Orange Hauler II: Radical Custom Truck and Trailer, July 14 f'glass work

[Ace-Garageguy]

Well, I've got some orange paint left over from the Gearz Chevelle project, so I'm thinking to use it up, it's time to bring this one back on-line. There's glass-work curing on the Phoenix, and I can't afford parts for the 1:1s this month, so here we go again....

 

I scored a cheap, partially-built Orange Hauler a while back, mostly for the tires and the Buick nailhead, but I got to thinking of an up-dated rework of the general concept.

 

 

The first mockup keeps the general theme of a short wheelbase show-truck, but loses the bubble top in favor of a roadster-pickup vibe, a raked wrap-around windshield, and completely new front and rear end treatments.

 

 

I want to keep a slight resemblance to the original Darryl Starbird design, but clean it up and smooth it out a little. The distracting hole on the front fender will go away, the rocker moldings will be continued forward, the nose gets extended, etc. To make it at least somewhat practical (in theory), I'm thinking fifth-wheel race-car trailer-hauler. An alternate-reality Viva Las Vegas sort of rig.

 

 

The hood and surround from another Starbird creation, the Predicta, takes the place of the fussy and dated original upper front surfaces.....

 

 

For an over-the-top showcar power plant, a twin-blown Viper engine is in the works......

 

 

in the chassis....

 

 

and as she sits today.....

 

 

Tonight's project is working out the rest of the design of the front end. I'll be trying variations until something clicks.

Edited July 15, 2016 by Ace-Garageguy

[TooOld]

I was wondering what happened to this car . Glad to see it in progress again . I like what you have so far .

BOB .

[Chuck Most]

I recall this one.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Thanks, Bob. It got shelved along with everything else during the thrash to finish the contest car. I'm trying to limit myself to two or three simultaneous builds, 'cause I actualy like having one finished.

[Assa9]

Cool idea

[surfjunke]

That is really cool. Great idea & some fine modelling. I really like where this is going.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Thanks guys. I'm still not entirely happy with the front end, but I'm getting closer.

Surfjunke, what is the car in your photo? It looks kinda Porsche 904, but I've never seen anything quite like it.

[Ira]

Great Start!

The Convertable Top is perfect on this truck!

[crazyjim]

Haven't seen this one before and really like the concept. Keep going and finish that puppy.

[Dr. Cranky]

I'm watching this one waiting for more progress. Great (never seen) subject matter for me.

[Guest Darkside Customs]

This should be good! Nice start...

[Danno]

Nice to see the Ultra Truck resurfacing, even if being reworked. You just don't see them being built that often!

You're showing some great ideas here ... blending the original design with some new cues.

Keep it up.

Watching ...

[Austin T]

I picked this model up a few months ago and plan on building a replica of the real one,man I have used so much spot putty to try and fill the cracks on mine.Best of luck with your build.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Thanks for the interest and comments.

Austin T, I have an anmolested kit of this too, and at some point will build it box-stock (wired and detailed) and show the two together.

[Badluck 13]

I like how the front end is coming along,personally I think it looks much better than the original.

[deathskull59]

looks weird but cool.

[RedBanditCustoms]

Now thats an unusual kit!

[JasonFL]

I love were your taking this one, that motor is just sick! Keep it coming

[Garagenous_Jim]

A true blast from the past, and looking good! Dual diagonal scoops. That's just plain sick brother!!

[Ace-Garageguy]

Thanks guys. And....I never liked the front end I had, kinda reminded me of a character from Ice Age. Reworked it with higher headlights, new lower pan, different wheel / tire combo. A little more tweeking and I think I'll have what I was after.....

[crazyjim]

It staring to have a Mercedes look. Nice work.

[Brizio]

I really like it!

[JasonFL]

I like the adjustment to the front end. I really liked the last set of rims but the new ones look pretty good. Did you custom make the scoops on the motor, they are sick!?

[Ace-Garageguy]

Thanks guys. I'm still tinkering with the theme and may go back to the slicks in the rear for a more '60s showcar look, and I'm probably going to set the headlights deeper into the fenders. My designs sometimes take a while to figure out what they really want to be.

Jason, the scoops are a pair that happened to come in with a bunch of parts I bought, sight unseen. Just a lucky find. The round bottoms will be replaced with 2-hole Hilborn-style injectors.

Anybody out there have a 5th wheel setup, or a recommendation for a kit with a good one?

[JasonFL]

Well keep tinkering, it's coming along nicely. Sometimes you just have to tinker until you get that right look. Those scoops were a killer find I'd say, nice touch.