'72 Chevy 4x4 Long Bed PU on Ascender Chassis

[joe122]

Well, I've always liked the old late model '60's early '70's Chevy 4x4 PU's so I thought I would give one a shot. This one will be built on a Vaterra Ascender chassis. It will have a Tekin 35T motor, Hobbywing 1060 ESC and 3s power. Otherwise a stocker.

I start most of my builds with a scale drawing. This was going to be a 1.5 build so I originally set the WB at 11.5" but I decided to expand it to 12.250 once I decided to go with 1.9's.

Here's the starting pic's



First cut;

[Silverado1]

Hey Scott! Looks great I'm glad you're taking on this project it'll look great once it's done. I'll be glued to this build lots of pics please.

[ChevyBot]

I own a 1:1 1968 C10 and have always wanted to build one!!! Can't wait! If you need any specific pictures, just let me know!

[joe122]

Well got a little further on the cab. Went from ugly to sanded and ugly. Actually at the tweaking stage. Little more off here, a little more added there. going to cut out the windows and add a short cowl to the hood before I add the body line to the hood.
Ugly!

A little less ugly!

[billy bones]

Simply amazing, I look forward to seeing your rig come together.
I have bought a couple pieces of styrene but haven't got up the nerve to start cutting yet.
I'm certain watching and learning from you will build my confidence somewhat, whether or not I could ever reach your level of skill is doubtful to say the least.
Always enjoy watching an artist at work.

[Silverado1]

Hey Scott, it's really starting to come together,keep up the great work.
Sean

[obijuan]

Constructive criticism here. The side profile of the cab appears to be very flat at the moment. I can image it will be very difficult to achieve the shape when it may be too late.
The cab has a subtle curve to it which is very characteristic of the era. I'm sure you've got it worked out but would hate to see a boxy 67-72.

[joe122]

Hey Obijuan, Thanks for the feedback, very helpful. I had a bunch of of reference photos, but this one really helped. It's still not pretty, but starting to shape up. Got the rear cab panel installed, first pass at sanding some filler, added the cowl and raised / contoured the roof some more as it was way to flat. Also rounded the cab back corners.

If anyone is curious the layering I incorporated in this build started with .125 for the base cab. .60 to the side starting just below the side door glass opening. Added .080 (should have used .125 but oh well) over that for the next contour, then .040 for the bottom contour which carries over the wheel well openings. The roof is also .125 with two layers of .060 on top to add some curvature. Not perfect but filler fixes a lot!

Not to shy, go ahead, I know its not a show truck YET! Open to constructive criticism.

Where its at this morning....

[ChevyBot]

I know it may be too late now, but the roof needs to be higher. Looks like it has a chopped top

[joe122]

Good point, which is weird due to the fact that my template is very close to spot on. I think when dbl checking the template against the side profile, which is a very close match I missed the fact that I widened the body slightly - I think widening it and stretching slightly made the greenhouse a little out of proportion. Oh well - chopped top it is!

Here's a few pics of it after sanding on the first coat of filler - lots left to do before moving to the bed. Got the grill started at least!

[Silverado1]

Hey Scott
Your really progressing on this build, it's looking great so far can't wait to see more.
Sean

[joe122]

Thanks Sean! Was going to start the grill tonight but got the bug to start the bed instead. Here's how far I got tonight.

[Silverado1]

Hi Scott

Here's a tip on your next build you cut the whole side of your body cab plus box. What you do is you put the back of the cab and the front of your bed box you don't glue together you leave a gap a fraction of an inch then put all your body lines on. Once you've finished all your lines and moldings then take a saw draw a line between the back of the cab and the front of your box front and cut it this way you don't have to align anything after your assured it will be uniform. I hope it makes sense take a look at my Nissan Datsun build. Hope this helps Sean

[joe122]

Great info Sean. I did observe the way you created the Nissan build. Will try your idea on the next one.
Thanks!

[joe122]

Tackled the tailgate and bed today. Not trying to avoid the grill, just gotta build up a little extra patience as I think it's going to take some time.

Tailgate rough.....

Tailgate not so rough, but waiting for filler and shaping.

[joe122]

Finished up the wheel wells, and finally - albeit temporarily (as in just sitting on the chassis) mocked up the assembly on the Vaterra Ascender chassis. Lots of finish work to do, still have one more panel to make, for the inner backside of the tailgate, and have to attack that grill! Goal is to have it sit a little lower once the correct rear shocks are selected for the rear.

[ChevyBot]

Wow you are fast! And I think you redeemed yourself with the bed. And the wheel wells look spot on!

[joe122]

Thanks Chevybot.....I realize I am a little off on a few curves on the cab, but concentrated on the bed - getting the lines and curves as close as possible. it's not done.....lots of work to go. Heading off to the westcoast for a business trip so going to have to return to the '72 in a couple weeks.

[Silverado1]

Hey Scott
That's coming along real nicely excellent work. Have a safe trip.
Sean

[joe122]

Well tackled that grill, started with pre-cut strips, vice and slits so I could hopefully try to "mesh" it together. Used a foil kit for the "chrome". Buttoned up the tailgate closeout cover. Also started the priming process.

The strips......

The mesh.....

The grill.....

Misc.