My very first attempt to modify a diecast
My Dad had a similar 1/1 so that was my focus.
Sorry but I did not document or take pics along the way.
John Bono
North Jersey
@chris, The body is made of foam sheets, not wood. I purchased it at Michael's. The camera distorted the pic, makes it look higher and it does make the front of the peak look uneven, makes it jut out at the top...not how it looks live and in person. From the ground to the top of the roof it measures 12 feet in scale...should clear all overpasses. The peak on the actual truck covered the entire cab. For my purpose I preferred to show more of the cab. I found the amber and red "clearance/running lights" at Hobby Lobby. They are called The Paper Studio Adhesive Gems, cost is $1.99 for 75 pieces in assorted sizes. BTW, I extended the wrecker wheelbase about 2 feet in scale, if you noticed.
John Bono
North Jersey
@sizedoesmatter Oh, if your truck measures a scale 12' then all is well - no worries! 😀 😀 Your Dad would be proud. That's a good tip on those marker lights; I will definitely check into those, thank you! My method involves MUCH more work - and I'm so lazy. 🙄
Well, how does it feel to now be a "master fabricator?" What do you have planned for "project #2?" 😏
PS
And yes, I did notice the extended wheelbase (way too long for most 1950's wreckers ) 😉
@chris, we all know I'm far from a "master fabricator". Doubt if I'll attempt a #2. It was fun, but a lot of effort. My motivation was knowing I'd have a 1/24 scale truck that resembled my Dad's 1947 Chevrolet moving van.
John Bono
North Jersey
fantastic, and successful effort John. Here in Australia there are businesses that will make up decals to your specifications. I'm sure there would be similar services available in the U.S if u wanted to go down that path.
OK we've got the Mack newsprint truck, now your dads moving van, I reckon you're only getting started!
How cool John! Always wondered why the Mints didn't create a moving van or two. Congrats Pal; NICE work!!
"It was fun, but a lot of effort."
RIGHT! Now you know what I go through.... I always have a scale-project(s) going; currently I'm involved with three! 😬 😬 😬
It's taken me 2 days to get the basic dimensions & layout correct for my 1/18 '58 Pontiac trunk interior. Cutting the trunk out was easy, but fabricating ALL that's required INSIDE the trunk space is a PITA! AND I'm very lazy!
So... yeah, it's always a lot of effort! But I get the feeling you just might want to tackle something else..... 😏 🤔 🤨
Thanks for your kind words Geoff. The decals are a great suggestion. This particular truck was used mainly as a delivery vehicle servicing multiple home and office furniture dealerships in the NYC area. So the only graphics on this truck were those mandated by the New York State DMV for commercial use.fantastic, and successful effort John. Here in Australia there are businesses that will make up decals to your specifications. I'm sure there would be similar services available in the U.S if u wanted to go down that path.
OK we've got the Mack newsprint truck, now your dads moving van, I reckon you're only getting started!
At this point I'm not sure if I'm willing or able to take on another project. Thanks again.
John Bono
North Jersey
A big improvement! Thanks, Chris. Do you know of a vendor that can produce decals?
John Bono
North Jersey
@sizedoesmatter You're welcome, John.
I've used this company a few times in the past to create decal sheets for projects I've posted on these Forums. They're very good, but expect at least a 4-week wait.
Bedlam Creations - Creators of custom waterslide decals for guitars, miniatures, models, and more!
Thanks, Chris! I'll contact them.@sizedoesmatter You're welcome, John.
I've used this company a few times in the past to create decal sheets for projects I've posted on these Forums. They're very good, but expect at least a 4-week wait.
Bedlam Creations - Creators of custom waterslide decals for guitars, miniatures, models, and more!
John Bono
North Jersey
What am I thinking??? I spent countless hours and a trip to urgent care for seven stiches and a splint to my thumb, putting together a replica of my Dad's '47 Chevrolet truck and I'm going to alter its a appearance because it looks better with graphics? Hell NO! The graphics are an vast improvement and so is a brand new Lambo...BUT it's not his truck! The plain looking big blue Chevy truck with the oversized peak is what my Dad's truck looked like...and that's my story and I'm sticking to it!
John Bono
North Jersey
I like your story, your Dad's truck, just the way is was so stick to the story.
Sorry about your thumb Pal, what the truck happened to it?







