traditional Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 (edited) I've just finished this modification of an FM '40 Ford pickup (bought cheaply at a toy show because it was missing a few parts and was extremely dusty). I changed the dog-leg doors for discreet hinges, lowered the suspension, swapped in a super-detailed smallblock Chevy engine (wiring, plumbing, tri-carb manifold, fuel lines, linkages mesh filters, PE wing nuts on Cal-Custom valve covers), fabricated a custom interior, lathe-turned a spare tire cover in ABS plastic, swapped in a late-model ford rear axle with aluminum individual-leaf handmade rear transverse spring/shackles etc.,and added a custom tubing dual exhaust (using both polished aluminum as well as polished solder . I also made an opening cowl vent (including mesh), and finished the bed with veneer and aluminum strips. Headlights are simulated lucas flamethrowers in chrome bezels and the tail-lights are handmade tear-drops. Wheels are chromies on wide whites with smooth dog-dish caps. The radiator top-tank is fabricated in polished brass. Paint is custom mixed purple basecoat/clearcoat over a pearl base, the lettering on the spare cover is a combination of hand lettering and modified 'model railroad Letraset', and the hood center trim, windshield splitter, as well as the simulated mylar fender-welting are all done in fine plated wire.. Edited September 12, 2012 by traditional Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
traditional Posted September 12, 2012 Author Share Posted September 12, 2012 (edited) Edited September 12, 2012 by traditional Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fredo84 Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 Wow !! sweet one Man ! Bravo ! I steal you idea for hinges for my 53 pickup if you don't mind Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peekay Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 Wonderful! Great paint and that subtle lettering says "skill" very loudly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxer Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 Simply beautiful! That paint on all those curved surfaces is outstanding! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Goschke Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 Just beautiful! Great solution on those hinges. Love the color and your tasteful custom touches. Nice to see a diecast used as raw material for a change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slusher Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 Beautiful truck, excellent building. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
71datsun1200 Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 nice !!!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdcar32 Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 Working in metal looks like alot of fun for a change, I need to try it. Very inspirational build, beautiful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmvw guy Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 Nice improvements! I really like the opened cowl with screen idea and the doors open much better. Great job on paint and the lowered stance is excellent. I'm a fan of the original flathead but, the SBC is much more common in the hot rod world. Nice job overall, I love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyjim Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 SHINY :) RULES! Purple is my favorite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry P. Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 Beautiful! Just gorgeous! And nice work on getting rid of those dogleg hinges and doing it the right way... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyjim Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 I forgot to ask what type of clear you used, Clifford. Sanded and polished too? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miatatom Posted September 13, 2012 Share Posted September 13, 2012 Wow!!! Gorgeous!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SFRC Posted September 13, 2012 Share Posted September 13, 2012 Fantastic! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
traditional Posted September 13, 2012 Author Share Posted September 13, 2012 (edited) I forgot to ask what type of clear you used, Clifford. Sanded and polished too? Hi Jim, I actually use two-part real automotive clearcoat (RM DC98) from BASF, sprayed with a 'touch up gun', only because I'm accustomed to using it with my other hobby of restoring our old cars with my brother. It's expensive but it goes a long way and unless there is a minor flaw in the finish that will require rubbing out, it goes on very glossy and stays that way. Since it's a two-part paint (requires a catalyst hardener), it sets up reasonably quickly and can be handled or masked in a day without any problems. I've had no problems with it on either metal or plastic. There are some serious dangers, however, with two-part paints in that they give off iso-cyanate fumes when spraying and must be used with the right safety equipment.....correct respirator mask and good positive ventilation. Fortunately, I have that equipment and I always use it.....I want to be enjoying this hobby for a long time. Edited September 13, 2012 by traditional Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carman59 Posted September 13, 2012 Share Posted September 13, 2012 That is beautiful, I just got one of those stock 40s myself, you are an artist, you took a so so truck and made it awesome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sixx Posted September 13, 2012 Share Posted September 13, 2012 Man Clifford, I'm glad you post here, you do some fantastic metal-work!!! I don't think I could do that in plastic!! LOL!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzTom Posted September 14, 2012 Share Posted September 14, 2012 Very Nice! Those door hinges are a work of art. Thanks for sharing, Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Most Posted September 15, 2012 Share Posted September 15, 2012 Really nice! And count me in as someone else who'll be stealing that door hinge technique... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffs396 Posted September 15, 2012 Share Posted September 15, 2012 GREAT work as usual Cliff! Coooool color Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maindrian Pace Posted September 15, 2012 Share Posted September 15, 2012 One of the best die cast builds I've ever seen, just outstanding. The color combo can't be improved upon either, everything is period perfect. -MJS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
W-409 Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 This is fantastic! It doesn't look like Diecast anymore, you do always great job. The paint and finish is very nice on this one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielG Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 Great job Cliff, and nice job on the hinges (quite often I just cut them off and glue the door shut!) Looks so good I got to wear shades! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agent G Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 Gorgeous! G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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