359 Peterbilt (customised)

[Cool Hand]

Not really into trucks/big rigs all that much,but I have become a fan of the customised show rigs you guys have in the U.S.

So after getting some inspiration from the net,dvd's a mate lent me and a French model truck builder.

I decided to venture into a subject I have not built before.

Started with a cheap easy kit, to get an idea of what its like to build a truck.

If this build turns ok il get a better kit and build another.

So after some guidance from my mate, the progress began.

Out of the box mock up to get an idea of what and where to modify to get the look im after.

(apologize for the poor quality of the first few pics)

After some modifications to frame,front and rear suspension it was lowered and stretched.

[Jim B]

Nice stretch job.

[Cool Hand]

Work in progress continued.

Extended lower edges of the cab,sleeper and front guards.

Made fuel tanks,rear guards.

Filled in various mounting holes and started to smooth the hood/bonnet,cab and sleeper.

Anyways thats where im up to at the moment,will have a progress update soon.

[BigBad]

Whoa! This is lookin' good Matey! You got the height just right. I like the fenders. Keep us up to date there Luke, you're on to something!

[cowboysevens]

You are most definately makin this one have that custom outlaw look. Nice work so far I like it

[kyotey1693]

Looking good. I'm a big fan of custom trucks. I have been contemplating a Peterbuilt show rod/rat rod (but actually painted) style custom truck for a while now. Keep us posted with pics.

[lapazleo]

Nice!

[BigBad]

What color are you going to make this bad beast?

[bandit1]

WHOA! I really like this pete!...your giving me some "Inspiration" to open another snap pete!

only thing is ...What would you guys use to extend the frame of one of these kits?

[ewaskew]

I like building custom rigs myself and this one is looking real good.

[Joker]

Luke...

That's gonna need a lotta black paint.

Love the body and chassis mods.

[catd11rpusher]

Boy I have a hard time with making stock trucks, with my shaky old hands. I've been thinking about it. But need a little more time on the work bench. Oh buy the way nice start!!! KEEP THE PICTURES COMING!!!! I get great ideas from all of you boys

[Truck parts]

Looking great so far.Keep up the great work.

[Cool Hand]

Thanks for all the replies and comments fella's much appreciated.

What color are you going to make this bad beast?

Black, my favourite colour.

What would you guys use to extend the frame of one of these kits?

I used some 1.0mm styrene sheet that was cut into strips to match the frame,il take some pics to show how the method I used.

Edited September 7, 2012 by Cool Hand

[Cool Hand]

Luke...

That's gonna need a lotta black paint.

You know me to well James.

Edited September 7, 2012 by Cool Hand

[mopar68]

Oh yea! Another modded build

Looking great so far mate, what did you make the guards from?

Edited September 7, 2012 by mopar68

[Cool Hand]

Cheers Zac.

The rear guards were made from toothpick containers and styrene sheet

What would you guys use to extend the frame of one of these kits?

Sean,hopefully these pics show how the frame was extended/stretched.

[bandit1]

Cheers Zac.

The rear guards were made from toothpick containers and styrene sheet

Sean,hopefully these pics show how the frame was extended/stretched.

Cool! ...i see now....just need to figure out how much i want to stretch mine?

[baddgass]

Very nice start.

[skulls]

Great start Luke! I am wondering if you are able to get a pic or two of the suspension, you had mentioned that you did some modification to the suspension and I was just wondering how you worked it thats all. I have the same kit that I was looking on taking a similar route on and the suspension is where I got stuck.

[Cool Hand]

Cool! ...i see now....just need to figure out how much i want to stretch mine?

I stretched mine 50mm

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Thanks Derrick.

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Here you go James,I wasnt concerned with the suspension being scale functional.

The suspension was lowered 4mm front and rear.

For the front suspension,first I cut off the block the leaf springs mount on then cut a 2mm notch in the springs.

Havent done it yet but later on the steering track rod will need to be modified to clear the engine,and sump will need to be modified/sanded down to clear front axle.

For the rear suspension,cut the leaf spring/suspension mounting bracket off, then trimmed the mount down 4mm then reattached.

Cut off the airbags sand down the ring on the tops,then trim the airbags 3mm

Edited September 8, 2012 by Cool Hand

[Cool Hand]

Small progress update.

Opened up the hood/bonnet.

Grille modifications.

Before.

After.

A new grille will be installed later using KA Models photo-etch mesh

Made a rear light bar/bumper

[BigBad]

Thanks for the suspension tips Luke, that is going to be of some help for a lot of us later! Your snap Pete is going to be a looker for sure, I'm not too much into Hotrod trucks usually but you and Chuck Most aka Michigan Madman are helping me change my mind on this! I really like the way this is going. Good job!

By the way, are you retaining the kit engine?

Edited September 8, 2012 by BigBad

[mopar68]

Going good Luke, never ceases to amaze me how tidy your scratchbuilding is.

[fractalign]

This looks very cool, i doing a custom pete myself based off the same kit, i will be following yours with great interest !