My first semi build thread
 

It's getting close until I get my Grand Hauler, so I decided to start a build thread.
I do plan on swapping most of the plastic chrome pieces for some aluminum such as the bumpers, drop visor, air filters, stacks, grill, wheels, LEDs galore! I just love me some LED and that pretty much covers it for appearance.
Still undecided on a radio with at least 6 channels and an ESC.

I also want to have a dump trailer but I'm going to build that from scratch. I already have started on research for that, so I'll probably get that going in the coming weeks.

Any comments or concerns or questions are always welcome!

Thanks for looking, Nick

Re: My first semi build thread
 

It's here! Can't wait to start building over the weekend. Going to start with building the axles then start on the modification such as getting rid of the stock headlight housings to start giving it a Peterbilt frontal appearance.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...9/IMAG0142.jpg

Oh this build will burn your retinas , literally if you stare too long.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Tried to edit my last post to add this but can't figure it out on my phone with the search option at the treatment facility all day for the past few days getting this infusion.

I'm pretty nervous about the first cuts I have to do to remove the headlights on the fenders to I can get started on the body while I'm stuck on the couch recovering from a medical treatment that is wiping out my immune system. Shouldn't be too long before I can get to the good stuff, I.e paint prep, light install, cabin decor and all that jazz.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Began on the light housings removal. I can't really see the point in buying a whole new set of fenders when I have everything to fill small gaps.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...9/IMAG0148.jpg
I'll post another when they are filled and ready to move onto the next body modification.
Thanks for looking!

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Looks like a good start.

We love stuff with too many LEDs!

The board only allows edits for 20 min after the post is submitted.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

the stock fenders are more Kenworth shape with or with out the headlight buckets
peterbilt fenders have a step down filler panel between the fender and hood side
blue truck is a stock KH hood black is a 3d printed 379 hood
http://i1335.photobucket.com/albums/...pso0a3espq.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

It depends on how Peterbilt correct you want to be but a printed hood also has the front axle moved forward, the King Hauler front axle is back, not at all like a 379. A printed hood also has the skirts behind the fenders. Of corse all of this can be changed on a stock hood but a printed hood makes it easier. My truck is still far from perfect.
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/m...psswezhsvd.jpg
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfllayewh.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

I like the hood but I hear its harder to paint. Is that true?

Re: My first semi build thread
 

I don't know, I hate painting! I know Tamiya Cowboy and others have been using these components for a long time now and have turned out many trucks with them.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

I would like to as close to possible to a 379 Pete and I would also be happy to give the look at first glance. I might see what I can do about that step down. Thanks for pointing that out, it's a small yet big detail I missed while studying the 379. Now I have the cab infront of me I'm learning more about what needs to be changed.

If I do anything more to the hood I might add ribs across the top and give it hinges to fold up. I don't think I want to move the axle forward just yet but we all know things always change in this hobby.

Thank you, I'll be adding UV leds to go with the paint scheme so when they are lit it won't be gentle on the retinas. Hashtag "Retinal Destruction" but I might tone down the brightness a little so I won't have to wear eye protection while operating.

Ah that makes sense with the editing now. I know I edited once before so I was just baffled why I couldn't do it again. I don't like bumping my own threads to add stuff I forgot or just decided to add more information that may not be necessarily warranted for a thread bump.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

A couple of hits the Sandpaper some filler primer some more sandpaper and then top coat it not that hard its 6 done to all my trucks
http://i1335.photobucket.com/albums/...psg9b4gphp.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

In order to get tha convex shape, do you just use layers of thin styrene stacked to get an even curve to keep that step down to the hood? I'm going to tackle this today. Some day I'll have a nice matching fleet, probably UPS because they deliver all my Amazon packages just about every other day haha.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Started with the contour of the fenders and decided to leave them where they are...for now.


http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...9/IMAG0161.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Here's some progress updates: primed the chassis and transmission cover so I can get some color on it to start building/adding axles and main components. Also working on filling and shaping the fender.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...9/IMAG0164.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...9/IMAG0175.jpg

Not nearly finished but you can see things are moving along.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Well, after staring at this body I ultimately chose to take the advice of the seasoned builders and remove the front fenders so they can be replaced with the correct ones. I wasn't happy about the way I was going about this task if I want to have it look true to the 379. Luckily I decided to change it before it was too late. Once I finish painting the chassis I will be able to start piecing it all together.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Not trying to spend your money or build your truck but if you are going with 379 fenders it is much easier to buy a hood and fenders from Shapeways, make one straight cut to remove your old hood and the hard work is done!

Re: My first semi build thread
 

You have two choices a hood with molded on fenders
Or a hood and 2 bolt on fenders. Not trying to tell you
How to build it just how to do it easier
http://i1335.photobucket.com/albums/...psror5tlss.jpg
http://i1335.photobucket.com/albums/...psw3heuxx4.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

I really appreciate your input. If I can get away with just bolting up the fenders to the original hood, I would be happy with that. I'm in no rush so doing a little more work isn't a big deal to me.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Then you want to cut the hood across the rivet
line and down the fire wall.
That way you have a rectangle filler panel.
The Mount the fenders and trim away the wheel arches

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Easy enough. I was beginning to think I would have to do that. I have to order some more styrene the appropriate thickness so can get started with that.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

The nice thing about the bolt on fenders is they work great for two tone paint schemes.

https://images1.sw-cdn.net/product/p...1459354305.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

And they flex some

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Exactly! Much less taping off for clean lines. Going this route with air cleaners I'm looking at, I won't need to fill any holes either. Next month I should have all the bodywork complete. I'm waiting on some SMD LED taillights for a nice flush mount on the rear of the cab. Once I finish the wiring I'm going to make a cozy bunk with everything a 1:1 would generally have(depends on oh much room I have to work with).

Re: My first semi build thread
 

This is how it sits for the night. Not much forward progress but I mock up rear wind deflectors/sails/wings/whatever you call em. I think they will look nice on it plus it will kinda hide the flashing beacon bracket.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...IMAG0188_1.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Finally laid down some color on the rails. It's not as dark as I previously visioned but it will still look really nice to me.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...3793902372.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

as long as it looks good to you thats all that matters, besides the guys here dont really criticize they are a group of helpful people from what i have experienced so you wont hear any negative comment i dont think. Keep up the good work

Re: My first semi build thread
 

The one guy that wold say somthing negative isn't
around much anymore

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Thanks and to be honest I really don't care if people have anything negative to say, the internet is full of opinions some good some bad.

Anyway with that being said I'll post another picture of "turning purple in the face".
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...9/IMAG0195.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Moving right along!

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Looks it's barney!!
Looks great so far

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Hahaha maybe I should have a Barney soundboard for the horn! A Barney chuckle for a horn would be priceless. I'm almost at the stopping point until I get some fenders to start working on the cab. Everything else is bolt-on from there.

I'm probably going to make rear fenders for it one of these days.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

I'm digging the purple so far. That color would go well with an accent color of gold or white. Should be sharp looking on that body

Although hacking a Barney toys soundboard for that stupid laugh or 'i love you, you love me...' would be hillarious. Especially if you had it on a spare channel so ya still had a normal horn

Re: My first semi build thread
 

I'm planning on using Arctic White as an accent on the body it should be pretty sharp looking at the end.

Yea, definitely would need it on a separate channel than the actual horn but it'll be left for a nice chuckle from time to time.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Adding a chassis cover to hide all the wiring,plus it'll look cleaner.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...3903652198.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

I added chassis covers to my builds also to hide wiring and it is also a nice way to add more color. Drilling holes in the crossmembers really helped to route/hide the wiring.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Are your covers screwed down or held on by other means? I thinking of using scale bolts.


Just dropped the sleeper roof. Need to smooth it out now.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...1/IMAG0206.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

I just used some double sided tape for a clean look on my aluminium chassis covers for a clean look and easy to remove if I need to get to the chassis......

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Good idea! I just have mine wedged under the 5th wheel mount and hook release mount.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

On my 1st truck I put a mini servo inbetween the chassis rail for a clean look and mounted it just in front of TT
http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/9685457a.jpg
The yellow deck plates that are on the rig got replaced with stainlees for better look and easy cleaning...

Cheers Tracy

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Ha, I was just thinking about using a mini servo under the mount today. Glad to know that it is possible to have a cleaner look, thanks Tracy for showing that to me, I will definitely use that.