Sharpe351's TF2 build thread...

[sharpe351]

Starting a thread on my TF2 buildup. I really love the design of this truck. I'm steadily making forward progress on this thing, so, stay tuned. As I add more, I'll keep y'all posted. Enough with the semantics, on to the pics:
Paintwork progress:

Exhaust system:
Made from brass 1/4" pipe and some 5/8" brass pipe for the muffler.

Bought some hubs for detail:

Got more goodies coming, like my trailer hitch and a thimble for my winch. I'm planning on wiring in full lights, including reverse lights. Also gonna do some tube work throughout.

sent from my GNex

[Kykrawler]

Truck looks like it's coming along good man.. Loving the exhaust work!

Keep us posted!

[sharpe351]

Tonight I'm starting to get ready to build my truck box, and get some detail work done on the front bumper.
Styrene for the box:

Bumper detailing: I used references from US models of Toyotas and found that they have plastic bumper corners. I used a coping saw to score the area next to the corners and sanded off the chrome with 400 grit wet or dry paper after taping up the rest.

I noticed that some on this board have referenced a material that resembles rust. What is it called and where can I get it? I want to use it to "rust" the edges of the bumper and some other areas on the truck to give it character.

sent from my GNex

[sharpe351]

I've got to stop getting on RC4WD.com! LOL. I found this and added it to my wishlist!

[sharpe351]

Started to put some patina the truck. Will post up some pics soon. Also will begin tubework for the truck too, just having a hard time deciding where to start. Cab, bumper, bed?

sent from my GNex

[sharpe351]

Pics of patina, little rust starting to rear its ugly head:



As they say, rust happens. Lol. Just didn't think it would start with plastic!

sent from my GNex

[Kykrawler]

Rust looks good... Quick question, you a Honda tech? Lol

[sharpe351]

Originally Posted by Kykrawler

Rust looks good... Quick question, you a Honda tech? Lol

Yup. Been a tech in general for 20 years. Work at Honda now. Been at this dealer for 5 years or so.

Also did a little more "rusting" with CA and instant hardener. Works like a charm for instant body cancer. Talked to a friend that has a Toyota truck like this one for more detail as to where they are notorious for body cancer.

sent from my GNex

[sharpe351]

More pics:


Light bar installed:


sent from my GNex

[Kykrawler]

I saw the blue shirt and a coolant jug. I work at Acura so I recognized it in your pics haha.


The rust looks pretty cool. Was thinking of doing this to my next body. Looks time consuming, as if this hobby isn't time consuming enough!

[sharpe351]

Originally Posted by Kykrawler

I saw the blue shirt and a coolant jug. I work at Acura so I recognized it in your pics haha.


The rust looks pretty cool. Was thinking of doing this to my next body. Looks time consuming, as if this hobby isn't time consuming enough!

The rust is actually pretty easy, but could be consuming if you want to do a bunch. It makes it a lot easier if you use CA and accelerator to make the effects. Looks legit and gives you an instant cool factor.

sent from my GNex

[sharpe351]

Progress has been made! Operation tailgate is now in progress!


Hinges for tailgate:


sent from my GNex

[sharpe351]

Making the tailgate look like its supposed to be that way has been very tedious, but I've made more headway. Pics:




Gotta love styrene!

sent from my GNex

[sharpe351]

Got some goodies from RC4WD!
Rear 4 link and King shocks on rear:


Drop shackles for front and link flip:

Tailgate almost complete:

New fender emblems:

Still need to age the emblems. Progress is still being made! I also ordered inner fenders and core support from pardonmyn00b! Excited to see them in person!

sent from my GNex

[fr8cture]

Looks good. How are you adding the patina?

[sharpe351]

Using various paint and CA with instant set. One color called rust from testors has made it easier.

sent from my GNex

[fr8cture]

Okay, thanks. I just got my TF2 and the previous owner decided to make toe body look beat up so I thought adding that would make it look better.

[sharpe351]

There's also the green filler I used. Its like a bondo type putty for plastic bodies like models.

sent from my GNex

[sharpe351]

Gave it a little beating today after the rain. Here's the aftermath:


sent from my GNex

[sharpe351]

Originally Posted by fr8cture

Looks like it needs a bath.

Lol. Indeed

sent from my GNex