Latest Model Project

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mdmead
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Latest Model Project

Post by mdmead »

I picked the category for our local forum's most recent model contest that ended on December 31st. I picked 'pickup'. I figured a van based pickup... with a twist... would give me my best chance at winning! Even though it isn't Astro/Safari-based, I figured some of you guys would appreiate it.

During my travels, I spotted this Dodge A-100 pickup. It was completely disassembled, but it looked like everything was there. I decided this would make a great project.

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I started working on the frame right away. It required cleaning up and was then painted.

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Next up was the floor pan. I thought the interior section should be tan, so I painted it up.

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About this time, I thought maybe putting it together stock was a bit tame. I happened to have this International Scout laying around out back and decided maybe I should steal some parts from it to build something different.

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I did some preliminary measuring and trial fitting to see how everything might go together.

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For suspension, I used the stock A-100's springs out front, only adding a crossmember at the front to give me the needed lift. The rear springs are the Scout's and I built custom mounts to match the lift out front.

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I built the 318 engine to stock specs and adapted the Scout's transfer case to to the stock manual 3-speed transmission.

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The exhaust is the simple, stock side exit.

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For axles, I used the Dana 44s from the Scout. Unfortunately they were a bit narrow, so I widened them to better match the A-100's width. I also used the Scout's Goodyear tires and chrome wheels since they were in great shape.

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The rest of the floor pan was painted orange, to match the truck. The stock bucket seats were used.

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The pan was fitted to the frame.

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The body was painted orange... sadly the paint job isn't as good as it should be. (Due to time constraints, I decided it would have to do.)

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With the body painted, final assembly began. I installed the windows and dash, and then mated the body to the floorpan. Next it was time to install the axles for the last time. (Note the transfer case is removed. Due to the front driveshaft interfering with the exhaust, I needed to reclock it.)

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Nearly finished, I installed the modified Scout driveshafts and steering.
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All that was left was to finish up the body detailing and take it for a spin!

I took it for a test drive today out in the snow....

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Not happy with the thick/orange peel paint... but overall I like it!
Matt
Selah, WA
-96 GMC Safari AWD Hi-Top Conversion -->Stalled 5.3L swap & 5" lift
-74 Ford Bronco -->Far from perfect but mine!
-99 V-10 Ford Super Duty Super Cab 4x4 -->Stock with 285 Cooper ATs
-00 Ford Focus Wagon -->The Red Turd
-95 Ford 24' Class C Motorhome -->My big block sleeper
-07 Can-Am Outlander XT -->My yellow 4x4 quad for work & play
-04 Ski Doo REV Summit -->Still several chassis behind!


No new projects until the current ones are done!

astrozam
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Re: Latest Model Project

Post by astrozam »

Sweet! nice combo :supz:
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biggreenoger
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Re: Latest Model Project

Post by biggreenoger »

Too cool, and I bet that 318ci match to the Scout's 4:10 gears has more than enough gettie-up and go..
Its a DIESEL thing!
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Smiliesafari
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Re: Latest Model Project

Post by Smiliesafari »

Cute.......if the real thing were only that easy maybe that pile of nuts and bolts you have stored in the barn would get finished. :muhaha: :muhaha: :muhaha:
1996 Safari SLX Hotair balloon transport vehicle
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1Gary
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Re: Latest Model Project

Post by 1Gary »

Really nice Matt.I could never glue the models like that.
1979 Malibu drag race only car
1999 Sonoma 4.3 5 speed-Rufus
1989 Astro-Ole Yellar cancelled-still selling off parts
1985 Astro-shop van R.I.P. my friend
1994 Astro LT RWD W4.3 rod knock RIP
1982 Winnebago single rear wheel-Chevy 350 Scraped 1/28/13-broken dreams......


Rochester,NY
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mdmead
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Re: Latest Model Project

Post by mdmead »

Smiliesafari wrote:Cute.......if the real thing were only that easy maybe that pile of nuts and bolts you have stored in the barn would get finished. :muhaha: :muhaha: :muhaha:
Bustin' my balls again?! :cry:

The abuse I take.... :muhaha:
Matt
Selah, WA
-96 GMC Safari AWD Hi-Top Conversion -->Stalled 5.3L swap & 5" lift
-74 Ford Bronco -->Far from perfect but mine!
-99 V-10 Ford Super Duty Super Cab 4x4 -->Stock with 285 Cooper ATs
-00 Ford Focus Wagon -->The Red Turd
-95 Ford 24' Class C Motorhome -->My big block sleeper
-07 Can-Am Outlander XT -->My yellow 4x4 quad for work & play
-04 Ski Doo REV Summit -->Still several chassis behind!


No new projects until the current ones are done!

astrozam
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Re: Latest Model Project

Post by astrozam »

I think you've finally awoken my model building spirit again Matt :cheers:

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Re: Latest Model Project

Post by Cobra »

hmm i never thought of mixing and matching parts in the kits before that might be a little more interesting. nice work
1998 GMC Safari AWD, BFGoodrich AllTerrain T/A
Jet performance tuner 91 octane preset, Jet under-drive pulleys
Rancho 999000 series shock, on-board controller to be installed later
DHC rock rails and skid plate Add-A-Leaf
G3500 front calipers
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1997 gone
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mdmead
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Re: Latest Model Project

Post by mdmead »

astrozam wrote:I think you've finally awoken my model building spirit again Matt :cheers:
Do it!
Matt
Selah, WA
-96 GMC Safari AWD Hi-Top Conversion -->Stalled 5.3L swap & 5" lift
-74 Ford Bronco -->Far from perfect but mine!
-99 V-10 Ford Super Duty Super Cab 4x4 -->Stock with 285 Cooper ATs
-00 Ford Focus Wagon -->The Red Turd
-95 Ford 24' Class C Motorhome -->My big block sleeper
-07 Can-Am Outlander XT -->My yellow 4x4 quad for work & play
-04 Ski Doo REV Summit -->Still several chassis behind!


No new projects until the current ones are done!
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crash
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Re: Latest Model Project

Post by crash »

Smiliesafari wrote:Cute.......if the real thing were only that easy maybe that pile of nuts and bolts you have stored in the barn would get finished. :muhaha: :muhaha: :muhaha:
LOL.. I was thinkin' the same thing scrolling through the pics. so many real projects on the go and he's building models [-X .. LOL
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mdmead
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Re: Latest Model Project

Post by mdmead »

crash wrote:
Smiliesafari wrote:Cute.......if the real thing were only that easy maybe that pile of nuts and bolts you have stored in the barn would get finished. :muhaha: :muhaha: :muhaha:
LOL.. I was thinkin' the same thing scrolling through the pics. so many real projects on the go and he's building models [-X .. LOL
It's easier to multi-task with a model build though. My wife wouldn't appreciate it if I dragged 1:1 van parts into the living room, (especially with our new carpet and all), to work on them while watching our evening TV shows....

I'm just sayin'...
Matt
Selah, WA
-96 GMC Safari AWD Hi-Top Conversion -->Stalled 5.3L swap & 5" lift
-74 Ford Bronco -->Far from perfect but mine!
-99 V-10 Ford Super Duty Super Cab 4x4 -->Stock with 285 Cooper ATs
-00 Ford Focus Wagon -->The Red Turd
-95 Ford 24' Class C Motorhome -->My big block sleeper
-07 Can-Am Outlander XT -->My yellow 4x4 quad for work & play
-04 Ski Doo REV Summit -->Still several chassis behind!


No new projects until the current ones are done!
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reaper
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Re: Latest Model Project

Post by reaper »

mdmead wrote: My wife wouldn't appreciate it if I dragged 1:1 van parts into the living room, (especially with our new carpet and all), to work on them while watching our evening TV shows.....
Thats the best part!
-Nice modelling skills indeed.
-I think you should put a few scale people pushing a honda accord out
in the backdrop :muhaha:
90 Astro Cargo V-8
90 Artro RS - V-8 Now running!
& a bunch of tractors
"there's nothing like a V-8 Polluting the Environment"
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Re: Latest Model Project

Post by astrosafari »

thats pretty sickk. i enjoyed reading your build.
dont mean to jack a thread, but i built a pretty sick hummer about a year ago.
body dropped and shaved every thing (:
not the exact one i bought but pretty close
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drag radials for fun.. :p
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wish i took more pics
91 blazer|00 extreme|99 winter beater
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Re: Latest Model Project

Post by mdmead »

astrosafari wrote:thats pretty sickk. i enjoyed reading your build.
dont mean to jack a thread, but i built a pretty sick hummer about a year ago.
body dropped and shaved every thing (:
not the exact one i bought but pretty close
Image
Image
drag radials for fun.. :p
Image
wish i took more pics
Cool!

And cool to see another active modeler among us!

We are getting ready to start our next quarterly contest in a few days and I'm looking forward to building something new. Not sure what our category/subject will be though.
Matt
Selah, WA
-96 GMC Safari AWD Hi-Top Conversion -->Stalled 5.3L swap & 5" lift
-74 Ford Bronco -->Far from perfect but mine!
-99 V-10 Ford Super Duty Super Cab 4x4 -->Stock with 285 Cooper ATs
-00 Ford Focus Wagon -->The Red Turd
-95 Ford 24' Class C Motorhome -->My big block sleeper
-07 Can-Am Outlander XT -->My yellow 4x4 quad for work & play
-04 Ski Doo REV Summit -->Still several chassis behind!


No new projects until the current ones are done!
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