Faded 41

[slownlow]

Guess it's time to post this WIP in full. It's a 41 Plymouth I started last winter and with all the hype with the 48 Ford fade I thought I'de try something a little different. I started out with a 3"+ chop.

Then on to the fade. I built the base up with styrene square rods then over coated with bondo then recreated the fender side flares with .010" styrene. What i learned is don't mix your medias so much as the different products sand differently. I'll recreate those iconic speed lines coming off the back of the wheel radiuses once I'm happy with the final sanding and panel lines.

As i worked on it I began to dislike the bulky feel of the rear fenders and trunk so I did a pie section to help ease the look.

This shows the darkened areas to be removed with a "hinge" scribe up and across the top of the trunk.

and the result

I also learned don't add the rain gutter till your happy with the panel lines, large pain in the tuckus.

Here's the engine. I had to make the exhaust headers as the kit had something more appropriate for a gasser.

This is the interior. Next time I'll do the door tuck and roll in a smaller profile than the seats. I haven't shot the body but the color is Model Master's "Deep Pearlescent Purple" with black added. The dash is that color but in the pic it just looks dark.

Here's hoping I get er done before turkey day.

[MachinistMark]

this is wayyyyyy cool.

[Rob Z]

I'm diggin' this... Completely changes the look and feel of the original Plymouth... Awesome!!!

[The70judgeman]

Those Plymouth's make a really nice alternative Hot Rod to the more common '40 Ford. This one is owned by a guy I deer hunt with. It's a '40 Plymouth with a Dodge 318 ci and a late model Chrysler LHS seats.

Edited August 5, 2012 by The70judgeman

[W-409]

Cool Plymouth! Pretty much body modifications, but you did awesome job! It looks great to me, the front fenders continue very smoothly all the way back. Very cool one, I will keep watching.

[cobraman]

Very nice work on the body. Going to be a cool model when done.

[Guest Darkside Customs]

Very cool! Love the work you put into this!

[crazyjim]

I really like the new lines you made and will continue watching your progress.

[Foxer]

That pie section on the rear fenders really pulled it together. You've got a great eye!

[slownlow]

Andy, back in the day I had a 4 door sedan. Ya suicide doors, One enhanced evening I almost lost a buddy but for the quick reaction of another friend. That was one of the most comfortable cars I ever had. You felt like you were sitting in a couch plus a throttle knob so it was sort of cruise control.

[Dr. Cranky]

That is looking so good. Can't wait to see it with paint on it.

[Olskoolrodder]

DANG that's gunna be KOOL!!!! Looking great so far :D

[Albie D]

Wow, you really got my attention. Great mods that look totally natural and flow perfectly. Subscribed.

[Gluhead]

Got my attention, too. Love old mopars and you're headed in a good direction here.

[rmvw guy]

I like the way this one is going, plenty of attitude!

[Jantrix]

I'm enjoying this build. Can you give us a brief explanation of the chop? Maybe show us where you cut?

[Joker]

Great body work Bob.

Subtle pie slice and body lines.

[Ace-Garageguy]

You've got some really sweet lines going there.

[bryan_m]

i really like the body mods you did, they look great.

nice work!

bryan

[slownlow]

Rob, there are several techniques for chopping tops. The type of chop that works for me on late 30's to late 40's kind of looks like this.

The A and B pillars are cut removing the amount of chop desired the C pillar is removed till the slope of the rear window section is determined. You can see that when the A pillar is cut the roof must move forward to reattach the pillars. This determines how much gap needs to be filled in the roof if you wish to keep the roof level. A "gentleman's chop" lowers the roof more in front than in back so more would be added across the back. As with all things there are a bunch of ways to accomplish the same result. Some guys will notch the back bottom of the A pillar allowing the windshield to slope back too. Different roof styles also require different techniques. I learned this style from Mark Gustavson"s book "Custom Car Modeling". Hope this wasn't too confusing. The main thing is just to go for it. If you keep your vision clear the roof will tell you what it wants.

[Jantrix]

Thanks Bob. The reason I ask is that I have this kit and although I'm not a huge fan of chopping tops, I thought this one was very well done and aeshetically pleasing. I'll probably give this a shot myself thanks.

[MachinistMark]

i still cant get enough of this. its bloody gorgeous...whatcha gonna do for paint?

[slownlow]

Rob, if you go to the Fotki address under my signature and look at the models folder I did progress shots of chops on the 40 Ford coupe, 53 cevy, 49 Mercury, and this girl. The images may explain better than my words.

Mark, the paint is a custom mix of black and Deep Pearlescent Purple. So far the dash is all I've painted but it didn't photograph too well.

Edited August 6, 2012 by slownlow

[MachinistMark]

that sounds pretty slick. cant wait to see it

[The70judgeman]

Andy, back in the day I had a 4 door sedan. Ya suicide doors, One enhanced evening I almost lost a buddy but for the quick reaction of another friend. That was one of the most comfortable cars I ever had. You felt like you were sitting in a couch plus a throttle knob so it was sort of cruise control.

The same guy has another '40 Plymouth he's restoring. It's totally original. Last time I saw that one, it was still together. From what he told me, he's already separated the body and frame. The engine, original 6 cylinder, is already rebuilt. Soda blasting the body is next, so he's really moving along. No pics of that car though.