I’m just stating to build this kit , my first semi model but like you i have been building models almost 50 years. I appreciate your tips and will compensate when i assemble mine . I’ll scratch build my steps and plan to spend extra time fitting the interior. I was gifted this kit and will give the built model to the person who gave it to me. Yours looks great!
Great video, i built mine about 4yrs ago, had issues with exhaust pipes from engine to mufflers, your steps look like they're on wrong sides, i extended frame on mine 5inches with custom straight pipes & pulls a cattle trailer, truck/trailer color matched, wish i could send you pics of mine, i also do scratch builds, but yea great channel keep up good info
Hi I love the volvo g 88 g89 wall poster you have.. We had a g88 that did 3 million miles. Not km. We still have it.. Been a volvo mechanic myself for 30 years
Hi Bruce Wow, 3 million miles :-o Well, that just shows the quality of Volvo trucks :-) The poster is actually a picture I found online, and printed myself :-)
Thank you Sir your decription of the problems associated with this kit build was excellent I think that even though you achieved a wonderful result I think that I will not rush into purchasing that kit.
Thank you for your kind words, I appriciate it. And yes, I will only recommend this kit for the quite experienced model builder. It is definately not a beginners model. I dont know how experienced you are as a model builder, but at least you know the problems with this kit now :-)
Hello there my friend, what a great job on a kit with a few issues, a beautiful truck and colour I'm in the middle of building it up myself, thank you for the heads up.
Know what I thank, for what you had to put up with, I thank you did a fine job of building that truck. It looks great. I would be proud to put that model on my shelf. You keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing.👍
Thank you very much Clarence, well, I am happy with it considering all the problems building it. Definately not a beginners kit. Thank you, and your welcome buddy :-D
Lovely job,great work! You said it! Its a 50 yr old kit,get used to it! It also comes in a 2-1 kit where you can build it as a day cab or sleeper! This is what modelling is about. Patience! Modify,adjust and conquer! The footwell steps under the doors clash with the interior fit! I’ve built 4 of these-a standard build,a rigid 8 wheeler,
GREAT video. Thank you for taking your time in explaining the various issues with this kit. Very, very helpful. Your finished Freightliner looks great.
I recently built this one as a day cab. Others had warned about issues with this kit so I was able to address the problems from the beginning. Perhaps that's why it didn't seem so bad to me. The biggest issue I had was my kit came with a pretty severe warp in the cab which took some doing to straighten out. Yours turned out great.
Thank you buddy, well there are some issues, and you can see it on the model. But thinking of how much it actually fought all the way, I am pleased with the result. Your daycab looks great :-D
This kit has long been a favorite of truck modelers and those problems - cab seam, rivets, steps, etc - have plagued them for decades. It is a shame that AMT did not take the time to correct these inaccuracies before they re-released this popular Freightliner. Still, you did a fine job with this kit.👍
Great looking truck. I just purchased this truck and I haven't started on it yet because I am trying to watch videos on how to put the tires and rims together once I seen how difficult they were I put it all back in the box until I get more info about this truck. But I might order me another freightliner and use this truck for parts. But I was going with blue as well. Thank you for the information on this model.
I currently drive a truck in Arizona and the law here regarding the mud flaps is they cannot be more than 12 inches from the ground even when the truck is in motion. Many trucks here have heavy chains on the back of the flap (the logo side) to prevent the flaps from riding too high to avoid a ticket. I drive and deliver to different locations and I can’t tell you how many mud flaps I’ve torn off because I had to back over a curb and ran over and torn off my own flap. Fantastic job I just purchased the day cab/sleeper either or kit, thanks for the heads up.👍
You are most welcome, and thank you for clearing that up, regarding the mudflaps. I can understand it must be annoying to tear off the mudflaps on your own truck in that way...
A company named archer makes rivets on decal sheet you can replace the lost rivet detales the rivets come on a clear decal film you apply them like you would regular decals I have this same kit I remember as a young kid building this back in the mid 1970s and yes you can get after market steps for it Cheers great build keep them coming
Thank you, thats great information. I will definately look into those rivets for future builds. And thank you for the nice words on my build, I appriciate it :-)
Thank you very much. I hope my video will help you when you build yours. Please share pics of the finished model, on my Facebook group. Link are under all my videos. Happy modelling 😁
I built 3 different versions. Day cab single axle sleeper single axle,and a stretched out frame sleeper tandem axle. I didn't have any trouble. Used tube glue on the seam. Squish the parts together till melted plastic beads up and dint use a bit of filler. I didn't have the wide front axle issue either! Must have got lucky on that!
Well, I guess some are lucky, some are unlucky with their kits. I know some builders complained that the front axles in several of the old AMT big rig kits, are too wide. As I mention in the video, it dont bother me, I think it looks okay
Kim, I used to own a 1979 Freightliner c.o.e. with my best friend and ex truck- ing partner. This kit was very hard to build when it was first issued, due to warpage. The steps are not representative of what's on the real truck.The wheel issue made many modelers either cut & narrow the axle, or trim the wheel hubs so the wheels would sit in closer. I don't know if the re- releases of these old kits have had the dies cleaned up or not. The old Ertl kits(now AMT) were much better builds w/ closer fits.
I wish I could own a 1/1 Freightliner COE to go to truck meetings. That would be cool. Well, the one I built here are the latest reissue, so they did not do anything to the kit, unfortunately. I have some of the older ERTL kits, and you are right, they are better than the old AMT kits,
One of my favorite models! Yes there is many flaws with this kit but that's what model building is all about. I have built several of these already and, I know them inside and out im doing one now stretched frame air ride! V12 twin turbo Detroit Diesel engine from the Tyrone Malone race truck! Also it,s a dble bunk. I will post pictures when finished.
Thank you Dave, I am very happy that you found the video helpful. That was of course the idea, så I can only be pleased, that it worked for you :-) Thank you for the kind words :-)
I’ve seen some other videos about this kit. The issues you’ve encountered are inline with what other builders have had. Yours looks great! As for the mud flaps, there is no real standard for a “gap” from the ground to the bottom of the flap. It really depends on the driver and the look he/she is trying to achieve.
Thank you Ray. Yes, it is a kit that needs special attention when you build it, thats for shure. But it looks nice when its finished. Thank you for clearing that up regarding the mudflaps. Well, its up to personal taste then, if you leave them, or shorten them as I did :-)
Yours came out nice! I built the "day cab" SD version with CF markings, and I didn't have too many issues. I'm about to start on the DD "sleeper", and I'm expecting a few issues as they are a bit different.
Kim I have to say you are an incredible builder to take on that awful kit and complete it so nicely. I tried to build it over 10 years ago but got so frustrated with it I gave it away. I wanted to have a model of it because I drove three versions of it but even with incentive like that it was too much to enjoy the build. I am just about to finish the new IH 4070A kit and it is a pleasure to build. All new tool and it's an AMT too. Not my favorite model company. Thinking I may put the Frieghtliner cab on one of those new kits.
Thank you very much Lee, I appriciate it :-) I have to admit though, that the Freightliner fought me all the way. It was an ongoing battle building that kit. But I got stubbern and did NOT want to quit. I hope one day I can afford to buy the new IH, it must be an absolute pleasure to build that kit. The feeling of building an AMT big rig, that just go together with no issues. Sweet. Thats not what we are used to, building AMT big rigs. Most of them are very challenging.
Lee Stimson The reason why the IH was such a good model is that it was originally molded in the 1970's by Ertl. They had a range of truck models called Blueprinter. I have the original kit, unbuilt and the crisp molding, details and instructions put any AMT truck model of the same era, to shame. I think the IH has had some work done on the molds for the new re-release. Either way, it is a great kit.
Beautiful build I don't know how if you put the bed in the interior but if you leave it out the interior will fit better i have the single drive kit the duel drive has too many issues for me
Thank you Valdemar, well, I did in fact not put the bed in the interior because I used the closed "wall" between driver- and sleep compartment :-) I have never built the single axle.
Thanks for the video, your build looks great. I recently completed mine (you can watch part one and part two on my channel) And I had a lot of the same issues. I thought for sure that the cab was going to split while I was installing that interior, tight fit but I finally got it in there. Mine actually looks very similar to yours. All and all I like the finished product, but what a challenge. Just subscribed to your channel, Have a great day.
Thank you for subbing. I will definately check your channel out as soon as I can. And thank you for the kind words on my Freightliner. Yeah, it was scaring putting that interior into that cab. I still dont understand how I could do it, withot splitting the cab. But it IS a nice looking truck once its finished :-)
Hi Kim, I am now working no this and just came across your video. Your truck came out really nice! I am experiencing a lot of the same issues, and agree the radius rods make no sense in how they show them, best i could tell the go behind the springs but they are not worth the fight. May I ask where I can find the aftermarket steps?
Oh, I`m sorry I dont know who (if any now) has the aftermarket steps. Somebody told me when I was building it. Thank you for the kind words, I hope my video can help you out a bit. 😀 I just dumped the rods 😅
Thank you John, good luck with yours. If you are not allready a member, join our Facebook group Kims Kustom Garage - Members group (link in the video descriptions) and post pics of yours, when its finished :-)
Hello again Kim I am just building the chassis right now and the rear wheel ends are not lineing up on this one either. And i am lost on the shifter bracket. Im sure i will have more issues but ur video is a big help. TY Kim
@@johntrader8964 Thank you John, I`m glad my video can help you, but I`m sorry your having problems with the kit. But I guess that was to be expected. Anyway, I`m sure you can work around it :-)
This waz a Nightmare to build!!! I will never build this kit again.After Blood-Sweat-Tear,s. I got it done. You me Danish friend had the same problem,s we all had. Felt like stringing the A-Hole who put this Nightmare on sale to US modelers!! I guess they thought that $$$$$ waz the Bottom Line and Fu*k us model builders. You did a kick ass job on this one!!!......So if you keep building them an I will keep watching them. All Good from Canada. 👍.
This kit sucked. I’m gonna go with the GMC Cab Over. I’m at the point where I just want it done. Mine would not fit between the wheels either. Horrible instructions too.
I’m just stating to build this kit , my first semi model but like you i have been building models almost 50 years. I appreciate your tips and will compensate when i assemble mine . I’ll scratch build my steps and plan to spend extra time fitting the interior. I was gifted this kit and will give the built model to the person who gave it to me. Yours looks great!
Mine never got finished. Total disaster. Yours looks amazing!!! Excellent work!!!!
Either way, despite the flaws, I think you did a splendid job. Sehr Gut.
Great video, i built mine about 4yrs ago, had issues with exhaust pipes from engine to mufflers, your steps look like they're on wrong sides, i extended frame on mine 5inches with custom straight pipes & pulls a cattle trailer, truck/trailer color matched, wish i could send you pics of mine, i also do scratch builds, but yea great channel keep up good info
Thank you Kim for your thoughts on the kit!
Hi I love the volvo g 88 g89 wall poster you have..
We had a g88 that did 3 million miles.
Not km.
We still have it..
Been a volvo mechanic myself for 30 years
Hi Bruce
Wow, 3 million miles :-o Well, that just shows the quality of Volvo trucks :-)
The poster is actually a picture I found online, and printed myself :-)
Thank you Sir your decription of the problems associated with this kit build was excellent I think that even though you achieved a wonderful result I think that I will not rush into purchasing that kit.
Thank you for your kind words, I appriciate it. And yes, I will only recommend this kit for the quite experienced model builder. It is definately not a beginners model.
I dont know how experienced you are as a model builder, but at least you know the problems with this kit now :-)
When you have to point out the issues, because they don't stand out, you know you have a great model. I love AMT trucks and you did this one right!
Hello there my friend, what a great job on a kit with a few issues, a beautiful truck and colour I'm in the middle of building it up myself, thank you for the heads up.
Know what I thank, for what you had to put up with, I thank you did a fine job of building that truck. It looks great. I would be proud to put that model on my shelf. You keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing.👍
Thank you very much Clarence, well, I am happy with it considering all the problems building it. Definately not a beginners kit. Thank you, and your welcome buddy :-D
Kim, despite the problems you faced you still came up with a great looking truck! Nice work!
Thank you very much Richard, I appriciate it :-D
U did an awesome job... I built 4 of these every time I build it I learn to like it more .
Thank you :-)
Wow 4 of these? Some people would call that self-torture :-D
Lovely job,great work! You said it! Its a 50 yr old kit,get used to it! It also comes in a 2-1 kit where you can build it as a day cab or sleeper! This is what modelling is about. Patience! Modify,adjust and conquer! The footwell steps under the doors clash with the interior fit! I’ve built 4 of these-a standard build,a rigid 8 wheeler,
And a also a tri drive stretched and a single drive yardie👍🇦🇺😎
Thank you :-) Yes I know how it is with old models. I have built models for allmost 50 years so I know the game :-D
GREAT video.
Thank you for taking your time in explaining the various issues with this kit. Very, very helpful.
Your finished Freightliner looks great.
Thank you very much I appriciate it. I am happy to be able to help out fellow modelers :-)
I recently built this one as a day cab. Others had warned about issues with this kit so I was able to address the problems from the beginning. Perhaps that's why it didn't seem so bad to me. The biggest issue I had was my kit came with a pretty severe warp in the cab which took some doing to straighten out. Yours turned out great.
Thank you buddy, well there are some issues, and you can see it on the model. But thinking of how much it actually fought all the way, I am pleased with the result. Your daycab looks great :-D
This kit has long been a favorite of truck modelers and those problems - cab seam, rivets, steps, etc - have plagued them for decades. It is a shame that AMT did not take the time to correct these inaccuracies before they re-released this popular Freightliner.
Still, you did a fine job with this kit.👍
Great looking truck. I just purchased this truck and I haven't started on it yet because I am trying to watch videos on how to put the tires and rims together once I seen how difficult they were I put it all back in the box until I get more info about this truck. But I might order me another freightliner and use this truck for parts. But I was going with blue as well. Thank you for the information on this model.
I currently drive a truck in Arizona and the law here regarding the mud flaps is they cannot be more than 12 inches from the ground even when the truck is in motion. Many trucks here have heavy chains on the back of the flap (the logo side) to prevent the flaps from riding too high to avoid a ticket. I drive and deliver to different locations and I can’t tell you how many mud flaps I’ve torn off because I had to back over a curb and ran over and torn off my own flap. Fantastic job I just purchased the day cab/sleeper either or kit, thanks for the heads up.👍
You are most welcome, and thank you for clearing that up, regarding the mudflaps. I can understand it must be annoying to tear off the mudflaps on your own truck in that way...
A company named archer makes rivets on decal sheet you can replace the lost rivet detales the rivets come on a clear decal film you apply them like you would regular decals I have this same kit I remember as a young kid building this back in the mid 1970s and yes you can get after market steps for it
Cheers great build keep them coming
Thank you, thats great information. I will definately look into those rivets for future builds. And thank you for the nice words on my build, I appriciate it :-)
am currently building...something from my youth I had always wanted to build...will keep an eye out for these issues..great tips..enjoy
Thank you Michael, and good luck with your Freightliner :-)
Your observations are appreciated. I will keep them in mind when I start building this kit. Regardless, you did a great job on the truck!
Thank you very much. I hope my video will help you when you build yours. Please share pics of the finished model, on my Facebook group. Link are under all my videos. Happy modelling 😁
You did a great job with that kit...
Great work on the COE!!!!
I never noticed the headlight issue. Thanks!
I Dont think that many do, and in MY oppinion, it is`nt woth the amount of work, to correct it. :-)
I tried to build this kit as a kid back in 1975 and it was just as bad it hasn't changed
No, but maybe you could take it on now, its a challenge but you can do it :-)
I built it when I was 12 back in 1977, I’m gonna try and recreate the allied van lines when I tackle this kit again in the near future
Great build! I built this as a single axle
I built 3 different versions. Day cab single axle sleeper single axle,and a stretched out frame sleeper tandem axle. I didn't have any trouble. Used tube glue on the seam. Squish the parts together till melted plastic beads up and dint use a bit of filler. I didn't have the wide front axle issue either! Must have got lucky on that!
Well, I guess some are lucky, some are unlucky with their kits. I know some builders complained that the front axles in several of the old AMT big rig kits, are too wide. As I mention in the video, it dont bother me, I think it looks okay
Nice sweet builds brother!
Kim, I used to own a 1979 Freightliner c.o.e. with my best friend and ex truck- ing partner. This kit was very hard to build when it was first issued, due to warpage. The steps are not representative of what's on the real truck.The wheel issue made many modelers either cut & narrow the axle, or trim the wheel hubs so the wheels would sit in closer. I don't know if the re- releases of these old kits have had the dies cleaned up or not. The old Ertl kits(now AMT) were much better builds w/ closer fits.
I wish I could own a 1/1 Freightliner COE to go to truck meetings. That would be cool.
Well, the one I built here are the latest reissue, so they did not do anything to the kit, unfortunately.
I have some of the older ERTL kits, and you are right, they are better than the old AMT kits,
One of my favorite models! Yes there is many flaws with this kit but that's what model building is all about. I have built several of these already and, I know them inside and out im doing one now stretched frame air ride! V12 twin turbo Detroit Diesel engine from the Tyrone Malone race truck! Also it,s a dble bunk. I will post pictures when finished.
God that's a good looking truck .
Beautiful Freightliner
Thank you very much, Doc :-)
@@kimskustomgarage9578 You betcha Kim!!
Thank you for the information. I found it helpful. Nice job on the video and the truck. 😎
Thank you Dave, I am very happy that you found the video helpful. That was of course the idea, så I can only be pleased, that it worked for you :-)
Thank you for the kind words :-)
I’ve seen some other videos about this kit. The issues you’ve encountered are inline with what other builders have had. Yours looks great! As for the mud flaps, there is no real standard for a “gap” from the ground to the bottom of the flap. It really depends on the driver and the look he/she is trying to achieve.
Thank you Ray. Yes, it is a kit that needs special attention when you build it, thats for shure. But it looks nice when its finished. Thank you for clearing that up regarding the mudflaps. Well, its up to personal taste then, if you leave them, or shorten them as I did :-)
Thanks for tips and info on this kit.
You`re welcome. Nice if it can help building the kit :-D
Looks great
Yours came out nice! I built the "day cab" SD version with CF markings, and I didn't have too many issues. I'm about to start on the DD "sleeper", and I'm expecting a few issues as they are a bit different.
Thank you. Yeah, I think most builders who built this one, had issues of some kind :-)
Kim I have to say you are an incredible builder to take on that awful kit and complete it so nicely. I tried to build it over 10 years ago but got so frustrated with it I gave it away. I wanted to have a model of it because I drove three versions of it but even with incentive like that it was too much to enjoy the build. I am just about to finish the new IH 4070A kit and it is a pleasure to build. All new tool and it's an AMT too. Not my favorite model company. Thinking I may put the Frieghtliner cab on one of those new kits.
Thank you very much Lee, I appriciate it :-)
I have to admit though, that the Freightliner fought me all the way. It was an ongoing battle building that kit. But I got stubbern and did NOT want to quit.
I hope one day I can afford to buy the new IH, it must be an absolute pleasure to build that kit. The feeling of building an AMT big rig, that just go together with no issues. Sweet. Thats not what we are used to, building AMT big rigs. Most of them are very challenging.
Lee Stimson The reason why the IH was such a good model is that it was originally molded in the 1970's by Ertl. They had a range of truck models called Blueprinter. I have the original kit, unbuilt and the crisp molding, details and instructions put any AMT truck model of the same era, to shame. I think the IH has had some work done on the molds for the new re-release. Either way, it is a great kit.
Great final!
I am struggling with building this kit now. It is taking many modifications to build but it will be nice when it is done.
Yeah, it is quite a job, but it turns into a nice model. Good luck with yours :-)
pure art brother very enjoyable
Thank you very much, I appriciate it :-)
Beautiful build I don't know how if you put the bed in the interior but if you leave it out the interior will fit better i have the single drive kit the duel drive has too many issues for me
Thank you Valdemar, well, I did in fact not put the bed in the interior because I used the closed "wall" between driver- and sleep compartment :-)
I have never built the single axle.
Thanks for the video, your build looks great. I recently completed mine (you can watch part one and part two on my channel) And I had a lot of the same issues. I thought for sure that the cab was going to split while I was installing that interior, tight fit but I finally got it in there. Mine actually looks very similar to yours. All and all I like the finished product, but what a challenge. Just subscribed to your channel, Have a great day.
Thank you for subbing. I will definately check your channel out as soon as I can.
And thank you for the kind words on my Freightliner. Yeah, it was scaring putting that interior into that cab. I still dont understand how I could do it, withot splitting the cab. But it IS a nice looking truck once its finished :-)
Yeah, this one is a pain in the ass. LOL Nice build!
It is, and thank you very much :-)
Hi Kim, I am now working no this and just came across your video. Your truck came out really nice! I am experiencing a lot of the same issues, and agree the radius rods make no sense in how they show them, best i could tell the go behind the springs but they are not worth the fight. May I ask where I can find the aftermarket steps?
Oh, I`m sorry I dont know who (if any now) has the aftermarket steps. Somebody told me when I was building it. Thank you for the kind words, I hope my video can help you out a bit. 😀
I just dumped the rods 😅
Looks good im building one now
Thank you John, good luck with yours. If you are not allready a member, join our Facebook group Kims Kustom Garage - Members group (link in the video descriptions) and post pics of yours, when its finished :-)
Hello again Kim
I am just building the chassis right now and the rear wheel ends are not lineing up on this one either. And i am lost on the shifter bracket. Im sure i will have more issues but ur video is a big help.
TY Kim
@@johntrader8964 Thank you John, I`m glad my video can help you, but I`m sorry your having problems with the kit. But I guess that was to be expected. Anyway, I`m sure you can work around it :-)
Please does anyone know what this paint color is called I was told it’s a factory paint color but I can’t find it anywhere
Overall a nice build I think 🤔
Hi guys. Please join our Facebook group "Kims Kustom Garage - members group". Link below
facebook.com/groups/227391265958159
I built that kit 41yrs ago I think the Problem I had with it Cab mounts .and The Instructions did Suck.
Yeah, it certainly does have its share of issues....
What color is it
Its a Motip automotive spray bomb. I dont have the can anymore, but I think it was # 53934
I built this kit and is the worst one I have done. I have built many.very frustrating to build.
Very nice 👍👍
We have the actual truck and need to repaint some repairs and no one can paint match it
Looks good to me thanks for the information I will not get that kit
Thank you Curtis :-)
Well, you can get it, just expect it to be a challenging build :-)
I have seen alot of bad things about amt models I will stick will revell
This waz a Nightmare to build!!!
I will never build this kit again.After Blood-Sweat-Tear,s. I got it done. You me Danish friend had the same problem,s we all had. Felt like stringing the A-Hole who put this Nightmare on sale to US modelers!! I guess they thought that $$$$$ waz the Bottom Line and Fu*k us model builders. You did a kick ass job on this one!!!......So if you keep building them an I will keep watching them. All Good from Canada. 👍.
✌️🔧🔧🔧🔧👍🍻🇺🇸
This kit sucked. I’m gonna go with the GMC Cab Over. I’m at the point where I just want it done.
Mine would not fit between the wheels either. Horrible instructions too.
Yeah lots of problems, but it does build in to a nice truck, IF you can finish it :-D