customline

I think the colors of the engine are so unusual that it just naturally draws interest. The sequence of assembly has me a bit concerned regarding the way the entire interior is glued down tight and it's all got to line up perfectly when the firewall is made permanent and the body is dropped over the whole mess. I worry ?. I'm gonna go do a mock-up right now ?.

Edsel update: Interior has been assembled on the floor pan and at this point I need to do a glass-in mock-up to see if I'm still trouble-free. The dash/windshield/firewall must be tested; this is where I always seem to run into trouble. I thought I would paint the hood to get it out of the way because I wanted paint on both sides. I used Tamiya fine white and followed ten minutes later with the color, two coats. When it dried.... Why does this happen? I remember someone explaining this phenomenon but I need to hear it again. I smoothed out the "frosted" areas with 3600 grit but started to see white so I stopped there and put more paint on it. The 'frost' came through a little but not like the first time. I don't get it but I know it's not just me. Here's the firewall after some detail painting. This is a nicely tooled part that will certainly provide realism to the power barn (?). That's it for now, thanks for your attention ?

Sorry....uhh....what pun? ?

Interesting engine bay, Dave. Can't wait to see the air cleaner. At first I thought that cylindrical depression was for a gallon of paint but, after much internal debate, I deduced that it's probably for the air filter ?

This project is rolling right along rather nicely, Greg. Dash is super. Good choice on interior color, I'm a sucker for white vinyl. Engine looks terrific in factory color. Work faster! ?

That color is amazing, John. It looks darker than a royal blue, more toward midnight blue. Love it!

I know it's nit-picking but the (Starliner) kit-provided fuel line looks to be slightly out of scale. Like by 2" or so. It's almost the same size as the oil filler neck. ?

I do it because my painting skills suck. Makes it a lot easier to buff it out ?

Yeah, good way to start. Maybe make a template for the the wheel opening and do it all in pencil first. Measure twice, cut once ?.

Gotta put my $00.02 in here, Len. The changes to the side trim are pretty subtle and to try to duplicate it may not be worthwhile. The side trim is a very prominent feature so you want it looking right.

Those Mercury covers are the cat's pajamas, Bil.

My recollection of the AMT kit is a hole in the oil pan but that could be just about any AMT kit I'm thinking of. Anyway, I gotta go study for my lung function test.

The chopped top isn't a consideration? I'm pretty sure I can chop a Merc but Revell did such a nice job, why not? You're scaring me, Bil. ? OK, how about some inspiration shots?

Unpack that last sentence, the part about the AMT kit.

Gotta make it your own. The chopped Merc is an icon but it's an individual's interpretation of "the Chopped Merc" that gives it individuality. Gotta look at a whole big bunch of them and see where you fit. Lots of material in the ether. I used to think they were all the same. They're not. I just picked up a '57 300C kit. Makes a nice mild custom. Lots of plain, flat sheet metal. Already has some custom elements going on. Gotta get it down, though. Way down. Built one decades ago, stock version. I recall a severe fit issue. But I digress......?.

Its.....its.....?<-me holding my breath. ?

It looks like a stock-ish sort of combination. Is the exterior color a secret? Or are you thinking pea-soup green pearl? How about body mods? Shaved gutters? Sunken antennas? Weird tail lights. Frenched rear plate. Canted quads and a '54 Desoto grille!...and cool lakes pipes.

Interesting color combo on the interior, Bil. They go well together. ?

You could paint it yellow ?. Well....OK, yellow ain't good for resale. ?

That there is a genuine Edsel power plant. If you prefer less flashy, maybe something out of a truck?

You might want to to find a pair of "Thunderbird" rocker covers for that engine which would likely be salvaged from a wrecked square bird. Or...or maybe this would be cool ?? Wouldn't this raise an eyebrow?

That must be the misinformation they're always talking about. ?

The FE was available in '58, Bil. Ford had a 332 but there were other versions in Mercury and Edsel cars. I figured you would want a warmed-over flattie in your tail-dragger. ?

Oooo....I'm listening ?

Bummer, Bil. If the glue didn't penetrate the paint, you should be in good shape. If it did, look for a pair of big numerals in you decal stash.? Your solid color should be good for touching-up. Give it a week on the shelf of shame. It is a beauty ?. Glad you have stock grille installed.