Silverado Dually in 1/14

[SonoranWraith]

This seemed like the most appropriate forum, if not mods/admin will move.;)

I got a new bright Silverado from my wife because it was a black friday deal for 20 bucks or something.

In the box:
http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/inthebox.jpg

Out here in AZ where it's paved and flat I have seen quite a few construction and landscaping company owners that drive street style duallys. I keep meaning to snap pics of one I have seen a couple times but I never have my camera. So my idea was to hack this body (gave the chassis to my 5year old son) and build myself a dually.

Build materials:
New Bright Body to be hacked and modified
Tamiya Semi Rims front and rears
Tamiya 60D Tires
RC18R Front Clip (indy instead of solid)
Wedico or Tamiya Semi Rear axle depending on width

Some mock-up with stock cab and rear aluminum rims not for this build:
http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/IMG_1400.jpghttp://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/IMG_1401.jpg

First issue is the tires. They are 1.5 and stretched to 1.7 they cave badly. Also they are a little wide for duals:
http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/P7270015.jpghttp://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/IMG_1418.jpg

Compared to stock semi tire:
http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/IMG_1420.jpg

First I tackled the fronts that I plan to leave wide. On the right is the tire with no foam and left is with 60d hard foam inserts:
http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/DSCN4267.jpg

Still not good enough :mad: so I cut out the ribs in the center of the semi rim and laminated styrene (sorry the pic sucks):
http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/DSCN4270.jpg
The final result is on the left:
http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/DSCN4272.jpg

[sneaky-pete]

this will be cool:D

[CorbettTrailers]

Now this is something new. I like it. I'm a huge Chevy Fan!

[trucker n]

love it

[SonoranWraith]

trucker n post whoring all over the board. :rolleyes:

I took a size comparison shot of the semi vs 60d tires unmounted:
http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/IMG_1485.jpg
And here is a comparison of the width after narrowing the 60d's to the semi tire:
http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/IMG_1486.jpg

Narrowed vs un-narrowed 60d's mounted:
http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/IMG_1434.jpg

Front clip from 18r seems to be a good width (shown with 18r wheel/tire):
http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/IMG_1415.jpg

I do have an issue with the stub axles though. Stock 18r's are to short so I had to order the 18t's (left)
http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/IMG_1432.jpg


Latest issue is that the stub axle is 4mm at the pin location and 3mm for the rest. I am not planning 4x4 yet but could add later. To mount up the stock semi rims I need two 3x11 bearings. McMaster only has 3x10. I found them at boca but they are 20 bucks a pop! Anyone know where I could get some cheaper?

[CatdrvR]

This is a very cool project you have going. I think it's pretty interesting you are using the front clip of an 18r but it does seem to fit rather well. I probably would have never thought to use it. The idea of a street dually is another intriguing thing... I have never seen one up here in the northeast. Can't wait to see more pics of the progress. http://www.carforums.net/images/smilies/spj_upload2/photo.gif

Dan

[SonoranWraith]

I cut the bed off (razor saw):
http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/IMG_1402.jpg

Then I put the cab rear back on in preparation for cutting the cab off at the door seam:
http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/IMG_1409.jpg

I cut the rear edge off again (thread method) and inserted the crewcab doors:
http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/IMG_1430.jpg

I still have a lot of detail work to get done on the body. Somehow have to get crewcab door seam in the ABS body. :mad:

[DieselKid]

Nice start to a neat build! Gotta love those low-pros on a pickup!:D

Must be a warm weather thing....you say you see them out West and I've seen them down south in FL...no matter the locale it's a menacing look for a truck to be running 22.5s!

And neat tutorial on the tires....thanks. I think we are all in need of ideas for low-pro options when it comes to tag axle and certain trailer builds.

Will be keeping on eye on this thread,
-Alex

[tc1cat]

Interesting build. Have to keep an eye on this one!

[JAMMER]

Mat you got a good start there. Why don't you look at 4x4 form there is a guy selling aluminum scale bodies and you will have your extra door. Only a suggestion. Ed

[SonoranWraith]

Thanks Alex & Lynn.

Ed, the body I am working with is 1/14 to match the big rigs. The metal bodies I saw were 1/10. Did I miss something? Doesn't seem like there would be money in making a niche 1/14 silverado. None the less I am already committed to the styrene shown here. :)

I have the roof on now and another layer of styrene on the doors, but no pics yet. The first coat of filler and sanding to start soon. I was hoping to get some frame rails cut this weekend but wife's birthday bash for 60 or so people is on Saturday so I probably won't make much progress on those till next weekend.

[JAMMER]

I definitely would not miss that if I was you if you know what I mean. Ed

[rcguyfarms]

Will the silverado just drive around or will work like pulling a trailer?

[SonoranWraith]

Will the silverado just drive around or will work like pulling a trailer?

Working of course. :) Not sure if I will do a 5th wheel plate or gooseneck hitch.

[firefighter30]

I have a f350 1/10 scale going to take the bed off and try to make a 1 ton dump.

[Diesel Demond]

another build i cant waite to see being a huge duramax diesel fan!

[SonoranWraith]

Laid out the wheels/tires for fun:
http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/IMG_1582.jpg

Got the roof and some add'l detailing done. Threw a light coat of primer on part of it:
http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/IMG_1590.jpg

[CorbettTrailers]

Latest issue is that the stub axle is 4mm at the pin location and 3mm for the rest. I am not planning 4x4 yet but could add later. To mount up the stock semi rims I need two 3x11 bearings. McMaster only has 3x10. I found them at boca but they are 20 bucks a pop! Anyone know where I could get some cheaper?

With all due respect. I noticed these on tower hobbies. 4 for $7.99.
Wasn't sure if you still needed them.
Later,
John


http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0095P?FVSEARCH=heli-max+ball+%3CB%3Ebearing%3C%2FB%3E+%3CB%3E3x%3C%2FB %3E10

[SonoranWraith]

John - 3x10 are easy to find it's the 3x11 I need that are hard to find. I think I have a solution that will only cost a couple bucks. Parts in the mail. :)

[Thorsteenster]

Nice find on the body, and great work. It's really coming along and will be sweet to throw some variety into the vehicle mix at meets.

I think I have some 3x11 flanged bearings at home. I can throw a mic on em and double check if you need a couple few.

[Stuff]

looks great man! love the tire mods!

[Blueshirt]

Very nice, looking forward to the finished product!

[Diesel Demond]

are you gonna put stacks on it! 8 inch bull haulers. i think it would look sweet!

[TINY-TRUCKER]

Hey are you going to do any mod`s to the bed so the duelly fit under it or will they fit ???, what about the fronts are they going to fit as well ???? or mod them too. keep the pixs coming with up dates, so far it looks good & the wheels
look good as well sweet
cheers paul
tiny tucker

[SonoranWraith]

Thanks for all the comments.

@Thorsteenster - Thanks for the offer. If my deal doesn't pan out I'll hit you up.

@tanker yanker - I don't think so, I'm favoring a boring large rear single exhaust.

@TINY-TRUCKER - The bed will need modified quite a bit. It is really short and duallys of this variety are long bed. I have to add between the cab and rear axle and behind the axle to the bumper. Then of course I have to add the wide bodywork. As far as fit, everything looks good so far.

[Bigrigger]

Cool pickup, about time we got some smaller 1/14 scale trucks!:D

[SonoranWraith]

A little progress:
http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/DSCN4273.jpg

View of the inside:
http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/DSCN4275.jpg

[spudd]

that is nice.cant wait to see it done

[Espeefan]

That is some nice sytrene work. Really nice. I've never had the patience for playing with styrene much. I've tried and it takes me 3 or 4 tries to get things looking good to my eyes, but your joints and body work looks really smooth. I like the low pro tires! Should be a really sharp truck when it's done. Keep it up.

[nenard]

Very nice styrene work. Looks the part already. Might I ask what adhesive your using? Ive tried a few different ones with varied results. Lookin good!

[Tamiya Cowboy]

Very nice start! It will be great to see a true scale pickup to the semis..

[SonoranWraith]

I hope to get back on this soon. Little league is over this weekend then holiday and maybe some spare time but I am starting new job too so who knows. ;)

I use MEK. TC buys it in larger quantities than I do but you can get it at HD.

I do have to correct the truckbed though. I didn't know when I started, but the longbed has different rear overhang than a shortbed. :mad: So 1cm or so will be removed from front and added between taillight and rear wheelwell.

[Izzy]

Nicew hack job so far! Q - how did you get that Styrene to make the nice curves for the bed extension??? That's a trick I have yet to learn...

Also those tires turned out great! they're gonna look like 22's or 24's on that Dually ......

[Zimms Customs]

I like the idea, the build looks great. Awsome job on the styrene. I am converting a Ford Super duty, 1/14 size as well. I am wanting to get another body and make an ambulance one of these days.

I am going to be getting some tires like you go there, looks good, I may have to do something like that on my ambulance.

[SonoranWraith]

OK the beautiful winter is over so time for some more work. I cut the bed down last weekend on the table saw. Was more of PIA than I thought it would be but I got it done. Now I just need to cut it apart again to get the rear overhang done.

[hippy]

cool! can't wait to see the chassis.

[siuvinson]

I was wondering when an update would come for this build! (If there were a popcorn-eating-smiley thingy, I'd insert it here) :D

[Pippoe]

Interesting build. Thumbs up!

I've seen these trucks on the Bay.. How is the scale compared to a Tamiya?

Cheers

Pip

[SonoranWraith]

Here is a pic of the revised bed shortened between the cab and rear wheel well.
http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/P1000872.jpg

Pippoe - The scale is 1/14 pretty closely on all measurements that I have done to 1:1.

[pigeonfarmboy]

Gonna be cool for sure!

[Stuff]

wow at the progress

[skl1cent]

thats really coool man :) looks goood :)

[mototodo]

Nice work. That's going to be a long pickup.

[BRICKNICK]

You gotta love the duely pickups with 11x22.5 low pros, lowerd, they look amazing. Nice job on an original and ball busting build. I give it 2 thumbs up.

[SonoranWraith]

Ok so my problem was the length between the rear wheel well and bumper. The dually has the long bed and the model is a short bed and the added length is on both ends of the bed. I added too much to front and trimmed that down but now it is time to do the rear.

Stock model:
http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/P1000881.jpg

Some hours with sewing thread and....
http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/P1000882.jpg

Here is where I have scaled to now:
http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/P1000886.jpg
http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss85/ludes98/Silverado%20Build/P1000885.jpg

Does this look good? It is to scale, but it seems like I won't have quite enough room for the dually fender before taillight. Also it might be hard to tell from the pics, but all the body lines are out of alignment now. Not to mention even when I do get it back together I will cut the taillights out! LOL This is turning into a huge PIA.:) Thanks for looking.

[fhhhstix]

Just my opinion but you shold have cut it just behind the wheel well and extened it there where the pannel has less curve to the body line and made it esier to blend. As you have it cut now you only have one way to go strait back and no room to blend.
Just my $.02

Travis

[SonoranWraith]

Just my opinion but you shold have cut it just behind the wheel well and extened it there where the pannel has less curve to the body line and made it esier to blend. As you have it cut now you only have one way to go strait back and no room to blend.
Just my $.02

Travis

I considered that but in stock form the existing wheel well flare went all the way to the rear corner and in long bed form it does not. I am planning to make the flat section near the taillight only and hide the rest behind the dually fender. meh.

[SWAGGER]

Ha! What a coincidence! I was doing the grocery shopping today and they had these NewBright trucks for sale. I had never heard of them before. They had a Ford F150 and a Jeep Wrangler, so I bought the Jeep as a Christmas present for my nephew and then I come home and find this build thread. It's huge, check out the size of it against my Knight Hauler!

BTW, seriously great work here cutting and stretching the body. I can't wait to see the final result. Very clever work on the wheels/tyres too. Keep up the great work man!
http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab109/SWAGGER-MR2/Snapbucket/B22BD2C3.jpg