Old tired wrecker

[Mustang46555]

I'm going to try and do my first ever build thread. I usually never bother to take pictures until I'm done with a build, but this time I'm going to try and do an actual thread. I've always liked the looks of the GMC Crackerbox, guess I go for the underdog, as a model railroader I prefer Alco locomotives. When I saw the start Kent has going on his Crackerbox and looked again a the square lines of the cab I figured this would be a good first attempt at scratchbuilding a cab. During the process of searching for reference pictures, I stumbled on the perfect subject for my build.

http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/IMG_20140407_173007_zpsexxzkldx.jpg

[Mustang46555]

The wrecker I drove back in the early 80's was only a 550 Holmes on a 50 series Chevy chassis, but it was every bit as worn as this one and planted the bug for tow trucks. I'll be starting with my daycab Globe Liner as the base truck. Once the wrecker body is complete, I'll move into the cab.

[Mustang46555]

Got a pretty good start today, here the day cab with headache rack and 5th wheel stripped.
http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/IMG_1410_zpscgxx2yvm.jpg
Had a pretty good side view of the wrecker so I worked with the print size until the wheels matched the size of the Tamiya wheels.

[Mustang46555]

http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/IMG_1411_zpsllkxuctl.jpg
Created this full size template and was pleasantly surprised to discover the wheel base of the Globe Liner matched within roughly half a millimeter. Close enough!

[Mustang46555]

http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/IMG_1415_zpseopdilr3.jpg

After cutting the photo up into a side template, I began cutting the sides from .060 sheet. Added a deck and now a trial fit on the chassis. The spacing from wrecker body to the back of the cab is just right with Globe Liner Cab and it measures the same front to back as the Crackerbox will. Next up is to begin work on the booms. These will be aluminum and brass with styrene for the skirting.

[Mikem]

I like this so far

[crawler07]

great work on the cab weathering. this is going to be awesome.

[frizzen]

That's gonna be wild looking! I like it.

[Mustang46555]

Thanks guys!
I hope to have an update this weekend. Been down in the shop making pulleys, blocks and getting started on the booms.

[Mustang46555]

http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/IMG_1440_zpse3oojfwf.jpg

Got the bed mounted and a start on the supports for the booms. The booms pictured are just temporary to figure length. Was going to build the lattice booms from brass tube but got concerned about flex so I had to order solid stock. Been busy making pulleys and such. After all the boom supports are done I'll cover the deck with diamond plate, also need to build the skirting for the uprights that the prototype has. Need to find a couple small crawler winches to mount and design the two manual crank winches that control boom height. Those were always a finger pincher to use in real life, I think I only changed the boom height on the Holmes I drove once in 4-5 years!

[ScottLay]

That's one cool looking truck!!

[Claus]

When I see a cabover wrecker I think of Terminator 2, it didn't end well for that one!

[Mustang46555]

LOL! That's for sure.
I actually had planed at one time to build a model of the Terminator wrecker. Wound up using the chassis on another project.

[Claus]

LOL! That's for sure.
I actually had planed at one time to build a model of the Terminator wrecker. Wound up using the chassis on another project.


Yee Haw!!!
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fksZkzM2Pg8/VJcsz4aQIzI/AAAAAAAAhs0/BcZAWCyWrFY/s1600/Terminator2_170Pyxurz.jpg

[Mustang46555]

NICE!!!
I love that chase scene. A flying Freightliner!!!!!!!

[Mustang46555]

Got a few more bits made and installed for the rear mast braces and started on the front shrouding and fuel tank. Have to make a decision on material for the angle iron stringers on the booms, brass or plastic. Since the booms will be brass, I'm leaning toward K&S brass for the stringers. More expensive but stronger in case I decide to latch onto something bigger than the wrecker.
http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/IMG_1466_zpsrsol84sa.jpg
http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/IMG_1467_zpsy6hhjbpw.jpg

[kerst]

Looks promising!

Kerst

[TRUCKMAKER]

Looks good Dennis, have you started the cab yet?

[Mustang46555]

Thanks guys!

Haven't started cutting plastic on the cab yet Kent. I'm in the process of getting a new printer hooked up to my PC. (Darn HP's - Going Cannon this trip!) Once it's going I can start getting templates ready. I want to wrap up a couple more items on the bed (Booms, sling and final decision on winch selection) before I switch mental gears and move to the cab.

[TRUCKMAKER]

I hope you cut the grille and head light area on the mill. Mine is all hand cut with a knife and it took an easy square cab build south real quick.

[Mustang46555]

Thanks for the tip, mill it is then. Will got my printer going this morning so I've been working on templates. Think I have a set that will work really well. Made a mistake on brand in my last post. Cannon Ecotank!!!!! Love it so far, blows HP away.

[Claus]

I thought you were going to keep the Globe cab on there, it looks good to me!

[Mustang46555]

The Globe cab is intended to stay until the wrecker body is finished and proven out and I get the Crackerbox cab built to where I'm happy with it. Getting my first ever scratchbuilt cab done to suit me - - well, that old Globe cab could be there for a while yet. That's a feature of the prototype that attracted me, the little center section will allow easy changeover between two cabs with no mods to the wrecker body.

[TRUCKMAKER]

It's not a Crackerbox but looks close to your globe!

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/8605a61f6fc22b32f0c48c3d63e1c828_zpsjedlamcm.jpg

[up9018]

Check out this Crackerbox!

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/4a/a6/6e/4aa66e71203491578c23378345824e0a.jpg

[Mustang46555]

A couple of interesting prototypes!

The wrecker body on the Freightliner looks odd for a Holmes, wish there was more detail on it.

A Crackerbox on steroids, very cool! If the first cab comes out good, you never know.

[Mustang46555]

Got a little more done on the wrecker over the weekend. I replaced the square booms from a previous start with more "Holmes Like" lattice style booms. The new brass in bright light makes good pictures hard to take but you'll get the idea. From having drove one I know the angle iron bracing gets all bent up after a while (the inner sets really take a beating) so no attempt was made to keep the K&S angle perfectly straight. A lot of clean up work to do on them yet but I think after paint they'll look pretty good. Next up is to build the sling assembly for the rear.


http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/IMG_1494_zpsudberk3b.jpg

[Claus]

Looking good! I would keep that Globe cab, sure looks the part. Looks like a retired road truck put into wrecker service.

[tc1cat]

I really like the direction this is going. While I like the Globe cab on the truck, I know you really want the crackerbox cab on it. Good luck with the build.

[TRUCKMAKER]

Wrecker body is looking good, Have you started anything on the cab?

[Mustang46555]

Thanks guys!

The booms were a bit of a pain but I'm really happy with what they do for the looks of the wrecker. The sling and it's mount are next on the list to tackle. By the time it's done a box should arrive from Shapeways. What's in it and how well I like it will determine the direction for the cab. Either way though, it will be a Crackerbox.

[Mustang46555]

Well, time to let the cat, er, crackerbox out of the bag. I had cut a couple of the cab parts from sheet styrene and was surfing for more reference material when I stumbled on the fact that Shapeways had a 1/14 Crackerbox cab available. In fact, they offer 4 styles! Big sleeper, single sleeper (my real favorite), no sleeper w/solid back wall and no sleeper with back window. I couldn't resist ordering one and it came today. All I can say is WOW! This is my first experience with 3D printing and I'm quite impressed with the level of detail. Panel lines, door seams and handles, even the handles on the nose to tilt the cab with. Here is the cab straight out of the box and mocked up on the chassis.

http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/IMG_1535_zpsgqvyg8id.jpg

http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/IMG_1538_zpsgiojdr3r.jpg

It's going to require moving the axle forward slightly to get cab and chassis to line up but other than that it scales out nicely.
I was very impressed with Shapeways customer service and their commitment to customer satisfaction. SLS plastic can suffer discoloration from oxidation during cooling due to the size of a truck cab. I was contacted prior to shipment, sent almost a dozen detailed photos of the discoloration and asked if I was happy with this cab or wanted another one built. As paint will cover the slight yellowing and the oxidation will not bleed I accepted the cab. In person I really can't detect any yellowing, but their concern was refreshing in this day and age.
All in all I am very happy with my decision to go 3D printed, and I can always do the single sleeper version with the parts I have cut. Now to move the axle, fabricate a floor and hinge the body.

[Lil Giants]

Wow, that was a lucky break! The cab looks really good. :cool:

Amazing how the hobby has evolved from 20yrs ago. It's great to know there's virtually no limitations nowadays to build whatever you want. :)

[Mustang46555]

Yes, I'm really pleased with how well the cab is done.
Shapeways has stepped up to help fill a void in available US style cabs. Until I found the crackerboxes I thought only of Mack cabs when thinking of 3D printing. If you search their site with COE in the search all sorts of things pop up, Freightliner cabovers, a Ford F700 style, IH Transtar and a smaller mid size IH. Some really cool items.
Now if Tamiya would just sell a bare chassis, single or tandem axle?

[scottyk]

That is very cool! the old wrecker is going to be awesome

[TRUCKMAKER]

CHEAT! I've been waiting to see what you came up with scratch building and you go and have one printed, looks good! I've been on Shapeways since I started mine and never seen these, I guess I don't know how to search.

[frizzen]

That looks.awesome!

[Mustang46555]

That is very cool! the old wrecker is going to be awesome
That looks awesome!

Thanks guys!

CHEAT!
Guilty as charged Kent. LOL! I found that printed cab and I had to go for it. There is so darn much stuff on Shapeways and it's listed in different ways, I just got lucky. Here's how I found it;
https://www.shapeways.com/search?q=1%2F14+COE&type=

[TRUCKMAKER]

Thanks for the link Dennis, I got so much time in mine I'm going to finish it, but I seen a few things that might spark new ideas.

[Mustang46555]

You're welcome Kent
I know what you mean, I'm thinking that mid size IH would look pretty cool as a dump truck.

[Bo Wallen]

A cool build and the cab makes me think of the movie cars.......happy cab.
My eyeballs is following this build closely ;o)

[Mustang46555]

Made some more progress on the wrecker, got the cab floor done and mounted, mounted and hinged the cab, moved the axle forward, got the center section of the wrecker body roughed in and found it's just long enough to mount a spare tire on top of.

http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/IMG_1560_zpsemwzzqt3.jpg
http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/IMG_1567_zps8sozkd5k.jpg
http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/IMG_1565_zpsoprkegqq.jpg

[Mustang46555]

http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/IMG_1570_zpsseqmwfyj.jpg

[tc1cat]

Mirrored or blackened windows to hide the electronics?? Cab looks nice on the chassis.

[Mustang46555]

Thanks Lynn! I'm very happy with this cab so far. The center section wound up being slightly longer than anticipated but, the ability to mount a spare up there looks pretty good. It will also be a good spot to throw chains and other clutter that wreckers carry. I may even try and build a break down set of dollies and stow up there.
I'm still debating about windows. IF I can keep the electronics low enough I was thinking about a fake floor with a simple interior, if not I'll go with blacked out windows.

[Bluesdocbob]

Very nice build so far have you considered using the winches from the 1/10 scale crawlers .. availible through RC4WD.com.. any detail shots of the pivot points and structure details... ?? please....


Cheers Bob :drool:

[FabOne]

GREAT build!

-Terry

[TRUCKMAKER]

Looking good Dennis!

[Mustang46555]

"GREAT build!"
"Looking good Dennis!"

Thanks Guys! I really do appreciate the comments.

Bob,
Yes, I plan to use a pair of crawler winches, just switched gears from wrecker body to cab for a while, also have to get the driveline going too. I'll post some close up's of the pivots and wrecker structure shortly.

[plow jockey]

Looks great! Luv that old school.

[DieselKid]

Very cool Dennis!! Front bumper looks perfect too!

-Alex

[Mustang46555]

Got some more done over the weekend. I went ahead and mocked up an interior with driver. I like the looks given the size of the windshield. Guess I've got something else to squeeze into the cab! I redesigned the rear support bracket to look more like the prototype and allow the booms to come closer together and mounted the pulleys for the boom elevation winches. Also started building the tow bar, a lot more to go on that item including filing the solder smooth. Have a servo city gear motor on order so hopefully she can be mobile by Lebanon.

http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/IMG_1626_zpsbwmlb75q.jpg
http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/IMG_1625_zps1tqntlqb.jpg
http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/IMG_1632_zpssr8ffh6p.jpg

[Mustang46555]

http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/IMG_1624_zpsbdvixhur.jpg

[sparkycuda]

I'm really liking this project! Nice detail on the boom.

Ken

[Mustang46555]

Here's the latest update, sorry no pictures this time.
This weekend was concentrated on getting the Crackerbox wrecker mobile. I received the 437 rpm gear motor I had ordered from servo city, removed the 12v motor and mounted a LRP 27 turn 7.2v truck pulling motor. Seems to have good power and the speed is about right. I machined a new motor mount/cross member to mount it. I found I was able to bore out the stock front dog bone cup to 6mm and use the stock Globeliner drive shaft. Receiver and speed control mounted and she is good to go. High build primer should be here Monday so weather willing I will be able to at least get the cab primed so I can get the interior started. More pictures on the next update.

[TRUCKMAKER]

Are you going to paint the interior Detroit green. I'm not sure if its the same color they used on the engines, still on the list to research unless you know.

[Mustang46555]

My plan is to paint it green. I'm waiting to see how well the primer seals the printed cab. They say paint tends to soak through this material so I want to make sure an interior color stays in the interior. LOL!
I'm not sure yet what color it actually is though, I found a you tube video of a guy driving a cracker box and it has some pretty good views of the interior. It's green but not sure how it compares to Detroit green.

[TRUCKMAKER]

I joined a Crackerbox group on Facebook right after I started mine, figured Id ask on there.

[Mustang46555]

That sounds like a good source of information Kent. Here are a couple of photos I found online. One shows an 8cyl Detroit the other an interior shot.

http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/Detroit_8V92TA_5_zpsx5z7ydn4.jpg
http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/DSC01600_zpsouocgkia.jpg

The colors are close but the interior looks to be more blue green than the rngine. Hope that forum can shed some light.

[Mustang46555]

I just placed where I had seen that interior color! It's about a dead match for Penn Central green, I had an old HO boxcar downstairs. Held up to the screen it is very close. It's a common model railroad color and should be available in acrylic.

[TRUCKMAKER]

Now that you say that it, definitely does look like PC green. I will still ask about just didn't get to it last night.

[Mustang46555]

I've been concentrating on getting the old wrecker ready for her first outing at Lebanon this coming week. Got some color shot on the body work, the interior is started and she is now fully drivable.

http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/2_zpsum5yf4kv.jpg
http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/IMG_1687_zpshhjhpio5.jpg
http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/IMG_1683_zps4mrfc2se.jpg
http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/IMG_1682_zpsyfifmcoy.jpg

Still have to finalize parts design for the boom rigging and winch installation plus a ton of detail and touch up work along with weathering.

[frizzen]

Thats looking killer!

[Mustang46555]

Thanks Frizzen!

[TRUCKMAKER]

What are you going to use for headlamp lenses?

[Mustang46555]

I found a pair of lenses in the parts box from an old Axial light set that are the right diameter. Need to pick up some aluminum paint for the bezels before I glue them on. King Hauler fog light lenses are just a little small.

[TRUCKMAKER]

Well that kind of answered what I just put on my thread, if I put KH fog lite lenses in bezels in mine they'd almost be to big.

[Mustang46555]

Possibly not, looking at the nose on picture of the actual wrecker, I picked a pair of lenses that will sit flush on top of the bezels since they are pretty thick, OD of lens = OD of bezel. If you try to put the king hauler lenses into the bezels they are just a fraction too big to fit. We might be pretty darn close.

[frizzen]

Put it in good lighting and it doesn't look all that tired...

http://i.imgur.com/7aQWcxAh.jpg

[Mustang46555]

LOL!!!!!
Give me time to get her weathered up!

[Panther F]

I've been following this for some time so thought I'd stop in to say that the color looks dead on :eek: Dennis and want to know if you plan on any air horns?

So unique and one of a kind. :D

[Tommy R]

Fantastic job! I love it...

[Mustang46555]

I've been following this for some time so thought I'd stop in to say that the color looks dead on Dennis and want to know if you plan on any air horns?

Thanks Jeff! Yes, air horns, clearance lights, headlights and a bunch more stuff are all in the works.

Fantastic job! I love it...

Thanks Tommy!

[skeeter]

Any updates?

[frizzen]

How many winches does that have?
I'm guessing 2 lines for boom angle, and 1 for hoist?

[Mustang46555]

Skeeter, Been working on another project for a while after resoldering all the boom stringers (yuck!) I need to design a new sling assembly as I'm not happy with my first attempt. I'm hoping to get back on it after I get retired in December.

Frizzen, Actually it will have two. One hoist line for each boom. The boom angle lines on the old Holmes units I drove were a manual crank system. They were no fun to adjust, you found a good angle that worked for most of your towing and left them set there. I got some of the paracord you suggested at Lebanon and it looks like it will work great. Thanks for that suggestion!

[frizzen]

Ok now i see it. Cool if you hadn't found any yet i was going to have you pm me.

I want to drool on it again an Lebanon in Jan. I'll probably have some stuff that won't move and needs towed around

[Mustang46555]

Looks like I better get moving on it again. I'll probably have to tow that VW bus off to impound after Adam 12 busts those darn hippies!

[skeeter]

Looks like I better get moving on it again. I'll probably have to tow that VW bus off to impound after Adam 12 busts those darn hippies!

LOL!

[Mustang46555]

http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah95/dwrexMustang46555/IMG_2564_zpsgdskrgkg.jpg (http://s1378.photobucket.com/user/dwrexMustang46555/media/IMG_2564_zpsgdskrgkg.jpg.html)

A little update on the old wrecker. Added headlights, turn signals, clearance lights and exhaust as well as the manual boom lift winches and rigging. Material is ordered for the sling version 1.2 and I think I've decided on which winches to use.

[Panther F]

Fantastic Dennis. :eek:

[skeeter]

I loved this build the moment I seen the thread for it. Looks good sir. If/when you're ready to sell it, may I have first dibs on it?

[Mustang46555]

Thanks guys!

You have dibs skeeter, but don't expect a pm any time soon.
Somebody has to tow Frizzen around. LOL!!!

[skeeter]

Thanks guys!

You have dibs skeeter, but don't expect a pm any time soon.
Somebody has to tow Frizzen around. LOL!!!

LOL! :lol:
I figured it's along shot that it would be parted with, but it never hurts to inquire :D

[frizzen]

Thats looking amazing already! Can't wait to see all the rigging.

Hahaha, yeah i shouldn't have gotten such an old cop car for the department. I just wasn't sure a crown vic or a caprice would be weird enough for my town.

[Mustang46555]

I think a Matador was the perfect choice! AMC's, VW's and a Fiero, how could you explain something as tame as a Ford or a Chevy?

[Mustang46555]

Frizzen,
I'm thinking about something different for the left side winch that will raise and lower the sling. Most all of the crawler winches are just too big to fit in the available space and look somewhat correct. I'm going to experiment with a micro 360 deg servo with a custom machined drum similar to what I made for the manual boom winches. It will be interesting to see how well it will lift.

[Panther F]

If/when you're ready to sell it, may I have first dibs on it?

LOL... first dibs?!!! :eek: Only us Hoosiers and those that have actually met the man get that honor. :rolleyes:

Seriously, I just can't wait to see it up close this January (if Dennis is still going) after just now running across the thread full of pics from the September meet. http://rctruckandconstruction.com/showthread.php?t=12536 Amazing trucks to drool over... plus, COE's have always caught my attention first.

And also that is if I have something to bring too.

[Mustang46555]

Thanks Jeff.
Unless Mother Nature really plays a trick on us, I'll be there in January as a newly retired "official old fart." I'm looking forward to seeing you, been quite a while!
Don't worry about having something to bring with you, I've got plenty of things you can drive around.

[skeeter]

Yes, it certainly is a work to drool over

[frizzen]

I figured some 360 servo winches tucked under the bed would probably be the way to go. I've seen some with the bolt-on drum like my dragline, or some that have the drum inside the windowed servo case to save space.

Panther, come to the meet even if you don't have a vehicle yet. If you ask i'm sure a lot of us will let you drive some stuff around. It might just be rusty junk though...

[bigford]

The old rc4wd winch has 11 pounds of pull but no brake
And will spool out on you

[Panther F]

Panther, come to the meet even if you don't have a vehicle yet. If you ask i'm sure a lot of us will let you drive some stuff around. It might just be rusty junk though...

Oh, I know that and even Lynn has made that clear but trust me... you don't want me driving any of your stuff around. Even if it is rusty junk. :D

I thought it would be easy to replace a gear on this truck in time and have an instant RC available but I am soon discovering that we all know it doesn't work that way. Too much time has gone by, you start seeing too many things to change or modify.

I should have just bought a Semi kit (which I will) afterall. :confused:


Dennis: Will there be any additional color or commercial advertising on the side? Is this following a theme of one you've seen?

[Mustang46555]

Jeff,
It's roughly following the prototype photos at the beginning of the thread, but any signs on the doors will be for my fictional towing company. I'm working on those now but still haven't come up with one I like. Once I get those done I can start the weathering process.

The material for the sling arrived today so I hope to get the new sling done and mounted over the 4 day weekend.

If anybody has a large black trailer mud flap they don't know what to do with please pm me. I'm looking for some material for the sling straps. I've got a pair cut, but I'm thinking they may be a bit short. I'm looking for something about 50mm long.

[skeeter]

Jeff,
It's roughly following the prototype photos at the beginning of the thread, but any signs on the doors will be for my fictional towing company. I'm working on those now but still haven't come up with one I like. Once I get those done I can start the weathering process.

The material for the sling arrived today so I hope to get the new sling done and mounted over the 4 day weekend.

If anybody has a large black trailer mud flap they don't know what to do with please pm me. I'm looking for some material for the sling straps. I've got a pair cut, but I'm thinking they may be a bit short. I'm looking for something about 50mm long.

You might try your local tire shop. The one near me, they'll let you take home an entire semi truck tire tube, it it's deemed repairable by them. I get the old ones to use for cutting patch material. Works well for fixing the wheelbarrow inner tube as well as the niece & nephews bike tubes. I should swing by there tomorrow, & see if I can acquire more of it.

[Mustang46555]

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4537/38591333172_122ea64b6f_b.jpg

[Mustang46555]

Thanks to Frizzen, here's the latest progress shot on the rear of the wrecker. Hooks added, backup lights added and the sling 85% done. I have to get some inner tube material to make the straps longer and need to add two hooks to the ends of the draw bar. I also got the mirrors added and swapped out the straight stack top for a turn out. I picked up a rotary beacon but am not going to use it. The China made ones I've found are just not a large enough diameter to look "right" on an old wrecker.

[frizzen]

That looks so cool with the bed details!

Is there anything special you think it will need to hook something beyond 'a bumper that hangs down below the chassis'

[Mustang46555]

Thanks! She is starting to look like a wrecker, just a really clean one still! LOL!!!

Excellent question! Two "J" hooks are required to connect the dead vehicle to the tow bar. Those are steel hooks shaped like a J with chains attached. The hooks loop around the axle, hole in the frame rails, suspension arms or whatever can be gotten to. The chains then hook into the grab hooks that I need to put on the ends of the tow bar. Once tightened up the tow bar actually is under the bumper and the vehicle is supported on the rubber straps so the bumper isn't damaged. This is why as cars became more plastic on the front or rear sling wreckers went away and the wheel lift started to appear then followed by roll backs.
Making the J hooks won't be hard, I just need to find the right size (or close enough) chain and grab hooks and she'll be ready to tow a VW bus! Hopefully the model ship building guys will have something that will work. Going to start looking this weekend.

[skeeter]

Rick of PMD had chains, AND hooks available. You can get them as a package, or separately. I ordered the chain with hooks. I WASN'T happy with how the hook grabbed the chain. I ordered the separate hooks by themselves & they seem to work pretty good to grab hold of the chain. The scale binders are pretty cool too. I've ordered & received EVERYTHING I mentioned, to use with the logging truck build I will eventually be doing.

[frizzen]

I knew that J hooks or coyote hooks were used to chain the car to the lift. i just wasn't sure if it'd be possible with your lift to go pick something repo-style and slow drive without the chains, so you don't have to fiddle with it everytime.

For the chains, hit up a craft store that's got a jewelery making section. Buy several that looks scale, then pull test to see what's structural vs decoration.

My dragline buckets use strong necklace chain, it's enough for pulling scoops of dirt and ground rubber.

[Mikem]

What about the chain from tamiya pole trailer

[Hostile]

This build is bad@ss. Cant wait to see it weathered!

[Mustang46555]

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4551/38759994892_f2ca928ca4_b.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4540/37904418595_b22d9cb68e_b.jpg

The second 360 servo is now mounted and working so she's a true twin boom. I found some grab hooks and got them mounted on the tow bar, I made a pair of oversize J hooks so I can grab most anything until I get a better idea of how much I can scale them back. I also added the operator handles for the twin winches, old school mechanical linkage here, no electrical control back in the day. And I got started weathering on the wrecker bed. The cab will take a bit more research as it was aluminum and I can't go crazy with the rust on it.

[skeeter]

it look seven more beautiful, now that there's a hint of weathering on it

[frizzen]

That's killer! Now it's really looking like a working rig.

Aluminum corrosion is generally white or grey. It can do the flakey/bubbly paint thing.

Awesome truck

[Panther F]

The only thing I would dare suggest is to blacken the chains & cables.

Other than that... wow Dennis. :D

[Mustang46555]

"Aluminum corrosion is generally white or grey. It can do the flakey/bubbly paint thing."

Yes, am making a hobby shop run next week to see what will work best for weathered aluminum. I'll probably go with a chipped and scuffed edge look as I have never been too good at doing the bubbly thing. BUT, I do have lots of left over styrene to try on????

"blacken the chains & cables"

Yup, gotta do the chains in a rusty dark metal look with the J hooks a worn red. There will also be wooden 4x4's and other "cribbing" and clutter thrown up on the deck.

If I can find 4 small diameter tires and wheels (12-15mm) with the right look, there will be a set of "knock down" dollies up there too! Am open for suggestions!

I really have to take a minute to thank everyone that has commented on this build so far. Your overwhelmingly positive comments and encouragement have so very much helped push me to go far beyond what I had thought were my limits of building!
Thank You All!!!!!

[frizzen]

Maybe look into the salt method to fake bubbly corrosion?
On scrap plastic to test, paint, sprinkle some salt where you want bubbly, paint again. Maybe lightly brush to knock it loose if paint ruptured. Maybe weather it more.

I wonder if the 'patina' chemicals would be able to hit your chains, or if a paint wash would do better?

[skeeter]

Perhaps look at PMD. Rick had the Weideco rims/tires that are pretty small. IDk what size they are, for sure, but I know they are way smaller then the Tamiya tires/rims are.

[Mustang46555]

I checked PMD and Rick's smaller tires are still too big. The dolly I'm copying had tires the size of a small utility trailer. I'm thinking older 1/32 or 1/43 slot car wheels may be the ticket. I did find that 1/24 are still too big. Kind of like finding a bigger rotary beacon. There's one out there, just going to take a bit to find it.

[skeeter]

Bummer, sorry to hear that those weren't small enough fir the project.

[tc1cat]

Are you going to paint the booms and lift frame? Truck looks great so far!!

[Mustang46555]

Thanks Lynn

Yes, I plan to paint the booms and sling mount, just not sure what color I want yet.
Am thinking of white and applied by brush so it doesn't cover completely and then a rusty steel color dabbed into the thin areas to add to the weathered look.

[TRUCKMAKER]

Hey Dennis, how about some of the 1/32 scale “snap-tite” truck wheel/tires I think Monogram makes them and you can get them at any hobby shop or Hobby Lobby.

[TRUCKMAKER]

Found another picture of your wrecker:

https://s17.postimg.org/lbqq5d9qn/2703_F247-0_A50-43_D3-97_A3-8_E1_D46_E99_F1_C.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[frizzen]

1/24 car model tires might be about right? i know some of the skinny 1970s and earlier models had the right profile and should be little under 1" tall.

Nice find on that truck, the boom rigging makes more sence

[Mustang46555]

Good photo Kent! Maybe I'll go blue on the booms and sling, I'm just not sure yet. Was leaning toward white for a bit of contrast. Now I'm torn.

I have to make a paint run Friday either way so I'll probably pick up both if they have it in stock. The shop I'm going to also sells a lot of slot car stuff so I'll be looking at wheels. 1" is going to be too big compared to what I remember from the set I horsed around. May need to be more like .500" - .625" to look right. Hope to have new photos this weekend.

[Mikem]

My grandson just got a little LEGO airplane it has really nice 1/2 inch wheels . Wish I could post a pic but .......

[markturbo]

Wow that turned out awesome, great work.

[frizzen]

Found some bigger amber beacons, not sure quite what you were thinking.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075CK7FRQ?m=AMR62SVYI0GO2&ref_=v_sp_detail_page 9x15mm gumball

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075CBH444?m=AMR62SVYI0GO2&ref_=v_sp_detail_page 12x17mm gumball

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0753DTVJ9?m=AMR62SVYI0GO2&ref_=v_sp_detail_page 9x15mm square

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0753DW3PR?m=AMR62SVYI0GO2&ref_=v_sp_detail_page 13x18mm square

----

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073XK7RZ1?m=AMR62SVYI0GO2&ref_=v_sp_detail_page aero teardrop

Also i don't have any experience with any of these.

[skeeter]

GREAT find, Frizz!

[Mustang46555]

GREAT find Frizzen!!!!!!!!

The 13x18 looks like it will be perfect, Amazon, go figure.

Thanks for the search!

[Panther F]

I think you're right Dennis. A bit of white on the boom area would accent it just right.

[markturbo]

Those beacon lights look good, might have to pick some up.

[blitzk]

https://www.banggood.com/AUSTAR-LED-Light-WarningAmbulance-Aluminum-Alloy-Pedestal-CH3-Control-p-976970.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CN

Bought some of these, seem to work pretty good.

[Mustang46555]

Good to hear blitzk, I have a pair on the way. I just hope they make it with time to be mounted by Lebanon.

Got back from the "local" hobby shop today, only a 45min drive one way, and stumbled on to this;

http://www.stevenshobby.com/productlisting.aspx?supplierid=5726&categoryid=9

They have a large line of wheels and tires, gears and small motors. I picked up a bag of their 16mm Mini Wheels and I believe they will work perfect for the dollies.

[Mustang46555]

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4691/39085970282_555b67430a_b.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4688/39085970262_6792b70bfe_b.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4686/39085970152_7f9c63c3c7_b.jpg

[Mustang46555]

Well, after a lot of thought and starting to paint the sling and booms white, I went back with the base color as in the photo Kent posted. The white was just too much contrast for my taste and the "sort of prototype" was this color so here it is. I've added a bunch of clutter on the wrecker deck, 4x4's, short cribbing, the "J" hooks and a section of chain. The longer rubber straps are also in place on the sling.
The dollies are setting on the deck, I still need to fab the mounts, make smaller diameter cross bars (as soon as I get the next size smaller tubing) and the pans that the towed vehicle's wheels ride in.

[TRUCKMAKER]

Looks good just like it is Dennis.

[tc1cat]

Now it looks like a well used wrecker. Great job!!

[Mustang46555]

Thanks guys!

[Mikem]

Looks great ! Need to get some scale pics outside it will look even more amazing

[Mustang46555]

The larger beacons Frizzen found on Amazon arrived this week. They are the perfect size! Thanks again.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4643/27789081559_7356492702_b.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4685/27789081519_21a25ecf71_b.jpg

[TRUCKMAKER]

It looks great Dennis, what else do you have in mind for it?

[Mustang46555]

Pretty much just final detail clean up. Hiding the winch and beacon wires better. Getting head and tail lights working, currently the only functioning lights are the beacons. Finishing the back and passenger side windows. Maybe a sound system if I can find a good 2 stroke "Screamin Jimmy" sound board. And I'd love to get the GMC lettering done for the nose. I've been kicking around a 3d printer as a retirement project.

[frizzen]

Oh yeah, that's looking sweet!

I thought those were the smaller square beacons? The larger one i got had a bigger base but only 4 led instead of 6 like these.

Want to go through my 'town' thread and see what kinda junk you want to drag around at Lebanon?

[Mustang46555]

Funny you say that, I was looking through that thread today. Lots of things to haul around, I'm going to try and have a second tow bar done by Lebanon that won't need the J hooks. It won't be scale but I'm hoping it will work for repo style grab and go.
Is Adam 12 going to be ready? I haven't been on an impound run in a lot of years!

[frizzen]

Unfortunately not yet. I found Adam-12 a gearbox that should work once i figure out how to mill some hex adapters down to size for the wheels.
Also i haven't bothered with building the light circuits since my batch of cheap servo boards are overheating, i either need to add on parts / lower current draw.

[Pippoe]

Is there no way of making the beacons real rotators, maybe you could hide the drive motor in the cross beam. Real rotators would look awesome on the old truck.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQi1O-7XG7g

[skeeter]

Pretty much just final detail clean up. Hiding the winch and beacon wires better. Getting head and tail lights working, currently the only functioning lights are the beacons. Finishing the back and passenger side windows. Maybe a sound system if I can find a good 2 stroke "Screamin Jimmy" sound board. And I'd love to get the GMC lettering done for the nose. I've been kicking around a 3d printer as a retirement project.

You should get one. They are handy to have when you CAN'T find a must have part. The BAD part is learning CAD so you can design your own parts to print. I'm really struggling with learning that program.

[Panther F]

You should get one. They are handy to have when you CAN'T find a must have part. The BAD part is learning CAD so you can design your own parts to print. I'm really struggling with learning that program.


Exactly. It's like a hobby all by itself. I've spoken with those that started in the past 5 years and they said that it's SO rewarding.

I wouldn't mind an old Mack truck cab (like my Grandfather drove) and a Russian Maz 537 tractor too.


AND the "Old Tired Wrecker" is looking quite awesome there Dennis with the latest additions. Definitely a show stopper. :D

[skeeter]

Are there any pics/vids of this thang working at Cabin Fever?

[Rvjimd]

Just now finding this thread due to the recent activity, very cool! You have it weathered really nice! Jim

[frizzen]

https://s20.postimg.org/47w0j9y7x/Leb0118-25.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/fkQxpDlh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/G1dVy75h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/19Nh1yIh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5a9nH1Xh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/lDdiiMih.jpg
I think the J-hooks were a little too long, i'd have liked more bumper on the sling. My Type 2 and Impreza seemed pretty stable though.

As for the servo winch drift problem, can you change the expo on those channels? Big deadband around center should help a bunch.

I still need to upload some of the other pics, and get the towing videos uploaded somewhere.

[ReneDK]

Keep it up, it's too crazy ....
It's really nice built.

[bigford]

Did she pick up the mack??

[Mikem]

Looks great

[jack van]

very nice work

[Mustang46555]

Thanks guys!
The little 360deg servos didn't like the big bad Bulldog. Just a bit shy on torque. I've got a larger pair I picked up for another project that didn't work out and I'm going to see if they'll fit. I purposely made the J hooks long to be sure they could grab something. Now that I know for sure the size needed I can shorten them up when I do the winch swap. I'll also mess with the dead band to get rid of the drift. She's still a work in progress!

[PhyllisFrerichs]

Nice collections of pictures.