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Because my son was as interested as he was in the toy truck that I made my Godson, my wife suggested that I build him one. This time, I decided to paint it up like a Tonka Truck.
You would have thought that this one would have gone together effortlessly, but that was far from the case. I made many, many mistakes, some due to rushing, others due to just not paying attention.
I decided to tweak the initial design slightly, adding some "gas caps" and air tank, and a back bumper with stop lights.
This is made out of the same poplar and birch ply as last time. If you ask me, this looks good, but I like the natural finish look better. I have purchased off of eBay some real Tonka Truck decals to affix to the outside.
I used Ace Hardware Spray paint, and truthfully, I should have used a much higher quality spray paint. It has rubbed down to the primer in some areas already, and the primer bled through in some spots, and not in others, and not uniformly.
You can see some of the cosmetic differences between the first one and this one in the last picture.
This is a project that I'm just glad is over. It didn't go very smoothly for some reason this second time.
I have given my Godson the choice between the two. Secretly, I hope he takes the yellow one so my son can have the natural one!

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Comments

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119 Posts
Great looking truck…looks very sturdy. I made some cars for my Grandson last year and my daughter told me right away I must not know how hard kids can be on toys…he was one year old and the cars were cut from a 2×6….haven't any toys from him of late…perhaps when Mom is ready
 

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Even though the paint wore thin it still looks great! Nice job!
 

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Excellent work buddy! That is really cool. I am impressed with your attention to details.
 

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259 Posts
Both toy trucks look great. Like more the natural one. Kids will love them. Great job!
 

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Okay Scott which one of these two beaut trucks did he select…...either way both boys will have hours of fun and play….well done.
 

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Wow, thanks guys for the feedback! My Godson wanted the unpainted one, which is my favorite, and that is OK! My son plays with the painted one. I have since purchased some Tonka Truck water transfer decals and have affixed them onto the truck. I will be putting a clear coat on it shortly, the paint needed to harden, which I think I put the coats on too thick, because it took a few days for it to stop being tacky.
The only concern I have with both is that I used 3/4" poplar for the bed, and it will slam down hard if allowed to drop onto the body. My thoughts go to pinched fingers. The unpainted one, I have put some dowels in it to provide the correct clearance above the cab. The painted one does not have that, so I watch my kids carefully when they play with it. My son is small enough that he can ride in the bed with ease, it's kind of funny to watch!

I head out again for deployment (4 months this time, and I just got back in early June) and when I get back, I'll be building a couple of things for the workshop, but I have to build a kitchen table next, so I'll post that when completed. I'm also going to be collecting some pallets to do a deck cooler that I have seen posted on here a few times! The list of "wants and needs" from the wife is getting longer but my time is at a premium right now!
 

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8 Posts
love that truck!
 
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