Autocar A64b Project

[ABC Auto Industry]

I bought this the day before Thanksgiving, but didn't start working on it until the next week. Also, I haven't had much time to work on it because I'm trying to finish up my college work. Anyways, this is how far I've come:

Cummins NTC-350. Though the instruction sheet says that the NTC-350 parts are "Not To Be Used" (I probably made the instruction sheet angry), I figured that since I'm building a heavy-duty construction truck, it should have an engine with more punch than an NHC-250. I painted it gold because it more closely matches the Cummins Beige color that people have been talking about.

The completed wheels. I painted the center hubs of the front wheels to match the picture on the box. Strangely enough, the tires are slightly larger than the Chevy Titan or Peterbilt 359. I wonder why.

Unpainted chassis. I'm going to paint it black because I'm too lazy to pick any other color. Strangely enough, the chassis is as long as the Peterbilt 359's. It looked shorter on the package.

My plans for this rig are to paint it in Baranski Construction Company (another division of the fictional group Dylan Baranski Industries, Inc.) colors, which are dark red with green-over-blue stripes. Eventually, I plan to get a Loadcraft Lowboy trailer + a Caterpillar D8H bulldozer to go with it. I also plan to get an Autocar DC-64 dump truck & paint it in the same colors.

Does anyone know what model year this kit represents? I think it's a 60's-early 70's A64B. Also, what's the difference between the A64B & the other A64s?

Anyways, I commend AMT for reissuing this kit! It was something out of left field! I figured I'd get it because the original was hard to find on Ebay in good, unbuilt condition. I'm also going to get the Mack Cruise-Liner when it arrives and build it as a gift for my dad.

Edited December 15, 2007 by ABC Auto Industry

[PatRedmond]

Looks like you're having fun as well !

[ABC Auto Industry]

Indeed I am! This kit seems to be a bit easier to assemble than the other AMT big rig kits. Probably because I'm getting better at it, or because I'm being less sloppy this time.

[FIREMODELMAN]

so sar so good.. I'd like to get my hands on one of those to do as a heavy rescue truck..Good luck on getting your model and collge work done.

[Old Albion]

Looks like your off to a good start. That frame looks very robust, definately a heavy weight truck and one that would certainly complement any fleet. This would make a great wrecker. I think Ken Smith built an A64B as a wrecker in his Detailing Model Trucks Series. He used the wrecking body of the Pete 359 but built it as a Twin Boom version. I'll have to have a look through my information. Hmm! that gives me some ideas.

Good Luck with the rest of the project and keep us posted.

[ZIL 111V]

Nice project, keeping the rear spokes chrome plated?

True that the Autocar A64B/ the HD Dump truck & also the Diamond Reo/White Road Boss/Western Star/, are much easier to assemble; frame, axles & engine wise, (all 5 kits share mostly the same basic frame/axles/ engine& cab parts) with different front wheels, hoods, fenders, fuel tanks, battery boxes & back ward front axles for every version.

Fitting & aligment problems are minimal when assembling those kits....wait until you get your Mack Cruise Liner kit!

[old-hermit]

Cummins beige engine paint can be found at most auto parts stores.

Dupli-Color makes a wide range of OEM automotive finishes.

I've never had a problem with it hurting the plastic either.

[mackinac359]

The A is the model series. 64 is 6x4. B is set back axle. The kit came out in '70 so AMT probably used a '69 or '70 for their measurements.

Be sure to check the fit of the cab/hood to the frame. The cab mounts are a bit too tall and create a

forward lean/rake to the cab and hood.

Tim

[ABC Auto Industry]

Be sure to check the fit of the cab/hood to the frame. The cab mounts are a bit too tall and create a

forward lean/rake to the cab and hood.

Tim

OK, I'll check that out. I assume the rear cab mount is responsible?

True that the Autocar A64B/ the HD Dump truck & also the Diamond Reo/White Road Boss/Western Star/, are much easier to assemble; frame, axles & engine wise, (all 5 kits share mostly the same basic frame/axles/ engine& cab parts) with different front wheels, hoods, fenders, fuel tanks, battery boxes & back ward front axles for every version.

Well, Autocar, Freightliner (known as White-Freightliner 'till the mid-70's), White, & Western Star were part of this group called "The Big 4", so it's not surprising that they use the same components. As for the Diamond Reo, I don't know what's the deal with that.

On another note, the Diamond Reo kit doesn't say what model designation the truck is. I think it's an Apollo 116 or C-116 (they could be the same, for all I know).

[billd64]

that cummins motor brought back fond memories.... i can look up back in see my handi work in three frames that have that motor that i had too swap due to blown motors

anyway according to local truck dealers in ny, i called three they pretty much gave the same answer from guys who were in industry for manny years, it had to due with rears, and frame strenght and use

i like the mack version honestly, heavier leafs, and triple frame rail .... down sied i noticed ove time is ###### got in there and caused intenal rust/rot DOT issues

i have a drop deck id like to make a functioning drop deck so i can pull away from it like a trailer we use curently, and help appreciated

bill