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Posted

My latest project is a Peterbilt 351 tandem drive tractor unit. It is based on a Truck I found on Brad Wike's web site. (no longer on the web site)

http://bradsclassictrucks.com/

I think Brad sold it some time ago but he used it as his Christmas Lights truck. It was in need of full restoration. Was fitted with an 8V71 Detroit Diesel, twin stick transmission and walking beam suspension on rubber pads.

My version will be in the restored condition and well capable of doing the job it was intended to do.

The base kit is the AMT little window california hauler. I have built up the metal front axle from KFS. All wheels will rotate and the front wheels will steer. The rear suspension walking beams will operate. Both cab doors will open and the butterflt hood will work.

You can see from the photo's I have not done too much yet. But as soon as I have made more progress I will post more photo's.

The photo below shows where I have got to and the reference information I am using.

Pete351BuildDetails005.jpg

Interestingly in the back of the Manual there is the Specification Assembly Inspection document for a 351 a 1958 truck no L-4420. There is also a Truck Assembly Sheet for a 1966 351 frame assembly no 15686. This gives me an idea for a future project. Build a truck to the data sheets as originally designed or maybe devise my own specification sheets for a truck build. Imagine putting your own owners manual together. That would be some project. Anyway back to the present one hope you enjoy it.

Best Wishes

Dave Bates

Posted

Hey Dave, ifn yu clk on tha Red Button above that Pete, Brad has a coupla other 3/4 views of tha Pete.

Posted

Well I've made a start to the Pete.

The chassis is virtually built apart from a few details. The rear suspension is complete (At last!!!) This took me several hours to get all the pivot pins made and get the suspension operating correctly. Reminds me of Tim's comments about his Canadian Picker. Still its done now. I will probably finish the chassis off during next week and paint it next weekend.

Pete351BuildDetails013.jpg

Pete351BuildDetails010.jpg

http://public.fotki.com/oldalbion/1964-peterbilt-351/

Hope you enjoy the photo's. Thanks for looking.

Dave Bates

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

Hello folks,

Well I,m making steady progress. The frame is nearly complete just one or two things to finish off and touch up. I,m pleased so far with the truck although one or two things caused me some headachs. mainly the diesel tank steps. These are from KFS and are extremely delicate things. A great deal of care is required. The steps come with a neat cat walk, so I fitted that to. The tool box on the right side I made myself. All the rear suspension works and the mud flaps work to. If you look closely you will see the truck license plate 64 351 P These were made using the ACME License Maker. Colorado was one of the few states that had a 1964 plate. So Colorado it was. After the frame is complete I will start on the Detroit Diesel and the main transmission then the cab, hood and fenders.

I have tried to upload a photo but the "Upload photo" thing has disappeared of my screen???? Hmmm! Odd!

Check out the photo's in my Album.

Best Wishes everyone and thanks for looking.

Dave Bates

http://public.fotki.com/oldalbion/1964-peterbilt-351/

Posted

Dave,

Love it !!!

The suspension ROCKS....and the photo etched steps add that right touch...

Can't wait to see more progress/pictures.

Kurt McLucas

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

Look at these piano hinges! Superb!!!! :D

I have just fitted The Model Car Garage hinges to the cab doors and just wanted to show everyone what they looked like. These are extremely fine and great care is required, but well worth the time. Many Thanks to Jairus for the tip about the hinges, see forum subjects:

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2410

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2276

Pete351BuildDetails037.jpg

Pete351BuildDetails035.jpg

Pete351BuildDetails040.jpg

Thanks for looking.

Posted

Latest progress on the old Pete!

The hood is complete the original resin hood was too thick (About 3/32") so I decided to make my own using some thin sheet brass. As you can see in the photo's the hood opens. The piano hinges (These are brilliant)are from Model Car Garage. I must say I'm pleasantly surprised and impressed with this truck so far. Its starting to look like a Pete.

Hope you enjoy the photo's!

Pete351BuildDetails055.jpg

Pete351BuildDetails056.jpg

Pete351BuildDetails057.jpg

http://public.fotki.com/oldalbion/1964-pet...-351/page3.html

Thanks for looking.

  • 3 weeks later...
Posted

Well the Old Pete is finished at last. What an enjoyable truck to build. Tried to get some decent photo's outside today but the wind is blowing a gale. So I had to keep waiting for the sun to come out and dodge the snow showers. Still they don't look to bad. Hope you enjoy them. Next project a trailer for the Pete and then I think a Kenworth Alaskan hauler with a Big Cummins KTA.

Many Thanks for Looking.

Pete351BuildDetails067.jpg

Pete351BuildDetails070.jpg

Pete351BuildDetails074.jpg

Pete351BuildDetails083.jpg

http://public.fotki.com/oldalbion/1964-peterbilt-351/

Best Wishes

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