Latest Model Project
Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 7:18 pm
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.
I started working on the frame right away. It required cleaning up and was then painted.
Next up was the floor pan. I thought the interior section should be tan, so I painted it up.
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.
I did some preliminary measuring and trial fitting to see how everything might go together.
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.
I built the 318 engine to stock specs and adapted the Scout's transfer case to to the stock manual 3-speed transmission.
The exhaust is the simple, stock side exit.
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.
The rest of the floor pan was painted orange, to match the truck. The stock bucket seats were used.
The pan was fitted to the frame.
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.)
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.)
Nearly finished, I installed the modified Scout driveshafts and steering.
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....
Not happy with the thick/orange peel paint... but overall I like 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.
I started working on the frame right away. It required cleaning up and was then painted.
Next up was the floor pan. I thought the interior section should be tan, so I painted it up.
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.
I did some preliminary measuring and trial fitting to see how everything might go together.
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.
I built the 318 engine to stock specs and adapted the Scout's transfer case to to the stock manual 3-speed transmission.
The exhaust is the simple, stock side exit.
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.
The rest of the floor pan was painted orange, to match the truck. The stock bucket seats were used.
The pan was fitted to the frame.
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.)
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.)
Nearly finished, I installed the modified Scout driveshafts and steering.
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....
Not happy with the thick/orange peel paint... but overall I like it!
