Converting a truck to a tow truck

[Lionel]

I am turning my 1:25 1960 AMT Chevy Stepside truck into a tow truck (passing it off as a C/K30 truck) and have much of it complete including the rear dualies. But, I'm having issues making a wrecker bed especially the back end including a hydraulic wheel lift. Anyone else take on such a project? Any ideas or suggestions is appreciated. i could even upload a picture or two if it will help. Thanks.

[sidcharles]

sorry i cannot give you the answer to your specific query, but while you're waiting, maybe watch this and get some ideas:

 

 

Edited July 10 by sidcharles

[stitchdup]

do you have access to a 3d printer? there ar a few beds and winches available on cults

[Lionel]

20 hours ago, stitchdup said:

do you have access to a 3d printer? there ar a few beds and winches available on cults

No, I do not. I can scratch-build pretty much anything out of anything anyway, as a lot of this "wrecker" is custom-built.

[stitchdup]

5 hours ago, Lionel said:

No, I do not. I can scratch-build pretty much anything out of anything anyway, as a lot of this "wrecker" is custom-built.

theres a member here called mchook thats threads might help you. they've scratched a few old wreckers that look great

[bobss396]

I have to dig out some wrecker backs and take pictures of them. One is a full resin back with a wheel lift.

I have a couple of sling-back beds too, 3D printed.

VCG Resins used to have some wrecker backs on his site, I haven't seen them in a while. 

[slusher]

On 7/9/2025 at 8:34 PM, sidcharles said:

sorry i cannot give you the answer to your specific query, but while you're waiting, maybe watch this and get some ideas:

 

 

 

Enjoyed your video thanks for posting.".

[sidcharles]

maybe so snippets of interest & inspiration.

https://youtu.be/paEWh0Agcqw?si=evCp0fS_DzJIg3vq

[oldcarfan]

The tow truck beds could mostly be built of Evergreen sheet plastic, with maybe some Plastruct treadplate or basswood for the deck. As for the rest, this is a good site for inspiration. https://www.towforce.net/forum/19-vintage-equipment/   I don't build tow trucks but I've passed a couple hours looking at the cool stuff on the site. Not sure if these are the right kind, but it might help.