KW Daycab "Pipe Dream"

[Bigrigger]

Hey builders/ lurkers! :D Time for a new 9-month long build! This will be a Kenworth W900B Daycab tractor, or dump truck; we shall see. It is also my first attempt at a scratch-built cab. I am basically going to copy a cab that my buddy Silvio (skl1cent) built for me a little while ago. This way, I have a 3D blueprint of the cab I will try to build. So, this is what it should look like:
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/KenworthW900Bbluedumptruck.jpg

And here is what I have so far:
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1000790.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1000787.jpg

It doesn't look like much, but this is the most cab-hacking I've ever done!:eek: I have removed the stock fenders using thread (which apparently is totally possible?), and cut some new fenders to mount up. I also got some new sand paper to leave a finer sanding finish on the truck. I will patch up the gap behind the fenders, and then start on trimming the fenders (they stick out too far underneath the hood, and hit the frame rails/ suspension). Once the styrene is patched and ready for the fenders, I'll make another update.:D

We'll see if I can make this "Pipe Dream" a reality! Oh, and I picked the name "Pipe Dream" because the fenders are made of PVC pipe!:)

Thanks for taking a look! Any comments or cab-building/ styrene modding help and suggestions are appreciated! :D

-Bigrigger

[Espeefan]

Wow, the new fenders looks really nice. At first when you said you were going to scratchbuild the cab, I thought I would mention that the King Hauler makes a good start for many Kenworth cabs, but then I saw your pictures and said, good, he's going to use a King Hauler as the base. Don't worry about this taking you 9 months! I've been working on my own truck for far longer. Sometimes I think it will never get done!

[Smokin Joe]

Hey builders/ lurkers! :D Time for a new 9-month long build! This will be a Kenworth W900B Daycab tractor, or dump truck; we shall see. It is also my first attempt at a scratch-built cab. I am basically going to copy a cab that my buddy Silvio (skl1cent) built for me a little while ago. This way, I have a 3D blueprint of the cab I will try to build. So, this is what it should look like:
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/KenworthW900Bbluedumptruck.jpg

And here is what I have so far:
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1000790.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1000787.jpg

It doesn't look like much, but this is the most cab-hacking I've ever done!:eek: I have removed the stock fenders using thread (which apparently is totally possible?), and cut some new fenders to mount up. I also got some new sand paper to leave a finer sanding finish on the truck. I will patch up the gap behind the fenders, and then start on trimming the fenders (they stick out too far underneath the hood, and hit the frame rails/ suspension). Once the styrene is patched and ready for the fenders, I'll make another update.:D

We'll see if I can make this "Pipe Dream" a reality! Oh, and I picked the name "Pipe Dream" because the fenders are made of PVC pipe!:)

Thanks for taking a look! Any comments or cab-building/ styrene modding help and suggestions are appreciated! :D

-Bigrigger

Carpet thread works good as long as you move to fresh thread before it breaks. Leaves a nice cut.

[Brian in PA]

looking good so far! The fenders look spot on.

[dabears]

Fenders look great!

[Bigrigger]

Thanks for the support guys! I have had the fenders sitting around for a while, and I'm glad to finally start building. The thread made a very clean cut, but I'll have to sand off all that fuzz. Thanks again for the comments; I'll go get started! :D

[glorydays24]

Bigrigger, I have to agree with everyone else. The fenders look great, and I will be watching this one for sure.;):):cool:

Big John

[Bigrigger]

Thanks John, I hope it will be a build worth watching.

So, looks like it's time for another small update. However, this time I'll run through how I made the fenders for peterbilt65! There will be pictures, don't worry... :D

The update is a small brace I added to the front of the truck. The brace supports the two fenders, keeping them together for when I will start on the hood. I'm not sure if it is precise enough for me to keep though, because it appears to be a little off, and I tend to hate anything that is not completed with as much precision as I see you guys pull off! :rolleyes: We shall see if it is straight, and I will think up a plan for the hood soon!
So, pics!

Here is the cab as it stands...
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1000795.jpg
That is the brace in between the fenders.
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1000796.jpg
Side view (cab not properly leveled).
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1000797.jpg
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1000798.jpg
Inside view of the brace, you can see the challenge of attaching everything!:eek:
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1000799.jpg
Here is a view with the cab sitting level.
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1000800.jpg
And a view of the inside for fun.
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1000801.jpg


Now, Neil...
Here is your tutorial on how to make the fenders and what they look like.

This is what the piece looks like:
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1000791.jpg
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1000792.jpg
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1000793.jpg

I used a hacksaw to cut the smaller connector section off of the larger piece, leaving that piece that shrunk to a smaller circle on the one end, leaving a perfect fender circle! :D Then I cut the circular piece where I needed it (I used two pipes, due to lack of material in one), one higher and one lower.

Here you can hopefully see where the fender came from, and what the final product looks like.
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1000794.jpg

Good luck, and happy building to you! Just mention where you got the design from, so that other people can see how! :D Have fun!

This concludes our build update/tutorial! Thanks for looking...

Tune in next week for more.:p :D

Let me know what you think guys! :cool:
-Bigrigger

[PROBUILDER1964]

WOW ! I love the idea with the PVC pipe...i think i can use that idea for the 1977 western star project i have coming up. i was racking my brain on how to do that beveled edge on the edge of the fender...you just answered my prayers my friend 1 thank you so much !

[PROBUILDER1964]

one trick that i like to do when adding new type fenders...is cut off the whole hood side right below the rivet line and all the way to where the hood meets the cab line...make a brand new one for it and make it a little taller than it needs to be. Then on the fender itself ..add a back plate to it (C/A) glue it...then later on when you go to attach the fender to the hood ..just bolt the fender to the hood side ! this also emanates the pain in the butt filling in of the fender to the hood thing and its really stronger !....then later you can carve out the inner part of the fender /hood area you dont need and trim the hood side to what ever height you wish.. It just gives the fender something to hold too...if the fender is just glued to the hood side with a little bondo here and there...it can easily crack or bust off ! just a thought ?

[Bigrigger]

Thanks for the suggestion! I'm going to have to sand the fender insides to make them slant outwards to be even with the hood, that way they can fit the side or top of the bottom of the hood. Support is definitely going to be important in this build! :D Hope to see that Western Star build soon!

[glorydays24]

Thanx for showing how you made the fenders, great idea.;) If we just looked around at different things, we would be suprised at what kind of materials we can use for our projects.:eek: Looking good buddy, keep it up.:);):p:cool:

Big John

[doodlebug]

(fender's) That's a neat idea, and you did it with out using a lathe!
Cheer's, Neil.

[plow jockey]

Great job on the fenders! The build is coming along,good job!

[Bigrigger]

Thanks for the comments guys! It really is amazing what we can make out of normal pipes and hardware! When you build model trucks, everything looks like more than just a piece of plastic. :) I hope to get some work done tomorrow, and then post an update soon. Thanks again for the support guys! :D

[Izzy]

Just a suggestion but you might want to mount the cab floor in the cab when doing your build up - sometimes they are a little too flexible and causes alignment issues.


sorry yaa'll - I musta bin eatin somthin funny cause after looking at it again and again, even I couldn't figure out what I was tryin to say....

[Bigrigger]

Thanks for the suggestion Izzy! I'll make sure to do that when I start building.

[Kaf343]

Bigrigger, awesome job so far. Looking real good, love the fender idea.

[Espeefan]

Ahh, pure genius, with the fenders! What a great idea. Saves a ton of work, and they look perfect because they are. Thanks for sharing.

[Bigrigger]

UPDATE!

It has certainly been a while; but I said 9 months, right?;)

This build has been on the back-burner due to buying a real truck, and working on that one. For those of you who are curious, it is a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 with a 5.9L V8. Anyway, I have repaired all the important stuff, and am ready to tackle this project!

Not much has been done to it except some trimming, sanding, and preparing to add some styrene to the lower section of the hood. I have also taken a chunk out of the fenders so that the are flush with the hood, and are straight with the body, mounted on the hood's slanted sides.

This is my first custom build, and I am very nervous when working with styrene, so I tend to take it slow.

But enough chat! Lets see a few pics...
even if they look just like last time...:o

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1000980.jpg

Section of the hood removed to fill with a longer piece.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1000979.jpg

That is a weird angle...

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1000978.jpg

Chunks cut out of fenders.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1000977.jpg

Fenders ready to be mounted!

Thanks for taking a look. Just some proof that this build is still alive, and that I am still alive!:D

I'll try to get some work done today, but it all depends on how straight I can get my fender sections.:rolleyes:

I will see to it that this Pipe Dream comes to fruition!

P.S.

I am debating between semi tractor and dump truck. What do you guys think?

[JDH429]

Semi Tractor so you can then later pull a dump trailer for sure. Cant get enough of builds like this one. nice work.

[Bigrigger]

Semi Tractor so you can then later pull a dump trailer for sure. Cant get enough of builds like this one. nice work.

Thanks man, I appreciate it. I like that idea too; because of what you said, and because it can easily be converted to a dump truck later if I want to. Hopefully, I can get another update up this weekend.

[dabears]

Well you could have both.... the way Travis did my blue dump is 8 screws unbolt the screwdrive unplug a few wires and ake the bucket and screwdrive right off and put a 5th wheel on. Best of both worlds plus if i want to put it on a different truck i can just by moving the electronics into that one.

[Bigrigger]

UPDATE!

It has been a while since I have updated this project, mainly due to slowly moving for about 2 weeks.:eek: I finally got the workbench put in today, and I found a little time to update the status of the build, and here it is:

I recently got some parts for the truck to help get me motivated to keep building (body work gets really tedious and boring). So let's have a little run-through.

I found this while browsing Craigslist:

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010008.jpg

This is a used TLT axle; I got this axle, a TLT straight axle, and an aluminum servo-mounting plate for $20! :D

Here is the workbench as it stands, still a lot to do, but I like the clean look; it only lasts for so long...:rolleyes:

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010007.jpg

"But wait! What's in the box?!" Oh, you saw that?

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010010.jpg

I think these will look just fine on the rig! :cool:

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010011.jpg

These things came all the way from Hong Kong in only a few days, and I used the cheapest shipping! I had been looking into PMD's tires for a while, until I found these. They are a much better price than PMD's tires, and I think they look better, too! :D

So, here is the project as of today:

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010012.jpg

"Pipe Dream" has 10 new tires and a 6x6 conversion to look forward to! (Hopefully!:p)

I hope to have another update this weekend! :D

Stay tuned...

[Bigrigger]

UPDATE 3/26

I'm getting lonely here, posting with myself...

So here is something to post about:

I finally got the tires mounted after a fruitless weekend, and they are looking great! They smelled a little fishy coming out of the packages...:rolleyes:

They are considerably bigger than the Tamiya tires, but fit just fine!
Here is a size comparison:
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010013.jpg

And a look at tread patterns:
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010014.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010015.jpg

Here they are mounted up!
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010016-1.jpg

The standard Tamiya ones:
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010017-1.jpg

On-road/ off-road look:
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010018.jpg

Rear tires:
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010019-1.jpg

In this shot we can see how the tire size difference between front and rears affects the chassis angle:
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010021.jpg

So I fixed that little issue...;)
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010024.jpg

Pictures of the chassis:
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010025.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010026.jpg

The TLT axle is still here, and anxious to become a part of this truck!:D
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010027.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010028-1.jpg

Now, the moment we've all been waiting for! A mock-up! This is something to behold:
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010029.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010030.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010031.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010032-1.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010033.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010034.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010034.jpg

Yeah, I went a little crazy with the camera, but it was too hard not to!:D

I have next week off, so expect another update then! I hope this gives you guys something to post about!:D

Let me know what you think! Any feedback is appreciated!:D

Stay tuned...

[Claus]

King Haulers always look good as day cabs!

[YoungGunz]

This is a nice start! I really like the aggressive look of the tires. Are the new tires a similar material as the stock ones? Just wondering if they are a harder material or are they comparable?

[Diesel Demond]

keep hittin the pipe i need more! looks like a work horse so far!

[Stuff]

I like the treads!!

[Mama Sue]

Lookin pretty sweet. I love the tires....

[Kaf343]

Looking good, that's going to be sweet with the TLT up front and the tires add the all wheel drive look to it, nice so far. Looking forward to seeing more progress.

[Bigrigger]

King Haulers always look good as day cabs!

Thanks Claus! I couldn't agree more!

This is a nice start! I really like the aggressive look of the tires. Are the new tires a similar material as the stock ones? Just wondering if they are a harder material or are they comparable?

Thanks YoungGunz! They are made of a harder compound, and they seem to be stickier as well. They will be able to take a lot of punishment.

keep hittin the pipe i need more! looks like a work horse so far!

Thanks Diesel Demond! I will keep pumping out the updates best I can! There will be plenty of pics, too! A work horse is what I'm going for!

Slow and steady, looking good. keep the photos coming.

Chris

Really slow and steady!:D Thanks Chris, I will post tons of pics!

I like the treads!!

Thanks Stuff! I like them a lot, too!:)

Lookin pretty sweet. I love the tires....

Thanks Mama Sue! So far, the tires are about all that you can tell is different!:p

Looking good, that's going to be sweet with the TLT up front and the tires add the all wheel drive look to it, nice so far. Looking forward to seeing more progress.

Thanks Kaf! I can't wait to get to work this weekend!:D The TLT conversion is a whole other issue in of itself! It'll be fun, but that is going to be a heck of a bridge to cross!

Next update coming in about 2 days!

Stay tuned...:D

[FATBOY]

I been veiwing this build for about the past week, prior to joining the site. Really like the idea of the front fenders. Im prolly gonna borrow this idea myself for when I start my first build.

[Bigrigger]

I been veiwing this build for about the past week, prior to joining the site. Really like the idea of the front fenders. Im prolly gonna borrow this idea myself for when I start my first build.

You have my permission!:D (It looks good, by the way):rolleyes:

[Bigrigger]

UPDATE 4/8

Better late than never?

Well, I finally found some time last weekend to work on my truck, and I decided enough was enough. I bit the bullet, and started hacking up some styrene to fill in the sides of the hood (I say "hack", because it wasn't exactly a science, or precise!:eek:) Anyway, I figure I can sand and putty my way out of an OCD breakdown!:D

Here is where I filled in the hood:

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010039.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010040.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010041.jpg

And I had to do a little mock-up! Keep in mind that this isn't how it will look when it is done, I still need to shift the front of the fenders up a bit to give it a lower position, and fit the bumper.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010042.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010043.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010044.jpg

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010045.jpg

Finally, the aftermath of the horrific styrene-cutting sttempt!:D

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010046.jpg

Do any of those bits look squared? Nope.

More to come soon! I won't give any dates, because I know I can't keep it!:p

Looking less and less like a pipe dream...

[Espeefan]

I like the new tires! You might not think your cuts are straight or square, but your styrene work looks great to me. Keep it up!

[RodneyO]

I like this idea for fenders.Gonna try this on my truck.Wanted to know how/what you use to attach them to the body.I've been using a two part epoxy to attach a lot of parts on my truck.Can't wait to see this build when it's done.

[Grainfarmer]

Nice conversion! Looks great...

[Bigrigger]

I like the new tires! You might not think your cuts are straight or square, but your styrene work looks great to me. Keep it up!

Thanks Nathan! That means a lot coming from an expert builder like yourself!

I like this idea for fenders.Gonna try this on my truck.Wanted to know how/what you use to attach them to the body.I've been using a two part epoxy to attach a lot of parts on my truck.Can't wait to see this build when it's done.

Thanks! I use Loctite Professional super glue, as it tends to hold up really well. Also, a lot of bracing with styrene.

Nice conversion! Looks great...

Thanks, I should really get back to this...:D

I might have mentioned this before, but the build is on hold because I've been searching for my filler. I finally cracked, and I ordered some, which should be here soon.

[Bigrigger]

Putty is here!

After a couple weeks and and a tracking system as accurate as a upside-down boar trying to snipe a dime through a cornfield... visualize that!:rolleyes:

...my putty has arrived!
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010203.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010203.jpg.html)

It just got here, and I will probably have time to work on the truck this week!
I'll let you know as soon as I get something done on the truck!:D

Keep it locked...:cop:

[plow jockey]

Looking good!!! Now that you got your putty, ill be looking forward to some update pics. Has a mean stance. Nice work!!

[Bigrigger]

Looking good!!! Now that you got your putty, ill be looking forward to some update pics. Has a mean stance. Nice work!!

Thanks Fred, much appreciated! You are doing a KW W900L, aren't you? I think I saw that.:rolleyes:

[Bigrigger]

Update 7/17 "Gettin' Jiggy with It"

'Bout time, eh? I unwrapped my putty, and dusted off my cab! I'm back in it, and I forgot how hard it was to putty with precision!:eek: Anyway, I'm dicey at best with mixing ratios (you can tell by the putty color in the pics!:D), but I gave it my best. Puttied the gaps, sanded it up, and got rid of some rivets.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010214.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010214.jpg.html)

Rivets gone, and all puttied up! Note putty spots all over!:p:D

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010215.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010215.jpg.html)

My attempt at angling the peak of the hood. Worked out better than I expected, still needs work.:cop:

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010216.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010216.jpg.html)

Other side, note the different-colored putty...:rolleyes:

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010217.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010217.jpg.html)

Getting there...

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010218.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010218.jpg.html)

Looks a lot like a Kenworth cab!

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010219.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010219.jpg.html)

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010220.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010220.jpg.html)

When I have an update, so will you! Let me know what you think!:D

Lookin' less like a dream every day...

[Trucker_Jo]

:bounce::bounce: NICE!

[Espeefan]

What super secret body filler, putty, or glaze did you end up ordering? Must be some really special stuff! Looks like it sands and spreads smooth. Keep the updates coming.

[Bigrigger]

:bounce::bounce: NICE!

Thanks Jo!

What super secret body filler, putty, or glaze did you end up ordering? Must be some really special stuff! Looks like it sands and spreads smooth. Keep the updates coming.

It's a secret, sorry... Just kidding, it's US Chemical and Plastics Icing putty. #26006

http://www.amazon.com/U-S-CHEMICAL-PLASTICS-26006/dp/B002GJO2UW/ref=pd_sim_sbs_auto_1

It is a two part filler, so I hope it will last a long time! I'll get some work done today!

I'm really liking the thought of a dump truck, we'll see!:D

[Bigrigger]

Got some body work done today! I put a little piece of styrene on the point of the hood to make the ridge of the hood more steep.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010226.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010226.jpg.html)

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010227.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010227.jpg.html)

Made the hood a little more pointed, like the 1:1. Fighting with my filler to get a smooth finish in some areas, and thinking about next steps for mounting fenders.:D

I have seen the KW grilles that people put on their rigs here, but they are to deep and ridged, mine will have to be custom. If anyone has a 3D printer they would be willing to print something on for me, let me know!

Let me know what you think... :cop:

[Bigrigger]

Tease it...

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010230.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010230.jpg.html)

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010231.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010231.jpg.html)

More pipe, less dream!:D

[Bigrigger]

Well, no major updates so far. Just putty and sand, putty and sand. However, I did hit it with some primer, and it looks great! Need to touch up here and there, but it is coming along.

I noticed that the filler was splitting from the plastic in areas... is that my bad? I'm using US Chemical and Plastics Icing #26006. It was recommended to me, and I think it is just because I used too much hardener. I also got some air pockets or something because I always get little holes in the putty.

Anyway... pics!

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010241.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010241.jpg.html)

Here is the hood peak:

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010242.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010242.jpg.html)

Still a little rough:

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010243.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010243.jpg.html)

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010244.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010244.jpg.html)

Fenders are waiting:

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010245.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010245.jpg.html)

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010246.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010246.jpg.html)

I'm using 1000 grit sandpaper at the finest, and apparently it isn't enough. Looks like I need to find some 2000...

Oh, and the big pipe is to make a dump bed. :jaw::jaw::jaw::jaw::jaw::jaw:

Thanks for looking! :cop:

[Bigrigger]

Got some work done today!

Started on the fender sections that the light buckets go into. They look okay, but with some putty and sanding, they should look much better.

The big pipe is all marked up, and ready to be cut, along with some other thick plastic to build the rest of the dump box.

I'll post up some pics tomorrow! :D

P.S.

Anyone know how to bend PVC pipe? Maybe in the oven?:eek:

[Northwoods Timber toter]

Hey Bigrigger,

Benn reading your post. The issue with the putty is the prep in the surface you are putting it on. It has to be really clean especially being plastic. When they make plastic parts, even sheeting they use a product call mold release. It keeps the plastic from sticking in the molds. The plastics will absorb this stuff and make it a pain to work with. I the shop I used to work at we used a prep wipe, but deionized alcohol works well too. Also, go you can go to your local automotive paint store or even a local Autobody shop to find a product called "Adhesion Promoter" there a few different companies that make it. 3m is the most popular, but it's a little on the expensive side. One can would last a whole lot of builds!! That's why try a body shop, they might toss you a can that has a little left in for next to nothing or for free, Free is good!! Also with the putty, as long as your following the recommended mix rate you should be good, but general rule of thumb for glazing putties is 1' hardener for golf ball size of putty. Mixed a lot of putty in my Collision repair days!! : )

Love the build keep up the good work!!

[Northwoods Timber toter]

Woops! On the putty mix 1 inch of hardener to a golf ball size of putty. Not a foot! One last note 1000 grit is way too fine, you actually need to go coarser. Paint adheres on a chemical and mechanical level. Meaning the paint needs something to grab onto. I would g o with some 500grit. 3m also makes a product called Scotbrite. The stuff is awesome for prepping primer for paint! Use the "Grey" pads they work really good for models as they get in all the little nooks and crannies. Also available at an auto motive store or again stop by a body shop and they may just give you one. One piece lasts a long time.

[Northwoods Timber toter]

To bend PVC, use a heat gun. Work great! Oven will distort the whole piece as a heat is more concentrated and controlled

[Bigrigger]

To bend PVC, use a heat gun. Work great! Oven will distort the whole piece as a heat is more concentrated and controlled

Thanks for all the info! :D I'll look for those things on my next parts run.
I also think I may end up cutting the dump bed, to get a more even result.

Well, time to go to work on the cab...:rolleyes:

[Espeefan]

Bigrigger, I'm looking forward to seeing some progress on the trailer. A half round end dump would be really cool to see. I never really thought about using PVC pipe for that. That's a great idea.

With my limited styrene, and body filler experience, all I can say is I hate trying to use filler. I've never gotten satsifcatory results, ever. The problems I've always had were because the filler cracked. Cracking is almost unavoidable when you have a plastic cab that can easily flex, and the putty cannot. It's best to build up low areas with styrene, to eliminate the needs for thick coats of filler. I've used a technique much like this one. Using this method, you can build up material, file, and then sand it smooth to the surrounding area. Like filler, you can also go back and add more, if you need to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2m9rVrVNa6A

Also, roughing up the places you want to coat with some filler is a good idea. It cleans the surface and provides some teeth for the filler to grab. Just hit those spots with some 100-150 grit sand paper first.

[doodlebug]

When you cut the pipe length wise, it will spring shut and bind your saw!
Keep a couple of flat screw drivers or thin wedges, to alleviate that
Tenancy. Ive fought that problem with the small bazooka speakers, that i
I build for skid steer loaders. Looks great so far!
Cheers, Neil.

[Bigrigger]

Bigrigger, I'm looking forward to seeing some progress on the trailer. A half round end dump would be really cool to see. I never really thought about using PVC pipe for that. That's a great idea.

With my limited styrene, and body filler experience, all I can say is I hate trying to use filler. I've never gotten satsifcatory results, ever. The problems I've always had were because the filler cracked. Cracking is almost unavoidable when you have a plastic cab that can easily flex, and the putty cannot. It's best to build up low areas with styrene, to eliminate the needs for thick coats of filler. I've used a technique much like this one. Using this method, you can build up material, file, and then sand it smooth to the surrounding area. Like filler, you can also go back and add more, if you need to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2m9rVrVNa6A

Also, roughing up the places you want to coat with some filler is a good idea. It cleans the surface and provides some teeth for the filler to grab. Just hit those spots with some 100-150 grit sand paper first.

Thanks for the tips Nathan! I know, I should have used styrene, live and learn I guess.

The PVC pipe will be for a dump box, but since the 5th wheel is so easy to take off...:D Plus, I'll still have half a pipe left!:D

When you cut the pipe length wise, it will spring shut and bind your saw!
Keep a couple of flat screw drivers or thin wedges, to alleviate that
Tenancy. Ive fought that problem with the small bazooka speakers, that i
I build for skid steer loaders. Looks great so far!
Cheers, Neil.

Thanks Neil, I'll make sure to grab a few when I work up the nerve to hack it up.:p

[Bigrigger]

I kept telling you guys about the light-buckets I was working on, so here's an update!

I just glued them up, got them level, and removed the 6-month-old tape (with Goo-Gone!).:eek:

These got the usual hacksaw treatment!:jaw:

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010249.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010249.jpg.html)

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010250.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010250.jpg.html)

Like I said... hacksaw treatment.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010251.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010251.jpg.html)

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010252.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010252.jpg.html)

Well, putty and sanding is on the schedule for tomorrow, I hope I have time!:cop:

[RodneyO]

Man this is gonna be a nice truck when it's done.Nice work

[Radio Control Trucker]

Thanks for posting the progress. I hope you get finished in time... :popcorn:

- RCT

[Bigrigger]

Man this is gonna be a nice truck when it's done.Nice work

Thanks Rodney! That's the plan.:rolleyes: We'll see how it goes.

Thanks for posting the progress. I hope you get finished in time... :popcorn:

- RCT

Thanks RCT! I'm not very quick with body-work, but it's coming along!

I hope to have some time tomorrow to work, and then I can finally get it all together!:D

[RodneyO]

May have to get you to make me a set of those fenders for my build.

[Bigrigger]

May have to get you to make me a set of those fenders for my build.

I'll see how sick of body work I am when I'm done. It might be an 8-month wait, though!:D Thanks for the compliment!


I wanted to show that I am still working on this build, in bursts.

First I hit the fenders with some putty and primer:

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010271.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010271.jpg.html)

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010272.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010272.jpg.html)

I also started working with some brass! I'm planning on a dump system similar to Lostinoz's Scania dump truck: http://www.rctruckandconstruction.com/showthread.php?t=6152

I will try a different hinge, and mounting system, but his build inspired this brass structure.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010265.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010265.jpg.html)

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010266.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010266.jpg.html)

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010267.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010267.jpg.html)

Not the finest, but the fact that it fit on the frame perfectly at both ends blew me away. Measured 64 mm, soldered, and measured 62 mm. Magic!:D

I have another shipment of brass coming soon, and only a few scars!:D

I also relocated that On/Off switch plate, because of all the empty screw-holes! I hope it can fit with the brass structure at the end.

I'm thinking a screw-drive for this one, but that will be a whole other matter entirely.

I'm going to go slap some mud flaps on this thing! :cop: Get it up to code.

Let me know what you think, and any brass-working tips are appreciated! :bounce:

[RodneyO]

That's cool.You fab them up I'll finish them off.I'm a painter/bodyman.I can make anything look good.lol.

[Espeefan]

Your brass work looks really nice! So no dump trailer, huh? Just a dump truck? Maybe a transfer dump, with a pup trailer at least? Ha ha. Any kind of trailer...? :D

[Bigrigger]

That's cool.You fab them up I'll finish them off.I'm a painter/bodyman.I can make anything look good.lol.

I'll have to send these off to you, then!:rolleyes: As you can probably tell, I'm no painter/body-man. As a pro, you might want to look away when I try to paint this thing!:eek: Thanks.:D

Your brass work looks really nice! So no dump trailer, huh? Just a dump truck? Maybe a transfer dump, with a pup trailer at least? Ha ha. Any kind of trailer...? :D

Thanks! I'm happy with the result, and only burned a few fingers!:cool:

Man, you and that dump trailer...:rolleyes: Just kidding.:D I'm planning on making the dump-kit easily removable, so that I can swap back to a tractor.

I was debating one or the other, and if this dump box turns out nicely, then I may attempt a similar dump trailer. Transfer dump would be cool too, but I'd need to build two of these brass thingies!:eek:

How about: I'll look into making a dump trailer, as well. You can hold me to that!:cop:

No real progress, although I picked up some brass tube for the hinge. I'm not entirely sure about my plan for that.
I did put the mudflaps on, and they actually add a lot to a chassis this empty.
If my brass order doesn't arrive tomorrow, it'll be pipe-cutting and body work, if it does, then I will hold off on the filler.

I also have a few concerns I'd like to share with you guys:
Power options for the screw-drive?
Lifting arm positioning? (Whether the arm will be pushed towards the rear to lift the box, or pulled towards the front to lift the box.)

I'm thinking about mounting the motor between the frame rails, but attaching it to the brass frame, so that it can be easily removed.

Thanks for looking! Let me know your thoughts on those things.:D

[RodneyO]

If you need my help don't hesitate to ask.:D

[Bigrigger]

If you need my help don't hesitate to ask.:D

Thanks Rodney! If you see me do something strange, feel free to point it out!:D


Well, I finally put the two pieces together! I just need to see how it fits on the chassis, in case I need to adjust it. I think it looks pretty good, if it fits! :D

Here are the pics:

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010312.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010312.jpg.html)

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010311.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010311.jpg.html)

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010310.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010310.jpg.html)

I drew up a grille, got it printed, and it is on the way! Only it's coming from Belgium!:eek: The first grille will be plastic, but if it fits perfectly, and looks good, I'll be able to order one in stainless steel!:D

The grille should arrive in a month or so, but I have plenty of work to do before then. I hope to start chopping the pipe up tomorrow! I also need to braze up a hinge!

Let me know what you think!:D

[RodneyO]

:DLooking good.:bounce:

[Radio Control Trucker]

It looks great. It's lines up well & is well proportioned.

Your dedication is paying off. Take your time and don't rush now.

- RCT

[john]

hope i not too late to comment but great job, inspired me alot, i like all the ideas on here hope to see more wonderfull pics, and the trailer to dont forget lol

[Bigrigger]

hope i not too late to comment but great job, inspired me alot, i like all the ideas on here hope to see more wonderfull pics, and the trailer to dont forget lol

Never too late for a compliment! Thanks a lot! We'll see about the trailer!:D

[Bigrigger]

My 3D-printed grille just came in, although it is a little small:

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac168/Bigrigger/P1010348.jpg (http://s896.photobucket.com/user/Bigrigger/media/P1010348.jpg.html)

So, while I work out a new one with the company, I will be trying to finish up the rest of the body. The fenders are not straight enough, and coming off. The headlight boxes need sanded and puttied, and then a new coat of primer, and it should be paint time!:D

That is very hopeful; I'll see what I can pull off.:rolleyes:

Let me know how the mini-grille looks!:D

[Roadmasters]

Mini grill is pretty sweet! 3d printing is an incredible thing

[Bigrigger]

Nice to have you back, Arioch.

I've since printed another but it was in the wrong material, and was a little short. Third round will be coming down the pipes soon, and tomorrow I'll get to some bodywork and maybe even the final coat of primer!

[Tamiya Cowboy]

Very nice work Chris..