6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

OK so I bought this as is and plan on finishing it. I went on ebay looking I was wanting all metal drivetrain like my Lesu 8x8 dump truck, but I wanted an american truck. I have a tri-drive King Hauler that I bought off ebay custom built and really didn't like it because of all the plastic. I love the aluminum wheels, driveshafts, and the rearends on my Lesu and I was wanting a shapeways Peterbilt or Kenworth so this was exactly what I was looking for. Here it is.

http://flic.kr/p/Yh4djo

http://flic.kr/p/ZhwxN3

http://flic.kr/p/ZmUZNr

http://flic.kr/p/Zhwxo5

http://flic.kr/p/ZmUZAH

http://flic.kr/p/Yh4Nxy

http://lic.kr/p/CfGA6G

http://flic.kr/p/ZmV12H

http://flic.kr/p/CfGAn3



https://flic.kr/p/YY1FsJ

https://flic.kr/p/Yh4djo

https://flic.kr/p/ZhwxN3

https://flic.kr/p/ZmUZNr

https://flic.kr/p/Zhwxo5

https://flic.kr/p/ZmUZAH

https://flic.kr/p/Yh4Nxy

https://flic.kr/p/CfGA6G

https://flic.kr/p/ZmV12H

https://flic.kr/p/CfGAn3

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

Wow, I never thought I would know of someone buying one of these beasts. It has to be massive!

So, what's to become of that tri-drive King Hauler you "really didn't like"? ;)

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

It's sitting at home and become a VERY expensive shelf queen without a shelf haha I overpaid for it. If it had everything metal I wouldn't feel that way. It does have the MFC-01 sound and shaker in it which is close to $400 by itself I think and I thought the tri-drive was pretty cool, but it really needs a gear reduction... so yeah it's just kinda doing nothing sitting beside my first hydraulic excavator I don't use...

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4462/...6c8aa9ce_c.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4495/...7daa2bb8_b.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4504/...21c584a4_c.jpg

Pretty sweet looking

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

Thanks frizzen, I just ordered a few things for it today. I've never built one it's half built hope I can finish it haha

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

Looks great! I think you need a trailer to pull. Oh wait.... I meant another trailer😃

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

😂😂😂 Hi Reg!

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

Have you hooked the trailer up yet???

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

here you go Reg

http://https://flic.kr/p/ZpPbG4

http://flic.kr/p/Z1ZW6f

http://flic.kr/p/Z1ZWeG

http://flic.kr/p/CiE6Fm

http://flic.kr/p/Yk3XLC

http://flic.kr/p/Z1ZW7N

http://flic.kr/p/Z1ZW6f

http://flic.kr/p/CiE6LG



https://flic.kr/p/ZpPbG4

https://flic.kr/p/Z1ZWeG

https://flic.kr/p/CiE6Fm

https://flic.kr/p/Yk3XLC

https://flic.kr/p/Z1ZW7N

https://flic.kr/p/Z1ZW6f

https://flic.kr/p/CiE6LG

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

Nice for sale signs.

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

I can't seem to make pics appear I do it both ways just in case they don't appear you can click on the link I can see 3 of my first set of pics in frizzen's post, but none are showing up in mine just the links.

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

I had them on at the show and a couple people inquired about it. I love it I really do But I want a vertical rib WITH a tarp and a third axle.

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

[IMG]https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4445/...ab04ef85_b.jpgnew trailer & new unfinished truck by Frank Smith1970, on Flickr[/IMG][IMG]https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4449/...f2c0a5b3_b.jpgnew trailer & new unfinished truck by Frank Smith1970, on Flickr[/IMG][IMG]https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4509/...14d1692f_b.jpgnew trailer & new unfinished truck by Frank Smith1970, on Flickr[/IMG]
Just a little help. Like the Green truck with RCP unit.

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

I see you're using flicker, so I can help you post them pics to show. When you want to post the pic, finf it in your flicker album. Click on it. It SHOULD bring up the pic in a different screen with some options. Near the bottom rhs there should be something that resembles an arrow. Click it, then select BBC, & MEDIUM IMAGE SIZE. Now select that BBCode it providers you. When you want that pic to show, just paste that BBC into your post here.

HOPEFULLY that makes sense. I know it does to me, but I wrote it, & already know how to do it.

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

Is it still post-whoring if i am fixing pics / reposting how to do it, or am i ok?

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4512/...fc17ba10_c.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4455/...de70f9f5_c.jpg

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

It IS a very nice looking truck. Heck, both are very sweet! :bounce:

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

No problem Frizzen. You are helping everyone here letting us see the pics.

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

Hi Frizzen,

Great looking setup! I was thinking of getting some of the Peterbilt parts from Shapeways, and was wondering if they are smooth and can be painted ok? It says they are a little grainy, can a person sand and fill so they are as smooth like the stock parts are, so when they are painted they look shiny smooth and glossy?

Thanks for the help!

Darwin

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

Darwin,

I have used two Shapeways cabs. Yes you can see faint lines from the 3d printing process and they can be somewhat grainy. With that said, use a good "high build" primer, multiple coats, lots of patience and fine sandpaper and they can be made smooth, but don't go into it expecting a smooth injection molded surface right out of the box. It will take "sweat equity" to achieve a glossy finish. But it can be done and the results are well worth the effort.

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it. So glue will stick to it also, so a person can modify it a bit? Any issues with paint sticking to it? I usually use automotive primers so hopefully that would work on this stuff to.

Thanks,
Darwin

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

Cutting the 3d plastic is a pain. A sanding drum on a dremel will cause the plastic to gum up.
Start off with 180 grit to knock down some of the
Rough surface then 3 or 4 coat of high build primer
To fill in the lows. Finnish off the sanding with 600grit
And paint your color. The more prep the better the end
Result. The plastic has a little flex so paint could pop
Off if you hit something

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

yeah.. thanks Frizzen I thought I followed the instructions on posting pics. I tried a few times and couldn't see them in the post just the links. So I did it both ways just in case I got lucky.

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

Still working on it... but it's moving now!

https://youtu.be/jjmlmvFWxPo

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

CA sticks just fine for a glue. I've used both automotive primers as well as Tamiya primer. Both worked well. As with any new surface, test your desired paint in a small out of view spot for compatibility. I've also used automotive spot putty with good results.
One trait of 3d printed material in thin sections is for paint to bleed through to the other side. Once primed and sealed it is no longer an issue. I have not seen it on either cab but it is a possibility to be aware of.

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

Thanks, that helps out. I just may give it a try.

Darwin

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

I personally go for a primer especially developed for plastics, or etch primer, as first coat. The shapeways prints have a corned surface, maybe it helps standard automotive primer to stick better, compared to on a smooth plastic surface. I avoid standard metal primer on the prints myself, but if someone have good experience with it, that's great, just stick with it.

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

UPDATE the latest on my 6x6 build video only

https://youtu.be/ftk97OT02OU

and

https://youtu.be/er5tEtawxiY

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

Hey Trucker.
Those axles are a problem child of Lesu. However you can get any parts you like for them. If you send an email to Chris Rigid at Rigid RC and ask him to help you. He will do so. I have got help from him with parts and he is very nice and responsive. Superfast shipping too.

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

Thanks for the info. I really like the way they look I have them in my 8x8 tipper and decided I wanted them in an American type truck and I found this on ebay about 70 to 80% complete and I've been tinkering on it for a few weeks now. Time will tell how it all functions and holds up I guess. I did manage to get all 3 locking and unlocking via my radio yesterday that was a task. I kinda like my tilting cab access I haven't seen anyone do that, but honestly I don't know how people access their battery on these I'm assuming screws as designed. Always interesting to see people get creative in their builds though.

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

LATEST UPDATE video


https://youtu.be/uq0TdClKar0

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

Lights look good

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

thanks! I like how they look the tiny LEDs are great because you don't have a bunch of bulky wires I have 6 wires from each headlight and drilled a hole about the size of one 16 gauge wire to run all 6 through. I honestly have no clue how people do their lights but I've see some impressive light set ups on air breathers, bumpers, and cab/sleeper lights as well. I may have to ask some questions at some point. I am just starting to mess with resistors and capacitors I've never used them in my life. I'll keep plugging away at it. One of these days she'll be up and running.

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

That's an awfully wide load :)

Re: 6x6 Peterbilt 379 tractor build
 

Looking good frank