After many requests for such a page, I've finally added one!
This page will be used to show tips and trucks that help truck modelers. Do you have a tip or trick? Email me so I can include it! A photo would be helpful too!
ANTENNA'S, MIRRORS, HANDLES ETC..
Many of my trucks are rebuilt from old built-ups, many of the smaller parts are missing or broken. I've found that thin brass, aluminum or metal wire/rod is great for making all sorts of parts.
This photo shows a brass AM/FM antenna. The mounts are thin styrene rod, glued to the brass. You would even add the coaxial cable with thin wire!
This photo also shows the mirror bracket in brass, and the mirror mounts on the door. I cut small sections of Evergreen "L" channel to make the mounts.
This photo also shows on a Peterbilt cab (okay, it's the Hayes in the picture) the longer rain gutter, which is made from Evergreen "L" channel. The luggage compartment handle was also made out of Evergreen strip stock, correcting the round handle on the kit.
Yet another item visable (barely) is the windshield corner post. Another piece of Evergreen square stock.
Here's a Chevy Titan showing the brass antenna with mounts, plus a CB antenna. The CB antenna was made with brass, and the base made from Evergreen round stock. A tip learned from Terry Jesse's Detailing book.
Also visable are brass grab handles. I bend the brass to shape, using another set of kit handles as a guide, then cut to length, and grind smooth the ends. Chrome foil or "chrome paint" works well.
Anthony Ajoteri sent in this tip for making hub covers. Take metal thumb tacks with smooth tops, break off the
pin, cover the head with bare metal foil, and voila! Polished hub covers! The smaller thumb tacks work best. Thanks, Anthony!
Lance Gregory suggests using various sizes of solder for hydraulic lines
Lance says to wash the solder with rubbing alcohol to remove the blueing, then wipe off the white crust,
Here's a simple fix to the ugly mold seams and sprue marks on some kit's air horns
The horn on the International is straight from the box, with the mold seam and the sprue still visable.
Here the horns on the Diamond Reo have been corrected by sanding the front of the horns flat, then covering with chrome foil. Some kit horns might have a divot from the mold, a drop of superglue or body putty, then sanded flat covered with the chrome foil works too. A simple, easy fix, and it sure cleans up the horns!
Justin Swartzendruber uses chrome from an automotive trim/striping company to "chrome" visors, and other accessories. I use this
for fuel tank straps. Justin also suggests using clear packaging plastic for bug shields.
To color the bug shields, try using Sharpie markers.
There are some tips and tricks! How about some from you?
Email to me!
Mackinac359@yahoo.com
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Jeff Regan's KW K100 in the fog
