Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

I've always wanted to build a Wedico Peterbilt, but have found out recently that the Peterbilt kits are not available from Wedico anymore. So I started my search for a previously owned one. Ric at Precision Model Distributers graciously gave me the opportunity to buy one of his. After a long wait, here's the starting point. I have a lot of plans for this truck, with lots of custom parts and lots of modifications!

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Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

First Step: Start rear-end disassembly

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Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

Ordered and installed Wedico quarter fenders. I like the look of these over the full fenders. They need some modification, but they'll do for now. The stock spring suspension isn't very realistic... it will have to go!

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Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

Well the stock spring suspension had to go! I ordered a walking spring suspension from Ric at PMD. When it arrived, I did a quick test-fit. YIKES. Not what I had in mind. Might be suitable for trucks in Europe, but did not look at all like a Peterbilt suspension. Another item that needed to go was the stock Wedico fifth wheel. A lot of stock Wedico/Tamiya trailers sit up too high for my liking, and do not look right to me. I want this truck to look as realistic as I can, while still functioning. So I ordered a ScaleArt fifth wheel. Waited a long time for it, but I am very happy with the reduced height and quality of the engineering of this one. More on the fifth wheel situation later!

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Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

I tried and tried to convince myself to buy a suspension that was already designed, built, and ready to install. Nothing that I could find fit the bill. I decided on an airbag suspension, and the only one I could find out there was from Lesu. Can't be putting Chinese junk on a fine piece of German engineering! I was left with only one option... design and build it myself. This project is already turning into more than I bargained for, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Came up with this design based on the Peterbilt Low Leaf air ride suspension. The parts will have to be 3D printed, but with the high quality of metal (yes, I said metal!!) printing, I am not worried about putting poor-quality printed parts on a high quality model. Lots more to do!


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Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

Well the first run of parts look amazing. I could not be happier with the quality of these printed parts. They are printed out of brass.

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Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

The excitement is building. Cannot believe how well these parts turned out. I only ordered enough for one axle, just in case I messed up with my design.

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Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

What does something like that cost for printing? I have some parts that if I can get time to draw, that need made.

Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

Printed metal, that looks awesome! :cool:

Wonder what the ratio is compared to actual brass?

Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

That truck is looking a lot better already.

Cool looking printed brass parts

Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

I had these 10 parts (half of the total rear suspension) printed for total cost of around $200. I'm not sure what percentage of the part is actual brass, I will weigh the spring hangar and figure out density, and compare. They are heavy so I would say they are mostly (if not 100%) brass. I ordered some brass flat stock and it arrived today, so I cut and bent the lower leaf springs. I am not a machinist and this was my first time bending metal. Took me a few tries but I'm pleased how they turned out. They still need a little bit of finishing.

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Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

And of course, had to do a mock-up... I think it's going to look great! Disregard the Wedico walking spring hangar, that will be removed.

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Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

I forgot a word in my last post, wonder what the strength ratio is compared to actual brass?

The detail that came from the print is incredible, I can't recall any cnc machining that good on something so small. It's great to see how much technology has improved this specific hobby over the last 26yrs.

Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

Hi Jesse, nice to see a Wedico model again. You are serious about the detailing, so it is going to look very nice.

On the German forum there is one that build a Wedico Peterbilt years ago, and is currently rebuilding it. He has put all the original photos back in the topic, and one of the outstanding things he is currently doing in placing ribbets on the model. He has drilled 1500 holes and placed all the ribbets in there. You can see pictures of this on the last pages of the topic.

https://www.modelltruckforum.de/foru...lt-von-wedico/

About the 3D printed metal, the strength and density is almost the same. We have tested with vacuum parts, and the results are very good. There are some materials already certifeid for medical implants, the demands are very high here.

For instance reconstruction of the jawbone after an accident. They make a 3D scan of the face and reconstruct missing bone with printed implants.

The development is already on a very high level, we are printing in Stainless steel 304 and Titanium. We have two metal printers, but the process is cumbersome and expensive. Results are very promissing though.

Good luck with the build, your air ride suspension is very nice.

Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

Are these parts you had made from Shapeways? I have had several brass pieces made by them. If you are not aware of it, they are not 'printed' brass, they are cast using the lost wax method. Shapeways uses the 3d file (.stl) you send them to print the part in wax then use the wax print to make a plaster mold. Brass is then melted and poured in the mold to make the part. While Shapeways does print some metals, their brass parts are cast.

Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

As far as I know all brass parts are made with the lost wax method, not just at Shapeways.

Printing copper and its alloys is very difficult, as is laser cutting and welding it.

Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

Thanks guys. The parts are from Shapeways, and sure enough, they are lost wax cast. Did not realize that until now! They are very high quality, and I am excited to use them. I plan on using parts like this to really hone in on the authentic Peterbilt look. This will be a slow build but I want to do it right!

Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

Well... things don't always work out the way I plan! Designed and had "printed" a more realistic Peterbilt tow hook for the front bumper. Doesn't look proportional at all. Like all the other parts, I used pictures from Google and scaled the parts based on known dimensions, and looks like I was slightly off on this one. Going to go find some real dimensions, and back to the drawing board.

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Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

Started looking at it closer and did some more scaling from pictures I had saved. Actually seems to be about right based on real dimensions. I was a few hundredths of an inch off, but I'd say that's within the margin of error. Test fit it on the truck with the old bumper still installed. Tow hook will eventually be painted black and will have a tow pin installed. What do y'all think? Let it ride or re-design? I'm on the fence.

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Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

I guess it would depend on how much it cost to remake, and how perfect you want it to be.
But with it sticking out from the front bumper like that it is in full view and your eye will go right to it ....If it were hidden or partially hidden I would probably let it go..... but it's front and center on the truck...

Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

It looks pretty good, but I might see if it looks like you could adjust the size with a file and caliper before sending for a reprint.

Plus sometimes we have to make compromises for durability and ease of use over staying absolute purely scale. If the smaller pintle won't hold atleast the weight of truck, it's likely not worth the effort to have it redone.

Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

The tow hitch looks fine to me! Your other cast and or printed parts look great too. You are off to a good start on making this Wedico look much better and more scale. Keep it up.

Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

Thanks for the feedback guys. This is a comparison of what it looks like vs. the goal. It's just the slightest bit big. Might be passable but I want to do this truck right! Going to make it just the tiniest bit smaller and see where that gets us. Lots of trial and error with this truck.

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Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

Personally, I'd let er ride!
If you remake er, will the tow point be string enough to be functional?

Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

We're going to let the front tow hook go for now. I think it will look smaller once it's painted. It's been a while since I've worked on the truck, but started some disassembly tonight. Lots and lots of wires! Glad I have all the wiring diagrams, they're going to be a big help!
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Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

What have I done!!!
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Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

Been working a lot recently, and haven't had time to work on the truck. Started test fitting the airbag suspension and realized that the leaf springs are too short. Luckily that's an easy fix.

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Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

Went ahead and did a test fit of the axle and airbags to see how it would look. I know I'm missing some pieces, but I think this rear end is going to turn out great when I'm done!

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Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

Not much progress on the truck as of recently, but did some more tinkering. Next step is going to be lowering the front end to make it more realistic. As everyone knows, the front ends of these Wedico trucks sit up way too high. It's amazing how much more modern the truck looks without the dated visor and fender turn signals. Both will be left off the truck. Now just waiting for parts!

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Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

Nice work Jesse. The trick is getting the truck to sit level once you lower the front end. Also to keep the front wheels from rubbing fenders or bumper. Remember these trucks are 359s not 379s or 389s! I kind of like them being the older 359 myself.

Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

Thanks Claus, I designed the rear suspension so that the truck will sit level once the front end is lowered to an acceptable height, so it should work out just fine.

Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

Small update: little details make a big difference. Changed the mesh in the air cleaners to a photo etched round hole design instead of the woven wire mesh that came with them. I think that they look a lot better! Hoping to have some bigger updates soon.
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Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

Nice upgrade.

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That mesh looks awesome

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I just love the attention to detail you guys have..... amazing..

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Where did you buy the photo etch screen for your air cans . Youre not kidding that makes a big difference.

Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

Thanks guys! The photo etch round mesh is from amazon (link below). They have lots of different patterns and designs. I ordered a few different styles for various parts on the truck.

https://www.amazon.com/Madworks-Spir.../dp/B07MX1LWVJ

Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

Started some work on the grille. The stock Wedico grille isn't bad, but it's not what I want. I love the OEM Peterbilt grille design with the oval pattern, and couldn't find anything off the shelf that would suffice, so just like a lot of other things on this truck, time to design my own. I printed out a mock-up of my design, and I think I'll be happy with it. Off to be laser cut!

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Re: Wedico Peterbilt Day Cab
 

Also got the cab disassembled, and stripped. Have a couple of modifications to the cab while it's raw.

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