Nick's 379 build

[Snowman]

Originally Posted by Claus

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.



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



Finally I need to make that notched part of the lower cowl there to fill the gap with the inner fender


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!

[Snowman]

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

[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!!

[glorydays24]

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

Big John

[sneaky-pete]

It looks like a real nice Pete.

[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.



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

[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!