First time truck builder with some questions...

[Gray Smith]

Hey guys,

My model club is starting up a group build and the theme is big rigs. I've never built one before but i'm looking forward to trying something a little different. The kit i've chosen is the AMT Chevy Titan 90.. dunno why but i like the styling of it. Mine is going to be built mostly stock with some fancy paint. My main question is where can I find some reference photos and or plumbing diagrams for the 8V71 that comes in that kit, since I really want to add a nice amount of detail here and there. Also from what i've seen pretty much everyone assembles the chassis on these big trucks then paint it all one color...then pick out the details..am I right on this?

Anyway, i'm excited about this, any help you guys can provide would be great.

Thanks

Gray

[Jim B]

Welcome to truck modeling! Looking forward to some progress pics.

The Chevrolet Titan/90 and the GMC Astro/95 are essentially the same truck. Here are some reference photos for the approximate year of the truck 1975 Chevrolet Titan/90 & 1977 GMC Astro/95. Snoop around on that site, and you'll probably find some good pics of a 8V71.

As far as the frame goes, yes, most people assemble the frame completely; then paint it as a single unit.

This article is about detailing a 8V92N, but the 8V71 is similar: 8V92N.

Here's one on adding an automatic transmission shift linkage: Shift Linkage.

Have fun!

Edited July 22, 2010 by Jim B

[mackinac359]

I'm building a Titan/90 - GMC Astro/95 right now.

The Inspiration - a 1976 Astro/95.

Mine is close to out-of-the-box, but I've stretched the chassis using chassis parts from a junker kit.

I've assembled the entire frame, minus the engine, radiator, fuel tanks and wheels.

My chassis is white. The engine should be GM Alpine Green, but my can has gone bad, so I used a light green.

Here's the cab on the chassis.

Note that all the components such as shock absorbers, springs, etc are all one color. From the factory, most trucks have the frames assembled and painted. If you see shocks and springs a separate color, this usually means the parts have been replaced or the owner decided to paint them.

Frames/chassis do not have to be black. Black is common, but most brands, including Chevy/GMC offered colored frames. Even the black was not flat black, more of a low-gloss.

The transmission should be black or rust red.

The radiator black.

The fuel tanks can be painted to match the cab, or the frame, or left dull aluminum or polished aluminum.

Wheels can be any color you want. I removed the chrome as the chrome looks toy-like on spoke-type wheels.

Some things to watch for while building this kit:

There are some mold-injection marks on engine piping and parts that need to be removed so the parts fit better.

If you opt for the single exhaust, be sure to mount the crossover pipe when building the frame. If you wait until you've assembled the frame and mounted the battery boxes and air cleaner, you will never get the pipe to clear the frame.

The mounts for the round fuel tanks don't fit snug against the chassis and need to be carefully positioned so that the tanks are level.

The kit comes with parts for the "cheaper" or older version with low-mount round turn signals, fleet-style roof lights, small air horns, a roof air deflector, single exhaust/air cleaner options. For the roof lights and horns - don't open the holes in the roof until you have decided what type of horns you want to use.

Tim

[Bryan H]

Tim, whatever you used for the "aluminum" parts looks quite realistic. Which paint did you use for those parts?

Bryan

[mackinac359]

Bryan

The fuel tanks and bumper are painted with Duplicolor high-heat engine paint "Silver." "1200 degree"

The grab handles are "Killer Chrome" from Alsa.

Tim

Tim, whatever you used for the "aluminum" parts looks quite realistic. Which paint did you use for those parts?

Bryan

[mackinac359]

Something else I thought of when installing the interior, make sure the sleeper curtain (either optional full curtain or open curtains) clear the sleeper bunk and the back of the seat or you will have trouble installing the interior tub.

The tracking rods on the suspension also needed to be trimmed in length to fit. I'm not sure if I did something wrong or not when I assembled the rear suspension, but the rods were too long.

Tim

[Gray Smith]

Thanks a bunch Tim, I've been checking out your site pretty heavily over the last few days, the tips you've provided definitely help me out a great deal...I might just build trucks a little more regularly after this...they look addictive

Gray

[Gray Smith]

Oh yeah..do you guys know anywhere I can look for some generic wiring and detailing diagrams for trucks? i'm totally lost as to what kind of stuff goes where in terms of air brake lines ect..

[Chris guthro]

Ive started building One but completely botched my frame when I tried extending it. The only thing holding me back is looking for a replacement chassis. I love the orange and the white, the white frame would be some hard to keep clean wouldnt it?

lol

[Madd Trucker]

Strfe try this site it has been a help to me

http://public.fotki.com/modeltrucks25thscale/model_magazine_articles/car_modeller/

[The Modeling Hermit]

Gray, I also want to welcome you to the world of truck models. I love the Astro/Titan kits, and have built several, with more waiting to be built. Tim is right on about that single pipe installation. I missed that step on the first one that I built, and after going back and ripping things out to get it right, I never forgot it again. This is a wonderful kit and I'm sure that you'll enjoy every minute of your build. I also hope that you get hooked, and we'll see many more trucks coming from you.

[Gray Smith]

Thanks guys and Thanks Doug for all the help and comments, and Doug, i've got my eyes on at least 5 more truck kits so this won't be the last one you guys see from me.

Here is a little teaser for you...

tires are So-Real Truxus..which fit the kit wheels very well. When I bought the kit I was thinking of a 4wd/6wd set up, slightly showy truck...dunno what it would tow or be used for, but it looks tough to me. I've got my eye on the drive front axle set-up and the 8V71 turbo add-on from Sourkraut, and i've got parts for a single axle conversion in the back if I go that route. Anyway once I get some detailing work on the motor and chassis i'll start a full on build thread.

Thanks

Gray

[unclescott58]

I have both the GMC and Chevy in waiting. My question is what color is the color engine? I know it's green. But what shade of green? What is close in Tamiya spray cans? Which is what I like to use.

Scott

 

[Superpeterbilt]

Alpine green. They carry it Orielly auto parts.