1955 Ford Panel Truck

[Zippi]

Next victim up on the bench fellows.  I got a look at this kit this morning and realized right off the bat that the ride height is not good.  I have selected the American Torque Thrust 6 lug wheels that I printed out and they look pretty nice on the mock-up.  I removed the cross member in the rear to let the axle drop about 1/8" and it's looking pretty good now.  On to the front.  I always have trouble getting the front end lowered.

Edited Monday at 03:26 PM by Zippi

[TopherMcGinnis]

That'll be a cool ride. I built that one a couple decades ago 😳

[Zippi]

4 hours ago, TopherMcGinnis said:

That'll be a cool ride. I built that one a couple decades ago 😳

Thanks.  Should be a nice build.  Boy thats a lot of restate to throw some paint on.

[TopherMcGinnis]

Good Ole Slab Side!

[meechum68]

Nice planning!  This should be slick!

[Zippi]

11 hours ago, TopherMcGinnis said:

Good Ole Slab Side!

Yeah, that's a slab of plastic for sure.

[Zippi]

9 hours ago, meechum68 said:

Nice planning!  This should be slick!

Thanks Michael.  Yeah, if I don't plan these builds out I'll get into trouble pretty quick.

[NOBLNG]

Nice project Bob.😎 Another way you could lower the front is to re-locate the spindle?

[Zippi]

On 8/20/2025 at 8:02 AM, NOBLNG said:

Nice project Bob.😎 Another way you could lower the front is to re-locate the spindle?

Thanks Greg.  Yup, I dropped the whole assembly and the spindle is now bottomed out on the bottom A arm.

Edited 8 hours ago by Zippi

[Zippi]

The front spindles have been lowered for the nice looking ride height.  Everything is looking good but won't know for sure until I get the wheels assembled and slide the wheels on all 4 spindles.

[David G.]

Wow Bob, that's about as low as it can get!

Now all we need is functional air bags! 

David G.

[Zippi]

22 hours ago, David G. said:

Wow Bob, that's about as low as it can get!

Now all we need is functional air bags! 

David G.

Yup.  She's bottomed out.

[Zippi]

I found some rotors and disc brakes.  Got them fitted to the wheels and looking good.  I'm thinking red for the calipers.

[BK9300]

It’s been fascinating to watch all the parts you’ve created since getting your printer up and running, and these tires/wheels look really good, too!  Always seems tough to get the desired stance - will your modifications affect how the engine sits?

[Zippi]

23 minutes ago, BK9300 said:

It’s been fascinating to watch all the parts you’ve created since getting your printer up and running, and these tires/wheels look really good, too!  Always seems tough to get the desired stance - will your modifications affect how the engine sits?

Thanks man.  Yeah, this 3d printer is a game changer for sure.  It will affect the location of the engine but very little.  Don't think it will be a problem.

[TopherMcGinnis]

3 hours ago, Zippi said:

I found some rotors and disc brakes.  Got them fitted to the wheels and looking good.  I'm thinking red for the calipers.

What color(s) are you using on the body/interior? Maybe match an accent color? I painted the drums for the '29 Roadster with the same paint as the flames.

[Zippi]

3 hours ago, TopherMcGinnis said:

What color(s) are you using on the body/interior? Maybe match an accent color? I painted the drums for the '29 Roadster with the same paint as the flames.

Nice looking Topher.  Haven't got a color locked down just yet.

[FoMoCo66]

Nice work Bob, you really got that mopar front end LOW. I have never owned this kit so just one question, where is the differential on the rear axle, how do you get power to spin the rear?

[TopherMcGinnis]

Bluetooth. Infinitely adjustable gear ratio from Chuck Berry to MOTÖRHEAD

[STU111]

I remember building one of these as a kid, it was a monogram labeled issue. I’m in Bob, should look tough as. 👍🏻

[Zippi]

8 hours ago, FoMoCo66 said:

Nice work Bob, you really got that mopar front end LOW. I have never owned this kit so just one question, where is the differential on the rear axle, how do you get power to spin the rear?

The differenial is two piece and it sandwiches the rear axle between the two halfs.  

[Zippi]

8 hours ago, TopherMcGinnis said:

Bluetooth. Infinitely adjustable gear ratio from Chuck Berry to MOTÖRHEAD

👍👍👍

[Zippi]

7 hours ago, STU111 said:

I remember building one of these as a kid, it was a monogram labeled issue. I’m in Bob, should look tough as. 👍🏻

Thanks Stu.  It's a nice kit except for the wheels & tires being a little on the small size.  

[David G.]

22 hours ago, Zippi said:

I found some rotors and disc brakes.  Got them fitted to the wheels and looking good.  I'm thinking red for the calipers.

 

For the calipers I think red is good but maybe also consider gold or white depending on the final color scheme of the truck.

David G.