Chevy Luv monster truck, early 80s style

[Fat Brian]

I rescued this one from the Shelf of Doom to get another build completed this year. I built the chassis when this kit first came back out but it went back in the box before any real bodywork started. It's rare for me to build something straight from the box art but I liked the color combo so much I went with it. The paint is Testors Bug Yellow. I haven't used Testors spray paint in years and it was an eye opening experience how difficult it was to use.

The suspension is parts from the MPC Bronco monster truck with wheels and tires from the Lindberg Raminator kit. I borrowed the top end of the engine from the 66 Nova prostreet kit and put them on the block from the Luv kit. 

It's built in the style of an early 80s monster truck when they were more show trucks than racing vehicles. 

[PappyD340]

Really cool build, well done!

[Goose1957]

That's cool. My favorite era of monster trucks, the early days like yours. That's what I grew up with and modeled back in the day when all of those great kits were first released.  The AMT ones were the most accurate as they had the scale 5 ton military axles and 66 inch Goodyear terra tires. The Monogram kits came in a close second as they had the bigger 74 inch Goodyears, but the suspension was too goofy and weak looking. The MPC kits had decent suspension, but the tires were undersized. It was fun mixing parts to make different trucks back then.

I really like the Luv body on there. Very period correct. Nice build.

Jeff

Edited December 23, 2024 by Goose1957

[mikemodeler]

Looks great Brian, I need to get busy and complete a few before the end of the year!

[Fat Brian]

16 hours ago, mikemodeler said:

Looks great Brian, I need to get busy and complete a few before the end of the year!

You're going to have to hurry, you're almost out of year.

[ChrisR]

Nice.

[Nosferatu]

Nice monster truck!

When was the last time someone saw a Chevy Luv on the road!

Dave

[slusher]

Very sharp, monster truck!

[ncbuckeye67]

That is pretty sweet!