Grand Hauler

[Scott M]

So along with building a frame up,"Thanks again to Russ at truescale". I'm also upgrading some parts on my grand as well as using it as a test bed prior to drilling the frame on the custom. I bought a set of fifth wheel hitches one for each truck I'm debating which looks the best the hitch mounted to the plate then the plate to the frame, or just the hitch mounted directly to the frame? hopefully these pics will post
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5683.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/downtown480/media/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5683.jpg.html)

[Scott M]

Or without the mount.
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5684.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/downtown480/media/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5684.jpg.html)

[Scott M]

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5690.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/downtown480/media/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5690.jpg.html)

[Scott M]

I cant decide on rims either.
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5693.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/downtown480/media/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5693.jpg.html)

[Scott M]

I cant get the others to load right now ill try them again later, I never realized how bad I am at typing with out my phone making auto corrects

[Roundabout]

cool wheels. looks badass in black.

[Scott M]

Thanks Rene, I wish the had the rears to buy, but I thought they looked cool so I bought to check them out. did some more work mounting the fifth wheel, temporarily while true scale makes me a custom one.

[Scott M]

I have the friggin hardest time posting pics, I'm not sure how to verify the size so that's not messing it up:confused:

[Scott M]

{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5706.jpg[/IMG]

[jared31]

Love the black wheels

[Scott M]

Thanks man... I put them on the custom build I'm also doin to help figure out how adjustable the suspension will have to be to lay out.

[silverrc]

What is suspension movement like with the 8 bag suspension?

[Scott M]

Suspension movement is just a little more over the stock setup. the rear fenders only allow for a small amount of travel before the tire hits the top of the fender though, so I'm not completely sure what I could tell you about the amount of articulation you'll see. the rear setup I did on the build for my custom hauler, has a ton of articulation, but it incorporates a leaf spring for holding the truck up, there's pics in the build thread. I was thinking though the link rear suspension I have has so much articulation, you could use it as a crawling setup

[Kausekaos]

I cant decide on rims either.
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5693.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/downtown480/media/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5693.jpg.html)

What rims are those?

[Scott M]

I'm pretty sure I bought those from asiatees.. Its a shame, their actually really nice compared to some other rims I have from them. The camera doesn't do them justice.

[Scott M]

Sorry guys no updates really on the grand, I pulled the body apart thinking it'd be easy to paint. I'm still body working the cab, and filling all those holes in it that I wont be using. Tomorrow the fam and I are leaving for a five day Disney vacation:rolleyes:. I'll post some pictures of the progress on the cab

[rowings farms]

where did you get the 8 bag suspension?

[Kausekaos]

Any full side shots, would love to see the rear wheels as well.

[Scott M]

Sorry guys its been a bit. The eight bag came from Mr Russ @ truescal, He's a true craftsman... On the full side shot I'm holding off till after paint..

Here's some pics of what I've been up too.
http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5857.jpg (http://s516.photobucket.com/user/downtown480/media/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5857.jpg.html)

[Scott M]

{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5857.jpg[/IMG]

[Scott M]

{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5859.jpg[/IMG]

And glued
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5862.jpg[/IMG]
Doing some finish sanding now.

[Roundabout]

looks so much better as a flattop

[Scott M]

I think overall it definitely helped the looks, here's it sanded almost ready for primer.
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/image2.jpg[/IMG]

[Scott M]

{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5866.jpg[/IMG]

{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5865.jpg[/IMG]

[Kausekaos]

Looks better lower imo.

[Scott M]

Definitely. I spent the night smoothing the rear fenders, hopefully I'll be painting by the weekend.

[Scott M]

Currently block sanding and spreading bondo on the cab, hopefully I'll have some pictures up tonight of the painted plastic.

[Scott M]

Had a little progress and a few set backs. the first time I primed it with high build primer I think I put it on too thick, and really weird but melted small sections of the body. Looked like the primer shrank and left the plastic with cracks that were really soft feeling when I tried to sand it. I removed most of it, put spot putty on the body sanded it all down and re-primed with plastic primer prior to putting on the high build. Oddly enough the rear panel and back fenders came out perfect so I painted those with the final color. the body will have to wait for another day after the high build completely dries.

[Scott M]

{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5898.jpg[/IMG]
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5899.jpg[/IMG]
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5900.jpg[/IMG]

[Scott M]

{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5885.jpg[/IMG]
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5888.jpg[/IMG]

[Scott M]

{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5892.jpg[/IMG]
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5893.jpg[/IMG]
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5894.jpg[/IMG]

[Scott M]

hopefully there's enough material to not have to sand it all the way back.
here's a rear fender painted.
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5895.jpg[/IMG]
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5897.jpg[/IMG]
weird angle but I'll get some pics when the sun comes back out

[Scott M]

Still more high build and sanding, the first round of high build I used wasn't meant for plastic I guess and melted the body in some areas. Thankfully this is just a practice run for my other build, but here's where I'm at.
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5934.jpg[/IMG]
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5947.jpg[/IMG]
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_5948.jpg[/IMG]

[Scott M]

Hi guys, sorry for the long time between updates. I've been closet building as they say. So I finished the paint on the body. It came out decent for a rattle can job. I lack the skill of patients, and sanded the filler primer before it had time to cure properly. After I painted the body, if you get close to it you can see my body work. For my first attempt at any type of body mods, and painting I'm happy with it....
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/FullSizeRender_1.jpg[/IMG]
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/FullSizeRender.jpg[/IMG]

[Scott M]

I had some extra true scale pieces laying around so I started to mount them, I still need to mount the air cleaners, and roof lights, and a grill is on its way.:D
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/FullSizeRender_2.jpg[/IMG]

[up9018]

Really looking good.

[bigford]

nice

[Scott M]

Thanks guys! I tore it all back apart to install a rc4wd extended chassis. I'll update the thread here in a bit, to show where I'm at

[1985 kenworth]

coming along great so far

[Scott M]

Thanks! Sorry guys for the long time between updates. After spending hours on the truck, it's hard to spend hours on the computer afterwards uploading pics, I've been doing a couple weeks of building, even though it was supposed to be just a nice low mod box build. It's snowballed....I replaced the chassis with one from rc4wd, I transferred the suspension holes from the old chassis to the new, but everything else needed to be hand fitted. It seems like I've had each of the components mounted and remounted at least 10times. The fitting stages of these trucks are a nightmare, and being my first build I lack experience. I have it about 80% done, and running. When I have time later tonight, I'll post all the progress pics, and the pic of it on the ground and hooked up, it's just missing the front bumper. Lol. Thanks for looking, and the encouraging comments!!

[Northern Farmer]

Looks great Scott keep the work! :cool:

[Scott M]

{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6120.jpg[/IMG]

{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6128.jpg[/IMG]

[Scott M]

{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6126.jpg[/IMG]
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6131.jpg[/IMG]

[speedy8305]

"Great Scott" thats a good looking truck

[bigford]

beam me up scotty, ive seen it all

[up9018]

WOW! That rig is really looking good. Keep it up.

Chris

[Scott M]

Thanks guys I appreciate the comments. The back of the tanks are clear to see the fuel in them, but I'm having a hard time finding out what the color of diesel looks like, to put in them?? From the pictures it's Hard to see, but the truck has a static drop at its lowest point it has about 5/16 of clearance underneath it. There's still a lot of work to do since nothing fits this truck "off-the-shelf "I need to install a front bump, a deck plate that will lead into the rear bumper assembly as well as a rear bumper and, I need to find some cab lights, that are aluminum and not the original plastic if that's even possible I don't know. After all that I still have to run all the wiring for the lights. Then the truck needs to be disassembled again to polish all the aluminum.

[Northern Farmer]

I need to find some cab lights, that are aluminum and not the original plastic if that's even possible I don't know.

Here's some aluminum roof lamps :cool:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Custom-desigan-tamiya-1-14-KING-HAULER-metal-roof-lamps-/221932950538?hash=item33ac3c140a:g:FxkAAMXQ855Rp3M t

[Scott M]

Right on thanks! The roof lights and a visor are on the way. I'm considering sending the truck to True Scale, to have them fit the front bumper, and rear deck bumper combo.

[Scott M]

Currently waiting on some parts to come in, so I decided to start sanding down the front rims and other pieces to polish them. I'm still looking for something to simulate fuel for the clear tanks🤔
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6157.jpg[/IMG]
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6156.jpg[/IMG]

[Scott M]

{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6164.jpg[/IMG]
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6165.jpg[/IMG]

[Scott M]

Started polishing the rears. What a pain in the a**
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6168.jpg[/IMG]

[Roundabout]

**** what a difference, good work!

[Scott M]

Thanks man! Honestly all I've done is one of the four back rims

{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6169.jpg[/IMG]

Here's how the other three rims look like after removing the anodized coating

[Scott M]

So I polished the sidesteps and then after I polished them I painted the back, and underneath in black
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6172.jpg[/IMG]
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6181.jpg[/IMG]

[Rakthi]

That is one **** nice truck! Some great custom work too.

I could only wish my first time painting on my excavator had come out looking as good as your truck. :)

As for this question:

... I'm still looking for something to simulate fuel for the clear tank ...

Diesel is a bit darker than regular gas, it is also oily. I figure you best bet would be to get some very very light oil like the sewing machine stuff or some hydraulic oil. If you use water it might evaporate over time or you could get condensation. I wouldn't worry too much about exact color. Just having those clear areas in the tanks is cool.

[nenard]

Lookin good!! Whats your polishing method? Ive got some stuff that could use a good clean up.

[Scott M]

That is one **** nice truck! Some great custom

Diesel is a bit darker than regular gas, it is also oily. I figure you best bet would be to get some very very light oil like the sewing machine stuff or some hydraulic oil. If you use water it might evaporate over time or you could get condensation. I wouldn't worry too much about exact color. Just having those clear areas in the tanks is cool.

Thanks man!! Few years ago I owned a seven series BMW and for power steering fluid it used a light hydraulic oil which also was used to level the car it has a bluish yellow green color to it. I put it in the tanks but being in a solid tube with only one end being clear it came out darker than I wanted. I've spent a couple weeks trying to think of a liquid to use, I'm at the point now where I'm just going to put diesel fuel in it.

My buffing method is very tedious. I first started with sanding off the anodize coating, but it was taking too long so I went out and bought some oven cleaner once the parts are cleaned, I go back over them with a red Scotch-Brite pad. I have a 6 inch buffing wheel, to buff the large sections and a bunch of other polishing bits to get inside of the rim which is the hardest part without damaging knicking the edge of the rim. I've found that Clay polishing bars work better than the polishing paste they sell at the local auto parts store

[Scott M]

I started and finished this today
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6191.jpg[/IMG]
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6193.jpg[/IMG]

[Scott M]

{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6199.jpg[/IMG]

[Scott M]

{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6196.jpg[/IMG]

[Scott M]

{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6201.jpg[/IMG]
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6204.jpg[/IMG]

[Scott M]

After looking at the shiny bits in the rear suspension, I couldn't help but notice the tops of the airbags should be polished as well.... Here's the process of stripping the anodize off sanding it down with scotchbright and then finally polishing.
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6212.jpg[/IMG]

[Scott M]

The shredder grill comes with the upper kenworth emblem machined into it minus the KW. I bought a Kenworth emblem from garden trucking, then had a machinist machine the ribs out of the emblem of the grill. That way when I put the badge on the grill it sits flush with the grill.
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6215.jpg[/IMG]

With the badge glued on.
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6216.jpg[/IMG]

[Scott M]

I finally got the roof lights in the mail, but they didnt come with lenses. So before I install them, I'll have to talk with true scale about getting some lenses cut. Sorry about the sizing of the pictures somehow Photobucket didn't get it right
This rig gets a little bit closer to completion every week here's some more pictures of how she shows so far.
Thanks again you'all for the compliments. With me being a newbie I'm always open to criticism or advise. Thanks again!!!
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6217.jpg[/IMG]
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6219.jpg[/IMG]
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6220.jpg[/IMG]

[Scott M]

The shredder grill comes with the upper kenworth emblem machined into it minus the KW. I bought a Kenworth emblem from garden trucking, then had a machinist machine the ribs out of the emblem of the grill. That way when I put the badge on the grill it sits flush with the grill.
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6215.jpg[/IMG]

With the badge glued on.
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6216.jpg[/IMG]

Here's how the top part of the grill looked before I had it machine flat.
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6165.jpg[/IMG]

[Scott M]

Did some work modifying The front bumper mount to move the bumper back and cut down the front bumper to give it a little bit more ground clearance.
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6265.jpg[/IMG]

[Scott M]

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{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6267.jpg[/IMG]

[bigford]

its getting there good work scott

[Northern Farmer]

A true lowrider! :cool:

[Scott M]

Thanks guys!!! It's slowly coming together. I still need to do the rear bumper, the deck plate, and work on wiring the truck for lights. Still lots to be done....

[Scott M]

Also need to move the front axle forward

[Scott M]

So I decided, since I have the materials laying around to update my rear bag set up. Here's the before middle and end result. I had to cut all of the bars to fit it as best as I could but I ended up scratching some of the anodize in the process.
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6271.jpg[/IMG]
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6274.jpg[/IMG]

[Scott M]

{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6276.jpg[/IMG]
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6276.jpg[/IMG]

[Scott M]

{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6277.jpg[/IMG]
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6278.jpg[/IMG]

[Snowman]

That is one cool looking K whopper. Loving the slammed look.

[Scott M]

Thanks Snowman!! I only have a few more things to do and hopefully it'll be done for a bit. My custom build is currently on hold while, Russ and I come up with a functioning airbag. To lift the truck off the ground.😎 After we figure that out this truck will fully lay out as well.

[Scott M]

I forgot here's a shot, from the side
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6285.jpg[/IMG]

[Snowman]

Thanks Snowman!! I only have a few more things to do and hopefully it'll be done for a bit. My custom build is currently on hold while, Russ and I come up with a functioning airbag. To lift the truck off the ground.😎 After we figure that out this truck will fully lay out as well.

Haha, snap! My truck has been sitting on the shelf for four years because I was trying to figure out how to have functional airbags for the slammed stance. I recently resurrected my build thread. I haven't been working on it for other reasons too, but what halted the project was the air conundrum. I'm still working on it. Hope you and Russ figure it out soon so we can see your truck in action! I love the badge modification to the grill, looks great.

[Scott M]

Last night I decided to start making some pallets. What do you guys think?
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6300.jpg[/IMG]
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{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6304.jpg[/IMG]

[headers]

Nice looking truck

[Scott M]

Thanks!! Still more to come��

[Scott M]

It's been a bit, but thought I'd update where the truck currently sits

[Scott M]

{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6459.jpg[/IMG]
{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6458.jpg[/IMG]

[Scott M]

{IMG}http://http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u330/downtown480/rc%20semi%20collection/IMG_6461.jpg[/IMG]
So the goal is to make the airbags functional. Russ from True scale has been helping me out. Since Arizona is not the place to be during the summertime it's been too hot to work on it, so last week I wrapped it up and shipped it to Russ for him to help me finish it.

[cummingsman29]

Very cool can't wait to see it working !

[Scott M]

Thanks man, hopefully Russ finds it nice enough to take to Indy. I forgot to mention, I also had Russ cut me another front I-beam even narrower than the first one I had cut. It's so narrow now that the uprights for the spindles start at the edge of what used to be the spring pack.

[Scott M]

Haha, snap! My truck has been sitting on the shelf for four years because I was trying to figure out how to have functional airbags for the slammed stance. I recently resurrected my build thread. I haven't been working on it for other reasons too, but what halted the project was the air conundrum. I'm still working on it. Hope you and Russ figure it out soon so we can see your truck in action! I love the badge modification to the grill, looks great.

Seriously. The bags seem like such a simple thing, buts it's really been and still continues to be a challenge. Snowman I was looking for your build thread, I always enjoy checking people's rigs especially the custom trucks. Which one is it?