Roadworthy Rescue Wrecker

[Steamboat]

I'm starting a build of the iconic wrecker from the 2nd episode of Roadworthy Rescues.  I used the front half of the frame, cab and interior from a glue bomb MPC '77 Dodge pickup, 4wd, original issue.  The wrecker is 2wd, so I adapted the front suspension from an AMT "Lil Red Truck".  The engine will be from the AMT Duster.  The 79 and later hood is a really nice piece from Hart's Resin.  Most of the rest will be 3d printed, including the rear half of the frame, wrecker, grille and wheels. 

 

[Bainford]

That's looking really good.

[av405]

Looking good so far. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[Keef]

Love the show and love what you’re doing here! I’ll be following this one!

[Repstock]

I don't know if there's anything you can do about it, but the vents at the base of the windshield are different from 1979 and up. They would extend right about to the hood's character lines. The unobtainium Fire Fighter Dodge pickup kit (and one other version that I can't remember) had this feature. Not that big of a deal, but I thought it worth mentioning. Truck should look pretty good when done!

[Steamboat]

41 minutes ago, Repstock said:

I don't know if there's anything you can do about it, but the vents at the base of the windshield are different from 1979 and up. They would extend right about to the hood's character lines. The unobtainium Fire Fighter Dodge pickup kit (and one other version that I can't remember) had this feature. Not that big of a deal, but I thought it worth mentioning. Truck should look pretty good when done!

Thanks for bringing this up.  I just looked at my Monogram Ramcharger and that's the same as you mentioned.  It certainly looks  better that way.   It would probably be easier to take the whole cowl panel from the Ramcharger, but at this point I'm not sure I would go to the trouble. 

[TheBEAUMONTGURU]

Super cool!   im following!

[Steamboat]

I got some paint on it over the weekend.  The body and wrecker bed were primed with Tamiya white primer, then airbrushed with a mix of craft paint to get the OD color.  I then wet sanded some green off to get the primer showing through in spots.  For the chassis paint, I just shot it with 4 different rattle cans at arm's length.  

[Steamboat]

Some progress on the wrecker bed.  95% of it is 3d printed from my own CAD files, including the bed floor, bed sides, kingpost, winch and towing hardware.

I did use some styrene tubing and angle stock for the boom, and some styrene sheet for the bed rails.

[Chariots of Fire]

Bill:  What will you use for the winch cables?  I found some metallic embroidery thread works pretty well.  Light enough to stay taut with the weight of the boom on it.

[bobss396]

I use black bead cord from Model Shipways. The part number is MS1210 and measures .020".

[Steamboat]

On 2/12/2024 at 8:13 PM, Chariots of Fire said:

Bill:  What will you use for the winch cables?  I found some metallic embroidery thread works pretty well.  Light enough to stay taut with the weight of the boom on it.

 

On 2/13/2024 at 7:44 AM, bobss396 said:

I use black bead cord from Model Shipways. The part number is MS1210 and measures .020".

Thanks!  I'll try the black bead cord.  As you can see the thread I tried for the boom support cable is a bit too large in diameter and rather inflexible.

[Steamboat]

I got some painting done on the dash and steering wheel.  Also the engine is detailed and ready to go in. I used the air cleaner from the '71 Charger with one snorkel removed. Fan and belts are original to the truck. The alternator is from the Revell '69 Dart.

[Aaronw]

On 2/12/2024 at 3:29 PM, Steamboat said:

Some progress on the wrecker bed.  95% of it is 3d printed from my own CAD files, including the bed floor, bed sides, kingpost, winch and towing hardware.

I did use some styrene tubing and angle stock for the boom, and some styrene sheet for the bed rails.

 

Nice to see you made all this. I initially expected it to be the wrecker bed from the Midnite cowboy kit with the weird mini "Peterbilt" cab.

[Steamboat]

6 minutes ago, Aaronw said:

 

Nice to see you made all this. I initially expected it to be the wrecker bed from the Midnite cowboy kit with the weird mini "Peterbilt" cab.

A friend gave me the Midnight Cowboy kit when I started this project.  Not much there that is the same.  I decided that I wanted to make it as close to possible to the 1:1, so I ended up making a lot of my own parts.

[Steamboat]

I researched the wrecker as much as I could before attempting the project.  Here is a parts list from Canfield Wreckers.  It is the closest I could find to the 1:1.  Apparently they were mostly used on Jeeps. 

[Steamboat]

I added a carrier bearing for the driveshafts. It looked like it needed one.

[Steamboat]

Nearly finished.  It just needs the grille, bumper and mirrors.  All of the lettering is hand painted, because I'm very challenged at making decals.  The "Custom 300" badge on the fender is 3d printed.  Interestingly enough, the 1:1 only has the badge on the passenger side.  The cab clearance lights have 2 broken lenses as per the 1:1!

 

[av405]

That's looking really good!

[NOBLNG]

Great work on that wrecker bed there Bill ! ?

[slusher]

Really nice work so far!

[Steamboat]

I'm calling it done!  More photos and a general description can be found in the Under Glass section.

[stavanzer]

Very Nice Build!

[bill-e-boy]

This show has recently landed down here in NZ and I have been avidly following along. You have made a cool replica of the wrecker "rescued" on the show - kudos to you

[TopherMcGinnis]

Very NICE!