Wanna build a ‘70 Chevy ramp truck - good starting point?

[OldNYJim]

I wanna build this:

I am familiar with this…

…and have built one - it seems like the logical starting point, but I don’t know about the following…

I don’t believe this kit has the right parts to backdate the truck to a ‘70 - am I right?  Not an expert on Chevy trucks…

Is the grille and Chevy emblem placement the main visual difference between the 72 and the 70? 

Is there a better kit out there as a starting point, assuming I don’t mind scratchbuilding the wedge and all that stuff?  The engine and suspension and whatnot aren’t exactly the best on this ol’ Racer’s Wedge if you’re wanting to do a detailed build…

For these longer wheelbase Chevy trucks did they just cut and lengthen the frame, or was there a different, more heavy-duty, frame?

Finally, anything else I should know so I don’t look like a dummy when I build this thing?  I need your help, Chevy truck experts!

[Oldcarfan27]

You're right about the grille. However, the one in the current issue is nothing spectacular anyway, so acquiring a resin copy from an aftermarket supplier would make a good deal of sense.

If it's a better chassis you're looking for, I've heard that the one from the common Revell 64-66 C10 fits like a glove and makes a much better base to start your project. You'll have to stretch the wheelbase, but it sounds like you're planning a lot of modifications anyway. 

Good luck and keep us updated.

[Oldcarfan27]

15 minutes on Duck, Duck, Go and I found at least three or four Chevy C30 chassis/cabs for reference. Looks like chassis mods may have been custom depending on the load rating and unit being installed. I doubt anybody would be critical if you overbuilt it for carrying a car.

[Sandboarder]

I think I saw Moebius has a F-truck ramp truck coming. I can not remember where I saw it to tho

[Fat Brian]

This picture is courtesy of Tim Boyd, the kit will hopefully be out next year.

[Mark]

If you are swapping in the earlier Revell chassis, you'll be reconstructing the portion from the back of the cab, back.  First thing to go will be the coil spring rear suspension.  If you are building a curbside version (never to be turned over or looked underneath) then there is no point in swapping chassis, just lengthen the kit piece.

[OldNYJim]

Good leads, thanks fellas!  My local HL doesn't have the ramp truck right now, but they've got the 66 C10 kit which I can use for the frame, and they had the Coke issue of the '72...didn't pick that one up because I THINK they're molded in red and I didn't feel like dealing with that when I'm shooting a yellow paint job.

I'm sure I'll have follow-up truck-dummy questions, but that all gives me a good starting point, thank you all!

[Dave G.]

Interesting project !

I notice in that Moon truck photo the Chevy cab was undergoing the plight of all Chevy cabs of that vintage, rot. That's what always did them in ( at least out here in the NE anyway), the drive lines could go forever I think( minus the camshafts wearing out, best cure for that was Ursa 15-40 diesel motor oil). But Notice the rocker panel, that rot would creep along the floors to the cab stringers if not nixed in the bud early on... But non of that takes away from the model project.

[OldNYJim]

3 hours ago, Dave G. said:

Interesting project !

I notice in that Moon truck photo the Chevy cab was undergoing the plight of all Chevy cabs of that vintage, rot. That's what always did them in ( at least out here in the NE anyway), the drive lines could go forever I think( minus the camshafts wearing out, best cure for that was Ursa 15-40 diesel motor oil). But Notice the rocker panel, that rot would creep along the floors to the cab stringers if not nixed in the bud early on... But non of that takes away from the model project.

I'm sure multiple trips out on the salt over the years didn't help this thing much either:

 

I like those deep-bowl Moon disks too - presumably made that way to clear the larger lug nuts on whatever wheels are on there

[Casey]

17 hours ago, CabDriver said:

Good leads, thanks fellas!  My local HL doesn't have the ramp truck right now, but they've got the 66 C10 kit which I can use for the frame, and they had the Coke issue of the '72...didn't pick that one up because I THINK they're molded in red and I didn't feel like dealing with that when I'm shooting a yellow paint job.

I'm sure I'll have follow-up truck-dummy questions, but that all gives me a good starting point, thank you all!

I would suggest waiting until the Moebius ramp truck kit arrives, and use that ramp bed and possibly the frame ("*gasp* A Ford Frame under a Chevy?!!", then add the Chevy cab and adjust the suspension and engine as needed. You can always prep the cab, interior, and engine while you are waiting.

[OldNYJim]

1 hour ago, Casey said:

I would suggest waiting until the Moebius ramp truck kit arrives, and use that ramp bed and possibly the frame ("*gasp* A Ford Frame under a Chevy?!!", then add the Chevy cab and adjust the suspension and engine as needed. You can always prep the cab, interior, and engine while you are waiting.

A combination of the ramp from that truck above and one of these, if they're a real thing would be about perfect!  The ramp on that Ford looks way closer to what I'm trying to replicate than the Racer's Wedge version...not quite perfect but really close! 

[carrucha]

Sounds like a cool project.  If you are looking for the grill, I found on ebay today a resin 1970 Chevy pickup grill, front bumper and hood emblem.  The seller's name is dog3_models.