Squarebody GMC Crew Cab Service Truck

[erichevy]

This will be my first thread and first project.  I thought I would document and share my progress.  It will probably move slow since I have limited "spare" time. 

I started building models around age 5 or 6 I'm guessing (1978-ish).  I was always obsessed with cars so it seemed natural.  The last model I built had to be in the late 80's.  I was always the kind of builder that just built it straight out of the box... maybe paint the engine and chassis and that's about it.  I never attempted to scratch build or modify or anything like that.  This build will be a learning experience to say the least.  

This idea recently came about because I have a 1:1 '86 GMC Crew Cab and a '79 GMC Service truck.  I have had the '79 Service truck for years and use it regularly.  As a family, we often need to take 2 different vehicles when we go to our property or the local Home Depot since there is no room in the single cab for passengers.  I purchased the Crew Cab with the idea of swapping my service bed over and make room for the entire family.  It will be another year I think before I begin the 1:1 project, so I thought I'd build a scale replica of my vision....  It just might give me inspiration or spark different ideas.

This is what I have so far for the build....  The other pics are of my 1:1 project(s).

[erichevy]

No turning back now!  The hardest part is to get started sometimes....  Took measurements off my real truck.  It's nice to have a full size reference. 

 

[wrenchr]

Keeping an eye on this build.  

[erichevy]

Still need to work on connecting the 2 cabs and adding some roof/rear door material.  Got the bed assembled today.  Starting to look like a truck. 

[erichevy]

Had to do some work on the cab corners.  They are pretty bad out of the box.  I glued the 2 cabs together finally.  I still need to work on building the front of the rear door window frames, then it'll be ready for some filler and primer.

Edited April 21, 2023 by erichevy

[Steamboat]

I did a similar crew cab on a mid-70's Dodge a few years ago.  I had a lot of difficulty getting the roof to look right.  I ended up adding a sheet of styrene on top of the roof and sanding it to shape. 

Good luck with it!

[noname]

This is a neat project. I would be pretty tempted to weather it like the 1:1 as well.

[erichevy]

On 5/4/2023 at 2:18 PM, noname said:

This is a neat project. I would be pretty tempted to weather it like the 1:1 as well.

I think I'm already pushing my limits on skill level, lol.  We shall see how it ends up.

[NOBLNG]

Cool project!?

[David G.]

This project looks like what I would call a "skill stretcher". A build that helps you find out what you're capable of. 

You seem to have a great start on this, I can't wait to see more.

David G.

[cifenet]

Great idea, it is shaping up nicely!  Keep it up!

 

[erichevy]

Very slow going...  Since I'm in Michigan, indoor activities (like model building) take place during the cold months.  When it's warm here, I need to take advantage and get outdoor projects done.  Anyway....  This is as far as I got with the door frames so far.

 

 

[Modlbldr]

Looking good! Nice work so far. I have several rebuilder square bodys. Someday I'll have to try my hand at a crew cab.

Later-