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Inside the box all the plastic parts are cast in black. The cab and the bed are a single piece molding, and the windshield and head light lenses are all tinted. Not very nice, but I was undeterred and decided to scratch build replacement parts. The kit has nice, clear instructions, and good decals.
I searched for a tow truck kit for the conversion, and I found a Revell Snaptite Chevy tow truck in 1/25. I found this kit was perfect for my concept. The Chevy retains the 80's style I wanted for the Jeep. The Snaptite kit is super easy to build. I personally don't like the soft plastic: it’s too rubbery. The Chevy is molded in orange plastic, with chrome parts and clear windshield. The instructions are very clear, the parts count is small, and the “decals” are self-adhesive stickers.
I began the conversion by separating the Jeep cab and bed. I checked these parts against the Chevy’s tow truck bed to measure the wheelbase. I needed to stretch the chassis and had to narrow it to allow for the twin tires of the rear axle. I scratch built a gas tank, and I added all of the necessary wiring, and fuel and brake lines. I used the Chevy’s tire and wheels. The wheels are chromed plated, they look nice, and I felt they were a nice option for a tow truck.
I installed the interior after I finished the chassis. The interior is basically OOB (Out Of the Box), except that I added a C.B. radio and some other details, such as switches, to the dashboard. I applied a coat of primer, but I was still undecided about the final color. I finally decided on yellow with a blue metallic stripe that follows the typical full size Jeep fender design. And I was pretty happy about that. I think also the sun visor I built from scratch enhanced the cab.
The engine is a classic AMC360 V8, which required some work too. I scratch built some parts all around the engine, like the air conditioning line/tank, horns, alternator, wire and brake/fuel lines, and other little stuff...
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