Turning a 2 rear axle frame into a single

[oldcat]

Got AMT's Astro 95 and have just cut the cab into a daycab...now I want to hack the frame to make it a single rear axle. How does one do this with this frame/kit?...or am I better off finding a different frame that's already single rear?
For reference, I have two AMT postal ford kits{making a set of pups from them}, one IMT L700 dodge and the new lindburg L700 cab/trailer kit coming{one of these days}, to work with as donars if need be.
Actually, one of the fords is to become a Mack when I can get the headlight/grill made or bought.

[1modelnut0]

i am using a gmc general for my single axle kit bash. kits like this and some of the pete 359's have independent rear axles. I am using the rear axle of the two axle truck. at least thats what i was told when i asked the question myself.

[oldcat]

Yeah, the astro has a pivoting beam set up for both the axles...I wondered if I could cut the "pivot" off of the spring{each side} and glue the rear of the two origonal axles to that point...have to splice/make a drive shaft, no big deal there, since I know I'll have to make new exhaust and intake pipes anyway for the daycab set up.

[oldcat]

Hey, you check email?{trailer kit}

[1modelnut0]

i did check my e-mail. i'll get back with you tomorrow on that. thanks. jim

[Rustycab]

oldcat said:

Actually, one of the fords is to become a Mack when I can get the headlight/grill made or bought.

I make resin headlights and grille for mack r model if needed $5 bucks includes shipping
Take paypal or money order

[78KW]

rustycab said:

oldcat said:

Actually, one of the fords is to become a Mack when I can get the headlight/grill made or bought.

I make resin headlights and grille for mack r model if needed $5 bucks includes shipping
Take paypal or money order

He might be referring to a Mack model N tractor. They use the exact same cab as the Ford C series, only there are 4 headlights, and a piece of aluminum/chrome trim across the front.

[78KW]

When doing this conversion, the rearmost drive axle is used. As for the suspension, I don't know what to do about that with this particular setup in the kit. You may be able to do what thought of with the kit susp. The single axle daycab has a 110, or 118" wheelbase if that helps. The brochures should clarify this more. That's the info I remember from the book "Building Model Trucks" by Phil Jensen. He used a Ford rear axle and suspension for his though. The book is at home, or I would be able to give more info. Good luck with yours.

[oldcat]

Ray is correct..the budd body/N version.
I've got the mackR model kit{don't see why it goes for so much on ebay}.

[78KW]

public.fotki.com/modeltrucks25thscale/truck_brochures/gmc/

This is the link I posted in the CBP pages that will show you actual GMC Astro Brochures from the '70s and '80s. They include wheelbase specs. I hope it helps you.

[phoneguy]

if you have the ford short hauler or ford stake truck, the susp. & axle will work on the satro since both are single axle trucks with the standard spring susp. I've done this on most of my single axle conversions unless I make it air ride.

Jerry

[crashalot2]

I have a set of rear springs for the short hauler or the c600 if you want them. My e-mail is [e-mail]

[oldcat]

Thanks guys, I cut the beam off of the leaf spring form the double unit rear, cut a 1/16 pocket out of the spring and set the rear axle in...has about an 1/8 raise on the rear from the front{axle center height}. I could live with that I think......