The yellow 359

[Casey429]

While i was knee deep in the orange truck, I was also tweaking this a bit. This is an original Pete wrecker built by my dad in about 1971 that was converted to a tractor and repowered by my him in the early 1990's. I just fixed some shelf damage, added the second battery/tool box and resprayed the paint on the tanks and boxes. It has Revell-Germany front wheels and a newer AMT bumper and rear outside wheels. I added the exta turn signals and door handles form the reissue 352. This truck originally had the engine that's now in the orange one, and this Cummins is from dad's own build of the T501. This truck also has original paint! I need to rechrome the grille, and the interior was repainted years back also. I still have the wrecker body. I'm keeping it mostly original, I think it's a neat time capsule. Oh, I also BMF'd the emblems, and the mudfalps are also from dad's T501, again added in the 90's. I lettered it and made the new PA license plate. It's not Apportioned like all the others, this truck has earned retirment in my 1/25 fleet. Now it does local work and show duty 8) .

(Don't kid yourself, this truck is a 3 footer at best.) I still like it, it's one of my favorites, and maybe someday it'll get a full-blown restoration.

Thanks!

[Guest Anthony Oteri]

Casey,

Ain't nothing wrong with a three footer! I think we tend to get caught up in perfection too much sometimes and it can take away from the fun of building. Tell dad he "Done Good", and you to. I think we all strive for that perfect paint job or perfect build and rightfully so, but the experience of building is what counts most.

[Jim B]

Casey,

What paint did you use on the fuel tanks? I nee some sort of chrome paint for my GMC General.

[Casey429]

I've tried several chrome paints. I used Duplicolor on this and most of my other trucks. I'd say it's more of a polished aluminum, but its perfect for wheels, tanks, and battery boxes. I've never tried alclad, so without comparing to two, I'd say this is the best I've used.

[Jim B]

I've heard of that alclad stuff. It ain't cheap. I'll have to check out that Duplicolor.

Oh, I almost forgot: nice tractor.

[SpreadAxle]

Duplicolor Chrome is good, gives a polished aluminium look. I have a 40 ft Fruehauf reefer I did in that color, and it gives a good shine, but not mirror finish. As to the 3 footer, casey, there's nothing wrong with that at all. I agree with Anthony. I think we should remind ourselves that this is for our enjoyment. I personally don't do contests. I love sharing my work, and I was always proud of my Autocar, and the work I did on my Ford, but even my 3 ft models brought me joy. However, they all got a trip to Ray's Scrap Yard because, while I may never enter a show, I wanted that show quality on my shelves. This little subject came up with me yesterday. I was building the first trailer of the Michigan train to go behind my Autocar. I was pulling my hair out because the air lines that come with the dump trailer kit, when cut, can be a pain to handle, and getting them to stay still long enough for the glue to hold was trying. I had to remind myself of what my high school auto mechanics teacher used to preach, when you get mad while working on something, take a break before you make it worse. But in the end, the idea of this is to be fun. I know my trucks won't be perfect, but I love sharing them here.

[455 Rocket]

I like the color combination. I just got one of these trucks in trade and plan to build it very similar to yours. In regard to the Duplicolor Chrome paint, I just used it today on some resin wheels and it turned out really nice. I wanted that polished aluminum look. Make sure if you use Dulpicolor on plastic to use a good primer or it will etch the plastic.

[SpreadAxle]

All that rambling, and I forgot to say, nice truck. I like the reverse lights you set up too. 8)

[Old Albion]

This old Pete still looks good after all the years of wear and tear. I hope my trucks look this good in years to come. Great Truck!

[Diesel Gypsy]

Casey, you got yourself a real peachy truck there, she's thing to be admired.

I'd bet your Dad is proud of you for taking time out to spruce the ol girl up alittle. Respect for your Dads work is a fine thing.

As for a 3 footer, well I think your sellin yourself short, I'm with Ray & Anthony on that one, they've allready writen all I wanted to say, but I'd just like to add; keep building em & keep sharing em, your at the core of this great hobby.