Introduction

Goes2fast · #1 12-17-2020, 04:10 PM

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.

Goes2fast · #2 12-17-2020, 04:48 PM

Here is some of what I have done so far.

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

Replaced the chrome plastic wheels with metal ones.

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

Built a firewall.

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

frizzen · #3 12-18-2020, 06:31 AM

Welcome to the board

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

wolfws6 · #4 12-18-2020, 08:22 AM

Cool! looks like a great build!

Goes2fast · #5 01-01-2021, 08:05 PM

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.

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.

liddy102 · #6 02-28-2021, 06:43 PM

Nicely done.

egronvold · #7 03-01-2021, 10:23 AM

An interesting build to follow!

Goes2fast · #8 03-01-2021, 05:20 PM

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!

skeeter · #9 03-04-2021, 11:17 PM

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

Goes2fast · #10 03-05-2021, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skeeter

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

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

Goes2fast · #11 03-09-2021, 07:26 PM

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.

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

Goes2fast · #12 03-13-2021, 08:41 PM

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.

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.

Goes2fast · #13 03-25-2021, 02:03 AM

Progress, I got my step/toolboxes finished.

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

jerry56 · #14 03-25-2021, 03:57 PM

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

Goes2fast · #15 03-26-2021, 04:23 AM

Thanks!

Goes2fast · #16 06-28-2021, 06:35 PM

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.

I found some KW style door handles and installed them.

The engine detailing is almost complete.