BDSchindler

Thanks guys!

Thanks...I like it better also. I had to custom make a rear glass for it. Since it won't be flush mounted like the T-bird rear glass was, it will be set back at the front of the bed more like the original rendering from Kaucher Kustoms. Fortunately, back when this kit was designed/produced, they used some seriously thick plastic on the roof. I didn't have to worry about sanding through the roof or making the roof too thin when I sanded off the molded in vinyl top.

So…I wasn’t really happy with the way the roofline looked on the original mockup… So I took the T-bird hardtop (it was a separate part in the kit) and hacked it up and sanded it smooth to remove the molded in “vinyl” top look. Just a mock-up at this point as it is not attached yet but I like it better… the rear glass will be back set as opposed to being mounted at an angle. From here, I’ll start slinging mud on it and other than a different chassis, engine and wheels/tires, the body will be all t-bird from here on out.

I've had the Pace Mini for a few years now and love it!

Yeah...I've been looking at that also and to be honest...I'm not happy with the rake of the roof or the fact that its so straight at the rear. So I'm thinking of cutting that down just a tad before I start "slingin' mud" on it. Thanks for the input guys...it's definitely appreciated!

Thanks! It is tedious so say the least!

Uschi decals...They have many different styles but this the one I used...

So there was some recent talk either here or on Facebook about the scale models that were once produced by Kaucher Kustoms. I've seen some of their stuff before and really liked them. I contacted them via FB to see if they were, in fact, planning on bringing out the kits again (they are apparently known for the real 1:1 customs) and yes they are in fact planning on doing them again. Not sure when but they are developing a list to see if it is feasible for them. This caught my eye...kind of the illegitimate offspring of a '66 Thunderbird and a Ranchero. Checking my stash, I had the '66 T-bird and the '60 Falcon derived Ranchero. I had never opened the T-bird and it is...well, very "old school" detail...or lack thereof. So I figured, WTH...lets use the '60 Ranchero bed and roof line (with some modifications) and the '66 T-bird Convertible and slice and dice the 2 together. Then I got carried away with the bed. One piece sheet plastic painted a light tan and cut and filed to fill the bed (primarily because there to so many nasty mold lines that were hard to remove so I opted to cover them). Using Burl Wood decals from Uschi, applied to the one piece plastic and trimmed to fit then Clearcoated after the decals were dry. The slats are silver painted thin evergreen strips attached with Canopy glue and a permanent marker dots for the attachment points then Clearcoated again and set aside. Back to the body/bed...Sanded and modified to get it to fit the way I wanted. The wooden bed is not attached yet...just lying there for the shot. Still lots of sanding and filling re-sanding and styling to go. These shots are simply a mock-up (aka...not glued down yet) to see what the '60 Ranchero bed will look like mated to the T-bird. Since I hate the chassis and it's lack of detail, I think the chassis, suspension (front and rear) from Revell's '66 Shelby GT-350H will work but will need to confirm that later down the road. That's all for now...thoughts are always welcome.

Very rough mock-up but so far coming along nicely...so far! Kinda like an illegitimate offspring of a '66 Thunderbird convertible and a '60 Ranchero. The bed is not officially joined to the t-bird yet as I have been trying to get the roof-line from the Ranchero to mate up with the windshield surround of the T-bird. Lots of filler, sanding and repeating the process but you get the jist... I mocked the bed using thin plastic sheet, BurlWood Decals from Uschi Woodgrain Decals. Clearcoated then added the slats via Evergreen plastic strip painted silver and a black marker to replicate the attachment points with Canopy Glue and clearcoated again. Done...setting that aside so I can get to work on the remaining body mods. Here's the inspiration for this build from Kaucher Kustoms...

same deal...made no changes whatsoever

I deleted it.

I wish I had a tenth of your talent, Randy. That is FANTASTIC!

Thanks but I have no clue what's involved with 3D printing nor do I have the equipment to do so. I mean I get that you buy the files and then either print them yourself (IF you have a decent printer) or find someone to print what you want. Seems that very few people will print on demand these days without charging a ridiculous price. That's why I was looking for someone that already does the width that I want. Texas3Dcustoms goes out to about 10" and I have not really seen anything from Iceman that I'm looking for. I also am not a fan of 3D printed rubber tires as they are a bear to clean up the support blemishes that remain.

I typically do Hot Rod/Custom model cars and looking for rear wheels and tires that are 20" in diameter and 15" wide with corresponding tires that are NOT thin "rubber band" style tires. It can be either Resin Cast or 3D Printed to include the tires (not a fan of the 3D Printed Rubber tires). Here's an example of what I am talking about...

very slick! Great work!

Man...that looks great!

I agree, they only had a handful of model kits for sale and most of them at crazy prices! Lots of RC Cars, Trucks and Boats, tons of Gundam and loads of G.O.A.T. Guns...again at some crazy prices.

I was at Hobbytown in Frederick MD the other day and was interested in the Revell spray chrome until I saw the price… $60????? ah…no! Alclad works fine…

so some more work done...fixed issues with the body, fixed the hood and re-primed... started working on the interior. Took out the back seat, altered the side panels and scratch built a waterfall console. Had to do a little filler on the console but coming along...

I watched that entire video on the mustang last night...that build is outstanding and he makes it look so simple with basic tools and materials. Outstanding!

That's what I ended up doing!

Well, slow progress on this but finally a first shot of primer and only a few minor spots to be reworked… unfortunately, however…the hood didn’t fair as nicely. Popped it into Dr Drybooth and apparently had it just a tad too hot… to be fair, the hood was quite thin in the front so it would sit correctly on the body. Another hood is on order and I wasn’t totally happy with it anyway so now I have the opportunity to do it more like what I wanted in the first place. Here it is before primer…

Incredible! Your attention to detail is unsurpassed, Randy!

Also on Facebook… https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1B1C7Bo2hW/?mibextid=WC7FNe

I have to agree...this is one of my favorites, as well. That said, after seeing the talented work that Len is doing, I could never do this car that amount of justice. I'll probably still build the Del Rio at some point but I'll have to use some imagination in another direction.