Custom Harrison Electric Ram

This is a model of my bro's electric truck, and the deadline is July 9, 2007, on his birthday, this is his present.
Since his is an extended cab truck, I'll be using the revell silverado's rear doors, and this will require extensive cutting.

Before I start Making this project, I have alot of questions.

1. Will sheet styrene (Plain strength) be strong enough to make a bed cover like so...
http://www.cargobody.com/cb02_shortbox1.jpg
somewhat like that, but on a ram

2. Will squadron white putty form the doors and other details?

P.S. I'm using the ram vts kit from revell, so extensive mods will be needed, including throwing out the viper V10, and using a Chevy Vortec V8, as that is as close as i can get to the 1:1's Cummins turbo diesel.

The Cummins isnt a v8 its an Inline 6 . MOre research. By that time i may have my cummins mastered.

1. Will sheet styrene (Plain strength) be strong enough to make a bed cover like so...
When you get to the hobby store, You'll find the companies that make plastic sheet (Evergreen, Plastruct, etc.) sell it in various thicknesses. I think 0.010" would probably be too thin and flimsy, and 0.050" would be too thick to work with easily.

At least once, I've found a package of sheets of various thcknesses in one pack. I'd suggest something like that as you work out this project.

I'd also recommend lots of careful planning. Use a lot of paper mockups to test for size and shape and scale against the truck parts as you go, before you start cutting up the plastic sheet, so you can kill the ideas that don't work before you use up all your materials.

The real bed cover may not have a frame inside (can't tell from the pic), but I think it'd be a great idea for you to rig up a frame for it to keep it sturdy.

2. Will squadron white putty form the doors and other details?
Try to reply on putty as little as possible for large sections like doors and body panels. Work with styrene for these parts. Again, plan it out. If you make templates on paper, you'll be able to flip the paper over to make symettrical parts for the other side.

Also, I don't use Squadron putty, but be careful, as I've heard some of their putties have enough solvent to damage surrounding plastic. Don't really know which, off hand. Make sure you test it out on scrap pats first.

Hope this helps. :2cents:

The Cummins isnt a v8 its an Inline 6 . MOre research. By that time i may have my cummins mastered.

Like I said, this is the closest I can get w/out scratchbuilding a Cummins

The real bed cover may not have a frame inside (can't tell from the pic), but I think it'd be a great idea for you to rig up a frame for it to keep it sturdy.

It does and I will.

Also, I don't use Squadron putty, but be careful, as I've heard some of their putties have enough solvent to damage surrounding plastic. Don't really know which, off hand. Make sure you test it out on scrap pats first.

Stop scaring me:frown: :lol:

AND NOW, FOR THE PICS!

First, the kits that are needed...
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/4556362006_0728Image0012.JPG

The Vortec V8...
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/4556362006_0728Image0013.JPG

The old Viper V10...
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/4556362006_0728Image0014.JPG

Since the bumper on the VTS is flush,
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/4556362006_0728Image0015.JPG

We will need the Silverado's...
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/4556362006_0728Image0017.JPG

Another part needed from the Silverado...
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/4556362006_0728Image0016.JPG

As you can see, the Ram is very small compared to the Silverado...
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/4556362006_0728Image0018.JPG

How I will cut the Ram and it's chassis...
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/4556362006_0728Image0019.JPG


Hint: Soon I will draw a pic of the 1:1, since i've
had trouble sneaking a pic of it w/out him noticing.

-Matt

You should try and find an inline 6 and make it as close like that or maybe do a curbside?

Sure, do u know of a kit with an inline 6, cuz I don't.

52 amt chevy has one i know but ask around im sure you could find one.

Cummins:thumbsdow Caterpillar :thumbsup: Of course you won't fit a Caterpillar in a Dodge, Though.

Nice project.

Cummins:thumbsdow Caterpillar :thumbsup: Of course you won't fit a Caterpillar in a Dodge, Though.

Nice project.
Cummins:thumbsup:Caterpillar :thumbsdown: Of course you won't fit a Caterpillar in a Dodge, Though.

Are you alright man? ll just kidding. Cummins is a 100x better than cat.

sorry bout the spam any more progress?

Cummins:thumbsup:Caterpillar :thumbsdown: Of course you won't fit a Caterpillar in a Dodge, Though.

Are you alright man? ll just kidding. Cummins is a 100x better than cat.

sorry bout the spam any more progress?Cummins is alright on flat land, wait till you get to the hills.. My dad has a 2000 3406E Cat with 950,000 on it and you can still find him (fully loaded) passing trucks that are loaded and with cummins, Cummins just doesn't have the power for hills. Detriot is even worse.

52 amt chevy has one i know but ask around im sure you could find one.

I'm looking for something more modern.
sorry bout the spam any more progress?

What spam? Sorry, just back from vacation, maybe soon.

Cool Project!!

The only cummins I have is for the AMT
Kenworth T600A, which is completely
different, as I understand.

I snuck some pics while he was gone, he-he-he

BUT, my cam sucks - batteries up, so
i'm waiting till tomorrow.

MMM... cummins, sounds like a tasty snack, doesn't it?

Ok here's pics:
http://images14.fotki.com/v21/photos/9/972239/3897326/2004_0101Image0005-vi.jpg
http://images18.fotki.com/v330/photos/9/972239/3897326/2004_0101Image0006-vi.jpg
http://images18.fotki.com/v339/photos/9/972239/3897326/2004_0101Image0007-vi.jpg
http://images18.fotki.com/v329/photos/9/972239/3897326/2004_0101Image0008-vi.jpg
http://images18.fotki.com/v25/photos/9/972239/3897326/2004_0101Image0009-vi.jpg
http://images18.fotki.com/v24/photos/9/972239/3897326/2004_0101Image0011-vi.jpg
httphttp://images18.fotki.com/v339/photos/9/972239/3897326/2004_0101Image0010-1-vi.jpg (http://images18.fotki.com/v339/photos/9/972239/3897326/2004_0101Image0010-1-vi.jpg)
://images18.fotki.com/v24/photos/9/972239/3897326/2004_0101Image0011-vi.jpg
http://images18.fotki.com/v339/photos/9/972239/3897326/2004_0101Image0012-vi.jpg

Plus, I got some #11 blades to cut the doors with.

C'mon, Nuthin?:feedback: :attention

Sorry, i didn't realize the pics didn't work lemme try again...

My suggestion for the bed cap is to make the basic shape out of wood or clay or something, and then form sheet styrene over top of that. You have some time so look up vacuum-forming and see if it's something you can pull off. I'm sure that would work best for making the cab once you have the buck made.

the pics worked the other day, i saw them. odd.

if you're still not sure about making it i can write up a tutorial on it, and if you need any further help (like with making templates etc.) drop me a PM and i'll write one up as soon as possible. (most likely within 48 hours of recieving PM).

Yeah, I went to Fotki and found out my trial expired...sucks because I ain't
paying. You know any good services? I was using AF, but it says the image
must be smaller, or reduce the size of the images your trying to upload,
something like that. Weird.

Anyway, yes i've got lots of questions, because as i started to cut the
Silverado, i relized that it's gonna take forever.I will pm you some questions
about the cap making.

lemme try again...
http://images18.fotki.com/v330/free/229a5/9/972239/3897326/2004_0101Image0006-vi.jpg?1155691245

YESS!!!

ok here's more...
http://images14.fotki.com/v21/free/229a5/9/972239/3897326/2004_0101Image0005-vi.jpg?1155691237
http://images18.fotki.com/v339/free/229a5/9/972239/3897326/2004_0101Image0007-vi.jpg?1155691255
http://images18.fotki.com/v329/free/229a5/9/972239/3897326/2004_0101Image0008-vi.jpg?1155691265
http://images18.fotki.com/v25/free/229a5/9/972239/3897326/2004_0101Image0009-vi.jpg?1155691277
http://images18.fotki.com/v339/free/229a5/9/972239/3897326/2004_0101Image0010-1-vi.jpg?1155865702
http://images18.fotki.com/v24/free/229a5/9/972239/3897326/2004_0101Image0011-vi.jpg?1155691299
http://images18.fotki.com/v339/free/229a5/9/972239/3897326/2004_0101Image0012-vi.jpg?1155691307

Enjoy!

-Matt

You can post your pics for free at www.mypicturepalace.com There's no paid memberships, no advertisers, and (because there are no advertisers to please) very few rules about content.

very few rules about content
LOL
Yeah thats ok, apparantly they do have a free membership,
notice the pics work?

That truck camper will be very, very simple to build. No need for clay or wood bucks and no need for vacuu-forming. Just some sheet styrene and some patience, and you're golden. Make the front and rear bulkheads, with the correct shape, and perhaps one for the center for strength, out of thick styrene (I'd use .06 or .08). Use the same thickness styrene to make the "sides" (the ones hidden inside the bed) and "floor" of the camper top, and to give the the top enough strength for the next step. Then bend some thin styrene for the roof and sides. First, glue enough styrene to the top edges of the bulkheads, using Tenax or some other fast setting, super strong plastic welder. Then, do one side, carefully glueing down the curved corner along the top, and then down the side. Then do the other the same way. Then you'll have your basic camper top. Use strip styrene, in a square or rectangular shape, to make the reinforcing beading that goes around the whole camper top. Everything else can be made from strip styrene, from the roof rack to even the piano hinge door hinges. The beading around the window, even, from styrene rod. Use clear styrene for the window. Easy peasy! Probably one of the simplest scratch constructions out there, it'll be great to get you started scratchbuilding. If you want to go crazy with detail, look for some 1:24 truck parts for the handles, the hinges, etc. You may even find the ladders from Scale Equipment Limited or other such places, if you don't want to scratch them.

Make the front and rear bulkheads
Do you mean the support bars?


sides" (the ones hidden inside the bed) and "floor" of the camper top

What hidden sides? There is no floor, just the pickup bed.
It's not a camper, it's a utility cap.

No offense, but you have confused me.

Ok..I don't know the dimensions exactly of the utility cap. Nor do I have the pickup bed to measure to fit the jig into. But...http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/2175/1bulkheadwh7.jpg<-bulkhead. IE the main shape of the bed box thing. Will says make 3 of those. One for the front. One for the center, to support the sides. And one for the rear, that I reckon you'll be putting the doors on. For the sides, you build it up with styrene. Try a cardboard mockup 1st so you don't go wasting sheet stock. Good luck.

Can't I just make poles to support each corner?

Yes, exactly what Frank said. It doesn't matter if it's a utility cap or a camper top, in fact, I think that's just difference in regional diction, either way, it's going to build up the same. And, as Frank pointed out, by "bulkhead" I mean the front and rear walls. And perhaps a center wall if you are afraid it will be weak. There are a few threads where people built similar things and you can get an idea of how they go.

If you click here (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=318999&page=2) you can find AngelSaxo's off-road assistance Hilux, which while not exactly what you're building, will give you an idea of what Fubaz and I mean about constructing this camper utility top cap. It's very straightforward.

Can't I just make poles to support each corner?

Sure you can.

Okay, that's what i'll do, because i'm not making opening
doors, so it doesn't matter what the inside looks like.

Thanks Will, for the info and link.
Thanks Frank, for the info, too.

Good luck. Remember, AF is here for you:)

LOL!:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

No offense, but I just can't help but crack up
at that, it's like a mom comforting her child,
"It's okay, mommy's here for you honey."

I hope were still cool.

WOAH, wtf happened to my pics?:frown: :banghead: :banghead:

Yes. How old are you dude? BTW, AMT made a dodge ram with a long bed. Would that help any?

I've arranged with 2.2 straight six to get a Cummins 5.9.
I'll get my own turbo: It's a turbo diesel.

How old are you dude?
Why do you wanna know?


BTW, AMT made a dodge ram with a long bed. Would that
help any?

Wasn't that a dually, though? I think I've seen one before
on the testors website.

Cus your profile makes me think you are somewhere under 18, your 1:1 makes me think you are in your 30's.

There was a non dually version. I think there's one on Ebay this week.

14 yrs old. Surprising, huh?
And, yes, I really do own
that challenger.

Hmm, it may be too late, but maybe not.

The only problem is that I ve been ripped
off before on ebay, and i'm still sketchy
about using it.

14 yrs old. Surprising, huh?
And, yes, I really do own
that challenger.

nothing wrong with that, i'm only 17.

but i don't own a car...:frown:

How wierd is that?:screwy:

I thought you owned that golf in your sig.

How wierd is that?:screwy:

I thought you owned that golf in your sig.

it's my dad's. but he rarely drives it so i refer to is as "my car".

i hope you don't need the 5.9 urgently, i don't have an ETA on that yet. i may have to machine a lot of it, and my machine class doesn't start until the 23rd.

What kind of motor is your brothers truck 12 or 24 valve?

Oops sorry here you go http://cgi.ebay.com/AMT-Ertl-Dodge-Ram-2500-Pickup-Truck-Unb-Model-Kit_W0QQitemZ180025635771QQihZ008QQcategoryZ2584QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

2.2 Straight six: No, I don't need it urgently, take your time and
do a good job.

Dave: 24 valve. I saw that, but as I said, I don't trust ebay,
too many people looking to rip you off. Plus, it's a snap, and
doesn't that mean worse quality?

2.2 Straight six: No, I don't need it urgently, take your time and
do a good job.

Dave: 24 valve. I saw that, but as I said, I don't trust ebay,
too many people looking to rip you off. Plus, it's a snap, and
doesn't that mean worse quality?

Oh man lol i saw 2.2 straight six and was freaking out untill i saw that was his name ok thanks. lol

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Sorry for no recent updates, but cutting the Silverado
is very tedious and time consuming. What is the best
way to cut the whole body in half? The owner of my
LHS said to just keep scoring at it with my #11 blade.

Dremel thats what i use and it gets the job done.