Peterbilt 379 RV

[Gary Chastain]

Outstanding ??

[cifenet]

Super fantastic, I really like how each component is detailed out to its fullest!  

[vincen47]

20 hours ago, cifenet said:

Super fantastic, I really like how each component is detailed out to its fullest!  

Thank you. I don’t always detail everything to the max, but this particular project has always been my ultimate “dream” subject/build.

[Scott Eriksen]

Outstanding!

[Jürgen M.]

Absolutely amazing! The details are stunning and so realistic! ?

[gotnitro?]

Unbelievable work, there won't be a scale  foot you haven't tweaked to perfection 

[vincen47]

Here is the start of the RV body. It’ll be curbside, as I’m crazy, but not that crazy (at least enough to fully detail out an interior). Maybe on a future build.

Anyway, like my previous Aeromax RV conversion build, I started with a 3d printed radius-cornered frame a scale 34’ long, and added .060” styrene sheet for side panels. 

 I penciled in and cut out window openings, in a pattern to match a custom interior layout I have in my head that includes a front bunk area, but not one over the cab.

I added additional sheet below the belt line for the utility and storage bays, and corrugated sheet for window shades to give the future tinted windows some “depth” and detail behind them.

To get a slightly crowned roof, I placed a styrene panel down the center above the ceiling joists, and again above the sub-roof.

The wheel wells were cut out and quarter round added for trim, along with docking light inserts.

Lots of sanding, primer, putty, sanding, primer…

[Gary Chastain]

Wow, you have been busy, man that thing looks good, nice fab work. 

[cifenet]

Extensive work and laborious tasks you are pulling off! 

Looking awesome even at this stage.  I like what you did with the rear axle fenders, they look great.

[Rockford]

A well engineered project here. Really impressed. 

[Randy D]

Hi Victor,   You Sir, are one talented builder!!  Love all the detail you put into that motor. Those fluid tanks you cast look great.  The RV body is wonderful!

 

Randy

[vincen47]

After taking the summer and early fall away from the project, it’s back on the bench. I added the micro-mark rivet decals to the cab and hood to replace those lost to the putty and sanding process. Plus, I added rivets to the hood side near the cowl and the lower hood extensions that were not part of the original casting. There’s still a bit more sanding and touch-up before a final primer coat. 

[BK9300]

I started at the beginning of your build thread and appreciate all the scratch built detail you have added to your Pete and RV unit - amazing detail overall!

[vincen47]

After looking at the photos I recently posted of the hood, I came to the conclusion that the seams were too deep and overall, out of scale, including where the grille surround meets the hood top and sides. More of a “trench” than a tiny seam in the aluminum panels.

So, I puttied the seams and sanded it all again, carefully scribed the new seams. It also meant I needed to reapply most of the rivet decals again. Not a pleasant experience, but now the hood looks much better.
Here it is in the (hopefully) second to last primer coat. I used Mr. Surfacer 1500 black. By far, the best primer in my experience. 

 

[Pete68]

Nice you put it back in the bench looking good. 

[BK9300]

The hood seams look great and the primer sure ties it all together, and it is good to see an update on your build!

[Gary Chastain]

Good to see you back on the bench, it is looking sooooo good

[vincen47]

The next update includes the coach’s slide-out wall detail, and the slide-out topper/awning units. I scribed the side panels and they’ll receive the rivet detail next.

I ultimately decided that I’m going to add the rivet detail, though most manufactures have gone to using a special tape to adhere the aluminum skin. NRC Modifications still use rivets, and that’s the custom toterhome manufacturer this build is based on. That’ll be next, before the final primer coat.

I’ve also made four modern high end style roof-mounted awning units, two on each side, along with a front awning fairing. The fairing was customized from a ford LTL cab visor, and it will include clearance and marker lights. The rectangular door panel above the wheel wells is for an outdoor entertainment center.

All of the slides and doors are non-functioning. I’m crazy, but to make everything operate demands a higher level of crazy than what I’m willing to give.

Edited January 18 by vincen47

[blackbeard]

Looking fantastic coming along great 

[BK9300]

Terrific looking progress, Victor - its going to be quite the rig when you're all finished.  What a wonderful way to travel around if you had a 1:1!

[vincen47]

59 minutes ago, BK9300 said:

Terrific looking progress, Victor - it’s going to be quite the rig when you're all finished.  What a wonderful way to travel around if you had a 1:1!

Thanks! What a dream to have a 1:1 like it, for sure.

[Firebuilder]

Wow, what a great build! Looks really great and  not a build you see every day. Very outside the box.

 

Dom

[vincen47]

46 minutes ago, Firebuilder said:

Wow, what a great build! Looks really great and  not a build you see every day. Very outside the box.

 

Dom

Thanks! I appreciate it. They’re an odd vehicle, but really cool in my book. Combines the things I like best in life…trucks and camping.

[vincen47]

Got the rivet decals applied.

To be honest, they are annoying to work with. They are the ones from Micro Mark. Maybe a different brand would be better? They are much more fragile than typical decals. After applying the rivets, I added another coat of primer. A little more touch up body work and then the final primer coat will be next.

[Gary Chastain]

Glad to see you back on the bench, progress looks good.