar in a vice, then put the tape across it and fold it back against itself. It's quite easy to align so there's no sticky surfaces exposed. Then I cut it to size. It quite often takes on a gentle curve of its own which mimics the real thing after a life spent being buffetted by the wind. 

[Bren]

10 hours ago, Rockford said:

The weathering on this is just brilliant. I love the rubbed circle on the hitch plate, very realistic. 

On the mudflaps, one method I use is to put a piece of bar in a vice, then put the tape across it and fold it back against itself. It's quite easy to align so there's no sticky surfaces exposed. Then I cut it to size. It quite often takes on a gentle curve of its own which mimics the real thing after a life spent being buffetted by the wind. 

Thanks for the tip Steve. I’ll have to give that a try…..

[RoninUtah]

My hat's off, Bren! That weathering is incredible! If that dolly gets any more rusted, it might get pulled out for an OOS violation at the next weigh station!

[37 caddy]

The flaps on these trailers are usually a mismatched set,A NAPA one on one side and a company one on the other side.Very rarely do you see a matched set on  older "fleet trailers. Looks very realistic with the rust and barnacles on it.  

[cifenet]

Beautiful weathering with realism!

To be honest, I don’t think I have the necessary courage to weather like that. 

[Bren]

The progress continues at the speed of a glacier moving uphill!!

I got some bench time this week - I dunno about you guys but getting the $#@^& trailer sides true and flush is a job for an octopus with 17 clamps and gorilla glue.  Think I finally got 'em. Next come the mudflaps onto the 3d printed hangers and installing the sliding rear doors. But getting there....

[Biggu]

Holy, this is good, I could take a tutorial on your rusting techniques, as they are spot on.... and what a cool idea of the clamps on the edge of the bench to keep everything straight a true... I may have to 'borrow' that one....genius..... . Glad to see you are finding some spare time to get back to this one, Bren.... you have been too busy printing my oil distributor stuff.....  this is coming together rather brilliantly.... 

[BK9300]

Awesome to see an update, Bren!  That's a lot of work to get the trailer sides straight, but will be well worth it in the end.  I'm with Jeff - a tutorial on the rusting is needed! ( I know you did some explanations earlier, but sure helps to see all the steps, start to finish!)

[Gary Chastain]

Good to see you getting some bench time, progress looks good

[Bren]

Thanks for the encouragement guys. I’m just waiting on some decals from model truckin’ for the sides, then push to get this one finished. 

[Jürgen M.]

That is such a real looking build! Amazing what techniques you have for weathering and building!

Fascinating!