I had the following questions asked on another website while I was building the kit.

"I was wondering if you were going to build this subject to an accurate level for this subject and address the cargo bed issue of the AFV club kit. The kit provides the later M54A2C drop-side cargo bed, but Easy Rider has the early standard M54A2 cargo bed with the tool box mounted under the driver side front."

At the time, my answer was, No.  However, since then, 3D printed solid-sided bed parts are now available.

I just ran across the set on eBay, by the_swoose. Set includes: x1 headboard, x2 sides, x1 tailgate, x2 reflectors for headboard, x1 exhaust, x1 air cleaner intake, x1 storage bin, x1 mud flap. It looks pretty nice.

One ordered. 

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1/35 M54A1 Conversion for AFV Club US M54A2 5-Ton 6x6 Cargo Truck Vietnam Gun | eBay 

So now, the answer is a resounding Yes!

Easy Rider has gone into the maintenance shop to prep it for backdating. From pics I can find, I believe it was an M52A1. The A1 had the earlier bed, open air intake, and a straight exhaust coming out below the fender.

So far, I have removed the exhaust stack, filled the hole in the fender, and replaced the angled mirror supports with straight ones. I have also removed the additional air cleaner on the intake and reverted back to the open intake pipe, which is also included in the AFV Club kit.

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I also popped out the armored box in the bed, removed the sides and front plates, sanded the bed smooth, and cut and sanded all the hinges off the lower sides of the bed. It is now ready to receive the 3D printed A1/A2 bed without drop-sides.

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I also ordered another set of the Star decals to replace ones on the bed sides.

More updates after I get the bed parts.

Hello Gino!

I admire your dedication to the subject! It will be cool to see it 100% correct.

Good luck with your build and have a nice day

Paweł

Thanks Pawel.  I do like to get them as "right" as possible.

Here is the 3D printed cargo bed backdate in place. The parts are awesome. They only took a light sanding where the supports attached to clean them up. No Issue adding the parts to the kit either. They fit perfectly.

Here it is with the proper bed.

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Even the slots for the canvas bows are hollowed out.

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I highly recommend this set. I may have to get another for a future build.

Hello Gino!

Very nice! Although I'm afraid only experts can see the difference without a hint from somebody else...

Thanks for sharing and have a nice day

Paweł

Thanks Pawel.  I hear you, but I know it is right.

Yeah, I would have done it too! If I was building it I mean.

Good work, Gino!

S.H.

Oh that looks great! Fantastic work there sir! 

Now I wanna do a gun truck, not like I don't have fifty zillion tanks here already... 

Thanks Gamera.  I really like how it came out.