1981 Chevy K20

[Fabrux]

Since the Tow Rig and Trailer CBP seems to have died, I'll post this WIP here.

Starting with the MPC Sodbuster 1981 Chevy pickup kit, which actually carries Custom Deluxe 20 badges, which by 1981 reckoning would make this beasty a ¾ ton. I used the wheel and tire combo from an MPC Dodge kit and ended up with this:

I cobbled together a big block engine to stuff in the engine bay from my parts bin. The 454 ci engine was supposedly not available for trucks below 8500 lbs GVWR, but I'd like to think that someone with connections/money might've been able to tick option LE8 on a K20.

And a combo shot with what's being towed:

And so it sat for about a year (remember what I said about the CBP dying? ). After moving and inspired by Tom Geiger's Amnesty Project, I dug this build out and figured I might try and get it built for my club's show in May. I started by adding the trim piece below the rear window that wraps around to the doors:

And filling in the cab corners:

I tried disassembling my parts bin BBC in an attempt to fix a crooked head and ended up destroying the poor thing. I never really liked how it looked in there anyway. So, I dug out an AMT 70 Monte Carlo kit I had picked up for parts and nabbed the engine, BB radiator, AC condenser, and brake booster.

Engine all tarted up:

I think the blue I used is a little light for GM Corporate Blue, but it'll have to do for this build. For my next 1980+ MPC pickup build I'll get a darker blue.

[Longbox55]

Looks good. Are you planning to stretch the wheelbase? I have a Ground Pounder, which is essentially the same kit molded in blue, that I'm considering doing the same conversion to. Not sure if I'll do the big block swap, but mine might just get the SM465 4 speed from the AMT '72 Blazer (Model King issue) since I'm converting it to an automatic.

[Fabrux]

This one is staying a shortie. I have a complete Ground Pounder plus another missing only the suspension that will be an excellent candidate for a LWB con version.

[slusher]

I like the wheel and tire combo choice. Looking forward to your build...

[Guest]

Looks good! I think I would use the eight lug wheels from the Revellogram GMC kit. Those MPC Dodge wheels look too big like they are from a 1/20 scale kit. MPC was notorious for putting 1/20 scale wheels in 1/24 scale kits.

[Fabrux]

Yeah, the wheels are definitely out of scale. The rims and tires actually are interchangeable with the Fall Guy set. I have a Revellogram GMC but those wheels are being used in another project.

[mikemodeler]

Check with Casey, I think he might have cast some of the factory rally wheels from the old Monogram Chevy pickup.

[Fabrux]

I have many of those wheels; not interested for this build.

[mikemodeler]

If that was a true K20, would that not be a longbed? I remember there was a lumber yard near where I grew up that had a couple of those longbed stepsides back in the 70s and 80s that were C30s and K20s.

Have you checked with Danny at Scenes Unlimited about his 8 lug wheels?

[Fabrux]

I have looked, but I prefer the look of these wheels for this build. Sort of a retro MPC vibe to it.

[greymack]

Nice truck so far man