Post by highwayman97 on Sept 15, 2018 3:20:27 GMT -5
In earlier threads I have mentioned some variations to the US tipper:
The most significant changes to this model happened around the time that the GI Joe set was introduced in 1984 when the chassis was modified so it could be used with a troop carrier top as an option to the tipper bucket.
The most significant changes to this model happened around the time that the GI Joe set was introduced in 1984 when the chassis was modified so it could be used with a troop carrier top as an option to the tipper bucket.
As previously stated - Two extra holes were added between the rear axle and the pivot point for the tipping body. Also the opening above the weight and motor was changed from a rectangle into a capital T. So if you lift the tipper body and glance at the opening beneath you can quickly see if it is a modified chassis or an early one.
What I missed until my chum Doug pointed it out, was the addition of very small Peterbilt logo on the front of the radiator and also on the sides of the Hood. It is very small and is half way down each side towards the front. It is too small to photograph, especially with my skill level!
Also very hard to see is the writing - It looks like a little Ford logo in shape at first, but if you look hard or use a manginfier, you can see the word PETERBILT is there in capitals, not the flowery writing of the actual Peterbilt logo, but still impressive.
Here is an image of the design of the real Peterbilt logo: wall.alphacoders.com/big.php?i=413170
As far as I know all tippers with the modified GI Joe type chassis have these logos, as do some tractor cabs, presumably made after this date, but the change does not appear to have affected the Wrecker.
Some time ago on e-bay someone was selling genuine chromed radiator and exhaust stack moldings for US-1: Those radiators had the Peterbilt badge on the front: So if your truck has radiator with a logo, but there is nothing on the sides of the hood, I guess the radiator has been replaced? Maybe it was leaking?
Best way to tell if any of the chromework has been replaced is to look inside - Tyco always burred the stalks over neatly with a special heat tool....(not a soldering iron!)
So it looked like the logo was added around 1984 when the GI Joe set came along? Just to throw a rock in pond - I have a Blue and Silver Tipper which I understand was introduced around 1983. This does not have the chassis modifications for the GI Joe troop carier, but it does have the Peterbilt logos.
Also, looking at the introduction dates for the colour schemes of the tractor cabs that I have with the logos, seems to confirm the 1983 date of this change. However as yet - no common yellow/orange tractor (as featured in most of the sets) has been found with the logos....similarly no common green tippers are known with them either.....
Weird or what?
Over to you!
James
