T5 Truck (this is going to be a slow build)

[Modbug]

We are waiting.

[mmatthews]

I started some cutting on the T5 support truck. I went with twice the cab length for the length of the box. After some cutting I thought I might use part of the original frame but, I think I'm going to go ahead and make my own frame. I'm going to use some aluminum angle and flat stock (teach myself to braze). It will be much easier to not have to worry about cutting the floor up to get the suspension and drive train set up. I plan on keeping the roll up door. I was going to cut the box height down but have decided to keep it the way it is. I don't mind the box being a bit taller than the cab. Not sure what I'm going to do with the axles, they are wide but I really don't want to narrow them. I'll wait and mock up leaf springs, wheels and tires before deciding what to do. The scale will be a bit off, might be a big foot T5. I will keep the interior parts and paint them and add some detail to the inside of the cab. I want to do a rolling scale shop on the inside of the box but, it will depend on how I manage to cram all the suspension and drive train in this beast. Again this is my first scale build and I have no clue what I'm doing and will just bash my way through. Thanks for looking. More to come soon.

[mmatthews]

Well shit.........the pictures didn't post the first time , let's try this again.

[fernando]

And so it begins. Man take your time with this one, because once you finish, this rig is going to be awsome to look at. I will be following this build for sure.

[mmatthews]

Last minute change of heart. The top of cab and top of box are now flush. I'll post more pictures tomorrow. Took 1 3/16" of height off the box. I think this will look better in the end.

[Modbug]

Originally Posted by mmatthews

Last minute change of heart. The top of cab and top of box are now flush. I'll post more pictures tomorrow. Took 1 3/16" of height off the box. I think this will look better in the end.

I'm glad you did, it will be much more better.

[stwallace]

That truck is super cool. I wish I had one like it for myself too

[mmatthews]

So I did some brazing for the first time. I guarantee I will end up burnt to shit and the carport might catch on fire. Other than that it went pretty well. The propane torch I was using didn't have a very controllable flame and required me to heat a larger area than needed. The Alumarod flowed nicely once up to temp and seemed strong as hell on the one I screwed up and had to grind. The bond is super strong. With a better torch and some practice this seems very doable. I was hoping to get both sides of the frame rails brazed on but, unfortunately I'll have to take a trip to see Hank Hill before I can do more.

[AxialJeepster]

Originally Posted by Bulldog

You're blowing my mind! I had that truck when I was a kid! We're talking 30 years ago! I can remember the day I took it to school in my backpack against my mom's will! What a flashback!

i used to LOVE mine too!! didnt take it to school but would have if i thought of it

nice build, hope it goes to the end

[mmatthews]

Got a little work done this afternoon. Picked up a new torch and it made it much easier to control the heat. I decided to trim the bottom edge of the box with the aluminum angle. I brazed the box frame together but it will get riveted to the box. I like how the back will look around the door with the small aluminum on each side. I will close the gap behind the cab (each side of the cab) with angle as well. This looks cool and will add some strength to the box. The box and cab will be one piece. Notice the blue cab portion on top of the box. I will use this to help attach the two parts. I also got the basic chassis / frame brazed up. The cab and box will sit a bit off the frame when done. Sorry for the shitty write up. I need to figure out how to add text under a particular picture.

But for now.... enjoy. Input always welcome.

[mmatthews]

Don't try and decode my master plan.

Got my leaf springs in. Now I have to figure out how to hang them.




I'm going to put a groove in the top of the axle to help the spring from turning side to side. I'll still need to do some type of u-bolt, I know the single screw won't hold up.

[tozrovr]

Dont forget the shackle. In the rear, a walking beam style uses the center mount as a pivot.

[mmatthews]

Originally Posted by tozrovr

Dont forget the shackle. In the rear, a walking beam style uses the center mount as a pivot.

I've been thinking about saving the $45 and making my own set of shackles. The front on the front, and the rear on the rear, will be the swivel portion and fixed on the other ends.

[tozrovr]

Def fab them up

[mitchr97]

Those axles are very wide.

[mmatthews]

Originally Posted by FORDROX97

Those axles are very wide.

I agree, they are too wide but they're what I already had. Trying to do this build without spending much. I've thought about trying to narrow them. I did some searching but couldn't find anything on narrowed MRC axles.

[mmatthews]

Help! Help! Help!

What am I going to do about the axle width? I just don't see any way to get them as narrow as I would need to pull off the look I want. Outside of tire to outside of tire would need to be 4". I would hate to stop the build but I just don't know what to do. I don't have the cash to buy new axles but, if I did which axles would get me closest to the 4" outside to outside distance?

Any and all suggestions are welcome.

Thanks

[lonleycreeper]

What if you widened the body,cut it in half then add some styrene to the center 2" or so?

[mitchr97]

The losi MICRO rock crawler is 3.7" wide. which is pretty close to what you want. but im not sure how much they are.

[mmatthews]

Originally Posted by lonleycreeper

What if you widened the body,cut it in half then add some styrene to the center 2" or so?

Not a bad thought..... I should have thought that out before making the frame for the box.... I'll have to think on that.