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Watson "Sketchpad" 65 Mustang


Modlbldr

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I picked this as my next stalled project to finish. I started this ages ago (I don't even remember when) right after the Sketchpad article came out with this in it. A nice centerfold article with a huge pic to follow as a reference.

http://DSCN1554.jpg

I got most of the bodywork complete, with the exception of the hood. I had done another, more stock 97 hood, until I realized that it just wasn't right. So, I started over on another hood and grafted in a modified Camaro cowl induction hood to parts of a 65 hood.

http://Custom65-97Mustang012.jpg

http://wheels023.jpg

http://IMG_20190208_115813399.jpg

Here is where I picked it back up today. This pic is with the first hood.

http://IMG_20190208_093610734.jpg

Progress stopped once I hit a few snags on the chassis. Today I looked it over to remind myself of where I was at and where I needed to start. I did a bit of work today on getting the interior figured out. I am using the chassis pan from the 97, with some mods, door panels and dash from the 65, and seats and center console from the 97. The engine I am planning for it is the Cobra engine from the 97. Stay tuned for more updates.

Later-

 

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I can see why you would want to build a model of the Kit Bashed Mustang. I also like the overall appearance. One thing that stands out to my eye has to do with the front valance area that starts out as a Shelby type valance. In the original application this would set much closer under the grill and no bumper. The set up you have now has it sitting further way from the body and that would still look good, but when you add in the bumper it starts to really get out there. Think of it as the problem with the '56 Chevrolet kits where the front splash pan and bumper stick out like a cow catcher on an old train. In the drawing it looks like the lower valance has been drawn in much tighter to the body and in doing so the addition of the bumper doesn't standout so much. On the hood I would stay with what ever Ford styling Q's fit. The Mustang had an R model a few years ago that may be something to consider. Either way I look forward to watching your build.  

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David,

I see what you are saying about the front bumper and valance. For some reason I never saw it. It looks like it needs to set back perhaps an 1/8 inch. I'm thinking that if I can get the ends of the bumper to sit closer to the wheel opening that it would look more like the rendering.

http://Custom65-97Mustang012.jpg

Using this pic as a guide, if I were to cut close to 3/16 to 1/8 inch of the depth off of the valance where it is attached to the body may be a good place to start. You have me thinking now.

Later-

Edited by Modlbldr
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I would remove the minimum amount and see how it looks. This may take several trials but in the end it is usually best to take baby steps when you're making such changes. You can easily remove to much and then you're adding material back on and getting frustrated and can botch up the whole thing. In the picture it looks as if everything is finally glued in place and the deconstruction part can destroy other design features such as the lower spoiler that looks just right now. If you could remove the valance at the attachment point to the body might be the most ideal. The lower spoiler may have to be cut away or just rebuilt again later. Then you could move the valance further into or under the Mustang front end. At this point it's eye ball engineering and you're just moving it around to were it looks right to you. I think you will have the best luck removing material from the back side of the valance and again just baby steps. I would tape it in place and study how it looks from every angle. Only when you're 100 % then you should be safe with gluing everything back together. This front end is a very strong design element and I would try and stay as close as possible to the original design.   

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On ‎2‎/‎10‎/‎2019 at 2:03 AM, bisc63 said:

Looks like there was some reshaping of the rear of the quarter glass/C-pillar as well, perhaps to give the top more angular lines to better match the body style.(?) A cool project!

I think the drawing has the top chopped a bit more than the model. Either way, it looks great - nice work. I've done a lot of body modifications including roof chops, but never a roof swap. I'll be following along.

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Yeah, that is going to be an issue here because there is no cowl at the moment and there is close to a half inch gap between the rear of the dash and the rear of the hood. I'll need to look at the 97 Mustang body and see what sort of cowl I can come up with.

Later-

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11 hours ago, SSNJim said:

I think the drawing has the top chopped a bit more than the model. Either way, it looks great - nice work. I've done a lot of body modifications including roof chops, but never a roof swap. I'll be following along.

 

10 hours ago, Modlbldr said:

Thanks Jim. I've done a few roof swaps. Not much different than chopping a roof. Just cutting in different places. I did a bit more work on the hood today. Tomorrow I am going to focus a bit more on it, the front valance and on the interior.

Later-

First of all, great project, and a nice start! IMHO I don't think its so much the top is lower on the drawing as much as it is the slope of the A-pillar and the side glass.

It has more of a slope to the side windows, so it appears lower. I took a screen shot of both and put them in a word doc together and its easier to see.

Another observation is that the hood is higher on the windshield on the drawing than the model.

I'd say get as close as you can without losing your mind. I think you're on your way to a nice build.

Capture.JPG

Edited by MeatMan
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Thanks MeatMan, 

I think that the roof may appear to be lower in the drawing but, reading everything that was written in the article, Jairus did not mention anything about chopping. Keep in mind, people, that a drawing doesn't always represent accurate proportions. This was intended to be a straight swap of a 1:1 SN 95 onto the older body style. Hence, I did not bother chopping. I hope that didn't sound like I'm upset. I appreciate everyone's input and I don't mind any criticism.

MeatMan, the pic you included of my build has the first hood I built for it. I realized later the same thing. The hood center didn't have enough height. So, I built, or am building, a second one. Here is a pic of it in progress.

http://IMG_20190211_122311562.jpg

Thanks again, everyone, for your input. 

Later-

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Big improvement on the front end. For myself I would even go a little further even to the point that the bumper sides would be shortened. The main thing is that you're happy with the way it looks. I like the hood design, this gives it an additional appearance and follows the basic Ford design so it looks the way you would think Ford would have done it. The roof looks perfect as is and a little work on the dash/cowl area should bring it all together.  

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I've been working on the hood and the cowl. The hood still needs a lot of work but it is coming along. I removed the cowl from a 2007 GT 500 and I am modifying it to fit. Again, still a long ways to go but it is getting there.

http://IMG_20190213_113703792.jpg

http://IMG_20190213_113748316.jpg

http://IMG_20190213_113806648.jpg

I sprayed a bit of primer to check my work on the front valance. It looks good.

http://IMG_20190213_115839039.jpg

http://IMG_20190213_115849628.jpg

Time to get back to work on it.

Later-

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Cool build Tom.  The modified b pillar is very cool and changes the look in an early 60's Ferrari kind of way.  Can't go wrong with that right?  On the front valance / bumper.........I know you want to replicate the pic of the original but did you consider doing a 70 camaro split bumper look which would open up the radiator opening and might make it even more aggressive looking?   Keep up the great work on it and I too look forward to your next update.  Cheers, Tim

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Thanks Tim. That split bumper would be an interesting idea but, no. I'm trying to stick as close to the rendering as reasonably possible. I really like the design that Jairus came up with and want to see it in 3D.

Been working a bit on firming up the cowl panel. In the pics above I just had it white glued in for locating and fit purposes. Today it becomes permanent. Also been plugging away at the hood. What a major bit of work it has been. More pics when I get something a bit more substantial as far as progress.

Later-

Edited by Modlbldr
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