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‘59 Caddy Ambulance custom (converted Ecto 1A)


Steve H

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Hi all, 

This was built several years ago. I wanted a custom ambulance for my collection. So I started with the AMT Ecto 1A kit and made a few alterations… 

It has been lowered, has Pegasus wheels and tires, with disc brakes from a die cast. I added several “flashing” lights on the side/front/top/and back of the car, some from the parts box, some from a Lindbergh police car. There is also “sirens” in the front grill, and a CHMSL above the back window. I made an antenna, added 4” exhaust tips, and a hood scoop. The decals are home made, along with some from the decal box. Paint is white with pearl clear, and metallic red. Lots of BMF!!
It’s a slammer, so no interior or engine, but it was a fun build. 7A7F2F7A-19D0-41D8-9A17-1B4C20F61405.thumb.jpeg.ce791ac34a78ffcb8f5d0d1c31e443c4.jpeg
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I have a Johan 66 Caddy ambulance that I intend to build as full detail mate to this one, probably in reverse colour scheme, red body/white roof.

Thanks for having a look, and as always all comments welcome.

 

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On 6/21/2022 at 9:15 AM, espo said:

Beautiful looking build. The attention to the trim and lighting details as well as the signage is very cleanly done. This could get someone to the Hospital ASAP. 

Thanks David. Might not be the most comfortable ride, but it would be quick!!
 

 

On 6/21/2022 at 12:09 PM, grodudulle77 said:

Awesome look, very nice work !! 👍😀

Thanks Philippe, I like ‘‘em low ! 

On 6/21/2022 at 1:02 PM, Zippi said:

Boy.....that looks crazy kewl.  I like it.  Great job.

Hi Bob, just an idea that came to me. Thanks for having a look.

On 6/21/2022 at 1:08 PM, 70 Sting said:

Excellent work, beautiful finish.

Thank you Harry, I appreciate the kind words.

On 6/21/2022 at 2:59 PM, happy grumpy said:

Awesome build, the paint job is excellent . the setting and outside shots add to realism. I like your parking lot.

Hi Mario. Your diorama is one of the ones that inspired me to build a base to photograph my builds on. Thanks for having a look. 

On 6/21/2022 at 3:49 PM, Dragonhawk1066 said:

Very cool! Nice job!

Thanks Craig!  

8 hours ago, PappyD340 said:

Very nice!

Thank you Larry, it was a fun build.

 

Cheers, Steve

 

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Nice work Steve.

It's a really cool concept and very well executed. It reminds me of those custom cars that companies would have built for use at trade shows.

I remember seeing this somewhere. I think you posted a shot of it in one of my WIP threads, the '59 hearse conversion that I've been working on for what seems like forever.

David G.

Edited by David G.
typo
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17 hours ago, Koellefornia Kid said:

I would dial 911 just to take a ride in this one! Great build with a killer stance!

HAHA!!! Ya, me too. Thanks for having a look Oliver.
 

 

15 hours ago, TNT said:

Very nicely done. Looks really cool.

Thanks Anthony, much appreciated.

15 hours ago, David G. said:

Nice work Steve.

It's a really cool concept and very well executed. It reminds me of those custom cars that companies would have built for use at trade shows.

I remember seeing this somewhere. I think you posted a shot of it in one of my WIP threads, the '59 hearse conversion that I've been working on for what seems like forever.

David G.

Hi David! Truth be told, your Ecto build is what inspired me to post this. I don’t get much desk time at this time of year, so it’s an older build, but it was quite fun. Yes, I believe I posted this on your hearse thread, speaking of which… how is that coming along? 

5 hours ago, spencer1984 said:

Very slick!

Thank you Bill. 
 

I appreciate the comments guys. You all got me thinking how cool this thing would look doing a big Smokey burnout. 
Cheers, Steve

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8 hours ago, Steve H said:

 

Hi David! Truth be told, your Ecto build is what inspired me to post this. I don’t get much desk time at this time of year, so it’s an older build, but it was quite fun. Yes, I believe I posted this on your hearse thread, speaking of which… how is that coming along? 

Hi Steve. Thanks for asking, unfortunately it's been almost exactly a year since I last worked on it. Every time I think it's about time to dust it off again, I get a great idea for another fun project, and well, I'm sure you know the rest.

David G.

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wow ! looking wicked slammed to the ground like this with big wheels, Steve ! 😍

i always wonders how a slammer looks like from below 🤔 could you show me a picture of that if it's not a secret ? 🤩

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On 6/24/2022 at 4:15 AM, David G. said:

Hi Steve. Thanks for asking, unfortunately it's been almost exactly a year since I last worked on it. Every time I think it's about time to dust it off again, I get a great idea for another fun project, and well, I'm sure you know the rest.

David G.

I really enjoy all your builds David, keep ‘em coming. Always lots of great ideas.

On 6/24/2022 at 10:56 PM, slusher said:

Beautifully done!


Thanks Carl. Not my best work, but looks good in the display case.

 

On 6/25/2022 at 5:49 AM, ChrisR said:

Cool!!

Thank you Chris! 

On 6/26/2022 at 2:14 PM, Zed said:

wow ! looking wicked slammed to the ground like this with big wheels, Steve ! 😍

i always wonders how a slammer looks like from below 🤔 could you show me a picture of that if it's not a secret ? 🤩

Hello Renaud. Thank you for the kind words. No secrets underneath. With my slammers, I don’t spend much time on the underside. I keep it really simple…Some get more detail than others.

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On 6/26/2022 at 10:41 PM, kymdlr said:

this is awesome! I need to get one of these kits now.

Hi Ron, I recommend it, they are fun kits no matter what direction you take.

 Thanks for taking the time to comment guys!

Cheers, Steve

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On 6/30/2022 at 6:23 AM, Zed said:

thanks for the picture Steve 😉

 

You bet! Nothing fancy under there….

On 6/30/2022 at 6:42 AM, RAMBENNA said:

way cool, very nicely done. looks great

Thank Cliff !

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Hi Steve! 

Great conversion, more credible than the movie-kit version, bravo!

This morning, I was with a guy who sells OOP kits, and he had one of the Johan 66 Cad ambulance. It was fully assembled and poorly painted, but with glue in excess at all mounting points. I passed, because trying to disassemble it would have broken it, I'm afraid.

Well, you can't have them all, can you?

CT 

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On 7/2/2022 at 5:42 PM, Claude Thibodeau said:

Hi Steve! 

Great conversion, more credible than the movie-kit version, bravo!

This morning, I was with a guy who sells OOP kits, and he had one of the Johan 66 Cad ambulance. It was fully assembled and poorly painted, but with glue in excess at all mounting points. I passed, because trying to disassemble it would have broken it, I'm afraid.

Well, you can't have them all, can you?

CT 

Hi Claude. Thanks for having a look. I passed on several of the Johan ambulance kits before finding a good one. The glue bombs scare the heck out of me! I’m sure a good one will come along for you. I was also patient in my hunt for the Johan 70 Caddy Eldorado, I have a good one that might hit the bench this fall…

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