Introduction
 

I am Jim and I'm new to RC trucks. I'm in the process of building a replica of the 1984 KW W900 that was the only truck that I bought new back when I was an owner-operator. I just recently found this forum as a much-needed resource for information to help my build.

I'm a little disappointed that this forum is still using image hosting sites to post pics rather than direct posting like other forums have gone to but I guess I can go back to the old ways to post here.

Here is the truck I am trying to replicate.

https://i.postimg.cc/Kvh7ZBcY/EPSON045.jpg

Re: Introduction
 

Here is some of what I have done so far.

Converted the suspension to 8 bag air ride like I had,

https://i.postimg.cc/kXK0yBNy/P8150003.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/tJg5fv8b/PB100001.jpg

Replaced the chrome plastic wheels with metal ones.

https://i.postimg.cc/DfJk8C8H/PB170003.jpg

Cut the hood off and modified to look more like the KW fiberglass hood.

https://i.postimg.cc/8sQb5kjp/PC170005.jpg

Built a firewall.

https://i.postimg.cc/hGLRPhvj/PC170001.jpg

Purchased a 1/16th 3D printed 3406 Cat engine.

https://i.postimg.cc/Bb1g4PZ7/PC170004.jpg

Re: Introduction
 

Welcome to the board

This looks like it's going to be a very cool and ambitious build!

Re: Introduction
 

Cool! looks like a great build!

Re: Introduction
 

Thanks for the complements, I'm progressing slowly but still making progress.

I have the hood almost ready to paint so I decided to check the fit of the KW grill I bought.

https://i.postimg.cc/4yMzstNK/PC180002.jpg

I got the 3D print lines sanded smooth, painted most of the engine, and started assembling but I need to get some paint for the turbo and exhaust maniflold before I can go any farther.

https://i.postimg.cc/3RtXfVsF/3-D-Printed-Engine-3.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/FRzdzR60/3-D-Printed-Engine-2.jpg

Re: Introduction
 

Nicely done.

Re: Introduction
 

An interesting build to follow!

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Thanks guys, I haven't taken any new pics yet but I decided the wheelbase was too short so I ordered new blank frame rails and I'm in the process of drilling and tapping the holes and of course I managed to break the tap so now I'm waiting for the new 2mm tap to come.

I also painted the hood and found that there were scratches that my old eyes couldn't see in the primer so I had to start over on that as well.

Good thing I'm retired and have lots of time. LOL!

Re: Introduction
 

I love how that 3D printed grill looks. Had you not said so, I never would have though it was 3D printed!

Re: Introduction
 

I didn't say the grill was 3D printed, it is the Cat engine. The grill is machined aluminum that I polished.

Re: Introduction
 

I finally made some progress on some of my build.

I decided that the wheelbase of the King Hauler is too short to look like my full size so I started over on the chassis build after ordering new blank frame rails.

It is taking much longer than I thought to drill and tap all the holes in the rails so I went to work on getting the hood painted and assembled except for the LED lights that will go in later. The Kenworth emblems that I ordered for the hood sides are very nice and look To be cut from polished stainless steel.

https://i.postimg.cc/Jnv3NHdG/P3090003.jpg

I have most of the detailing done on the engine as well.

https://i.postimg.cc/bvYRphtN/Engine-Test-Fit-1.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/RFNQJLdk/Engine-Test-Fit-2.jpg

Re: Introduction
 

The new longer chassis is coming along. I just have to drill and tap the holes for the front suspension and front cross member along with cutting to length. I also got my real metal fuel tanks polished.

https://i.postimg.cc/k43D56Nq/New-Chassis-1.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/LXt5g9vf/New-Chassis-2.jpg

I bought a pair of KW style steps/tool and battery boxes made from aluminum. I sanded the machine marks out so I can polish the ends and drilled holes in the bottom step to kind of replicate the grating step that was on the KWs. I will be glueing some stainless deck plate to the part that was the door/step part to get the correct look.

https://i.postimg.cc/MZYXWGnJ/Steps-2.jpg

Re: Introduction
 

Progress, I got my step/toolboxes finished.

https://i.postimg.cc/nr3Y5GtT/Steps-3.jpg

I also got my sliding 5th wheel painted and assembled, boy those tiny 1.2 mm E clips are a b***h!

https://i.postimg.cc/8z6MBSsZ/Sliding-5th-Wheel-2.jpg

Re: Introduction
 

Nice, I like the work you did on those steps..

Re: Introduction
 

Thanks!

Re: Introduction
 

I haven't posted progress in a while as I have been busy with yard work and other projects so here are a couple of pics.

I have gotten the hood hinge location where I want it finally.

https://i.postimg.cc/DZw5c6t4/DSC-0006.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/MT353RSP/DSC-0005.jpg

I found some KW style door handles and installed them.

https://i.postimg.cc/zvLjsBDJ/Door-Handle-2.jpg

The engine detailing is almost complete.

https://i.postimg.cc/DzFxSn6g/Engine-Detail-2.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/rpJQW3YL/Engine-Detail-3.jpg

Re: Introduction
 

Looking great! I love the detail on the engine.

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Great job so far!! Looking forward to more. :)

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Slow but sure more will be coming. :)

Re: Introduction
 

Engine detailing looks really good! Great workmanship all over this build

Re: Introduction
 

Thanks, Since I'm new to this I am trying to take my time and do research before I do anything so I can replicate my full-size truck. The only thing I don't know is how I'm going to do the lettering and pinstriping.:confused: