1973 Road Commander Aerodyne

[DRIPTROIT 71]

This is a new project. The cab is fiberglass. I think that it was from Jaymar. Fiberglass is proving to be very aggravating by the way. It is hard as a brick and very thin and brittle. The aerodyne roof is from the KW snap with a little modifications.

Here's the inspiration:

White Road Commander 1 by Brian Smith, on Flickr

Here's my progress so far:

IMG_2089 by Brian Smith, on Flickr

IMG_2091 by Brian Smith, on Flickr

IMG_2092 by Brian Smith, on Flickr

IMG_2095 by Brian Smith, on Flickr

 

[Casey]

Very cool.  Nice job integrating the Aerodyne roof.  Please keep us updated on its progress.

Also, that is the first fiberglass model part that I have ever seen.  Were they common at any point?

 

--Casey 

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Thanks Casey!

Conversion kits have been around a lot longer than I realized. The first one that I ever saw was a 351 Peterbilt in the early 90's. I think it was by Illini. It seems like that over the years casters have tried various products for casting. I was talking to Bob at Illini a few months back and he said that he used to add aluminum powder to resin for his products. He said eventually he realized that there was no real benefit to that. I think fiberglass probably falls into that category. It was possibly a failed attempt at trying something new. I don't know if fiberglass was ever common, but I have seen others including; a 7400 White, an F model Mack and R700 Mack hoods. There is one benefit to fiberglass. It is very thin and not bulky like some resin kits, and it's very light, unlike many resin kits. In my opinion though, the problems that come with fiberglass far exceed the benefits.

[DRIPTROIT 71]

I was able to get some paint on today. It actually looks pretty good considering that this cab doesn't have a straight place on it anywhere.

IMG_2110 by Brian Smith, on Flickr

[Casey]

Turned out real good from what I can tell.  Are you going with a shorter wheelbase and more of a working truck look or something custom?  I'm sure it will be awesome either way but a large car road commode would be different.

 

[DRIPTROIT 71]

On 3/6/2017 at 7:20 AM, Casey said:

Turned out real good from what I can tell.  Are you going with a shorter wheelbase and more of a working truck look or something custom?  I'm sure it will be awesome either way but a large car road commode would be different.

 

Thanks Casey! I'm planning to make a 70's era Mayflower truck with a short wheelbase. It's going to be a tandem with air ride, but the back axle will be a tag. Kind of a poor man's custom of the day.

[DRIPTROIT 71]

It's starting to look like a truck now. The rear axle is a tag.

IMG_2672 by Brian Smith, on Flickr

IMG_2678 by Brian Smith, on Flickr

[Casey]

She is coming together nicely.  Thanks For sharing.

 

[41CHEVY]

Very nice work on the Aerodyne roof section. The entire truck is looking good good match to the Mayflower colors too.

 Fiberglass was common before resin got more user friendly. I did a lot of resin kits in the mid to late 1970's with the grey industrial resin and it was a horror, but the only game in town then.. As for the glass , I have and ancient MACK  B model in fiberglass and it is probably on of the best detailed ones of any B. Opening hood and doors    Paul

[discodave]

Interesting, very nice work on the roof modification, looks great!

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Thanks for all the comments guys!!

I worked on the interior today. This is the bucket out of the back yard shed 7400. I modified the dog box to resemble the later 7400's and early Road Commanders. I left the back of the driver's seat hollow because it will not be seen once it is in the cab.

IMG_2699(1) by Brian Smith, on Flickr

IMG_2694 by Brian Smith, on Flickr

IMG_2692 by Brian Smith, on Flickr

 

[41CHEVY]

Nice. the cab clutter is a good touch. Needs a thermos and a samich.....:)    Paul

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Thanks Paul!!! I would like to make one of those old red plaid looking thermoses. For now, I added a couple of 8-tracks, Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash. The player will be over head. It has Dave Dudley in it.

IMG_2712 by Brian Smith, on Flickr

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Well I decided to try to make a hubodometer. Here's my attempt:

IMG_2937 by Brian Smith, on Flickr

IMG_2939 by Brian Smith, on Flickr

 

I decided to try to make a CR style air dryer as well. Here's my attempt:
IMG_2942 by Brian Smith, on Flickr

[41CHEVY]

The tattle tale and the dryer came out great. I used defeat the hub o meters with an old rotary dial phone magnet and aluminum duct tape.        Paul

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Thanks!!

I'm on the home stretch now!!

IMG_2994 by Brian Smith, on Flickr

IMG_3011 by Brian Smith, on Flickr

IMG_3007 by Brian Smith, on Flickr

IMG_3038 by Brian Smith, on Flickr

[41CHEVY]

Very nice! What did you use for the paneling in the bunk? It looks real!   Paul

[DRIPTROIT 71]

8 hours ago, 41CHEVY said:

Very nice! What did you use for the paneling in the bunk? It looks real!   Paul

My mother-in-law works in the office of a veneer plant. She brings me scraps of veneer that are usually thrown away and that is what I used. I just scribe lines on the veneer.