78 Dodge "Evilram" WIP...updated 01/19/11

[1320wayne]

Since most of us always have multiple builds going at the same time here are some progress shots of my latest project. This is a 78 Dodge 4x4 project that I am working on while I am also progressing with my Daytona pro mod down in the drag section. This is a test bed for working with custom made decals on my home computer. The starting piece is an MPC Thunderstruck pulling truck. I believe this was the last release of the 78 body style before MPC turned the kit into a full fledged monster truck, making sure that the mold could never be turned back into any stock configuration.

Here's the mockup with the baby Swampers in place. And, the decals that I created with a different approach to the Ram logo for the hood as well as the digital camo that will be used for the rocker panels and rally stripes down the roof and hood.

The engine I will be using is a Ross Gibson 440 Magnum. More updates soon.

Edited January 19, 2011 by 1320wayne

[highway]

I like the ram for the hood. I'll be watching this for sure!

[Blake Rogers]

wicked man i love it so far

[1320wayne]

Here is the image for the back window decal done up in white background decal film. I created this by searching for suitable images online and then simply transferring the image onto decal film.

[tuffone20]

I like where your going with this one and that Ram logo looks awesome!!

[1320wayne]

Here is the first shot with the rocker panel camo graphics going on. I started by painting the body with Testors Black Pearl Metallic.

[1320wayne]

Here are a couple of shots with most of the camo graphics in place. The hood had to be stripped and repainted so I am currently waiting for the paint to cure enough to add the decals to the hood. I am happy with this first attempt at homemade decals using unknown decal paper bought off Ebay. Stay tuned as I should have the hood, with the Ram logo, completed by tommorrow evening.

[tuffone20]

It's looking real good Wayne and just looking at yours is making me want to dig out some of my Dodge truck projects....

[1320wayne]

Well, the progress is just flying along here. The hood is done and I mocked up the front grill to see how it will look. I actually have a second grill that I am in the process of opening up all of the grill work to make it more realistic.

[Railfreak78]

I like your project and love the camo. I was a little worried about the ram everyone liked so much but on the camo it looks good. I love these Dodge trucks and I'm watchin. I like the back window print too.

[1320wayne]

Wow, it's been over a month since I have updated anything on this. I was finally able to get the body cleared, after finishing a set of camo 4x4 logos for the bed and snagging a Dodge logo for the tailgate. After a couple of weeks to to cure then I can go ahead and rub it out to a mirror shine. I was also able to get the wheels painted, chassis painted and the shocks painted and installed. There is plenty of detail painting to come on the chassis.

[jeffs396]

Coming together nicely Wayne!

[RodneyBad]

Love to see those Old Dodges Built.

Yours looks good, I like the camo Decal.

Heck, I'd Camo Decal the whole thing with the Ram decal right where it is too.

Looks really good.

Nice work..

[1320wayne]

Here is some of the engine work. The base engine is a resin cast Ross Gibson 440 Magnum with different resin cast valve covers. The distributor and flex fan both come from Pro Tech. The pulleys are from Parts by Parks.

[1320wayne]

Well, the engine is done and ready to be installed. If I hadn't mentioned it before, the flex fan and distributor are both from Protech and are some of the best pieces that I have ever used.

[1320wayne]

Well, I set this one aside to get some othjer projects knocked out and I am now back to work on it. It is almost complete.

I added hood hinges so the hood will stay propped open, the engine has been installed and other pieces added like heater hoses and radiator hose. The driveshafts have all been added although I still have some slight weathering to do underneath to make everything stand out better.

I also decided to add a brush guard up front. It came from the parts box and is currently in the process of being painted. The little nub on the roof is the pin for the antenna base to be installed to.

The only major work left is to add the master cylinder under the hood and create an exhaust, and some detail painting and then this one is done.

[Kanedge]

Sweet, the engine work is really nice.

[mikemodeler]

Looks great, I wish they would bring these Dodge trucks back!

I do have a suggestion though....I would detail the grille to make it stand out some more. A little black wash and pick out the letters and the turn signals and it would make a huge difference.

[1320wayne]

Looks great, I wish they would bring these Dodge trucks back!

I do have a suggestion though....I would detail the grille to make it stand out some more. A little black wash and pick out the letters and the turn signals and it would make a huge difference.

Yeah, all of that is planned. I'm not done yet and still have a few little details left to do other than what I posted above. I actually have a second grill that I am working right now at opening up the grill.

[Nick Winter]

Dang Wayne that's pretty cool, Your giving me Idea's I eventually gotta build mine, although mines the '77 Annual, not a '78 like yours

can't wait to see it done.

[KingSix]

that would actually be a 79... 78's still had the birdbath hood ....unless you just swapped out hoods

[RodneyBad]

Engine looks Great but the stock aircleaner just doesn't look right on such a Beast

of a truck..

Funny thing is those hoods will fit any Dodge truck between 1972 and 1992

And knowing is Half the battle :lol:

[Wolf75]

Awesome build! Makes me sorry I traded mine off >.<

[1320wayne]

that would actually be a 79... 78's still had the birdbath hood ....unless you just swapped out hoods

The hood was swapped out. The original one that comes in this kit has the molded in hood scoop that just doesn't look right for a stock appearing build. So, regardless of the hood, it's still a 78.

[Dr. Cranky]

I am loving every step in this one. Fabulous and effective graphix. This model is gonna get attention!