Nick's 379 build

[Snowman]

Well, it's about time I shared with you guys what I have been building and how far I've got so far. So, without further ado, here's a brief resumé in pictures:
The start
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/DSC00446.jpg

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/DSC00503.jpg
Goodies
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/DSC00520.jpg
Mockup
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/DSC00524.jpg
Cab and hood ain't right for a pete, more chopping to do
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/DSC00538.jpg
Better.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/DSC00551.jpg
Reshaped sleeper and mockup with rest of body and John's sweeeet stax
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/DSC00567.jpg

[nenard]

Hot as blazez already! Very nice.

[Snowman]

Thanks. I've learnt a lot about body filler and sanding. Done a lot of that. Had a few setbacks, pinholes in filler. Wasn't happy with the hood sides so chopped them out and made new panels.
Got a set of Brian's super steps to polish up and fit. Could anyone give me some advice on polishing aluminium? I've been wet sanding the steps to take off any marks, working through the grades. I have a dremel to polish with. Any tips on what speed to use? Is faster better or not?
Thanks!

[Brian in PA]

Nice pics Nick! Polishing aluminum is pretty easy if you got the right stuff. The dremal will work fine but you will eat up a lot of wheels. I recommend getting a small bench grinder and putting a set of buffing wheels on it. This will be your best bet for your larger parts.

Good luck!

Brian

[sneaky-pete]

The truck looks cool Nick,now hurry up with some more progress photo's:D

[Snowman]

Thanks Brian for the tip, I'll be investing in a little bench grinder and buffing wheels soon.
Troy, just as soon as I finish the bodywork I'll post some more pics!
Next month I should have a bit more time to myself, my target is to finish the whole thing before the end of the year.

[Snowman]

Quick update:

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/IMAG0058.jpg

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/IMAG0059.jpg

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/IMAG0060.jpg

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/IMAG0061.jpg

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/IMAG0062.jpg

Tanks and steps are just sitting on the table, they will be mounted a couple of mm higher, and the lower cowl will be trimmed a few mm too. Been deliberating for ages just trying to get everything lined up but I think it's as near as it will ever be. Been working from photos so it can be quite tricky to get it right. Sitting on rims at the moment as I need to remove the lacquer to polish them up before trying to fit modified wedico tyres to simulate lo pros.

[Brian in PA]

WoW!! this is a great update Nick! This brings a whole idea to low riders.

Brian

[Stylin n profilin]

Awesome job Nick....That thing is sweet!! I cant wait to see this one done..:D:cool:

[Tamiya Cowboy]

Very nice going to be killer when it is done..

[sneaky-pete]

Very cool,i love it!

You are going to have fun stretching those tires around the wheels!:D

[Snowman]

Very cool,i love it!

You are going to have fun stretching those tires around the wheels!:D

Thanks Troy, actually I was gonna ask you if you have any tips for fitting those tyres, did you trim them at all?

Brian, I hadn't intended to build a lowrider from the outset, but it seems to have naturally gone that way! The cab work you did on your daycab convinced me to redo the windshield on mine. Really helps capture the pete look.

Brian, John, Mr Cowboy, Troy, you have all built trucks that have inspired this build so thanks for the kind words, means a lot, and thanks for sharing all your builds. Without all this information I wouldn't have got where I am now with my project.

[sneaky-pete]

I will send you a pic of what I did w/explanation when I get home tonight.:D

[Snowman]

I will send you a pic of what I did w/explanation when I get home tonight.:D

Hey, thanks man! :)

[sneaky-pete]

Hey Nick,
This is how I fit the wedico tires to my meir wheels.
First I ground down the lips on the inside with my bench grinder(be careful not
to nick the outer rim).


http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w49/caravan15/DSC02249.jpg
In this pic,I cut off the long portion of the hub so I could use my hub covers.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w49/caravan15/DSC02250.jpg

Then I wet the tire to help slide it on (this helps when you are doing a bunch of
tires).
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w49/caravan15/DSC02251.jpg

When you get the tire on the wheel it will be lop-sided.
You will need to work the tire around the wheel with your fingers.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w49/caravan15/DSC02252.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w49/caravan15/DSC02253.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w49/caravan15/DSC02254.jpg

Then you are done!
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w49/caravan15/DSC02255.jpg

[Brian in PA]

That looks great Troy. There is no mods to the tires?

Brian

[sneaky-pete]

That looks great Troy. There is no mods to the tires?

Brian

Sorry I forgot to mention that I did not modify the tires.:D

[ihbuilder]

That looks great Troy. There is no mods to the tires?

Brian

someone can also make wheels to fit :rolleyes: he just did 2 tonight

Troy where you get those hub covers ?

looks good , Nick :cool:

IHSteve

[bigford]

you guys lost me here! :confused:

you have a king hauler with wedico rims and whos tires??
whats the reason for this setup:confused:

[Claus]

you guys lost me here! :confused:

you have a king hauler with wedico rims and whos tires??
whats the reason for this setup:confused:


Nope, Meir wheels, Wedico tires, I believe they are going for the low-profile look.

[sneaky-pete]

Troy where you get those hub covers ?

looks good , Nick :cool:

IHSteve[/QUOTE]

Here ya go Steve!
http://www.verkerk-modelbouw.nl/index_bestanden/Page2892.htm

[Snowman]

Hey great how-to Troy, thanks for that!

[Claus]

Those hub covers look really nice. I assume you removed the anodize and polished the wheels? How would those wheels look if you would have used the hub covers they came with?

[Snowman]

Those hub covers look really nice. I assume you removed the anodize and polished the wheels? How would those wheels look if you would have used the hub covers they came with?

Check out this link, it shows the drive wheels with the hub covers they come with.

http://www.rcmier.com/ENG/ProductView.aspx?id=160

It's just a cap that screws on the end of the hub cover, if you look at my pictures you can see the rims, all I haven't fitted is the end caps.

[Claus]

The caps look very nice Nick but I don't think I could go from aluminum parts back to plastic. I'm trying to use aluminum parts on my build when I can.

[sneaky-pete]

The Meir hub covers are fine,I just liked the more realistic domed end insted
of the flat end w/star pattern.

[Brian in PA]

I have a couple sets of those caps that I'm not using, If your interested I'll sell or swap.

Brian

[Snowman]

The caps look very nice Nick but I don't think I could go from aluminum parts back to plastic. I'm trying to use aluminum parts on my build when I can.

The mier wheels are all aluminium, including the caps. Unless you meant that comment for Troy, I'm Nick :D

I think the verkerk plastic caps look good, even if they are plastic, but it's all a matter of opinion of course.

[Claus]

Sorry to Nick and Troy, my mistake. You both have very nice trucks.

[Snowman]

Sorry to Nick and Troy, my mistake. You both have very nice trucks.

Hey no apologies needed, I certainly didn't take offense! Your build certainly sounds like it will be nice too, with all the plastic you will be swapping out for aluminium, looking forward to seeing some progress!

[Claus]

Thanks Nick, kind of in the holding pattern right now, need to work a couple doubles or something to get some more hobby money for more aluminum parts. Those plastic cross-members have to go.

[jffhrvstr]

That is going to be a good looking truck when you get done with it, can't wait to see more pics of the truck!

[bigpipespete]

i love those stax , i'll be using them on my build for sure

[Snowman]

Well it's about time for an update. Long overdue, I know.
It's not gonna look like much but I have spent hours making the fenders and inner fenders. I had to start again as I wrecked my first set of fenders. Time to put it down and walk away for a bit...
So here's where I'm at now:
Truck is provisionally sitting on my trailer tyres until I get the rims steve's making for me to fit wedico tyres.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/IMAG0288.jpg

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/IMAG0279.jpg
Need to bend and glue the last bit of trim there, and also trim back the lower cowl to be level with the bottom of the fender
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/IMAG0281.jpg

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/IMAG0280.jpg
Finally I need to make that notched part of the lower cowl there to fill the gap with the inner fender
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/IMAG0283.jpg

The sleeper is almost ready for detailing, then I need to put all the rivets on and see about the headlights. Still a long way to go...

[will43209]

That's gonna be a sweet ride! I love to see you guys build these custom trucks. Its coming together nicely! Keep up the good work!:cool:

[Snowman]

Ok some more progress, spent ages just trying to get the look right. Does this thing look like a pete??

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/IMAG0375.jpg

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/IMAG0376.jpg

[straightpipejakebrake]

Uh yeah this thing looks like a Pete! Great job!

[Stylin n profilin]

It looks just like a custom extended hood pete...Extra long hood like the Beast...SWEET!!

http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac33/Stylinpete/101_3765.jpg

[glorydays24]

Nick, you are doing a great job bud, keep up the good work, and YESSSSS!!!
It look's like a "PETE". :D:);)

Big John

[sneaky-pete]

It looks like a real nice Pete.:D

[Brian in PA]

Looks good Nick, you nailed the Pete look!

Brian

[Snowman]

Aww thanks guys, I was starting to doubt myself. Still need to tidy up the bodywork, cut out the windshield, mount the headlights, finish up the fenders, make a drop visor, mount the running lights....
So much left to do!

[straightpipejakebrake]

Well get going lol keep those updates coming!

[Espeefan]

If you ask me, it's looking really nice, and definitely has the Peterbilt look. I admire your patience. Had I the same body working skills, maybe I would have stuck it out with the King Hauler I used to have.

[Snowman]

Thanks Nathan, you mention body working skills, I gotta tell you, I had no skills to speak of, I was just inspired by the other builds out there. I have taken a "shoot first, ask questions later" approach to this build by just cutting pieces off the king hauler and then worrying about how I was going to modify the body to get the right look. It has meant a lot of time and patience, but it has forced me to develop the needed skills. I had a very clear picture in my mind of what I wanted the end result to look like and the box stock king just doesn't cut it. But it makes for a great base.
Ok a little more progress.
Mounted the headlights. Need to finish routing the wires for the left headlight and also a bit of fine tuning to get everything mounted level and straight. The bumper there is temporary, just clamped 2 pieces together to simulate the overall dimensions of the bumper I have on order.

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/IMAG0377.jpg

Also I finished up the fenders. They bolt on to facilitate the painting stage when I finally get there. Here's a detail shot:

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/IMAG0386.jpg

[sneaky-pete]

Nice work Nick.....the truck looks great!

[Snowman]

Thanks Troy! Any progress on the KW truck on the far right of your sig pic? And what about the one on the far left, looks cool, don't think we've seen that one?

[nztrucker]

thats mad looking pete

[Snowman]

Here's a long overdue update
Mounted the qtr fender, steps and tanks on one side and fitted Russ' cool air ride suspension. Was hard work getting the steps and tank right. Now I have to mount the other side exactly the same! Still working on the ride height of the rear suspension. Would like it to sit a tiny bit lower. Still to do is to mount the qtr fender, steps and tank on the other side, mount IHB's cool air cleaners (and wheels when I get them), mount stylin's big pipes, mount the bumper and fab a drop visor. Then there's the marker lights and headlights. Oh and then finish up the bodywork and paint it. Urgh, not much left then!:p
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/DSC_1022.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/DSC_1023.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/DSC_1025.jpg

[Stylin n profilin]

Nice job Nick...This is going to be one badazz ride when its done.:D:cool::cool:

[Brian in PA]

Thats a great update Nick!! The stance looks sweet! Keep up the good work!

Brian

[cabrover]

Looking good Nick, cant wait for more updates!:cool:

Tim

[AZLIGHTNING]

Great looking Build, I can only Imagine how nice it will look once your Done. it will be stunning when it gets some paint and custom wheels.

[BRICKNICK]

I'm really liking this Pete, its got the perfect largecar look going on. Keep it up.

[Snowman]

Nice job Nick...This is going to be one badazz ride when its done.:D:cool::cool:

:D thanks John, glad you like it, I hope it turns out at least half a good as your trucks!

Thats a great update Nick!! The stance looks sweet! Keep up the good work!
Brian

Thanks Brian, coming from the master peterbilt builder that means a lot! :)

Looking good Nick, cant wait for more updates!:cool:
Tim

I'll try and get some updates to show soon!

Great looking Build, I can only Imagine how nice it will look once your Done. it will be stunning when it gets some paint and custom wheels.

I can't wait to see it done too! :D

I'm really liking this Pete, its got the perfect largecar look going on. Keep it up.

Thanks man, largecar is what I had in mind!

[sneaky-pete]

It's looking very cool Nick......now hurry up and finish it:p.
Do you know what color it's going to be?

[Snowman]

It's looking very cool Nick......now hurry up and finish it:p.
Do you know what color it's going to be?

Thanks Troy, I gotta get back into my workshop then!
I do know what colour it's gonna be. Ok so I was gonna keep it a secret but stuff that. Top half black, bottom half & frame a kind of seville orange/red.

[Espeefan]

Great work, Nick! I like the stance. She's got a little rake to her, but maybe a trailer on the back would level it up? Or, from the looks of it, the front end could be raised just a tad. The wheel isn't exactly centered in the fender, unless you are going for that front end on air bags, dropped look? Either, way, it's a beautiful ringer of a Peterbilt truck. I like the extended hood! What tires are you running? They look like some nice low pros.

[Dreamweaver]

Lookin Sweeet Nick. Good job on the styrene work.

[Snowman]

Great work, Nick! I like the stance. She's got a little rake to her, but maybe a trailer on the back would level it up? Or, from the looks of it, the front end could be raised just a tad. The wheel isn't exactly centered in the fender, unless you are going for that front end on air bags, dropped look? Either, way, it's a beautiful ringer of a Peterbilt truck. I like the extended hood! What tires are you running? They look like some nice low pros.

Thanks Nathan. Yeah it does have quite a rake but I'm still playing around with the dummy airbags on the rear axles. It's a complicated operation of cutting down springs, squeezing them into the rubber gaiters, bolting the end caps to the suspension and stretching the gaiters over them, then standing back and taking a look to see I need to start over again. Kinda takes it out of me each time! It does squat a little bit under weight, I tested 8kg on the back. For now I'm just going to have to keep it at that ride height, any lower and the qtr fenders get torn clean off when driving around my house! Ideally I would like some working airbags but that's a long way off. I can always drop the rear for shelf queen/photo session duties. The rake only shows at eye level, not when it's driving around on the floor.
I spent ages perfecting the drop on the front end, there's no way I'll be raising it! :D Actually I lowered the front axle a bit but also dropped the fenders too, it's all part of the low rider look. I think that's what makes the hood look so big. I've not added anything to the length of it, just lengthened the cowl by about 5mm. The lack of breathers makes it look longer too, but that will be rectified soon. The body also sits a bit lower due to the modifications I made to the shape of the hood, it meets with the cab higher than the original kh hood. The biggest challenge will be engineering the flip up bumper but I think I have it nailed (in my head at least). My challenge with this build has been the trade off between having it slammed to the ground but still having enough clearance to drive it about the house. This baby's not going to see much action outdoors! Not many places I can take it where I live.

Lookin Sweeet Nick. Good job on the styrene work.

Thanks, that has taken the most amount of time out of everything. But you know all about the headaches of styrene work with your classy shak!

[Snowman]

What tires are you running? They look like some nice low pros.

Forgot to mention, the tyres are Verkerk's michelin low pros. Costs a pretty penny when you get a full set (tractor & trailer) but they are ultra realistic, I just had to get them.

[russisloud]

can't wait to see this bad azz truck painted up

[Diesel Demond]

long and low. sweet!!

[Snowman]

Thanks guys. Here's a teaser, not much to add, just fitted the tanks and steps on the other side and mocked up the stack and bumper. The rake is made worse by the wide angle lens of my camera.

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/DSC_1100.jpg

[Brian in PA]

Looks great Nick!! Those lo pro tires look sweet. How much are they? They fit the stock Tamiya /Steve's wheels with no mods, right?

Brian

[rockNmayhem]

Trucks looking great nick. I like the low pro's as well along with Russ's suspension in the back it looks great.

Tyler

[Snowman]

Looks great Nick!! Those lo pro tires look sweet. How much are they? They fit the stock Tamiya /Steve's wheels with no mods, right?

Brian

Brian, here's a closeup of the tyre.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/DSC_1107.jpg
They are a straight replacement for the tamiya ones, no modifications to fit stock wheels. They cost 8.95 euros, with the euro as it is right now, the exchange rate might be a bit more favourable for you.
They are a softer compound to the tamiya tyres also. The level of detail makes them worth it in my opinion. I had to get them to do steve's wheels justice. Just waiting to get the wheels now.

Thanks Tyler, yeah I just had to get Russ' suspension when it came out. You can get away with tamiya's setup with full fenders hiding it, but with the qtr fenders everything's on show and it wouldn't be a peterbilt without that type of suspension!

[Stylin n profilin]

Just awesome Nick...even the real ones are raked to a point..this truck works everyday so he wanted the stock pete ride height in the rear..:D
http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac33/Stylinpete/Project%20350/02064.jpg

Your getting so close....:eek::eek::eek:

[Snowman]

Just awesome Nick...even the real ones are raked to a point..this truck works everyday so he wanted the stock pete ride height in the rear..:D
Your getting so close....:eek::eek::eek:

Thanks John, didn't know real ones can be raked. I won't worry so much about mine now!
Little update. Not done much cos I'm ill :(
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/DSC_1112.jpg
Now she can breathe!

[ihbuilder]

Ahh , sweet Nick , I'm glad they made it accross the pond OK . get better

[glorydays24]

When I look at this truck, only one thing comes to mind, the song "lowrider".
This thing is large and in charge.
Excellent job, can't wait to see more.
Get better soon:);)

Big John

[Snowman]

Ahh , sweet Nick , I'm glad they made it accross the pond OK . get better

Thanks Steve. Would I be right in saying these are the first of your A/C's to be over this side of the pond? In any case they rock! Soon as I got them mounted my truck just went up a couple of notches on the badness scale :cool:

When I look at this truck, only one thing comes to mind, the song "lowrider".
This thing is large and in charge.
Excellent job, can't wait to see more.
Get better soon:);)

Big John

Haha Big John that's the song that plays in my head when I picture it all finished, great minds think alike!
Large and in charge, I like it!

So right now I'm brainstorming how to mount the body with no visible screws (I plugged the original mounting holes) and the thing taking the most brain processing power right now is the bumper flip. I had an epiphany when I looked at one of my 1/18 diecast cars and the door hinges on the cheaper models. So I'm gonna try and make a dogleg hinge so that the gap between bumper and grille is fairly small, but it still clears the grill when flipped up. Got some brass rod and some tubing, let's hope this works!!

[ihbuilder]

yes , yours are the 1st out of the 57 states (um uh 50 :p )

[Espeefan]

Thanks Nathan. Yeah it does have quite a rake but I'm still playing around with the dummy airbags on the rear axles. It's a complicated operation of cutting down springs, squeezing them into the rubber gaiters, bolting the end caps to the suspension and stretching the gaiters over them, then standing back and taking a look to see I need to start over again. Kinda takes it out of me each time! It does squat a little bit under weight, I tested 8kg on the back. For now I'm just going to have to keep it at that ride height, any lower and the qtr fenders get torn clean off when driving around my house! Ideally I would like some working airbags but that's a long way off. I can always drop the rear for shelf queen/photo session duties. The rake only shows at eye level, not when it's driving around on the floor.
I spent ages perfecting the drop on the front end, there's no way I'll be raising it! :D Actually I lowered the front axle a bit but also dropped the fenders too, it's all part of the low rider look. I think that's what makes the hood look so big. I've not added anything to the length of it, just lengthened the cowl by about 5mm. The lack of breathers makes it look longer too, but that will be rectified soon. The body also sits a bit lower due to the modifications I made to the shape of the hood, it meets with the cab higher than the original kh hood. The biggest challenge will be engineering the flip up bumper but I think I have it nailed (in my head at least). My challenge with this build has been the trade off between having it slammed to the ground but still having enough clearance to drive it about the house. This baby's not going to see much action outdoors! Not many places I can take it where I live.



Very cool! I had my own problems getting my Wedico to sit lower too. But the worst part was the front end sat way higher then any Tamiya ever could. I was happy just to get it looking stock, and not dropped. I to did a little playing around with the suspension and hood mounting height. In the end it was a combination of the two that made a good difference, and my truck has rake to it also.

Love those mirrors too. Did you solder those up?

[Snowman]

Love those mirrors too. Did you solder those up?

Nathan, I got those mirror brackets from lkw modellbau berlin. Saw them in one of papabaer's posts and immediately got them. (http://rctruckandconstruction.com/showthread.php?t=1903)
They look so much better than the king hauler ones. I just need to get the mirrors made up by someone.

[SWAGGER]

Yeah I had assumed that you had made them yourself, I have read a lot of threads lately where guys are fabb'ing brass and copper. Fair play for your honesty!

They add first class scale realism! Great project btw, it's gonna look evil. I love the tyres, the rake and the way the front fenders hug down on the wheels....just awesome. If you are concerned about the rake, don't be, it's bad ***!

[Espeefan]

The mirror brackets are really nice! Shame they don't nickel or chrome coat them! Are you going to end up painting them, Nick?

[Snowman]

yes , yours are the 1st out of the 57 states (um uh 50 :p )

Wow I feel honoured :p

[Snowman]

Yeah I had assumed that you had made them yourself, I have read a lot of threads lately where guys are fabb'ing brass and copper. Fair play for your honesty!

They add first class scale realism! Great project btw, it's gonna look evil. I love the tyres, the rake and the way the front fenders hug down on the wheels....just awesome. If you are concerned about the rake, don't be, it's bad ***!

Thanks. I would never pass off someone else's work as my own, I just think it's immoral.

The mirror brackets are really nice! Shame they don't nickel or chrome coat them! Are you going to end up painting them, Nick?

Yeah Nathan I will paint them. I'm probably going to go with the body colour. They are cool, more people should get them. They make a version for wedico...

[glorydays24]

Thanks Steve. Would I be right in saying these are the first of your A/C's to be over this side of the pond? In any case they rock! Soon as I got them mounted my truck just went up a couple of notches on the badness scale :cool:



Haha Big John that's the song that plays in my head when I picture it all finished, great minds think alike!
Large and in charge, I like it!

So right now I'm brainstorming how to mount the body with no visible screws (I plugged the original mounting holes) and the thing taking the most brain processing power right now is the bumper flip. I had an epiphany when I looked at one of my 1/18 diecast cars and the door hinges on the cheaper models. So I'm gonna try and make a dogleg hinge so that the gap between bumper and grille is fairly small, but it still clears the grill when flipped up. Got some brass rod and some tubing, let's hope this works!!

Nick, when you said you filled the body holes and trying to figure out how to mount the body, the only thing I thought of was double sided tape. Now I know this wouldn't work 'cause as we all know from time to time, we have to remove the body. Hope you can figure it out, and if I think of anything, i'll let you know;):):p:D

Big John

[Brian in PA]

Nick, where are your pics?

Brian

[aussierolla]

could make the cab mounts out of styrene then glue them on to cab the screw up from under the floor panel into the new cab mounts just a thought

[Snowman]

Thanks guys, I know how I want to mount the cab and sleeper, it's just a matter of figuring out how precisely to do it. But I think I got is sussed.

Nick, where are your pics?

Brian

Brian, can't you see my pics? Or do you mean you want to see more? :)

[Brian in PA]

They weren't there the other day, but they are here now? You can post more!:D:D

Brian

[6wheelking]

hope you got a nice set of bags for the front cause thats real low nice work

[Snowman]

They weren't there the other day, but they are here now? You can post more!:D:D

Brian

Ok well here's some more pictures of the business end. Not much to report, but I made some adjustments to the fenders to rout the wires coming out the headlights. Also figured out how I'm gonna mount the bumper, using some doll's house hinges bolted directly to the underneath of the grille, as you have done Brian on your trucks to hinge the hood. That will give me the pivot to flip the bumper up as I'm gonna have clearance issues otherwise! Not mounted the bumper yet, that will have to wait now till the grille is ready.
You can also see how I've secured the front of the body, I made a tab from a scrap piece of frame rail that hooks the horizontal bar behind the grille. Then I'll just make some tabs at the back of the cab on the inside and screw them down

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/DSC_1124.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/DSC_1125.jpg

hope you got a nice set of bags for the front cause thats real low nice work

Thanks, I would have bagged it like a 1:1 but to my knowledge there is only one place to get working bags and they ain't cheap!

[straightpipejakebrake]

Can't wait for more pics...

[Brian in PA]

Its gotta pretty mean stance!:eek:

Brian

[Snowman]

Thanks Brian! What do you think would look better, 3 bars or 7 bars in the grill? I'm working on mounting the bumper as we speak.
Then I'll mount the pipes, something I've been putting off as I don't want to mess it up! And then I might finally cut out the windscreen too...

[Snowman]

Well, here's a little progress. I finally did the flippin' bumper. Or rather, the bumper flip! Just need to fit a servo and linkage to operate it.
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/DSC_1200.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/DSC_1199.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/DSC_1198.jpg
I'll be painting the hinges black to make them more discreet.
Next is to mount the pipes and then cut out the windscreen/make a visor.
Did a test run indoors and the bumper scrapes on the carpet! :D

[sneaky-pete]

That is bad @ss Nick!
Your ride is coming along nicely!:D

[Snowman]

Thanks Troy! My inspiration comes from everyone else's cool builds.
I've got a problem with the headlights, only the outer ones come on, there must be a break in the wiring somewhere for the inner leds :mad: I hope the break isn't close to the led inside the light unit, took me a long time to stuff them in there!:mad:

[CustomClod]

This is looking sweet! Nice work!
Scott

[Snowman]

This is looking sweet! Nice work!
Scott

Thanks Scott!

Well, a little update. Finally fitted the stacks. I need to fine tune their positioning so they are completely symmetrical. Here's a few pics. Next to do is cut out the windscreen and make a drop visor. Then I'm going to work on dropping the rear a little more.

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/DSC_1365.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/DSC_1366.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/DSC_1367.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/DSC_1369.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/DSC_1375.jpg

[sneaky-pete]

Wow Nick,
That truck is looking better with each update!:D
Keep the picks coming....your on a roll.

[Espeefan]

Wow, it's looking really good, Nick! I'm guessing if both your inner LEDs do not turn on, then you must have something else going on. Hard to believe you'd break the leads or wires on both inner LEDs, don't you think? Maybe an MFU problem? Or whatever lighting kit you are using.

Keep it up! This will be right up there with Brain's Pete when done.

[Snowman]

Wow Nick,
That truck is looking better with each update!:D
Keep the picks coming....your on a roll.

Thanks Troy! Appreciate it. I hope to have more to show soon.

Wow, it's looking really good, Nick! I'm guessing if both your inner LEDs do not turn on, then you must have something else going on. Hard to believe you'd break the leads or wires on both inner LEDs, don't you think? Maybe an MFU problem? Or whatever lighting kit you are using.

Keep it up! This will be right up there with Brain's Pete when done.

Thanks Nathan, if it's half as good as Brian's I'll be extremely happy.
The LEDs are wired in pairs in series, so it only takes one to be faulty or a break in one wire for neither to work. It's hardly surprising, they are crammed into those headlight housings. I've eliminated the mfu as other lights work in all the outputs. So I'm gonna have to try and isolate the fault with the led pair. It might mean removing the heatshrink where I've cut and re-soldered the LEDs :mad:

Thanks for all the comments guys! :)

[SWAGGER]

I would agree with your suspicions, sounds like they are crammed in quite tight to those little lighting housings, chances are that an led leg snapped!

Had a feeling you where in the UK before I even looked at your location. The little red pug in the background was a dead giveaway. I take it that it's the 1.9 GTI. Those things where famous for rolling over LOL!

[Snowman]

Had a feeling you where in the UK before I even looked at your location. The little red pug in the background was a dead giveaway. I take it that it's the 1.9 GTI. Those things where famous for rolling over LOL!

/Nostalgic car related off-topic

They were certainly famous for putting people through hedges backwards if they drove them like fools! That car demanded respect and rewarded you for good driving but would just as quickly turn round and bite you on the bum if you pushed it!
I owned 3, loved them. Most fun car I have ever driven. Could feel everything through the chassis and could just flick it round corners. The engine in my last one pulled like a freight train. But then it used to fart and snort when sitting in traffic for too long. And the electrics were a bit of a mystery. Still, the shell had not a sign of rust, not bad for an 18 yr old car! I used to love surprising drivers of cars whose alloy wheels probably cost more than my whole car!

/back on topic :D

[gun]

the truck is really looking nice ! love the stance and long wheel base. the hood and pete fenders look great and i really like the shinny tires ads to the show truck in the making look. now all it needs is to be painted bright yellow and shiped to me and every one will be happy ! well id be happy ! lol keep up the good work

[SWAGGER]

Yeah, they were great machines. Sorry for straying from topic, but my nostalgic car is the MK2 MR2. Love them, had 2 of them so far and in the local owners club. Great, fun, machine. Again, like you said, demands respect but very rewarding once you have them tamed, specially the turbo version. Enough of me pulling away from your thread! Sorry....

[Snowman]

Thanks for the kind words Shane. But I regret to inform you, I won't be shipping it to you!! Anyway, you already have a cool rig. I for one would like to see more pictures of it, maybe a bigger version of the small one you have as an avatar, looks great with the bull rack.

I was wondering if perhaps I hadn't made it clear enough where I got my inspiration for various details on my truck. The idea to redo the windshield and increase the pointed shape was brought to my attention by Brian's (in PA) yellow daycab. In my opinion, this model sets the benchmark for peterbilts made from king haulers, it has certainly been what I've been aiming for. Not forgetting Brian's tip for making the front fenders from abs pipe. I first got wind of the verkerk low pros from Troy's (Sneaky-Pete) black peterbilt build and that's how I started to think in terms of making a low rider kind of truck. Being a low rider, the bumper was going to scrape on the ground so I needed a way of keeping the looks but also making it usable and that's where the bumper flip comes in. I first saw one in this video: (45 seconds in) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbc0NZ3Mr68&feature=related and thought it was a great idea for extra clearance. I believe quite a lot of trucks in this style have that.
That truck and this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6YVCmZ4EKs
were a big part in my inspiration as far as the look I am shooting for.
There are also a few pictures on the board of a truck by Hammer I believe who has already engineered a working bumper flip which encouraged me to figure out how to make it work on mine, as it seems to work to great effect on Hammer's truck.
There are lots of other little details that I garnered from looking at everyone's work on this board whom I may not have mentioned by name but everyone has played a part. I hope it is taken as a compliment to the various sources of my inspiration. I hope that others can also take some ideas from my work as I hope the reason we all post here is to share ideas freely.
A great thanks to all the vendors here that make great accessories like John's pipes, Brian's steps, Russ' tanks and bumpers and Steve's wheels and breathers. When this model is finally finished it will have been a group effort!

[petermoblin]

Man that thing is gonna be trick when it's done. Love the flip bumper, I wondered when somebody was going take a shot at it and it looks like you hit the target;)

[Snowman]

Thanks! I just need to make one last piece and it will be fully functional. I've used lots of ideas from many different talented builders, but I'm trying to give it my own individual touch as the details come together.
Thanks for commenting!

[Snowman]

UPDATE!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXNMM71g0ss
(Click the link for video)
The more observant among you may spot my ugly mug reflected in the bumper :D

[sgt hopkins]

Your Pete is looking great! I hope that when I get to build mine, that it comes out good enough to even be looked at compared to yours. I cant wait to see it in color. :eek:

[Tamiya Cowboy]

BAD A$$ Nick!! Well Done1

[Brian in PA]

Cool Nick!! It works real smooth!Although I'm more impressed that you were able to get your headlight on level! I'm on my third truck and still cant get these d#$% things to go on level!

[TRUCKMAKER]

Nick thats one mean lookin' HOT ROD! Your bumper is really neat but too quiet! LOL I was taking pictures of this Pete as he was leaving the tractor pull, as you can tell we are in a field, He flipped his bumper due to the ground being rough as he went by while I was taking another picture and sounded like he hit something! Scared the he!! out of me:eek:.Keep up the awesome work, can't wait to see it in color.:cool:

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/coolpete.jpg
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/truckmaker57/coolpete2.jpg

[Espeefan]

Nice work on the bumper. I laughed when you flipped it back and forth really quick.

Why must you rev the engine before turning it off? That's not good for the turbocharger! Yeah, I know the MFU does that itself. Weird.

[Stylin n profilin]

Nice job on the bumper Nick..Outstanding..nice job on the bumper polishing..i must be doing something wrong on my polishing..everytime im done i keep seeing an a hole in the shine..somethings wrong with what im doing.:p:p:p:p

[Snowman]

Your Pete is looking great! I hope that when I get to build mine, that it comes out good enough to even be looked at compared to yours. I cant wait to see it in color. :eek:

Thanks! Just take your time and build something you like. What's great about all the projects here is that they're all different. I can't wait to see it painted either!

BAD A$$ Nick!! Well Done1

Thanks Paul!!

Cool Nick!! It works real smooth!Although I'm more impressed that you were able to get your headlight on level! I'm on my third truck and still cant get these d#$% things to go on level!

Thanks Brian! Wouldn't have materialised without your hood hinge technique!
Yeah the headlights almost drove me to drink. I ended up making small shims out of thin styrene and gluing them to the hood where the lights bolt on, adjusting them till the headlights were level. I didn't want to risk trying to bend the mounting brackets in case they just snapped. I'm still not 100% happy, they're straight on the horizontal plane, but on the vertical plane they're not. The truck is cross-eyed at the moment, gotta fix that. On the wedico hood there is a small recess that puts the mating face at a right angle. I think I'll just make some very thin shims again.

Nick thats one mean lookin' HOT ROD! Your bumper is really neat but too quiet! LOL I was taking pictures of this Pete as he was leaving the tractor pull, as you can tell we are in a field, He flipped his bumper due to the ground being rough as he went by while I was taking another picture and sounded like he hit something! Scared the he!! out of me:eek:.Keep up the awesome work, can't wait to see it in color.:cool:

Thanks! Haha I'd better work on making it more noisy! Maybe incorporate a cap gun into the mechanism?

Nice work on the bumper. I laughed when you flipped it back and forth really quick.

Why must you rev the engine before turning it off? That's not good for the turbocharger! Yeah, I know the MFU does that itself. Weird.

Hehe I better stop playing with it like that in case I break it! It's not fast enough to use as a pinball flipper!
I reckon it's a conspiracy between tamiya and the 1/14 engine suppliers. That way the turbo dies sooner and you have to get it fixed all the time. The other thing that bugs me is the sound the indicators make. If you can hear them outside the cab and over the sound of the engine they must be deafening inside the cab!

Nice job on the bumper Nick..Outstanding..nice job on the bumper polishing..i must be doing something wrong on my polishing..everytime im done i keep seeing an a hole in the shine..somethings wrong with what in doing.:p:p:p:p

Thanks John! This truck would never have become the large car it is today without you supplying your stacks to the community!
Yeah I thought the polishing was ok but when I took a closer look there was a bearded fool in the shine! Seems we have similar problems!

[Espeefan]

Hehe I better stop playing with it like that in case I break it! It's not fast enough to use as a pinball flipper!
I reckon it's a conspiracy between tamiya and the 1/14 engine suppliers. That way the turbo dies sooner and you have to get it fixed all the time. The other thing that bugs me is the sound the indicators make. If you can hear them outside the cab and over the sound of the engine they must be deafening inside the cab!
!


Ha, I've always thought the same thing. I'll bet the turn signals are loud so that anyone outside, who can't see them, will at least hear them and know they are on. "But officer, I did signal. Couldn't you hear it?"

Is that yellow Peterbilt the same one on youtube, with a nicely polished and painted Cat V-8 in it? I just saw a video of it tonight.

[hammer]

Nick,
That is one bad A$$ Pete that front bumper came out awsome I have to slow mine down and change the hinges out. Just be careful when making turns and that bumper is up pulled mine off twice already LOL. That has to be one of the more realistic looking Peterbilts out there all those hours are paying off. Hope to see it one day in person can't wait to see it finished and painted beautiful rig keep up good work

TONY

[Dreamweaver]

Looking good Nick.. Not sure how I missed this thread:confused::confused::confused:

Oh well I see it now and am very impressed.. oh and please tell me you are not going to use stock mirrors on those hand built mirror brackets?

I really looks awesome. The stance, length, everything look spot on. keep up the good work.

[kcjeepn]

Good looking, I like those wheels on it.

[Snowman]

Ha, I've always thought the same thing. I'll bet the turn signals are loud so that anyone outside, who can't see them, will at least hear them and know they are on. "But officer, I did signal. Couldn't you hear it?"

Is that yellow Peterbilt the same one on youtube, with a nicely polished and painted Cat V-8 in it? I just saw a video of it tonight.

Yeah forget train horns, the next thing is insanely loud turn signals!
Do you have a link to that video? All my youtube favourites are videos of trucks!

Nick,
That is one bad A$$ Pete that front bumper came out awsome I have to slow mine down and change the hinges out. Just be careful when making turns and that bumper is up pulled mine off twice already LOL. Hope to see it one day in person can't wait to see it finished and painted beautiful rig keep up good work

TONY

Hey Tony glad you like it. I used some tiny hinges I got at an rc plane shop. Then I cut them down some more and fitted them with 1mm bolts. I drilled and tapped the top edge of the box bumper, man that was tricky. Snapped a tap in the hole but luckily had another.
I haven't screwed the servo horn in so it keeps popping off if I hit stuff. I may leave it that way to save anything else breaking!
I was lucky with the speed of it, it's just a cheap servo so not all that fast.

Looking good Nick.. Not sure how I missed this thread:confused::confused::confused:

Oh well I see it now and am very impressed.. oh and please tell me you are not going to use stock mirrors on those hand built mirror brackets?

I really looks awesome. The stance, length, everything look spot on. keep up the good work.

Thanks Mike! Appreciate the kind words. I'm not 100% happy with the stance, I'm gonna drop the rear a little more. I will definitely not be using the kit mirrors! Haven't quite worked out what I'll be using but I have an idea on how they will be mounted now I have found a local supplier of minuscule hardware.

Good looking, I like those wheels on it.

Thanks, do you mean the low profile tyres? Cos those rims will be going soon when I fit Steve's super aluminium rims!
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Rims/DSC_1882.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Rims/DSC_1886.jpg
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Rims/DSC_1888.jpg

[doodlebug]

Hey Nick, do you have room for a "servo saver" on your bumper servo?
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0095P?FVSEARCH=servo+saver&search=Go
Look's great so far!
Cheer's, Neil.

[sneaky-pete]

The pic's of those wheels are like r/c porn!:eek::eek:
Love the bumper Nick,.............it keeps getting better,and better.

[heavy_duty]

I love this truck.You are dead on with the stance and those wheels are jewelry.

Ed

[Snowman]

Thanks Neil, not sure I have the space for one but I'll see. Certainly not the Tamiya ones, they're just too cumbersome.
Thanks Troy, hehe. It's taking me ages so far, still lots to do yet!
Thanks Ed, you're right about the wheels, they look great. Essential for the custom look. I'm having trouble fitting them but Steve's gonna help me out. In the meantime they're sitting on a shelf lookin' purdy...

[Roadmasters]

Hey nick, I really like those mirror brackets, but I went on their site and couldnt find any prices or how to order them.

[Diesel Demond]

I seen you smileing in the bumper during you updated video! that is sweet and you just made my heart skip a beat when i saw your rims!!!! still waiting on mine! nice truck

[hammer]

Nick,
Love the truck man you nailed the whole Pete look outstanding love how you made the bumper work alot better then what I did so I had to redesign mine ( lol ). Good luck with the truck and can't wait to see the finished machine.

TONY

[Snowman]

Hey nick, I really like those mirror brackets, but I went on their site and couldnt find any prices or how to order them.

The website has changed since I got my mirror brackets, I hadn't looked at it until now. I can't remember my German so can't really help you there. I think the best strategy would be to post a new thread about that website to hopefully catch the attention of the German guys on the board, they will probably be able to help.

I seen you smileing in the bumper during you updated video! that is sweet and you just made my heart skip a beat when i saw your rims!!!! still waiting on mine! nice truck

The rims are sitting on the shelf waiting to go on, there was a problem with the hubs so waiting for a new set of hubs to be sent out. Shouldn't have to wait much longer.

Nick,
Love the truck man you nailed the whole Pete look outstanding love how you made the bumper work alot better then what I did so I had to redesign mine ( lol ). Good luck with the truck and can't wait to see the finished machine.

TONY

Thanks, I had the idea going round my head for a long time before I finally figured out how to do it and found small enough hinges.
Hey, how about a thread all about your truck? I'd love to see more pictures of it!

[hammer]

Nick,
I have to figure out how to post pics not much of a computer tech. I will try and get some pics up in a month or so have some ideas for my pics.

Tony

[Snowman]

Tony, if you can engineer a bumper flip I am certain posting photos of your truck will not be too difficult!
I think there may be a tutorial somewhere here explaining how to do it. I hope you persevere and give it a try, I would love to see more of your truck and trailer :)

[dabears]

LOVE the stance on your tuck! ive always love the look of the lowered rigs. Maybe cause each one is unique and different. Either way your build is looking nice!!

[Dairyland Trucker]

Low and long the only way to roll!!!!

[Snowman]

Very brief update, I have not had any time to work on my truck this year. Got some new hubs from Steve so have been able to mount the wheels. I have one of Brian's excellent peterbilt grills I need to polish up and mount. Also been working on fixing the rake of the truck. Here's a sneak peek:

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/Project%20Pete/DSC_5805.jpg

[sneaky-pete]

You tease:mad:

[dmess62]

You really captured the Peterbilt look. What did you do to reshape the top of the sleeper

[MACK Daddy]

How tall are you that you cant reach the top shelf?;)



Alfy

[Snowman]

You tease:mad:

Heh heh sorry. I'm even more frustrated I haven't done much work on it this year. Been out there trying to get work :(

You really captured the Peterbilt look. What did you do to reshape the top of the sleeper

Sorry for the delay in my response. I spent hours and hours sanding the top and building it up with layers of styrene to get the correct shape. I finished it off with some two part auto body filler. Believe me, it was a royal pain in the, er, neck!

How tall are you that you cant reach the top shelf?;)


Hehe I was sitting in my armchair when I took that picture, honest :D

[bigford]

pull her down and post some pics!!!!!

[Bigrigger]

Excellent truck man! It is looking less like an RC and more like art! You are a very skilled builder! Keep up the good work.

[Kaf343]

Nick, looking great. I like the stretched tanks and the way the truck sits. Nice work on the fenders. Subscribed.

[scalepaintn]

NICE!!! had to bring this up TO THE FRONT PAGE! hows this thing going or is it gone. NEED AN UP DATE

[PROBUILDER1964]

Wow....great work ! but I think you have taken this truck to every room in your house...according to the pics you posted... I think we've seen the the kitchen ,living room , the bathroom and a dinning room even the back porch ! ? Wife gotcha moving all over the place huh ? We men never can get a break !!!!! LOL

[Snowman]

Hey guys, sorry, I haven't been ignoring your posts and thanks for the kind words. This year I haven't had the time or resources to finish this truck sadly so it is sitting in my office/workshop waiting for such a time when I can get back at it.
At the moment the rears are off and waiting for me to find the best way of lowering the back to match the slammed front.
I'm sorry this is the only update I can give for now :(

[404]

I've been staring at this build for the past 3 days now, got the makings of a real show stopper!

It reminds me of this rig:
http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr346/mattman271/peterbilt.jpg (http://s498.photobucket.com/user/mattman271/media/peterbilt.jpg.html)

Can't wait for an update, or even just a non-teaser picture :D

[Dairyland Trucker]

Looks great from what we can see in the picture can't wait to see more...

[Lmackattack]

Ran over donner pass last night with one of those guys... They have a sharp looking fleet..

[RodneyO]

:jaw:Awesome truck.

[Snowman]

Hey everybody,
Just posting to say I'm still here! Just had some hard times these past years so haven't had time to finish this build. I still intend to one day. Here's a "proof of life" pic of my truck, lol:

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/FullSizeRender.jpg

I know, I haven't done a thing to it in 4 years! Hoping to do a little more in the coming months

[Snowman]

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab5/Nicolas1980/IMG_2266.jpg

[WillsIH]

That truck is looking great. I love the low profile tires and will look for em for my build.

[Bobby]

Beautiful truck build.

[Snowman]

That truck is looking great. I love the low profile tires and will look for em for my build.

Thanks! The tyres are Michelin lo pros from Verkerk. I haven't been on their site for years so I don't know if they are still available, but I think rc4wd do similar items

Beautiful truck build.

Thanks mate!

[Claus]

Any updates on this great looking truck? Keep the build going.