Photos from www.instructables.com

Most of us recall the joy of riding down a driveway in the back of Tonka Dump Truck when we were little. These trucks were almost indestructible back then, but things have changed and what was once metal is often plastic now. A few diehards have decided to take the matter into their own hands by handcrafting replicas of vintage dump trucks that pale our childhood memories of toy trucks.

A website, titled Instructables.com chronicles the creation and build of a toy sized 1920’s Mack AC Bulldog dump truck. Phil B decided to create this replica dump truck for his grandson and allowed the rest of us to explore the adventure online.Phil B collected the materials (steel scraps) needed for this project. Yes, he used found materials such as the skin from an old washing machine. Like many of the rat rod builders, Phil B created his truck using found objects and scrap metal.

Each step of the process is carefully documented which allows others to follow the directions to create their own dump truck. This project is not a simple follow the directions Ikea furniture assembly, this project requires some skill, knowledge of mathematics, machining, and real tools (not just a screw driver and allen wrench). The finished product is not to scale, but is approximately 14 inches long and 5 1/2 inches tall. Honestly, who cares if it is built to scale?

This is one of the coolest homemade toys ever built and Phil B’s 3-year-old grandson is going to love it. Currently, the mastermind behind the replica Mack AC Bulldog dump truck is working on steam shovel to accompany the dump truck.