Mr. Metallic

I think this kit deserves it's own thread instead of being lumped together with other kits. Here's what we know so far... Round2 has announced this all new tooling kit, possibly hitting shelves by the end of 2025. It's a Craftsman Plus kit, meaning it is a curbside. But it does appear to have some separate suspension pieces and a separate hood, which hints at a possible future full detail version similar to what they did with the 63 Nova wagon. At least if we never get that it is easy to drop the engine of your choice in the kit as it comes now. Some very nice thin bluewall tires are included as well. HPIGuy now has it in his hands and is preparing his review Sean Svensden of Svens World of Wheels also has one going

Just discovering this one like many others. hopefully it's still in process or finished even? @customsrus hasn't been here since February though 🙁

I mentioned this on FB , but I love the sinister yet understated look of this. Normally not a fan of blacked out chrome, but it seriously works on this. And the finishes you used in the engine compartment provide great contrast.

Digging this project and seeing the different schemes. I really like the Orange Blossom car, very unique livery

Thanks Chris. I did not know that (obviously) but my quota for Piranha kits in the stash is full with the previous issue. I'll be buying at least a couple of these Cudas so I'll get 3 sets of front tires out of them 😆

Digging this so far, it has tons of attitude already. Just to clarify though, it's a 32 sedan body, not 28-30

Svens World of Wheels confirmed that those are in the kit. Looking forward to pairing them with the blue streak slicks. There have been no matching fronts for those slicks yet.

That frame looks nice. Where is it available? Any more progress?

I love how you notched the cowl/firewall to clearance the blower scoop to you could keep the engine setback. Great detail.

It made me nervous just looking at pictures of you installing the trim on top of finished paint. But you nailed it. Looking great!

Has anyone tried the fitment of the glass in this kit? I know some Moebius have had issues with this before so i was curious. I will still get one, just wondering.

This is shaping up beautifully. i was a little worried at first seeing how much you cut up the back end, but you have proven that you know what you're doing. Thank you for sharing

Man the sculpting you did on the front end is well thought out. Everything flows, but like Ace said it keeps the signature of what it started as. Looks great on one color, looking forward to seeing it in actual color.

I didn't have any issue with assembly. It was a dream for most builders when the kit was new, just like all the other Monogram hot rod kits from the early 60's. They practically fall together. (questionable real world location of the exhaust hanger aside)

Great to see you back to the bench Bil. Love the flavor you have marinating on this 48.

Really digging the wedge section and the way things are flowing. Not sure about your headlight idea yet, but I'm definitely following.

If they took that route it would be a welcome shift but EXTREMELY surprising.

Here's the one I built 15 (!) years ago. Virtually the only parts I used were the cab, interior and fenders. This was before i was bitten by the faux-vivor bug. I do have a vintage one molded in purple that I do plan to do in my polished plastic series. @Dave Darby Dave Darby did discuss this kit in one of his Vintage Workbench articles in this mag if you're looking for some build ideas

@Matt T. isn't this yours?

Here's my advice as far as the body work. I am no expert, but feel I get pretty decent results. I only use Tamiya filler for slight imperfections (less that a fingernail scratch) Tamiya filler tends to shrink for anything deeper than that unless it sits for a very long time. For anything deeper I use Dolphin Glaze (equivalent to Evercoat or 2 part Bondo). Using the plastic/solvent glue method can work but you have to be absolutely sure the glue is done curing or it will ghost. My practice anymore is to get all the bodywork done and then do the entire body with one coat of fine Tamiya primer. Then proceed to color. Others may have different experiences, but this is what works for me.

My understanding of the origin of the Box Stock class, and I could be wrong, is not throwback models. It was a response to the explosion of aftermarket companies in the 80's tat continued to expand in the 90's, and the perception that simply throwing a bunch of that stuff at a build automatically equaled trophy worthy. Box Stock was then created to showcase technique over dollars spent.

for some reason i can't see the pics. Anyone else?

This is off to a great start. That engine is wild. Is it a replica of a real slant 8 or a flight of fancy?

You were right with your earlier observation that the AMT body is shorter through the cowl than the Revell. That is an issue with all AMT 32 Ford bodies. However, it can be made to work to ones advantage if you want the look of a slightly sectioned car, which is what you have achieved here. This side profile is niiiiice!

Welcome back Jay. I've seen you back on the socials, good to see your attention turned back to this build.