GMC Astro cab mods

[fridge2538]

Hi all, has anyone modified the Astro/Titan to lower the cab to the correct height above the chassis?

How much does it need to be lowered by and what methods have been used?

Cheers Tony.

Edited June 10, 2012 by fridge2538

[mistermodel]

I dont think the cab sits too high.I you need to lower it move the hinges up higher,and secson the frame mounts.the astro has groves in the grill that the hinges sit in,the titan grill doesn't

[camaro73]

I lowered mine 1/8". I trimmed the rear frame mounts 1/8" and mounted the hinges 1/8" higher on the cab. You will have to lower the front bumper a little so the cab will tilt correctly.

Hope this helps.

[novadose71]

I lowered my Astro by moving the hinges up. First I lengthened the grooves in the grill, then I found some rectangular tubing that the hinge would tightly fit into, and glued it into the slots in the grille. I didn't glue the hinge into the tubing so the cab would be removable and wouldn't fall off when tilted. I didn't make any measurements just eyeballed. Here's a pic if it helps.

Edited June 10, 2012 by novadose71

[Mackvision]

Does anyone know about a conversion piece to 'update" the GMC Astro to the later model grille style? it is similar to the General grille,and i have seen a few done this way on here. Aftermarket? resin?...just curious as i would like to model a kit after a 1:1 truck that i once drove.....................Thanks,Mark

[Jim B]

Try Czech Truck Modell: http://www.modelmakershop.com/modelmakershop/index.php?cat=c126_Czech-Truck-Modell.html&XTCsid=2m19t2a03eg0v8hhtt0bp8a6j1 They have a P/E set for the Astro with the small grill & one with the big grill. It's just not always available.

[lapazleo]

I would say 1/8th inch is a good figure to use. Lowering the cab makes that kit look so much better. The other thing needing a change is the wipers. Any ideas on them ? I've always thought the grille is to thick as well ,the photo etch grilles should solve that allowing proper mounting of the bumper.

[Jim B]

The Czeh Truck Modell sets come with wipers to replace the 2x4s that come in the AMT kit. I used KFS P/E wipers on mu Astro & Titan, and it really does improve the look of the truck.

[Rich_S]

Guys, those are some sharp looking Titans and Astros, great job. Jim I agree, those after market wipers make a gigantic difference and thanks for the link.

[lapazleo]

I see the wipers on the photo etch set, the kfs wipers make sense too. All the astro/titan pics look good. Overall considering the age of these kits they're pretty good.

[Jim B]

I agree, They're decent kits. I have a couple in the stash that are going to be used as doner frames for other COEs.

[jacobus]

its a very nice truck to make

your right about donor chassis

and the set from cheh its full of nice things also the grill etc

need a good set of tweezers also and glasses becouse its tiny o so tiny

jacobus

[lapazleo]

Yep good donors I have a Griffen crackerbox planned for one.

[jacobus]

leo a crackerbox thats the one i dont have not yet

but i look for one

becouse he has something i can not tellin its the same as the old ford and diamond reo coe,s

look forward to see him

jacobus

[mysterj1]

Good and timely post. I'm just getting ready to shoot color on my Titan and lowboy, and what you suggested is exactly what I am doing to lower the ride. Also am looking forward to the MUCH improved wipers and grille from Czeh Truck Modell.

[lapazleo]

Jacobus, I'm not sure if anyone is making crackerbox cab now maybe someone can enlighten us. The crackerbox conversion is closely related to the astro as the astro replaced the crackerbox in GMC's line.

[phoneguy]

Eric is the only one casting the Crackerbox right now, but it's 1/32 scale. I got mine from Spaulding a while back. You may want to drop Spaulding an email to see it they will have it again.

[lapazleo]

Thats where I got mine.

[jacobus]

thanks guys a shal try it

now just buying the white western star [reissue amt] and the roadboss ,and diamond reo and for the white freigthliner from cheh upgrade,s

and hydrolicwires and airhoses and gladhands ,and a lot of materials also from evergreen

gmc waiting for building but now building a mack b61 whit an old testor tanker and peterbild tridrive daycab whit a lowbed

hobbytable full whit parts

keep on building

jacobus