Looking to build a pickup truck. Have some questions

[JerseeJerry55]

I have a question. Looking to purchase a pickup truck kit. Can anyone advise on the best one or two on the market? I haven't built one since the late 1970's (the original Dodge Warlock). Any help is most appreciated.

[StevenGuthmiller]

You’re best option for a highly detailed, modern kit is going to be one the Moebius Ford kits.

 

 

 

Steve

Edited September 9, 2024 by StevenGuthmiller

[stavanzer]

The Moebuis kits are renowned for Hood Warp/Fit Issues and troublesome Windscreen fit. NIcely Detailed kits, and I own a few, but I'd not recommend them for a first build.

I'd advise the newly re-tooled AMT/Round2 1960/1963 Ford Trucks, the Evergreen AMT 1953 Ford Pickup, the AMT 1972 Chevrolet Pickup or Ramp Truck, or the Revell (ex-Monogram) 1/24 GMC/Chevolet Square Body Trucks. i think all of these have fewer assembly pitfalls, than the Moebuis kits.

In the End, careful assembly of all the pickup kits currently on the market will result in an Acceptable Replica. However some may not "Fall Together", and will require some Modeling Skill to complete. (the Round2 {ex-MPC} Dodge Pickups, for example) However, by following the directions, and working carefully I have faith that you can finish a kit to your liking.

[StevenGuthmiller]

1 hour ago, stavanzer said:

The Moebuis kits are renowned for Hood Warp/Fit Issues and troublesome Windscreen fit. NIcely Detailed kits, and I own a few, but I'd not recommend them for a first build.

I'd advise the newly re-tooled AMT/Round2 1960/1963 Ford Trucks, the Evergreen AMT 1953 Ford Pickup, the AMT 1972 Chevrolet Pickup or Ramp Truck, or the Revell (ex-Monogram) 1/24 GMC/Chevolet Square Body Trucks. i think all of these have fewer assembly pitfalls, than the Moebuis kits.

In the End, careful assembly of all the pickup kits currently on the market will result in an Acceptable Replica. However some may not "Fall Together", and will require some Modeling Skill to complete. (the Round2 {ex-MPC} Dodge Pickups, for example) However, by following the directions, and working carefully I have faith that you can finish a kit to your liking.

Of course there are a number of pickup kits available, some much simpler and less detailed, but the OP didn’t give any indication that he was new or inexperienced in the hobby, only that he had not built a pickup in quite some time, so my suggestions were geared towards his request of “the best kits”, regardless of the skill that may or may not be required.

That said, other nice truck kits in my view would include the AMT 1955/‘57 Cameo and step side pickups, the AMT ‘50 Chevy, and the Monogram/Revell 1950 Ford F1.

Others would include the Revell 1964 and ‘41 Chevys.

Now if simplicity is the goal, the AMT 1972 Chevy Cheyenne, or the old ‘72 GMC step side kits may also be good candidates.

 

 

 

Steve

Edited September 10, 2024 by StevenGuthmiller

[ncbuckeye67]

The Revell Chip Foose truck is an excellent kit, that practically falls together (highly recommend it). The Monogram 55 (?) "Classic Cruiser" (purple box art) which was available at Ollie's ( & Michael's) is also one that has not given me any problems. I do have one of each unbuilt in my stash. Here's my Foose build.

[Zippi]

Yup, the Revell 56 Ford Foose pickup is really nice.  

[DJMar]

Any of the Revell '64-'66 Chevy trucks are another good option, in addition to the kits already mentioned. Personally, I prefer the '64/'66 Fleetsides over the one piece bed in the '65 Stepside kit, but any of them will build up nicely.

The AMT 60 Chevy Fleetside/Apache is another good kit. The stock version leaves a bit to be desired in the wheel/tire department, but other than that, it's a gem.

 

[Dave G.]

We're just stabbing in the dark here, trying to hit preferences of era etc. But I might as well put in a choice or two. The AMT 53 Ford pickup builds up pretty nice, it's straight forward. A second choice for me anyway, would be the Revell 37 Ford, which gives an optional hood and grill for a 38.

I'd like to say from my nostalgia nerve, the AMT 60 Chevy, but the last time I opened a box to one was probably 1961. So I don't dare recommend it.

[Bucky]

AMT's late 80's-early 90's Chevy pickup kits seem to be fairly straightforward kits to build.  I've built three so far, and have a few more in the stash. 

[slusher]

Personal Experience is the following.

AMT 53 Ford

Revell Foose 56 pickup

Revell Monogram early 90’s Ford Daully

Amt/Mpc Dodge pickup 

AMT  72 Chevy

AMT 454 or  Chevy 1500

Monogram 50 Ford and 37 Ford

Mobius  65 and 66 one comes with service bed

[dino246gt]

A better question would be "What pickup kits should I avoid?"

Most of the kits mentioned here are excellent choices!

 

[Jordan White]

7 hours ago, dino246gt said:

A better question would be "What pickup kits should I avoid?"

Most of the kits mentioned here are excellent choices!

 

AMT 1978/79 "F150" F350 kit