Jeff Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 Ok guys here we go again, I have been encouraged to post this build...... suffice to say it has gone through a few changes, in the conversion thoughts. I have had this kit for quite a while, partly started, with a vision of a heavy haul unit, but it got put on the back burner for a few years, due to looking after the ageing parents, then a move , then just life getting in the way of good bench time..... so with all that behind me I decided it was time... but I changed my mind once again on the conversion. When I saw that Revell had reissued their Kenworth gravel truck, I thought, that is the way I should go, as I have almost 40 years of gravel truck experience it should be an ok conversion, IF I could secure a gravel box from that kit. ................. Ron G. to the rescue !! He had a spare box from the kit in question and gave it to me... perfect ! Now, I have no excuses..... This is the kit I started with.... and there will be some mods to the truck itself, but it comes with a 420 HP 60 Series Detroit and what appears to be a 15 or 18 speed transmission 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 So some of the mods will include the non-installation of the sleeper, High flotation tires ( and rims) for the front axle, aftermarket drive tires, some de-chroming of some bits, and the biggest thing, is a frame shortening, from a highway tractor to a gravel truck. Now, the frame had already been made, a long time ago, and it took a little brain work ( somewhat taxing for a non engineer LOL) . It wasn't as easy as chopping off the back end of the frame, I had to or more wanted to keep the integrity of the rear part of the frame to correctly mount the rear ends and suspension, so it was to be the middle of the frame and so as not to foul any cross member, so with a little research, and a phone call to my buddy from work, I cut out about 3/4 of an inch in the center part of the frame and spliced it back together.... you will notice the plates are bolted and not 'welded' .... so out came the Meng bolts ( those are really cool and I should get more) Turns out, I measured straight and correctly, and managed to get the frame shortened and put back together straight and true. I was quite please with myself, as I had some trepidation on cutting up a VERY expensive kit. But all worked well.... 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 The Detroit 60 Series is a good engine, and we had one in a Western Star at work, that I drove pulling a pup gravel trailer, for graveling and paving, I know some will say this is the wrong color, BUT the one in the truck I drove had a Red 60 Series....it wasn't the Detroit green... so mine is red.... the fit of these kits are wonderful overall, and not a huge amount of cleanup parts wise... I did de-chrome the valve cover as it was WAY too bright and as the real one was painted, so is mine....it fit well, I also added a few air lines to the transmission for the range changing valve, I added an inspection plate and bolts on the lower side as well a an oil drain bolt, plus the bolts for the top cover of the transmission. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 I worked on the dash a bit, I scrapped off all the raised detail and replaced it with the EXCELLENT CTM photo etch parts, and added a little plastic rod on the brake valves on the dash to give it a more realistic look as in the real deal the spring brake valves are not flush to the dash, one has to get his fingers behind it to activate. I also added 'glass' to the gauges.... 6 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 The dump box was built as per the instructions although I did modify the cab guard to more resemble what we have around here. Most of the guys have Nahanni dump boxes, made right here in British Columbia, and the cab guard has a bit of a rake to it, rather than what the kit had as dead level. The dump box is to represent a Truckweld box, and has the Iconic Truckweld tail lights that stick out to the side... I chose to change that to the oval recessed style that is so common locally. Again this is the CTM Photoetch, these are quite small and are made up of three pieces each, I personally think they look much better than the stock ones, these are what I am used to cleaning and fixing when needed. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 And this is the basic mock up..... lots of details to be added yet, but this is the vision, still need front fender flares, battery box covers, clearance lights, mirrors, bumper etc etc..... notice the de-chromed fuel tank, and the dechromed rear wheel hubs.... hope you guys like this vision.... 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrankyCrafstman Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 Hey Jeff She's looking real good. One thing though you didn't put in the dump control box inside.😉🙄 Were did you get the rear tires? And how well do they fit the Italeri rims? Ron G 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martinnfb Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 This is epic, terrific detailing , looks like the real deal to me. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 6 minutes ago, CrankyCrafstman said: Hey Jeff She's looking real good. One thing though you didn't put in the dump control box inside.😉🙄 Were did you get the rear tires? And how well do they fit the Italeri rims? Ron G LOL, oh but I did, just before it all went together...the tires came from our buddy Paul at ST Supply....the fit nicely but are just a hair too narrow, if you don't look too closely they are good.... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 3 minutes ago, Martinnfb said: This is epic, terrific detailing , looks like the real deal to me. Thanks Pal... just putting the finishing touches on it now, will post a few more pics shortly.. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 Coming together now...fuel tank detail and under hood.... 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 The final vision.... I'm rather pleased with this in the end.... it is a beautiful kit and most definitely looks like a 378, awesome trucks.. Thanks for checking in guys, Jeff 9 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martinnfb Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 I love that BC licence plate ! 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bomber_County Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 Stunning Jeff, congratulations…… 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlrwestSiR Posted February 21 Share Posted February 21 (edited) Great build Jeff. Thanks for sharing this fantastic build with us. The BC plate is definitely a nice touch. Edited February 21 by BlrwestSiR Fix typo 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 2 hours ago, Bomber_County said: Stunning Jeff, congratulations…… Thanks Phil. Glad like it. Lots of those beauty's on the roads around here. I appreciate your kind words. Jeff 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 1 hour ago, BlrwestSiR said: Great build Jeff. Thanks for sharing this fantastic build with us. The BC plate is definitely a nice touch. Gee thanks Carl. Coming from you it means a lot. Happy you noticed the plate. It adds a little personal touch 😊 as mentioned this was a fun build. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peterpools Posted February 21 Share Posted February 21 Jeff Awesome conversion and so very much appreciated the narratives and explanations - I certainly learned quite alot. Aces on a terrific build. 🏆 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 Many thanks for your kind words , Peter. I’m very glad you liked it and found some of the info of some valuable interest. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocRob Posted February 22 Share Posted February 22 Love it Jeff, your conversion worked out perfectly and the result speaks for itself. Like Peter, I learned a lot about American trucks, phew 18 gear transmission... Always good to see something different here. Cheers Rob 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted February 23 Author Share Posted February 23 15 hours ago, DocRob said: Love it Jeff, your conversion worked out perfectly and the result speaks for itself. Like Peter, I learned a lot about American trucks, phew 18 gear transmission... Always good to see something different here. Cheers Rob Thanks Rob. I appreciate that coming from you. Yeah the 18 speed is my favourite. I could go into details why but won’t bore you. A 5&4 ( two transmissions and two stick shifts ) were fun as well. It had 4 speeds in reverse ! Lol 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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