Harry P. Posted February 3, 2014 Share Posted February 3, 2014 This is a model of the very first car sold by the newly-formed Ford Company in 1903. I got this one on ebay for $35. Franklin Mint, 1/16 scale. Why so cheap? Because it was a wreck! It had apparently taken a fall... the front axle was broken, the whole front end steering system and wheels were all mangled up and hanging by one last connection point... headlights broken off, the whole thing covered with dust and dirt and nicotine. I had to soak the "white" tires in detergent... they were actually a brownish yellow from being exposed to years of cigarette smoke. All the "brass" parts had a nicotine film on them that I was able to scrub off with dishwashing detergent and a toothbrush. I had to replace the floor boards, the originals were all curled up and had separated from the floors. I took apart the radiator and painted the parts semigloss black and reassembled (it had been "brass" plated). Basically I took the model completely apart (even removed the upholstery from the seats), cleaned everything, fixed all broken pieces, rebuilt the front axle/steering system, and reassembled. Unfortunately, one of the headlights and the brass rail trim around the rear seats is missing... so until I can find a pair of matching headlights, this will be a "cyclops" car! And I'll have to create the missing trim from brass wire, but have no idea how I will recreate the tiny mounting hardware (like you see on the trim on the front seat). All in all, not bad for $35. The side baskets have incredible woven detail, but they were painted a pale tan that didn't show the engraved detail. I added a wash of wood stain to them... that really made the "woven" detail pop. I also added the straps on the baskets... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danno Posted February 3, 2014 Share Posted February 3, 2014 Beautiful, Harry! Nicest replication ever of the rare 'Daytimer' option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slusher Posted February 3, 2014 Share Posted February 3, 2014 That's a beautiful diecast Harry. Nice work.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbowser Posted February 3, 2014 Share Posted February 3, 2014 Nice save Harry. Did you take some 'before' shots? That back door option is the bee's knees! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry P. Posted February 3, 2014 Author Share Posted February 3, 2014 Nice save Harry. Did you take some 'before' shots? That back door option is the bee's knees! No "before" shots. It looked sort of like a barn find! Yeah, that rear door deal is pretty cool! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramfins59 Posted February 3, 2014 Share Posted February 3, 2014 That looks really great Harry. As usual, you've done a really nice job saving this cool looking car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry P. Posted February 3, 2014 Author Share Posted February 3, 2014 That looks really great Harry. As usual, you've done a really nice job saving this cool looking car. Thanks, Rich. I agree, it's a pretty sharp looking car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjordan2 Posted February 11, 2014 Share Posted February 11, 2014 (edited) Terrific save. Definitely looks better than the original.A little background on the real car...http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2009/11/02/hemmings-find-of-the-day-1903-ford-model-a-and-1903-stevens-duryea-l/http://blog.caranddriver.com/worlds-oldest-surviving-production-ford-comes-home-bill-fords-new-1903-model-a/The literature that accompanies the model mentions that the rear door was designed to accommodate long, flowing skirts of the era. PS: The model's brass is 24K gold.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Franklin-Mint-1903-FORD-Model-A-Red-24k-gold-acc-real-leather-/400661032992 Edited February 11, 2014 by sjordan2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry P. Posted February 11, 2014 Author Share Posted February 11, 2014 PS: The model's brass is 24K gold. I knew it was real metal by the way it acted when I tried to sand some of the plated parts smooth. I didn't realize it was gold, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flat-top Posted February 11, 2014 Share Posted February 11, 2014 Very nice Harry, awesome save. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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