Model Truckin': Five Radical Custom Pickup Ideas in Scale
We've already highlighted some of our favorite scale model builds from this year's NNL West expo, but as we made our way around the display areas we were especially impressed by the number of model pickup truck builds on hand.
So with that in mind we decided to round up five more favorites that demonstrate the talent and creativity of these builders and might just inspire your next pickup truck build. Let's take a look.
1. Custom Ford Dually
There is always something cool about a dually pickup truck that's slammed to the ground,
and the same can be same about plastic models as well—as evidenced by this sweet looking Ford.
As you can see, the builder E. Gudino not only body-dropped the truck, but he also fitted it with a set of big Alcoa wheels, and you can see the gigantic rear tires as part of the exposed rear suspension.
2. GTR-Powered Datsun 620
Chester Smith used MPC's 1975 Datsun 620 kit as the base for this radical custom build.
It includes widened fenders, vintage JDM Sakura wheels, suicide doors and a whole lot of patina.
Not only that, he took the whole thing an extra step further and finished it off with a twin turbo V6 engine swap from an R35 Nissan GT-R. The result is the ultimate vintage Japanese rat rod.
3. Slammed Toyota Tacoma
Next we've got another lowered pickup, this one a '95 Toyota Tacoma built by Peter Smith.
Not only does it look great, the build is dripping with details. Check out the air bags, air tank and custom chassis work visible in the bed.
There's been an equal amount of effort put into the front end of the truck as well. Here you can see the V8 swap in the engine bay, and if you look at the underside of the hood you'll see some custom cherry blossom artwork as well.
4. The Trailer Park Limo
Behold this radically customized 1970s Ford F-350 Camper Special that's been dubbed the "Trailer Park Limo" by its builder, Dave McGowan.
As you can see, it's sporting a number of both modern and retro custom touches.
Along with the slammed ride height, Dave has added a ton of cool touches including side mount spare tires, plaid upholstery, mudflaps and, of course, a set of longhorns on the hood.
5. GMC Sierra Meets Lamborghini Countach
What do you get when you cross a 1980s square body GMC Sierra pickup with a 1980s Italian Supercar? You get this one-off creation from the mind of builder Chester Smith.
Using an MPC kit as his base, Chester went wild, giving the pickup an '80s inspired wide body conversion and then placing a V12 engine from a Lamborghini Countach directly behind the cab.
Chester's custom pickup is the perfect example of the creativity that's found in today's model car scene and a perfect way to wrap up our coverage from this year's NNL West show.
Needless to say, we are already getting excited for next year's show where we can see what kind of new projects these and other builders have cooking over the next 12 months. Chances are it's gonna be great.
And in you missed it, here are five other inspiring scale builds from this year's show to check out.
