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California Steve
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DUKW with a Big Block Chevy! What could go wrong?

September 1, 2014 · in Uncategorized · · 26 · 2.4K

Sometimes I just have to goof off. This is a scale kit that I modified a bit by
a little engine modification, larger tires and a active rear suspension,(last photo) I really had to modify the real wheel wells to fit the tires. In drag racing this is called tubbing.
I set up several photos, a couple outdoors and the "Wheelie" That was a fun one. On display the only noticeable modification is the wheel size. It sure is fun to lift the hood at club meets. Some of the post war DUKWs were outfitted with Chevrolet V8s.
Enjoy the madness,

California Steve

Reader reactions:
7  Awesome

7 additional images. Click to enlarge.


26 responses

  1. Hi Steve. I really like the wheelie. Is that old Private Gomer Pyle holding on for dear life? Nice build!

    • Why I think you are right Morne. I believe that might be Sargent Carter driving and trying to loose Pyle. No such luck!
      Thanks for the nice comment.
      California Steve

      California Steve

  2. Mad Steve, totally mad...
    Love it, I can almost smell the gas plus the smokin rubber.
    Well done mate.

  3. I like that a lot Steve, especially the "stick men" tumbling in the back on the cover shot.

    • Their not tumbling Rick. They are, exercising, yea, that's it,
      exercising. I had to add the "tilting barrels) have you ever noticed on some adventure rides they often have the "tilting barrels" over you head. I had to add this.
      Thanks Rick,
      California Steve

  4. Great "action shot", Steve...I like the way ya think! 🙂

  5. That model has a great sense of humor. 🙂

  6. California, hmmmmm. The stuff's legal out there now, aint it? You missed a chance to make a "Woodie" out of it...

  7. Funny stuff Bill. I wonder what would have turned out if I was from Colorado? A Woodie hmmmmm? Talk about a Chick magnet!
    Steve's "Cruze N Surf" another hmmmm.
    California Steve

  8. Given your "California" signature I would have thought you would have done this as a low rider complete with hydraulics.
    A little levity goes a long way.

  9. A-w-e-s-o-m-e, i always considered military models to be serious, but you have opened my eyes and mind. love the barrels, guys in the back, tire smoke...

  10. Very cool! Only thing missing is a pair of fuzzy dice hanging from the wind screen!

  11. I knew I forgot something! I am glad you like.
    Thanks Erich,
    California Steve

  12. Hi Steve, thats a hell of a DUKW ! 😀

  13. Thank you Bernd. I'm glad you you like her.
    California Steve

  14. CA Steve,
    Let me belatedly add my compliments to a humorous and creative model. However, I don't know if a big block Chevie would push it over the edge. There is a DUKW rolling around SF as a tour vehicle and it is BIG. Nice job.

  15. This is what I love about this site. You can go back and respond to past posts and they are not just lost. Now where was I, if you were to add one of those nice off road campers.. OK I'll stop. Haa Haa!

    After I put the V8 into her I went on U-tube and watched a V8 conversion on a DUKW. It really makes sense. More horsepower and more torque. And yes they are huge. What a great party boat to take to the Colorado river. A couple of EZ-ups tied down properly and Wham-O.. Chick magnet.

    Thanks again,

    California Steve

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