Yup, as usual, we'll see how it goes... I'm leaning for a stretch job like the others for stability... and the front being a combination like the short one. The dump needs to be part of the front... for a neat little cubby hole up front for stuff... plus it makes it long enough.
So, onward.
I did a once over on the Tonkas I have and decided to ultimately keep one set of the two I have... which means... figure out which ones to save, and which ones to use for parts on the others and this build...
First up, find the dump truck that's the most beat up and use it.
And that must have been my favorite because I remember chucking one of these dump trucks off my garage as a kid... and lighting fireworks in the drivers seat... and dumping oil in the back... and... Oh heck... Wait, did I attempt to set this one on fire? Nope. Whew.
Too bad they don't make stuff like this anymore... perfect for the Kart Rod. Authentic, tough... and it gets a new life. I'm sure it always wished it could have a heart (an engine, be a real boy...) and it's gonna get one.
Found it, disassemble, clean up, bend back into shape...
and I don't even have a kart frame yet for this one.
Anyway, parts, check.
We'll hook these two together and put an inner frame into it for the front clip... then some nifty additions.
The engine will be yellow most likely... Air filter cover and engine cover could see other tonka parts.
Please bow your heads in a moment of silence. A few Tonka's are going to lose their lives in this build... and one already did.
Know what amazes me? See the little exhaust stacks on this? They're rubber... and still flexible, not a crack in them, totally fine... after 40 years. Why don't we make stuff like this anymore?
