Billy Carter's Truck

[Oldcarfan27]

52 minutes ago, Brizio said:

I noticed the rear fenders. that's another bummer! I did not decided yet on what to do.

MPC and Mono/Revell Chevy stepsides have the correct fenders, although, scale might be an issue. I never tried matching them up with this kit before.

However, this kit was never known for complete accuracy anyway, so the fenders might be a moot point.

[peteski]

5 hours ago, Brizio said:

Thank you David!

You are doing a great prject! I noticed the rear fenders. that's another bummer! I did not decided yet on what to do. About the decals, I noticed that there are some issues, the fonts don't match, some size... But it does not bother me too much. I also noticed that the tail light are completrly wrong. But Is going to be a fun build for sure!

I have the Billy beer cans too! Thanks!

I guess we all have different things that bug us about inaccurate kits, and yes, it would be quite a challenge to make the model 100% accurate.  I will also leave mine RWD.  But the air-horns are way off too - I found ones that look closer to the  1:1 ones.  Looking at the photos I found online, there seems to be the original truck, and a replica with slightly different lettering.

Funny that you mentioned taillights. I am planning on 3D printing the correct looking ones. This should be an easy fist 3D design project (since I really don't have much experience in CAD). I found bunch of photos of those taillights online, plus took measurements of the real ones on a friend's truck.  Now to find the time to do the design.

If the decals that came with the kit were not damaged, I would have just used those, but since I had to  make my own, I decided to make them more accurate.  The only thing I'm lacking to make them complete are the front and back license plates.  The original  truck had a some sort of confederate-theme front plate (and that is not kosher today), and I don't know the numbers on the rear plate. Could not find any good photos of either plate.

 

[Brizio]

11 hours ago, Oldcarfan27 said:

MPC and Mono/Revell Chevy stepsides have the correct fenders, although, scale might be an issue. I never tried matching them up with this kit before.

However, this kit was never known for complete accuracy anyway, so the fenders might be a moot point.

I don't have any squarebody kit that I can use to compare.

Agree, if you look and measure every thing in any kit, not ony this. And compare with the 1/1, only few will be correct. But I think the rear fenders with some works they can looks better.

 

6 hours ago, peteski said:

I guess we all have different things that bug us about inaccurate kits, and yes, it would be quite a challenge to make the model 100% accurate.  I will also leave mine RWD.  But the air-horns are way off too - I found ones that look closer to the  1:1 ones.  Looking at the photos I found online, there seems to be the original truck, and a replica with slightly different lettering.

Funny that you mentioned taillights. I am planning on 3D printing the correct looking ones. This should be an easy fist 3D design project (since I really don't have much experience in CAD). I found bunch of photos of those taillights online, plus took measurements of the real ones on a friend's truck.  Now to find the time to do the design.

If the decals that came with the kit were not damaged, I would have just used those, but since I had to  make my own, I decided to make them more accurate.  The only thing I'm lacking to make them complete are the front and back license plates.  The original  truck had a some sort of confederate-theme front plate (and that is not kosher today), and I don't know the numbers on the rear plate. Could not find any good photos of either plate.

 

True, if you look at all the parts, you can find more and more non accurate parts... Check the side mirrors...  

For me is fun when there is a good amount of accuracy and time spent on a build. Above all on this kit. If was Billy Carter personal truck, that he bought brand new or used, and use it every day. I would probably spend the time and do more research. But on a truck that was give to him, only for use Billy as advertisment. Probably is not worth... 
I think 3D print the tail light is too much work, they were common tail light. I have a body and parts from a Jeep CJ-7, and the tail light are perfect. 

I would have the same thing with the decals. Since you had to do them new, better do them correctly. 

 

Here the steering wheels form the kit (left) and the one I'm going to use, from my spare parts.

 

Painted

 

[peteski]

Steering wheel looks great, especially after the stalks were replaced with more in-scale metal ones.  Did you use common pins?

[Oldcarfan27]

10 hours ago, Brizio said:

Agree, if you look and measure every thing in any kit, not ony this. And compare with the 1/1, only few will be correct. But I think the rear fenders with some works they can looks better.

True. Please don't take my comments as as a criticism of your work, continue building as you desire. I think you've made great improvements to the kit already!

If I had one, I'd be all on board to improving it too.

[Brizio]

9 hours ago, peteski said:

Steering wheel looks great, especially after the stalks were replaced with more in-scale metal ones.  Did you use common pins?

No regular wire metal. Thanks!

2 hours ago, Oldcarfan27 said:

True. Please don't take my comments as as a criticism of your work, continue building as you desire. I think you've made great improvements to the kit already!

If I had one, I'd be all on board to improving it too.

Criticism is always welcome, if it help improuve.

[Brizio]

Slowly slowly, I did some more progress on this build.

Dashboard painted

Added Steering whells and CB radio

[slusher]

This version is very close to the Revell hot rod pickup molded in black....

[Oldmopars]

The tail lights on these step side beds are the very same tail lights that are included in every AMT truck kit. They come on a red sprue with other lights. I am sure that like me, anyone that builds truck kits has at least a few (dozen) extra sets in the stash. 

The tail lights used on the original trucks were Grote I think, but were just an aftermarket universal light that was also used on many Big Rig trucks of the era. GM found a way to save a lot of money not reinventing the wheel (or tail light)The first tail light is listed on E-Bay for a 1978 Chevy Stepside, the second picture is from a Ford C600. It is also the very same lights in all AMT truck kits. 

[Brizio]

On 10/21/2020 at 12:15 AM, slusher said:

This version is very close to the Revell hot rod pickup molded in black....

Ok! I though I saw also one in red. 

21 hours ago, Oldmopars said:

The tail lights on these step side beds are the very same tail lights that are included in every AMT truck kit. They come on a red sprue with other lights. I am sure that like me, anyone that builds truck kits has at least a few (dozen) extra sets in the stash. 

The tail lights used on the original trucks were Grote I think, but were just an aftermarket universal light that was also used on many Big Rig trucks of the era. GM found a way to save a lot of money not reinventing the wheel (or tail light)The first tail light is listed on E-Bay for a 1978 Chevy Stepside, the second picture is from a Ford C600. It is also the very same lights in all AMT truck kits. 

Good to know.

Pretty much the same headlight the CJ's Jeep had. 

[espo]

These tail light assemblies can be found almost anywhere trailer parts are sold also. The only difference between any of them would be the mounting brackets.    

[Brizio]

8 hours ago, espo said:

These tail light assemblies can be found almost anywhere trailer parts are sold also. The only difference between any of them would be the mounting brackets.    

Yes, they were pretty common. Auto part store had them too. 

[Brizio]

Little work on the rear fenders.

The kit fender has a step on the rear that does not exist on the real model. So I cut it off.

Another thing I did not liked, was the fender flare, sticking out too much. Also the wheel opening is to tall. I rebuild it in a lower position, and re did the flare. In a second moment I will add the hole for the gas cap.

 

[espo]

Actually the "step" goes between the back of the cab and the front leading edge of the rear fender. The original design was a place to step on to place items in or remove from the bed of the truck. This design also cut down on the road splash from the front tires that would otherwise be sprayed on the front of the rear fenders and the side of the bed. If you don't want to use them because of your build style that's all good also. 

[Brizio]

11 hours ago, espo said:

Actually the "step" goes between the back of the cab and the front leading edge of the rear fender. The original design was a place to step on to place items in or remove from the bed of the truck. This design also cut down on the road splash from the front tires that would otherwise be sprayed on the front of the rear fenders and the side of the bed. If you don't want to use them because of your build style that's all good also. 

I know there is only one, and is on the front part of the rear fender. I had a '74 Stepside. But the kit has two ow them. One molded on the fender on hte back side. And a separate piece that goes between the fender and the cab.

Look a the instructions.

[espo]

13 hours ago, Brizio said:

I know there is only one, and is on the front part of the rear fender. I had a '74 Stepside. But the kit has two ow them. One molded on the fender on hte back side. And a separate piece that goes between the fender and the cab.

Look a the instructions.

I also had a '74 Chayanne Super step side.  Looking at the instruction sheet I can see what you mean about the step on the back side of the fenders and that wouldn't have been there on the 1:1. Perhaps old Billy had some sort of after market rear fenders on his truck. You had mentioned they were a little wider than stock appearing. I guess my remark was based on the thought that you may have removed the OEM steps. I have a couple of these in the stash but never really have gone thru them and seeing the instructions I better understand what you're doing with the fenders now. 

[peteski]

On 10/28/2020 at 8:55 AM, Brizio said:

Little work on the rear fenders.

The kit fender has a step on the rear that does not exist on the real model. So I cut it off.

Another thing I did not liked, was the fender flare, sticking out too much. Also the wheel opening is to tall. I rebuild it in a lower position, and re did the flare. In a second moment I will add the hole for the gas cap.

 

What you found it is exactly the reason I'm planning on using the rear fenders (and maybe even the bed) from the MPC model. Its fenders are correct for the Billy Carter's truck.  I didn't want to futz around with removing the flares.  The MPC fenders also have the rear side marker lights.

 

Before anybody mentions that the box art doesn't show those rear side marker reflectors, I think they were touched up (erased) on those photos. I found more photos of the original truck and the markers are there.

 

Edited October 30, 2020 by peteski

[peteski]

The photo on box cover clearly shows the rear fender and the filler piece between the cab and the fender.  Nothing on the rear of the fender.

 

I also found photos online of another truck. it is either a 2nd truck Billy had or a replica. The lettering on the doors and few other small details (like door mirrors, exhaust stacks and some other items) are different from the original truck.

[peteski]

Since we are looking at the details, the original truck has a front license plate which was also changed in the box art.  I found couple of photos showing the original license plate.

I know that it is not politically correct nowadays, but for the sake of accuracy, I would like to include that plate on my model.  I which I could find a straight-on photo of it so I could then use it for my decal artwork.  But I think the chances that I'll find a better photo of that plate are slim to none.

[Brizio]

21 hours ago, espo said:

I also had a '74 Chayanne Super step side.  Looking at the instruction sheet I can see what you mean about the step on the back side of the fenders and that wouldn't have been there on the 1:1. Perhaps old Billy had some sort of after market rear fenders on his truck. You had mentioned they were a little wider than stock appearing. I guess my remark was based on the thought that you may have removed the OEM steps. I have a couple of these in the stash but never really have gone thru them and seeing the instructions I better understand what you're doing with the fenders now. 

I don't know why they they make this fender, or if they use it from a different kit.

9 hours ago, peteski said:

What you found it is exactly the reason I'm planning on using the rear fenders (and maybe even the bed) from the MPC model. Its fenders are correct for the Billy Carter's truck.  I didn't want to futz around with removing the flares.  The MPC fenders also have the rear side marker lights.

 

Before anybody mentions that the box art doesn't show those rear side marker reflectors, I think they were touched up (erased) on those photos. I found more photos of the original truck and the markers are there.

 

I know, but I would need to buy another kit just for the bed/fenders. The picture you posted shows also that the kit is missing the hole on the fenders for the gas cap.

8 hours ago, peteski said:

Since we are looking at the details, the original truck has a front license plate which was also changed in the box art.  I found couple of photos showing the original license plate.

I know that it is not politically correct nowadays, but for the sake of accuracy, I would like to include that plate on my model.  I which I could find a straight-on photo of it so I could then use it for my decal artwork.  But I think the chances that I'll find a better photo of that plate are slim to none.

I know about the front license plate. I think they used during Jimmy Carter campaign. There are also different one made with Peanuts. I'm contemplating to use it or not, for the reason you mention. I will cross that bridge when I'm there...

9 hours ago, peteski said:

The photo on box cover clearly shows the rear fender and the filler piece between the cab and the fender.  Nothing on the rear of the fender.

 

I also found photos online of another truck. it is either a 2nd truck Billy had or a replica. The lettering on the doors and few other small details (like door mirrors, exhaust stacks and some other items) are different from the original truck.

Maybe they restore it and repalce some parts.
Check this picture, here on the front fenders there is a decals that say Georgia B.C. 

[peteski]

1 hour ago, Brizio said:

I know about the front license plate. I think they used during Jimmy Carter campaign. There are also different one made with Peanuts. I'm contemplating to use it or not, for the reason you mention. I will cross that bridge when I'm there...

Maybe they restore it and repalce some parts.
Check this picture, here on the front fenders there is a decals that say Georgia B.C. 

I did not know that there was a 3rd, peanut license plate.  That would be good too use, and non-controversial. Too bad we don't have any photos  of that one.

And the photo you attached above is the same one I cropped the front license plate from in my post.  I did see the "GEORGIA B.C." on the fender, but that looks more like a sticker or a magnet than a license plate.  As you said, Revell did put that (with slightly different lettering) on the decal sheet, and also on the box art.  But it looks like it was retouched (added) on the boxart.

What I would like to find out is what "real" "license plate numbers were on the back of the truck. I have not found any photos of the truck's rear.  I suppose if I don't find that info I'll just put "BC" on the rear plate on my decal sheet.

I wonder if the real truck is still around in someones collection?

[Can-Con]

Like I said, Revell did not use the stock GM design for their pickups. It's an aftermarket design based on the "California Step-side" aftermarket beds sold in the '70s.

They used them on all their Chevy pickups as well as their Chevy LUV , Ford Courier and Datsun pickups. They had two bed sizes but all used the same fenders.

The "Fun Truckln" Courier was a real truck given away by Revell in '78 so I guess since they already had a "sort of" Chevy truck bed they just used it on all their other step-side pickup kits.

[Tom Geiger]

Billy Carter created a cottage industry to cash in on being the president’s colorful brother.  The truck was one of the last, if not the last Revell created (was it?) product vehicles. It seems the 1:1 was built to sell kits around the celebrity.

I remember back when Billy Beer came out, during the beer collecting craze, and people grabbed it up as an investment. Truth is the beer ? stunk! It came from a brewery that primarily sold collector cans with the beer being an afterthought. My friend was a can collector and even at 18 we recognized the beer was undrinkable and I remember assisting him at draining out an entire case of these through small holes in the bottoms. 

[Brizio]

11 hours ago, peteski said:

I did not know that there was a 3rd, peanut license plate.  That would be good too use, and non-controversial. Too bad we don't have any photos  of that one.

And the photo you attached above is the same one I cropped the front license plate from in my post.  I did see the "GEORGIA B.C." on the fender, but that looks more like a sticker or a magnet than a license plate.  As you said, Revell did put that (with slightly different lettering) on the decal sheet, and also on the box art.  But it looks like it was retouched (added) on the boxart.

What I would like to find out is what "real" "license plate numbers were on the back of the truck. I have not found any photos of the truck's rear.  I suppose if I don't find that info I'll just put "BC" on the rear plate on my decal sheet.

I wonder if the real truck is still around in someones collection?

There is not too much info out there about the truck. The license plate on some auction photos seems to be covered by a Georgia license palte from the 80's. There are few picture of the truck with Jimmy carter on the driver seat. THe red color on the door is faded out. THe only picture of Billy driving a vehicle I saw, he was driving a Blazer.

9 hours ago, Can-Con said:

Like I said, Revell did not use the stock GM design for their pickups. It's an aftermarket design based on the "California Step-side" aftermarket beds sold in the '70s.

They used them on all their Chevy pickups as well as their Chevy LUV , Ford Courier and Datsun pickups. They had two bed sizes but all used the same fenders.

The "Fun Truckln" Courier was a real truck given away by Revell in '78 so I guess since they already had a "sort of" Chevy truck bed they just used it on all their other step-side pickup kits.

 

Good info! Make sense to have one bed for all. 

2 hours ago, Tom Geiger said:

Billy Carter created a cottage industry to cash in on being the president’s colorful brother.  The truck was one of the last, if not the last Revell created (was it?) product vehicles. It seems the 1:1 was built to sell kits around the celebrity.

I remember back when Billy Beer came out, during the beer collecting craze, and people grabbed it up as an investment. Truth is the beer ? stunk! It came from a brewery that primarily sold collector cans with the beer being an afterthought. My friend was a can collector and even at 18 we recognized the beer was undrinkable and I remember assisting him at draining out an entire case of these through small holes in the bottoms. 

I read in different places that Billy Beer was not the best. I have two cans of it, I will not drink it for sure!  

[peteski]

19 minutes ago, Brizio said:

I read in different places that Billy Beer was not the best. I have two cans of it, I will not drink it for sure!  

The Billy Beer cans I bought on eBay were thankfully emptied (holes drilled on the bottom). If yours still have what they described as "beer", it is now around 40 years old anyway, and unlike wine or cognac, I don't think beer gets better with age.