Volvo FH12 Flatbed

[Bigrigger]

As my other build is still in the pipes... I've decided to spark my creative flame with a new build, and a whole new side of model trucks.

I went hunting for project rigs with a European style, and Ryman showed me his Globetrotter that he wanted to let go, and gave me a price that I couldn't refuse! A few days later, and a massive package awaited me on my doorstep!

After unraveling all of the bubble-wrap, I pulled out my new rig. It was such a rush of excitement and it made me know that good times are coming. This truck has so much potential, it is overwhelming! It looks even better in person.

Well, enough "feelings" talk. Let's get down to business.

This rig is a little rough around the edges, but everything is fixable. It currently has a two-tone paint job (or something), a standard Tamiya silver can motor, and it is running Fulda MultiTonn 2's up front.

Ryman also hooked me up with some extra goodies, and brought my project that much closer to completion! Thanks again Riley!

Here's what you have been waiting for:




Optional spoiler...




Here are the Fulda front tires:


Have we been drifting?

Oh yeah, the cab tilts!

So now that you have seen the truck, I'll tell you my plan. I'm thinking that the spoiler has to go... sorry. I will be swapping out the Fuldas to see how the truck rides normally, and then I will looking into a frame extension, cab trim, new paint, and a flatbed.

I'm thinking something like this:


Without the crane and 3rd axle.

Paint will be white with black highlights. Looking forward to this one!
Thanks again to Ryman, I really can't say it enough!

Next step is a tear-down. I'll post pictures of the process.

Thanks for looking!

[Bigrigger]

Well since no one seems interested...

I have begun the tear-down. The cab has been disassembled, and I'm working on stripping various parts using the FreddyGearDrive method. I did some minor repairing to the cab's driver-side fender, and I've cleaned up the chassis a bit.
By "cleaned up", of course I mean removed those side panels. I think it makes the Volvo look more like a work truck, and it is a key step in a frame stretch, which will hopefully happen. Here are some pics:





It'll look something like this...







I still need to trim those rear panels on the fenders, they stick out for the side-panels of the cab "spoiler" thing, but I won't be using that.

I spent all day trying to strip paint, but the newer the better, and this paint looks really old. Also the alcohol method is best for Tamiya paint, which I'm not sure what kind this is. So I tried experimenting with lacquer paint thinner...

DO NOT USE LACQUER THINNER ON YOUR TRUCK!

It took off the paint as it was poured, but it also started to dissolve the plastic, and softened it to the point where I could leave (and did leave) glove-prints on the plastic. I wasn't going to use them anyway, but it's still sad to ruin things that do not have to be ruined.

Anyway, lesson learned, back to alcohol until I find a better method. I did look into oven cleaner and brake fluid, but it is just too expensive and too hazardous for me. I could sand, but I'm too lazy... Might come to that, though!

It's nice to have another project going, and I'll update you guys tomorrow on my stripping endeavors!

Thanks for looking, and not replying...

[ryman]

Well it looks like it is getting more attention at your place than it ever got at mine

[Bigrigger]

Originally Posted by ryman

Well it looks like it is getting more attention at your place than it ever got at mine

This truck is a blast to work on! I'm making it feel at home! Thanks again!

[apfubar]

What are you thinking of for the chassis? Are you going to go with a new set off a globe/MAN 6x4 or something longer?

Cheers,
AP.

[Bigrigger]

Originally Posted by apfubar

What are you thinking of for the chassis? Are you going to go with a new set off a globe/MAN 6x4 or something longer?

Cheers,
AP.

I want to keep it a 2-axle medium-duty truck, but I'm thinking about a frame extension. Something to accommodate the box on the back.

Oops, now I see what you mean!

Yes, I think I will, do you know if the holes line up for mounting the cabs?

[Bigrigger]

My attempt at stripping the bumper of paint:





I don't think enough came off, my two options look to be sanding or que-tip wipes of thinner. Sanding will take a while, might ruin it, and might yield lousy results. The thinner will be quick, but dangerous to the plastic if exposed for too long. I don't think I have the patience to sand that thing down...

Looks like I'm going to have to bite the bullet, and it'll be more like a tank shell.

Thoughts?

[Bigrigger]

Originally Posted by sharkey

Go into the pharmacy, and get 92 or 93% rubbing alcohol. Its the best stuff to remove paint, will not damage the body at all. I've done it to all my trucks, works a treat bud! Also the truck is coming along nicely, that will be a nice addition of a Volvo brick load truck. Really popular in the UK as well is the Volvo cattle trucks. Keep up the great work!

Hey man, I'm glad someone who is around those trucks could tell me what they are called! Anyway, I did try 91% alcohol, that is what stripped most of it off (with a ridiculous amount of scrubbing). So, I'm not sure what is next...

Thanks for the complements!

[sassgrunt]

I have had a lot of luck using Easy Off (in the yellow can) for stripping paint and chrome. I haven't tried it on Tamiya synthetic lacquer paint, but if all else fails; give it a try.

I like what you're doing with the truck. I attempted to make an FH12 by building a flat top for the cab and cutting 1/2" out below the windscreen to lower the cab height - but it just got flimsy and wouldn't fair in very well. I gave up and trashed it. I hope that you have a lot more success with yours than I did!

[Stuart]

I use a mixture of alcohol and acetone about 50/50 for paint removal.
I found that alcohol on its own took ages and acetone on its own would melt the plastic, mix the 2 together and it works a treat!
Keep up the good work.
Stu

[Bigrigger]

Originally Posted by sassgrunt

I have had a lot of luck using Easy Off (in the yellow can) for stripping paint and chrome. I haven't tried it on Tamiya synthetic lacquer paint, but if all else fails; give it a try.

I like what you're doing with the truck. I attempted to make an FH12 by building a flat top for the cab and cutting 1/2" out below the windscreen to lower the cab height - but it just got flimsy and wouldn't fair in very well. I gave up and trashed it. I hope that you have a lot more success with yours than I did!

Thanks sassgrunt! I might just be trying oven cleaner! I like the look of a flat-top Volvo, too. I might try to squish the roof piece on the cab down a bit.

Originally Posted by Stuart

I use a mixture of alcohol and acetone about 50/50 for paint removal.
I found that alcohol on its own took ages and acetone on its own would melt the plastic, mix the 2 together and it works a treat!
Keep up the good work.
Stu

Thanks Stu! I was thinking about %50 thinner %50 water, but I'll try that first! I'll let you guys know the results!

[Bigrigger]

I ended up doing a little wash in 50/50 thinner and alcohol, with intermittent spraying of straight thinner, followed by a quick rinse. Worked well, and the bumper is drying now.

The roof is next up, then primer, and a few coats of paint!

[AzItalian]

i dnt want to be mean,but u have the wrong frame for the built that u want...u need to strech the frame minimum 10'' then u will need a second stering axel with a servo on it,to go up and down just like the real one,and eventualy either a crane or a trailer,then u will have a bad *** truck...just a idea.

[Bigrigger]

Originally Posted by AzItalian

i dnt want to be mean,but u have the wrong frame for the built that u want...u need to strech the frame minimum 10'' then u will need a second stering axel with a servo on it,to go up and down just like the real one,and eventualy either a crane or a trailer,then u will have a bad *** truck...just a idea.

Hey AzItalian, you aren't being mean. I know the frame is not the correct length for a flatbed. The truck has a stock frame as of now, which will not be present in it's final stage.

I'm not sure at this point whether I want anything special on the truck. I have two 3-axle tractor-trailers in my fleet, and was hoping to mix it up with this one. I think I will be sticking with a 2-axle standard flatbed, at least, for now.

I should say that the picture of the 1:1 is only there because it has the low-side "brick-load" style bed, and Volvo cab. The trailer, 3rd axle, and crane were not meant to be on my truck.


The roof is being stripped, and should be ready in a few days (ran out of thinner). The bumper is ready for primer, but the cab needs minor trimming before it is ready. Then some paint!

Does anyone have any idea of how to mask off the trim pieces? (handles and wipers)

Thanks for your comments guys!

[AzItalian]

anything to help.

[Bigrigger]

I continued stripping paint with the 50/50 mix (thanks Stu!) and it worked like a charm! Got the bumper and roof stripped a few days ago, and then let them dry. While I did that, I cut those little panels off of the cab, because they were now irrelevant! Cleaned it up, gave it a little scrub, popped off the cab-handles, and hit it with some primer as well.

Next step is paint! The best body work is no body work! I'm going to go pick up some paint tomorrow! I'll also get some for Pipe Dream!

Pics:







Can't wait to throw some paint on!

Does anyone have one of those bumper-mounted steps for the other side?

Thanks for looking!

[ryman]

Looking good...

[Bigrigger]

Originally Posted by ryman

Looking good...

Thanks Riley! Loving this build!

[Azumanga Davo]

Very tidy, some good ideas here for sure.

[Bigrigger]

Originally Posted by Azumanga Davo

Very tidy, some good ideas here for sure.

Thanks AD! It's a nice change, for sure.


I've been painting the cab, but between the wind and insects, I'm having a heck of a time with the paint job!

It also looks like I got a bad can or something, but I hope to give it another go tomorrow. Maybe with an actual paint booth!