Ford Aeromax 120 RV Conversion

[vincen47]

I have begun my first Class 8 truck conversion, this project has been in the planning stages for a while. My first one will be built on a Revell Ford Aeromax 120, a kit I partially built back in high school. The kit had been in storage, along with others for quite a while. I had been a die hard model railroader, but now I have "diversified" and I am back into model kits too.

Anyway, I'm looking to scratchbuild the 25' coach body on a single axle, much like this rig. I think I'll go with the "standard white" paint too:

So far, I have finished the engine and I've started on the cab and chassis.

Power will come from a Detroit Diesel Series 60 from an Italeri 378 kit. I have painted it with real Series 60 Blue, a rattle can I picked up at a Freightliner truck repair shop. Plumbing and wiring is wire from Radio Shack. Decals are from Scale Truck Detail Studios by Kurt McLucas (You can get them from Ben @ Class A Resin). A big thanks to Kurt for his decals and reference pics from his awesome models.

The cab parts, like many others, were warped and required putty fill and a bunch of work to get it together. Filled all of the roof holes, as with the bunk over the cab, I won't be mounting anything there. It has been sanded and is ready for primer:

The workbench has the spread of parts, frame has been stripped and an axle removed. Thanks for looking, I'll update when I have the chassis complete.

[Jim B]

That's a great looking engine. Almost a shame to hide it under the hood.

[kilrathy10]

I was just thinking the same thing......This is a great engine.....

I've tried my hand at this type of conversion, myself.....Mine came out ok, but it was a first attempt.....Used a Revell snap Pete for it....Not as detailed as I could have made it, but I was working on selling my late Mother's house at the time......The thread is in the "Under Glass" section....It's currently on page 11 under Pete 359 Toter Home with Funny Car, if you want to look....I won't hijack your thread.... You might find it interesting.....

I'll, totally, be following this one.....Got a great start, already.....I want to build another one, soon....

Edited September 8, 2014 by kilrathy10

[Tesla]

Looking good! Great detailing on the Detroit

[vincen47]

Chassis complete. Frame extended, and I wouln't say the Series 60 just dropped in, some modification was needed for the radiator hoses, etc. Not sure of how I want to do the fuel tank(s) under the cab - exposed with steps or a single one under a shortened aero skirt as originally planned and built so far. If I do a pair without skirts, I'll have to get some aluminum ones. I can't stand the kit ones with seams. Cab and hood work is coming along, I'll update when that is complete and on the chassis. I'll also switch out the tires when I get some more aftermarket drives and steers.

[Sam I Am]

Questions... did you use the front or rear position for the drive axle, and is all the frame extension behind the drive axle ?

Thanks

[kilrathy10]

Chassis work is looking awesome.....Loving this build, already.....Can't wait to see what's next.....Did I say that engine looks awesome???

[Chuck Most]

It already looks good. I'll be keeping an eye on this one.

[vincen47]

Questions... did you use the front or rear position for the drive axle, and is all the frame extension behind the drive axle ?

Thanks

I removed the forward rear axle, but I used the differential from that axle on the rear, filling the driveshaft hole on the back.

Yes, the frame extention is only on the back, so I didn't have to cut the original frame to add a scale 24' motorhome box behind the cab.

Thanks everyone for the encouragement.

[Turbo590]

super detail so far...keep it up!!

[vincen47]

Cab complete. Yeah, this project is moving as slow as molassas. I decided on a different color, more details under the hood and the RV box is next.

Edited August 11, 2015 by vincen47

[Petetrucker07]

Lookin good. Those colors look great on this.

[19nova72]

That is one cool build. Never thought of using a Ford for this, you normally see Freightliners. Good idea

[Tesla]

What a great project and nice work on the Detroit!

[gatorincebu]

 

         Neat idea for a project.And it is cool that you are going back to it!

 

 

         Be Well

           Gator

[oldr-n-drt]

hay cary...   are you going to use the box for it i sent you??  oldr-n-drt

[vincen47]

That is one cool build. Never thought of using a Ford for this, you normally see Freightliners. Good idea

Yeah, Freightliners and Volvos are more common, but I have tracked down a couple photos of Fords, even a Aeromax 120 being used. If it is a custom job, which most conversions are, anything goes. Some manufactures will only build on particular new chassis trucks, but others will convert anything, and I think it is neat when a retired truck is given a new life. Especially, one with style. For me, I had a partially built glue bomb Revell kit, so I thought I'd use that for the build. Kind of like giving an old truck new life.

hay cary...   are you going to use the box for it i sent you??  oldr-n-drt

Not for this particular build, as it is a single axle. The axle spread and wheel opening size fits the Revell snap Peterbilt well with a small frame stretch, so I'm planning on using it for that or maybe the snap Kenworth. We'll see. I have a snap Peterbilt on the bench right now too. Thanks again for the parts, that was very kind of you.

I appreciate everyone's compliments, Thanks.

[kilrathy10]

Great job, so far.....Can't wait to see the box work.....This is my kind of build......

 

[hooknladderno1]

Cary,

Awesome work so far. I like your color change.  It really pops!  The engine looks great as well as the chassis.  I also like creative builds like this.  Look forward to future updates!

 

 

David

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Very Nice!! I like the engine. Great Work!!

[vincen47]

Old projects never die, right? I’m back at this one and it’s going well.

I have the coach body roughed in, and most of the major components in place. There’s a lot of filling and sanding to do, along with the lower panels and bay doors. Then it’s off to the detail shop, adding all of the vents, awnings, drip rails, windows, rivets, etc.

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Now this is really taking shape! Looks great!

[gotnitro?]

Outstanding work,  love conversions like these . Really shows what else can be fabricated w our stash of kits ! 

Definitely see your RR skills building the framework on the RV body 

Very nice 

[oldr-n-drt]

I am going to build a motor coach,stacker 2 trailer for late model dirt cars..will start when warmer weather is here. maybe april or may ..will be a complete build from start to finish...later..oldr-n-drt

[kilrathy10]

This is one outstanding piece of art in the making.... I look forward to more of this build... The biggest thing that makes it stand apart from just about every conversion I've ever built; the rounded edges and corners....

I'd love to get my hands on a bunch of half round styrene.... Where did you get that?? I can't find any of that stuff to save my life...