Volvo VN670 & VN780

[Jim B]

Does anyone know the approximate "years" represented by the Italeri Volvo VN670 & VN780 kits?

[highway]

I'm not sure, but I would say maybe in the mid to late 2000 range. I think I got my 870 in 2006 or 07 and it was already on the road a year or two before that.

[Thatswhatshesaid]

The kits were released around 2005. The trucks hit the road in 03-04.

[kilrathy10]

Amazingly, those trucks hadn't changed much until a couple of years ago.....The '11's have a new black fairing moldings on the back of the cab and the '13's have new blind spot mirrors on the hood....I may be off a year or two, but I know I'm close....They got some new treatment to the lower parts of the side fairings and front bumper......Takes some getting used to, but the new mirrors on the '14's look TERRIBLE....Well, maybe not terrible, but I don't really like them.....I wonder if Italeri will add these new additions to their upcoming reissues....

Edited April 12, 2014 by kilrathy10

[Jim B]

Thanks for the info, guys. I appreciate it. I know the VN series has been around since the mid to late 1990s, but I wasn't sure if the kits went back that far.

JT, I wouldn't expect anything new in the Italeri kit. I'm sure it's just going to be a re-pop.

Does anyone know if Bison Transport out of Canada used the VN780 or the VN670?

[Pavel A.]

Years of releases:

Italeri VN 780 - 2003, VN 670 - 2005, VN 780+trailer (Rebel decals) - 2006

Revell VN 670 - 2005

source: http://www.eddylenders.nl/homepage%20modelbouw.htm

Edited April 12, 2014 by Pavel A.

[Jim B]

Thanks, Pavel. That's good information.

[highway]

This should help Jim!

[Jim B]

I've seen those. That's what gave me the idea, but I don't know what model that is. I guess in the long run it doesn't really matter, but it would be nice to know.

[Thatswhatshesaid]

I've seen those. That's what gave me the idea, but I don't know what model that is. I guess in the long run it doesn't really matter, but it would be nice to know.

Those are the 670 in the Bison pics.

[Jim B]

How can you tell?

[highway]

Those are the 670 in the Bison pics.

Actually Jake, look at the one again, it is a 770/780!

How can you tell?

Typically Jim, the 780 and very similar 770 (not sure what the difference in the 80 and 70 is, maybe trim levels or bigger engine, not sure) are the one with the four bunk windows and the more fleet truck 670 (even though I have seen fleet 770s and 780s as well) has only the two top bunk windows and the solid bottom bunk walls.

[Jim B]

So, from your description, the tan/gold ones are 670 & the white one is a 780. Is that right?

[highway]

So, from your description, the tan/gold ones are 670 & the white one is a 780. Is that right?

That is correct, Jim. Also, from what I know of the Volvos I've been in, typically the 780s are the more upscale versions, with the "Driver's Lounge" sleeper option like the Italeri kit has with the bottom bunk/table and benches option.

[Force]

Here is a thing I found on the US Volvo Trucks and the differences between the models.

http://www.dmbruss.com/zRedRover/RR_WhyVolvo770.htm

http://www.hhrvresource.com/VolvoModelLine.htm

[Jim B]

Thanks. That helps a lot.

[dad vader]

I missed all this.... I currently work for a Volvo dealership. 670 Slimmer cab and only windows on the upper bunk,780 cab flares right behind the drivers door,for a 4" wider bunk interior,and has windows on the lower portion. The 880 is 780 with a wide non sloped hood, forward visibility really sucks in an 880,but the do offer the more owner/operator look and they don't have side fairings,The battery boxes and fuel tanks are visable. The 880 was discontinued in (I'm pretty sure but I would have to check) 2008. Due to poor sales,and in my personal opinion the hood was ugly. The 670 can be ordered with a downsized "Drivers lounge" with a fold down table that converts to another bed. It can also be ordered without the upper bunk but has to be special ordered that way. General production includes the upper and lower bunk. The Current engine options are as follows(This is after the 2007 emission standards"DPF" trucks). 670 Volvo D-13, Cummins ISX. 780 Volvo D-13 or D-16,Cummins ISX. The 880 was only available with the D-16. They never tooled it to run the Cummins. The options for the smaller "day cab" type trucks also offer a Volvo D-11 or D-13.

Edited April 13, 2014 by dad vader

[kilrathy10]

Now, that's some good information, Richard.....I couldn't agree more about that 880....Man, that truck is UGLY!!!!! I could never get used to that one....

[Jim B]

From what you guys have been saying, it sounds like the VN670 is more geared towards fleet operations wile the VN780 is market more towards O/O. I would have to say that the Bison VN780 shown above is probably one of their leaded O/O trucks while the tan ones are probably fleet trucks.

[Thatswhatshesaid]

Knight and Swift run a lot of 670s still. Central Refrigerated used to run a lot of them too. It's definitely a fleet type truck.

[Truck parts]

Thanks for the tip

[dad vader]

I would also like to note and I know that it is off subject but Mack is also owned by Volvo now.The only thing Pureblood Mack on a Mack since 2010 is the cab and hood. They are on a VN chassis. The engine options are what they call a MP-7 and an MP-8. The MP-7 is a Volvo D-11 with a mack valve cover and some differences in the EGR routing, The MP-8 is a D-13 base engine,same thing, Mack valve cover and different EGR routing. However they both use the same basic components in the EGR system. The EGR valve,coolers and venturi systems are the same part #'s, just the piping is different.

I will say this,I have worked as both a mehanic and have driven trucks for a living as well. Several years ago,when my kids were little,I would drive trucks locally on weekends for extra money. I have driven everything from Pete's,KW's,Binders,and freightshakers. You can not beat the ride you get in a Volvo. They also have the quietest cab in the industry. Kick on the Jake in a Volvo and you cant hear it in the drivers seat.

Edited April 15, 2014 by dad vader

[Jim B]

I've heard that Volvos are nice to drive. Must be that Swedish engineering.

[Force]

Absolutely!!

[scale trucker]

and there is a few volvo cab over kits so you can get the motor and make a nice detailed kit..and also gary from gw trucks offers a real nice daycab conversion