dub Posted January 15, 2008 Share Posted January 15, 2008 I haven't posted much lately and I thought I would share one on my bench at the moment. It's a 60's issue AMT 29 Model A roadster built-up that I picked up at a club meet for $5. I've been wanting to do a resto/rebuild for a while now, and I felt like taking the plunge with an old hot rod. As you can see, it was pretty butchered up for that small block install. That doesn't bother me too much because most of the cutting done was on the fender unit which I'm not using. The next photo should give you an idea where I'm going with it. I don't know if I should call it a resto because I'm not putting it back the way it was originally built. That's Ok, I'm planning to make it a 50's hot rod instead of the late 60's theme it was. It's getting a flathead and I am definitely changing the color. The overall theme will be "low-buck", and not too flashy. More to come...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raul_Perez Posted January 15, 2008 Share Posted January 15, 2008 Is that the frame from the Revell '29 Ford roadster pickup kit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dub Posted January 15, 2008 Author Share Posted January 15, 2008 I decided to channel this one too(I'm developing a habit of this lately...), but not a lot like modern radical rod. This is about as much as a rod was channelled in those days. The frame is the Revell 29/31 Model A model with the corresponding suspension. I could have used the AMT one from the build, but this one has better detail and it will help the process along a bit. The next pic is the first of many mockups along the way. These wheels are borrowed, but I'll be using another set of he same ones. Here it is after a dip in the pond. These are the wheels for this build. It doesn't look like it will be too hard to clean this one up after all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dub Posted January 15, 2008 Author Share Posted January 15, 2008 OK, one last update for now. I started to build the motor to get it hung in the frame. It's an AMT Deuce flathead that's getting built without any speed parts. Remember, this is a low-buck rod. Jairus should be proud of me. I made up the right mounts for a flathead. The tutorial helped on my last rod build, but when I opened the new 32 Tudor kit, the front crossmember in there showed me an easy way. I'm done for the night. I'll be back again tomorrow with some more pics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raul_Perez Posted January 15, 2008 Share Posted January 15, 2008 Jonathan, That's looking a lot like an old dirt track racer I built several years ago. I think that you would have really like it. It had primer red body, red wheels and masking tape on the door for the number. I sat it on a small diorama base with a few Burma-Shave signs mounted on the guard rail posts to help set the period. I gave it to a friend of mine at work as a birthday gift. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dub Posted January 15, 2008 Author Share Posted January 15, 2008 Sounds pretty neat! This one is street all the way. It's kind of a car I would have built for myself in 1:1 land if I were around then. When you see the next update you'll see a different look than you might have had in mind. The question you posted popped up when I was previewing the next post and I noticed the question was already answered in my text. Kinda funny! Thanks for the comments! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gray Smith Posted January 15, 2008 Share Posted January 15, 2008 Looks good Jonathan, I was going to post on it this morning, but I got busy at work...very cool style, and nice looking flattie....even a bone stock one is a nice site to look at in my mind, good luck with the rest of the build. Gray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dub Posted January 16, 2008 Author Share Posted January 16, 2008 Thanks for the kind words, Gray! I hear ya on the busy at work thing, sounds just like my day. Here's some more pics. The first one shows right before the firewall happened. ...and here's right after. It's a firewall from one of the AMT Deuce kits I shaved down to fit inside the cowl of this 29. Don't mind the 29 grille shell. I changed my mind. You'll see in the next post what I'm doing there. I doubt anyone will be surprised what it is... OK, here's what I was talking about for a "different" direction. How about Army green? I already have a name picked out..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raul_Perez Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 Jonathan, Now I'm really curious to see what you're up to with that 29 Ford!! Here's a couple of quick pics of the AMT 29 Ford I built for myself with a flattie a couple of years ago. I used the engine from the AMT '34 Ford because it has the best detail of the older flathead design. I was going to use a newer Revell flattie, but I'm saving them for other projects. I also used the Revell 29 Ford chassis in this one: Keep up the good work. I really want to see where you're going with this one!! Regards, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dub Posted January 16, 2008 Author Share Posted January 16, 2008 I figured that might pique your interest a bit more, Raul! That's some pretty fine detailing there too, on your piece. I really like the open windshield. Did you scratchbuild it or was it an aftermarket/kit piece? Either way, it's some mighty fine work! I have a couple more pics here, but I have to actually do some more building to be able to post more! Yeah, surprise. It's a 32 grille shell. :P I know, too common. I don't care, I think it belongs there on this model. I need to finish the engine and chassis next so I can get down to the real fun.... decoration and weathering! That's at least half of the fun of building these old rods. It is a tough call though, for the design and build portion might be more fun. Enough chatter for now, back to the bench! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raul_Perez Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 I figured that might pique your interest a bit more, Raul! That's some pretty fine detailing there too, on your piece. I really like the open windshield. Did you scratchbuild it or was it an aftermarket/kit piece? Either way, it's some mighty fine work! I have a couple more pics here, but I have to actually do some more building to be able to post more! Yeah, surprise. It's a 32 grille shell. I know, too common. I don't care, I think it belongs there on this model. I need to finish the engine and chassis next so I can get down to the real fun.... decoration and weathering! That's at least half of the fun of building these old rods. It is a tough call though, for the design and build portion might be more fun. Enough chatter for now, back to the bench! Jonathan, That's the windshield from the kit. I used my trusty old #11 Exacto blade to scribe through on the lines that are there, then just glued it in an open position after it was painted. You build like I do...for myself, not the masses. If I like it, it's good, no matter what anyone else thinks!! Yep, back to the bench for me, too. I've only got a little time until "Americal Idol" starts. It's one of the very few programs that my wife and I can agree to watch at the same time!! Keep us posted on your hotrod, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gray Smith Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 Looking good Jonathan...I'm liking the army green. Can't wait to see the weathering..I'm going to have to try my hand at that one of these days.. Gray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy Kern Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 That's coming along nicely, Jonathan. You're really getting into the aesthetics of these kinds of rods! This is such a great hobby to get back into, isn't it? I hope you are enjoying the CPMCC meetings as much as I am, because I think we have some of the finest builders around, including you. Hey, are you sure you don't want to put those tractor tires back on the rear wheels?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dub Posted January 17, 2008 Author Share Posted January 17, 2008 Thanks for stopping in and checking on the build, Randy! I'm going to start looking at the built-up gluebombs for sale at the meetings more thoroughly from now on. I'm sure there's a lot more waiting to be saved! Hey, are you sure you don't want to put those tractor tires back on the rear wheels?? :lol: What's ironic about those tires is quite the subject these days. Check this out: Look at all that sidewall detail! Yeah, the letters are a bit cartoony, but this much type on the side wall of a kit tire these days??? Especially GOOD-YEAR brand tires! I find this too funny. The tread on these is soooo bad and yet, Good-Year didn't seem to care about their name on kit tires back then. Ar, mateys! I better get back to the bench and stop being a thread pirate! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
62rebel Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 the tread is supposed to be chunky; those are snow tires. they were last seen in the Cooter's Tow Truck from MPC and were MPC's tool, not AMT's. i have a couple pair of these stashed away... tip: shorten the deuce grille shell to match the cowl height, and narrow the front tires/wheels. otherwise LOOKING GOOD! i have a similar build with opened trunk and added interior panels, but it's buried in a box in the spare room..... with others very much like it, i love that theme, but am never satisfied with my finished product. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dub Posted January 17, 2008 Author Share Posted January 17, 2008 Thanks for the info and tips, Curt! The grille shell is only sitting there in mockup form. Don't worry, I know the grille looks like ###### if it's higher than the cowl. I'm just mounting it lower on the frame on this one. As for the tires.... I wanted this one to have matched size tires because it's early 50's low-buck and not just for straight line speed. This driver likes to go around corners fast! (on a budget, though. ) Besides, when it's finished, everything will make better sense. I have plans...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gray Smith Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 This driver likes to go around corners fast! (on a budget, though. ) Besides, when it's finished, everything will make better sense. I have plans...... thats what I like to hear..a rod that handles well...not just for straightline speed... I look forward to seeing these plans of yours..keep up the great work man Gray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theflame Posted January 18, 2008 Share Posted January 18, 2008 This whole build is great but I REALLY like them tyres! I want a set! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
62rebel Posted January 18, 2008 Share Posted January 18, 2008 i think they're being cast up in resin but i don't remember by whom! i guard my "special" parts jealously; so much so that when i DO start the build i STILL hesitate to use them! i used to hoard the good AMT firestone supremes (NOT the "tractor tires"!) for those builds too... what i REALLY would like is a few sets of the "stock" AMT tires from the '70's era. currently i make wide ovals from the big blue streak tires by slicing them through the tread on the first diagonal and the supergluing the halves together. presto; instant '70's meat! if anybody has a foolproof method for improving the AMT solid vinyl slicks i'd like to hear it. i'd love a bunch of piecrust cheater slicks for 'rods. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dub Posted January 20, 2008 Author Share Posted January 20, 2008 Well, I've been working on this thing pretty steadily since the last update. I finished mounting the suspension to the frame. I had to lengthen the torque tube to reach the tail of the trans. With that done, I could mount the engine in the frame after giving it a coat of paint. I'm using the exhaust from the kit the engine came in and was surprised to see they fit with some minor reshaping. I'm even surprised I managed to compensate the one side to accommodate the starter without realizing it. This is the only half I've done yet. It was so fiddly, I had to stop once I got one side done so I wouldn't get too bent out of shape. I need to get a better pair of tweezers for this stuff. Here's another mockup pic. Still lots to do yet, but it's getting there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raul_Perez Posted January 20, 2008 Share Posted January 20, 2008 Jonathan, That's coming along nicely!! The suspension work looks great!! Are you going to cut the windshield and pose it in the open position? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dub Posted January 20, 2008 Author Share Posted January 20, 2008 Thanks again, Raul! The windshield trick is a cool one but I am going to wait to do it on a different build down the road sometime. After seeing yours, I know I can do it, I just don't want to dedicate the time on this one. I have a chopped 31 Tudor that I need to get back to work on. This thing won't let me until I finish it first! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gray Smith Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 Looking good Jonathan, great contrast between the suspension, the engine, and frame, love the colors used, and style this build is headed in.. Look forward to seeing more. Gray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dub Posted January 25, 2008 Author Share Posted January 25, 2008 (edited) Got another update. I decided to mix up a black wash and see what I could do with the grille insert. Of course, I had to do the engine while I was at it.... Oh, I almost forgot. I rigged up the headlights finally. The lights are the big pair from the Revell 32 3 window coupe. I made the stalk mounts out of wire bent to match each other. I managed to get 'em pretty straight, with the right one drooping a slight bit. I'm happy with it. Only a few more things left to do. Steering wheel/column, shifter, tail lights, weathering and a few minor tidbits and she's done! Edited January 25, 2008 by dub Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raul_Perez Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 That's starting to look dangerous, Jonathan!! All you need to do now is sand ALL of the tread off of the tires and you're there!! It's making me want to get started on the 40 Ford pickup that I've been think about for a while! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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