72 Chevy GMC 1 Ton Suspension Candidates?

[impcon]

Just wondering if any one has any suggestions for a donor kit that will give a workable chassis for a 1972 Chevy short wheel base one ton? I'm thinking that maybe the Revell '64-66 Chevy pickup would be the best bet, but maybe some one else may have a better suggestion. I'll need the larger rear differential to attach the dual wheels to.. any suggestions there? I have a 1:1 C-30 that spent much of its like on a farm in rural ALberta doing light grain truck duties and I started this project a few years ago - kinda really in the building doldrums - figured this may get me motivated. Any suggestions appreciated.. Thanks.

[426 pack]

You could use the revell gmc tow truck or revell gmc plow truck.

[Oldmopars]

DON"T use the 77 GMC Wrecker, that kit is total garbage! the chassis is basically a curb side, engine molded in, the frame is trash, the rear end is ok, but the front is a I beam style that was never offered on any C/K30 GM truck. The rear wheels look like really deep dish wheels, not dually's. Don't waste your time. I have this kit, I wanted to use it to build a 1 ton 85 Chevy dually, but the only thing I can use is the tires. I would have been better off buying the tire somewhere else. 

The better kit to use is the Deserter/Fall Guy truck. It has 3/4-1 ton axles, good frame, full engine and the body is way better than the Wrecker. I have that one also, it is the donor for my K30 Rescue truck, very nice kit. 

 

[impcon]

Thanks guys - I really appreciate the feedback. My truck is a 2 wheel drive but I'll have a look at the Deserter kit. I am thinking that a Revell '64-66 kit may be my best bet but I am asking because there may be something closer to what I want out there that I am unaware of.

[Oldmopars]

If all you need is the rear axle, check this out, just a Dana 60 rear axle. This was used in 1 ton trucks, or was an option. For a 72, an Eaton or even a Corp. 14 bolt might be more accurate, but the Dana 60 was also very common in the 1 ton trucks. My 85 K30 Cab and chassis has a Dana 70, but looks almost the same. The standard 1 ton (C/K 30) in the 73-87 was most often a Dana 60 for dual, or Corp 14 bolt for single rear wheel. 

http://www.b-n-lresins.com/shoppingopencart/Aftermarket-resin-cast-1-24-1-25-scale-model-drive-train-brake-rotors-transfer-case-transmission-rear-ends/Aftermarket-resin-cast-1-24-1-25-scale-model-drive-train-rear-ends-custom-unique-Dodge-Ford-Dana-Chevy/Aftermarket-resin-cast-1-24-1-25-scale-model-model-Dana-60-HD-Axle-Cover

[mikemodeler]

The problem with the 64-66 Revell Chevy pickup is that it is a half ton chassis and the rear end is no where near correct. It uses the trailing arm rear suspension and you will need a leaf spring type along with a HD rear end assembly. It might be a good starting point, don't know for sure.

The deserter chassis is more accurate, you could probably use the rear end after you scratch build some new rear leaf springs. The front suspension from one of the recent GM Van kits would be your best bet for a 2wd.

Make sure you cut out the wheel wells if you are using one of the AMT/MPC 72 Chevy kits, they are incorrect and the ones on the deserter chassis are a better match.

Edited March 1, 2018 by mikemodeler