Swivel Frame Power Wagon Build

[OlYelr]

I have always loved the old post-WWII Power Wagons, especially the oddball ones, such as the crew cabs, 6x6, and my favorite, the swivel frame. I decided to build a 1.9 scale swivel frame as one of my winter projects, so I started gathering parts.

I am starting with a completely stock High Lift. The frame is easy to work with, and the transfer case is already in about the right spot for what I wanted. Besides, the limited travel leaf spring setup is really what I wanted to begin with anyway.

Swivel frame Power Wagons were all regular cab, which left me only two body options I am aware of. The Axial, which isn't really scale, and the Bolink. So, I ordered myself a new Bolink 1946 Power Wagon body.

I had a set of black 1.9" five star wheels which I put on one side. I also had a set of HPI stock car wheels, which I put on the other. I'm not sure which, if either I will go with. I may get a set of Hummer wheels. Stock High Lift tires are still on for now.

Okay, getting into the pictures...

Here are a couple pictures of what I am going for:

After stripping down the High Lift some, I basically just cut the frame in half, just above the rear drive shaft output.

Then I cut some 3/4" x 3/4" Delrin square bar, which fits perfectly inside the High Lift frame channel. I drilled a 1/4" hole through the middle and countersunk one side to clear the bolt head where it would have interfered with the back of the transmission. I bolted the two pieces together using a 1/4" bolt, nylon lock nut, and two bearings.

Then I slipped the swivel assembly into the frame.

Initial test of the swivel mechanism in the frame:

Here's the partially trimmed Bolink body sitting on the frame:

Then I cut the body in half between the cab and bed:

Body halves mocked up on frame, showing some initial flex shots:

Next will be painting the body, getting it mounted, and some additional scale accessories. I'm not sure what color to go with yet. I already have the Pro-line crew cab body on another truck, painted dark green with black fenders. This one will probably either be a darker red with black, navy blue with black, or yellow with black.

 

[Echodawg]

Nice so far. I've always liked the old Power Wagons as well. I'll be watching this build.

 

[STANG KILLA SS]

wow, this will be one to watch

 

[BigBaller]

Very nice so far. Interesting ideas here. Clean and fuctional. Keep up the good work."thumbsup"

Ryan

 

[DISTURBIN' tha PEACE]

Cool build. Don't forget limiters of some kind. You don't want the cab on it's side while the rear tires are on the ground.

 

[OlYelr]

Yes, I will be adding some rotation limiters. I plan on allowing up to 45 degrees of swivel in each direction, and then whatever little bit the leaf springs add to that.

I want to bring the axles up a little closer to the frame too, so the drive shaft doesn't have quite as much angle on it. Maybe get rid of the lift blocks between the axles and the leaf springs?

 

[Thorsteenster]

Looks cool, I've kicked around ideas similer for a few builds in thoughts past.
Although, I don't think those are so much flex pics as rotational pics!

 

[mjh]

Good for you buddy!
Step away from the pack.
I'll be watching this thread "thumbsup"

 

[Stormin2u]

Now we got something different happening "thumbsup" Never even knew they existed :shock:

 

[braceysdad]

This is very cool indeed....

The tamiya hummer wheels would look dead on

 

[Nick Furia]

Looks good. "thumbsup"

 

[crawler_king]

I've always been facinated with WWII combat vehicles.. especially the early 6x6 trucks with the rear bogeys.. I have never seen a swivel framed vehicle before.. that is really somthing else.. especially the pic of someone with a restored one.. Good luck on this awsome build.. (BTW anyidea of production Numbers or remain ing examples?)

 

[JasonInAugusta]

I made a swivel mechanism like this for another project.

The easy way to limit travel in the mechanism is to cut two radiused slots in one half of your pivot assembly and put a couple of socket head cap screws in the other half.

 

[bigblazerboy]

its kinda like the xmods truck chassis. when i had one i took the limiters out and it had mad flex.

 

[spiderxx]

Ah the ol power wagon. I forgot bolink made that body. I was searching around the net for a regular cab version.
What is the wheel base of that body?
Your project looks good & I second B.D. on the hummer wheels. Powerwagons always had that nice aggressive look which would set this project off nicely.

 

[YoUnG_vErSiOn]

i would do some kinda of opposed crossover shock system with droop springs in the shocks so the chassis straightens itself out. looking good though. i think cole 82 did one as well check his thread for some ideas. i think you got farther than him though.

 

[Jamus]

Here's one that, to my knowledge, never got finished.
http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44396

 

[OlYelr]

Thanks for all the comments guys. Like I said at the beginning of my original post, I really do like all the old oddball stuff like this.
The swivel frame was not a Dodge option. It was an aftermarket product manufactured by Truckstell Manufacturing and sold by Willock Truck Equipment. Not many exist, that's for sure.

Here's an original advertisement:

And I think I've pretty much decided to go with the red on black paint scheme, like this:

And you guys are right, the Hummer wheels will be the way to go. Now I just have to find some.

 

[OlYelr]

Ah the ol power wagon. I forgot bolink made that body. I was searching around the net for a regular cab version.
What is the wheel base of that body?
Your project looks good & I second B.D. on the hummer wheels. Powerwagons always had that nice aggressive look which would set this project off nicely.

Wheelbase on the Bolink body is about 11".

You can still order them through the Bolink website. "thumbsup"

 

[braceysdad]

And you guys are right, the Hummer wheels will be the way to go. Now I just have to find some.

I've read in a couple of other threads that you can pick the Hummer wheels straight from Tamiyas site now...

Edit: check with RPP, seems he bought them all

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showthread.php?t=95924&highlight=hummer+wheels

Also, these RC4WD Landy wheels painted black would be cool as poo too

http://rc4wdstore.com/product_info.php?products_id=731

Oooooooo those wheels on the rock crushers are to die for...