’72 Chevy C/10 Pick Up

I started this model shortly after I bought my truck about 1985. (I only bought it “short-term” to facilitate the engine swap I had planned for my Camaro. But I found many uses for it subsequently, and we camped with it a lot.)
The model started as a repurposed step-side (MPC) that I had built much earlier.
To make the standard bed I sacrificed a Blazer body. (I think it was the Boondocker.) I mixed the Ocher color and painted the body, built most of the engine and interior back then.

Then a couple moves and a lot of life got in the way, so the model sat on the far edges of my workbench all these years. Also the salt air (and it having never been garaged) took a toll on the real truck’s paint, i.e. rust. And as it changed its appearance I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with the model.

Fast forward to my current drive to build the models of my past (and present) cars; I decided it was time to pick up (no pun) the project again.
Make no mistake, this was one ugly truck, but it was a great truck to me. It never left me stranded, and it did everything I ever asked of it, some of which was borderline abuse. It served me very well for 27+ years.
It was very original down to the required smog equipment, (even though it became smog exempt in ’98). According to the build factory sheet laminated to the inside the glove box door:
LS9 350 4bolt w/4bbl,
4 speed transmission with PTO
12 bolt rear end with 4:11 gears
Power front disc brakes
¾ ton add a leaf rear springs and trailer tow package (including rear view mirror delete) .
White Spoke Wheels

Here’s where I’m picking it up… After a good wash down, (something I gave the real one at least once a year, or two).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05591_zps9uhxmhzj.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05591_zps9uhxmhzj.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05590_zpsbwuizsd4.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05590_zpsbwuizsd4.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05588_zpsf1atpwkg.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05588_zpsf1atpwkg.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05589_zpsdxui2sfo.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05589_zpsdxui2sfo.jpg.html)

This looks like a cool build. I did a slot car body out of one of those. I may build one for myself though I rarely build trucks.. Thanks for sharing.

Awesome! I had a '72 Cheyenne 20, possibly the same color...an olive green. Mine had white in the sides also & was quite rusty! Great truck tho :)
I wouldn't mind building a scale of mine someday, rust & all...

Mine was ochre (mustard) with a white roof when I got. It was mostly rust with some ocher showing through when I sold it. The white top was barely visible.


I got a good start on the camper shell. I drew up some plans and built it up from sheet styrene. It snaps onto the bed.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05593_zpsp1emqwuv.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05593_zpsp1emqwuv.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05592_zpszfh6yc3a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05592_zpszfh6yc3a.jpg.html)

I started building up the crusty rust. The hood was about 60 grit sand paper rough. The other areas were finer, maybe only 240 grit…
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05602_zpsfpqltrlb.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05602_zpsfpqltrlb.jpg.html)

I added more layers of rust to the roof and started bring the “rust line” downward. I made the upper side trim for the bed from sheet styrene and foiled the trim on the bed. (I did the BMF on the cab about 30 years ago.)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05603_zpsa46sohw8.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05603_zpsa46sohw8.jpg.html)
I used black Scale-Master decal stripes (Sheet Stock # S-S2) size “I” for the black in the center of the upper side trim and some very fine hairline decal stripes I had custom printed long ago for the top and bottom. (There are three decal stripes in each run of that trim.)
I used stripe size “G” from the same stripe sheet for the center black stripes in the lower trim pieces.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05604_zpsd3ak1sui.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05604_zpsd3ak1sui.jpg.html)

All the decals have been applied to the side trim. I used the “I” size for the thinner stripes on the lower pieces.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05605_zpscb5ldqf3.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05605_zpscb5ldqf3.jpg.html)
I carefully gouged out around the windshield and drip rails to simulate the rust holes the truck had.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05607_zpsnxjwn82c.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05607_zpsnxjwn82c.jpg.html)

I think this is about all the rust work I can do on it for now. The actual truck was more rusted on the passenger side than the driver’s.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05609_zpsvcwjkn8l.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05609_zpsvcwjkn8l.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05610_zps3oe4nwbv.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05610_zps3oe4nwbv.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05608_zpsmwawnukf.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05608_zpsmwawnukf.jpg.html)

I noticed that the bed I was using didn’t have the same trim around the tail lights as my truck, so I made a little reasonable facsimile out of styrene strips. I found an extra set of tail lights in my Blazer kit, (pure luck I guess), but not a set of back up lights so I’m still working on that and fine tuning the back of the truck.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05611_zpsi4s1bwdg.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05611_zpsi4s1bwdg.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05614_zpsjqjbt7j2.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05614_zpsjqjbt7j2.jpg.html)

that looks great

Thanks!

I had a set of five lug spokers set aside for this project, but I got around to measuring them and noticed they scaled out to 18 inches in diameter.
I found one 15 inch wheel in my stash that will work with the tires I plan to use. But my wheels were five lug and had the factory center cap.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05612_zps65kwggy8.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05612_zps65kwggy8.jpg.html)
So I milled off the six lugs and center cap and machined a copy of what was on the truck for the center cap and lugs. I’ll cast copies.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05613_zpsakqxpamd.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05613_zpsakqxpamd.jpg.html)

I made the side windows from sheet styrene, some clear plastic from packaging material and fine screen. They are just loosely plugged in for now.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05616_zps5ulr6rd7.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05616_zps5ulr6rd7.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05615_zpspjsief8j.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05615_zpspjsief8j.jpg.html)
The rear “window” was a piece of unfinished dirty plywood. ( The clear plastic window turned white, cracked and ultimately fell out within a couple months of owning it.)
There was a silhouette of the Stealth Bomber left from when I painted a model of one on the wood (when the B2 was still somewhat classified). The Kammback script was a leftover badge from my Vega.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05617_zpsyh7cimqp.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05617_zpsyh7cimqp.jpg.html)

Here is the camper slider to the cab. Same construction/materials as the side windows. Been working on the roof vent too.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05620_zpsuvq96e9n.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05620_zpsuvq96e9n.jpg.html)

I added all the corner trim and the iron upper tie-down rails. I freehand drilled the rails with a pin-vise out of sheet stock. The mounting base for the top vent is done.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05621_zps6hzazu2m.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05621_zps6hzazu2m.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05622_zpslmwxudii.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05622_zpslmwxudii.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05623_zpsdtbp4nup.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05623_zpsdtbp4nup.jpg.html)

I started painting and weathering the camper shell. It was easier to just brush paint the silver and black parts than mask and spray them.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05624_zpsgtdswdzc.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05624_zpsgtdswdzc.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05625_zps9ssv8cew.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05625_zps9ssv8cew.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05626_zpsz3nhcrzf.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05626_zpsz3nhcrzf.jpg.html)

I added the 2X4 across the front (styrene) and the bar across the back (brass). I also added the black rubber accents that were in some of the aluminum trim.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05628_zpsxnftiay9.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05628_zpsxnftiay9.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05627_zpswapfa9zh.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05627_zpswapfa9zh.jpg.html)

I installed the pop-up vent and a screen below it. It has the screw jack rod too.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05629_zpso18gffst.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05629_zpso18gffst.jpg.html)

All the windows have been installed…
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05631_zpske5sr4is.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05631_zpske5sr4is.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05632_zpsdxdcxdin.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05632_zpsdxdcxdin.jpg.html)

Fantastic!

Love that camper!

Thanks guys!

The wheels have been cast in resin, painted and weathered. The tires are Desert Dogs that I sanded the lettering off of. The size and tread pattern is a good match for the Remington’s I had on it. I’ll add the sidewall lettering and center caps later.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05695_zps14bxqzmo.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05695_zps14bxqzmo.jpg.html)

I found a bumper from an old Revell Custom Parts for Vans kit and modified it a little to look like the one on the truck.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05633_zps3hfdv8uo.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05633_zps3hfdv8uo.jpg.html)
I also made all the bumper stickers for it. Took me a lot longer to make them for this than it did to slap them on the real one…
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05704_zpsnfhgeyzz.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05704_zpsnfhgeyzz.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05706_zpsxlxrehqd.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05706_zpsxlxrehqd.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05705_zps7n3jzds1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05705_zps7n3jzds1.jpg.html)

And one for the front bumper…
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05703_zpsvmd08cpt.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05703_zpsvmd08cpt.jpg.html)

The tire lettering and center cap decals have been applied.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05700_zpshstavbro.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05700_zpshstavbro.jpg.html)

I added the decals to the windows of the camper and the screw details around the windows.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05701_zpsx1big0ap.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05701_zpsx1big0ap.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05702_zpsqq2xlpb4.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05702_zpsqq2xlpb4.jpg.html)

It is up on its wheels.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05722_zpsqlp3ffjg.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05722_zpsqlp3ffjg.jpg.html)
I’ll align the bed to cab better when I mount them to the frame.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05723_zps8sk7jbbb.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05723_zps8sk7jbbb.jpg.html)
I added the rear license plate too.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05724_zpsulgbqmb1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05724_zpsulgbqmb1.jpg.html)

this is so cool.

So totally awesome!

Thanks guys. I'm having fun with it.


The interior is mostly done; still a few decals and details to add.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05725_zpsee8qzniy.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05725_zpsee8qzniy.jpg.html)
The seat had several Pep Boys cheapo seat covers installed on it. Where the foam padding wore out, I stuffed it with old towels. They were varying styles of southwestern patterns, whatever was in stock at the time. When one wore out, I’d put another on top of the others. It was a work truck and I spilled things while eating and driving. Plus the dog hair, oil, dust and whatever he tracked in.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05726_zpsyw9mw6ti.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05726_zpsyw9mw6ti.jpg.html)
The dash pad saw a lot of sun; it cracked and peeled something fierce. The gauge and radio decals came from an IPMS Convention sheet I did in 2007.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05727_zpsxmsxjlsg.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05727_zpsxmsxjlsg.jpg.html)
The steering wheel came from my Vega, still need to make the GT horn button… The Hurst T-Handle came from the same Vega.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05728_zpsrg7zudb6.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05728_zpsrg7zudb6.jpg.html)
The driver’s door sill had the paint worn through from a left arm resting on it and it kept rusting.
The floor mats were cut from photo paper; the real ones were just basic rubber mats, big enough to cover most of the rust holes.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05729_zpsy5sbks6h.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05729_zpsy5sbks6h.jpg.html)

I made a pattern for the side rear view mirrors and cast a couple in resin.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05734_zpsxuk1p6jo.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05734_zpsxuk1p6jo.jpg.html)

I made the mirror mounts from aluminum rod. I did not miss-drill the holes in the doors to attach them. The real truck was that way back when I bought it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05758_zpsg4fq3bth.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05758_zpsg4fq3bth.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05759_zpsdiuc0ubv.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05759_zpsdiuc0ubv.jpg.html)

The mirrors have been attached to the mounts.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05768_zpshxt25ime.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05768_zpshxt25ime.jpg.html)
I included the fisheye mirror on the passenger side and am still working on the crusty/delaminated glass look for the reflective surfaces.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05767_zpsaylthzjw.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05767_zpsaylthzjw.jpg.html)
I made the (deteriorating) rubber seals from vinyl.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05766_zpsf083tvhf.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05766_zpsf083tvhf.jpg.html)

I mounted the cab to the chassis and added some wires and hoses to the engine. The windshield was treated to some delamination crustiness around the edges and the antenna was made and installed. There’s a folding sun shield on the dash too, not that I used much, after all, the dash was trashed.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05774_zpsxwnpsrzr.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05774_zpsxwnpsrzr.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05773_zpsjidkbnrc.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05773_zpsjidkbnrc.jpg.html)

Shots of the back of the cab where there was still a little white paint left. The slider window is scratch-built too.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05775_zpsmywgc2hk.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05775_zpsmywgc2hk.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/Scale-Master/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05777_zpsyd6tyoou.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Scale-Master/media/72%20Chevy%20Truck/DSC05777_zpsyd6tyoou.jpg.html)
I’m not worried about the slots on top of the bed rails, the camper shell is a permanent part once it’s finished.
Time to button this one up. After all, it has been under construction (and stagnant) for over thirty years.