Toolbox was the next little project. Got the diamond plate styrene from an
eBay seller. Drew it to scale using reference photos with the tape measure in the picture.
Made the steps, using paper clip for the tubing. Also refining the tailgate, the steel plate is for the magnet in the bed.
Painted the steps with
Alclad 'stainless steel'.
Added the trailer electrical plug.
Painted with
Alclad 'white aluminum'.
Magnet in the bed.
Toolbox painted with
Alclad 'polished aluminum'.
I can make resin copies!
My resin production line, excruciating process.
The tailgate has paper clip hinge pins, the magnet "latch". The kit bed ribs did not extend all the way back, fixed. Made the support things (what are those really called?), but they don't operate.
The slotted mags are
Fireball Modelworks resin copies of a 3D printed master, very nice and correct looking, just 1/24 scale not 1/25, so slightly incorrect size. The tires came from the
Italeri kit of a Ferrari, yes a sports car, but they fit perfect. (was checking out the choices from my parts stash)
Got the resin bumper, and door handles back from the chrome plater.
Modified the kit wheel backs.
Painted
Alclad 'polished aluminum' and their clear overcoat.
Added valve stems.
Added seatbelts.
Now to the signature part that makes it a '69 (or '70), the resin grill. Fixing a pet peeve of mine, the headlights.
Also improved the firewall, using wine bottle foil.
Had to refine the hood profile to match the grill.
Added hood latch detail.
Made the headlight reflectors from wine bottle foil.
Painted with
Alclad 'polished aluminum'.
Scratch-built the steering shaft/box. I could have added the power steering pump and hoses, but the chassis is so basic didn't think it was worth that much trouble.
Grill is done!
First paint, primer, then rust.
Dryer is the cab. I had done a wet salt technique, then painted jade green in the bed.
For me, tiny details make a huge difference. Added the panel line when I was checking where the color separation is.
Painted the white.
The RV mirrors support "tubing", flattening the steel wire.
Used an unbuilt kit for a mockup to glue the mirrors together.
Splash paint is the perfect match.
Weathered black painted.
Pen for detailing the cowl grill.
Bare Metal foil used for the side and window trim. Pen used again for the black. I had sanded off the fancy raised trim in the center.
Driving lights were made from the custom grill part.
Lousy AMT quality final assembly. It's first load!
Detail Master photo-etch wipers. They are a royal PITA to assemble, need specialized tools. My door handles are glued on, I can make resin copies of those too.
Added heater hoses. I could have done a/c stuff too.
Sidelights made from parts box sprue, clear red and orange.
Taillights are too. Backup lens from a Porsche 911 turn signal.
Used
Farmers Insurance sticker for reflectors.
Made a pallet to hold real flagstone.
Forgot to put the dipstick in, no way now.
Over 140 hours to build. Thanks for looking.