Silverado Dually in 1/14

[SonoranWraith]

This seemed like the most appropriate forum, if not mods/admin will move.

I got a new bright Silverado from my wife because it was a black friday deal for 20 bucks or something.

In the box:


Out here in AZ where it's paved and flat I have seen quite a few construction and landscaping company owners that drive street style duallys. I keep meaning to snap pics of one I have seen a couple times but I never have my camera. So my idea was to hack this body (gave the chassis to my 5year old son) and build myself a dually.

Build materials:
New Bright Body to be hacked and modified
Tamiya Semi Rims front and rears
Tamiya 60D Tires
RC18R Front Clip (indy instead of solid)
Wedico or Tamiya Semi Rear axle depending on width

Some mock-up with stock cab and rear aluminum rims not for this build:


First issue is the tires. They are 1.5 and stretched to 1.7 they cave badly. Also they are a little wide for duals:


Compared to stock semi tire:


First I tackled the fronts that I plan to leave wide. On the right is the tire with no foam and left is with 60d hard foam inserts:


Still not good enough so I cut out the ribs in the center of the semi rim and laminated styrene (sorry the pic sucks):

The final result is on the left:

[sneaky-pete]

this will be cool

[CorbettTrailers]

Now this is something new. I like it. I'm a huge Chevy Fan!

[trucker n]

love it

[SonoranWraith]

trucker n post whoring all over the board.

I took a size comparison shot of the semi vs 60d tires unmounted:

And here is a comparison of the width after narrowing the 60d's to the semi tire:


Narrowed vs un-narrowed 60d's mounted:


Front clip from 18r seems to be a good width (shown with 18r wheel/tire):


I do have an issue with the stub axles though. Stock 18r's are to short so I had to order the 18t's (left)



Latest issue is that the stub axle is 4mm at the pin location and 3mm for the rest. I am not planning 4x4 yet but could add later. To mount up the stock semi rims I need two 3x11 bearings. McMaster only has 3x10. I found them at boca but they are 20 bucks a pop! Anyone know where I could get some cheaper?

[CatdrvR]

This is a very cool project you have going. I think it's pretty interesting you are using the front clip of an 18r but it does seem to fit rather well. I probably would have never thought to use it. The idea of a street dually is another intriguing thing... I have never seen one up here in the northeast. Can't wait to see more pics of the progress.

Dan

[SonoranWraith]

I cut the bed off (razor saw):


Then I put the cab rear back on in preparation for cutting the cab off at the door seam:


I cut the rear edge off again (thread method) and inserted the crewcab doors:


I still have a lot of detail work to get done on the body. Somehow have to get crewcab door seam in the ABS body.

[DieselKid]

Nice start to a neat build! Gotta love those low-pros on a pickup!

Must be a warm weather thing....you say you see them out West and I've seen them down south in FL...no matter the locale it's a menacing look for a truck to be running 22.5s!

And neat tutorial on the tires....thanks. I think we are all in need of ideas for low-pro options when it comes to tag axle and certain trailer builds.

Will be keeping on eye on this thread,
-Alex

[tc1cat]

Interesting build. Have to keep an eye on this one!

[JAMMER]

Mat you got a good start there. Why don't you look at 4x4 form there is a guy selling aluminum scale bodies and you will have your extra door. Only a suggestion. Ed

[SonoranWraith]

Thanks Alex & Lynn.

Ed, the body I am working with is 1/14 to match the big rigs. The metal bodies I saw were 1/10. Did I miss something? Doesn't seem like there would be money in making a niche 1/14 silverado. None the less I am already committed to the styrene shown here.

I have the roof on now and another layer of styrene on the doors, but no pics yet. The first coat of filler and sanding to start soon. I was hoping to get some frame rails cut this weekend but wife's birthday bash for 60 or so people is on Saturday so I probably won't make much progress on those till next weekend.

[JAMMER]

I definitely would not miss that if I was you if you know what I mean. Ed

[rcguyfarms]

Will the silverado just drive around or will work like pulling a trailer?

[SonoranWraith]

Originally Posted by rcguyfarms

Will the silverado just drive around or will work like pulling a trailer?

Working of course. Not sure if I will do a 5th wheel plate or gooseneck hitch.

[firefighter30]

I have a f350 1/10 scale going to take the bed off and try to make a 1 ton dump.

[Diesel Demond]

another build i cant waite to see being a huge duramax diesel fan!

[SonoranWraith]

Laid out the wheels/tires for fun:


Got the roof and some add'l detailing done. Threw a light coat of primer on part of it:

[CorbettTrailers]

Originally Posted by SonoranWraith

Latest issue is that the stub axle is 4mm at the pin location and 3mm for the rest. I am not planning 4x4 yet but could add later. To mount up the stock semi rims I need two 3x11 bearings. McMaster only has 3x10. I found them at boca but they are 20 bucks a pop! Anyone know where I could get some cheaper?

With all due respect. I noticed these on tower hobbies. 4 for $7.99.
Wasn't sure if you still needed them.
Later,
John


http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...3x%3C%2FB%3E10

[SonoranWraith]

John - 3x10 are easy to find it's the 3x11 I need that are hard to find. I think I have a solution that will only cost a couple bucks. Parts in the mail.

[Thorsteenster]

Nice find on the body, and great work. It's really coming along and will be sweet to throw some variety into the vehicle mix at meets.

I think I have some 3x11 flanged bearings at home. I can throw a mic on em and double check if you need a couple few.