Phildaupho

I have wanting to build a model of Dan Gurney’s first sanctioned competition ride which was the 29 Ford Roadster in which he recorded a speed of 130.43 at Bonneville in 1950. The car was originally built by Ray Torres who sold it to Dan’s buddy Skip Hudson. Not only was it a fast racecar but it was good enough looking to appear on the first color cover of Hot Rod magazine in April 1951 although there was no article inside. That is the last reference I can find about the car. I have read that the car was channeled over Deuce rails and it appears the rear wheel openings were filled, I guess to give clearance for the Deuce chassis. I wonder if the body had to be stretched over the Deuce rails. Now that I finally have the new Revell 29 Roadster kit I am thinking of filling in the rear wheel well openings and then adding a bead made from a 32 Ford Highboy wheel well insert. I will likely use the Deuce kit front horns and cross member as suggested by Dennis Lacey regarding his On the Workbench posts on his 29 Highboy on the 29 frame. At the rear I will incorporate a buggy sprung quickchange. It looks like tire diameter front to rear was much closer back then so I may use a second set of front tires on the rear. I will source the flathead engine from the Revell 48 Ford Coupe with components from other kits as required. I am going traveling until middle of October so it is going to be awhile before I can start work on this project however I would appreciate any suggestions.

Brian - You have done a great job capturing some of the unique features of this very special Corvette many of which I missed on my attempt to replicate this car 10 years ago. Looking forward to the Under Glass photos.

Very wild concept. Looking forward to seeing it take shape in styrene.

This is a great tutorial on building a traditional Deuce fronted and hooded 29 High Boy. I will be getting my first look at the kit this morning but it will be quite awhile before I get a chance to start working on it but when I do I will be referring back to this thread.

Tim- I really enjoyed looking at all the photos of our street rod builds over the years. I especially like the profile comparisons

I like your version very much

Thanks everyone. I sent photos of the model to the owner of the real car. He will be bringing it to Deuce Days next July in Victoria so I will have an opportunity to check out details I was not sure about.

Few more photos

This model is a tribute to a car I remember from the sixties seeing it often at car shows. It still has the same owner, although it was sold in the seventies and then found again over a quarter of a century later. It was always a very cool car but it is now the way the owner always wanted it. Back in the 60’s it was brown, the blower had its natural cast finish and was fuelled by triple carbs. I think I always thought it was a Deuce but knew there was something different about it, like maybe it was channelled. In reality it is a 1930 Model A on a Deuce frame with 32 fenders and grill shell. - The model is all Deuce – body, fenders and frame. Filled cowl vent and door handle holes. Gas tank removed and rear roll-pan added to body. Raised lower trunk line as Model-A body likely had a rumble seat. Shortened ’34 Ford taillights mounts with ‘32 housings & lenses. Rear fenders bobbed. Windshield slightly chopped. Mirrors and windwings added. Replicas & Miniatures Auburn dash. ‘40 Ford steering wheel is from 5W kit as is the shifter. - Hemi is from 5-Window kit. Blower assembly from Revell Willys street-rod. Overflow pipe added to radiator. Air cleaner from Revell 41 Chev Pickup with carbs supplied for the small block Ford in all the Deuce kits. - Tires from the Revell 30 Sedan as are front wheels. Rear wheels are resin. Detailmaster beauty rings - Drilled beam section added to front axle - Faux quickchange differential cap from parts box - Testor’s black and orange enamels with interior done with Testor’s Interior Tan lacquer.

Now under glass

Nice all around. Well done photos of a very attractive model of a rarely seen car.

Exceptional engineering, fabrication and execution. Really looking forward to the final result.

There are going to a lot of very cool hot rod models built in the near future as a result of the availability of this kit. Thanks Tim for guiding us through from start to finish and the final result is one sweet looking roadster.

Tim - you nailed the engine - hit it right on the head!! Great to see the AMT hood fits at the cowl as it can help form a scratch-built hood if required. Also really like the finned oil pan, valley cover etc.

Another nailhead to study that was spotted at a car show today.

As always, thanks Tim for your excellent review. I hope I do not have to wait long to unwrap my own kit. I am looking forward to seeing how a Deuce grill shell, hood and hood sides will fit both versions and which flathead will work best.

Sharp looking custom. Really like your color choice. I have always thought the 41 front end to be the most attractive of the fat-fendered Fords

Good on ya Curt. You built a fabulous model and it is fantastic that you gave it to Tony A. I am sure he will treasure it. I have had a few similar experiences and found them to be very rewarding. Congratulations.

Very promising I must say. The tan color of the body makes it look resin but the shape looks like it is AMT!!??

Spectacular build of a beautiful car. I have had one of these kits in my closet for years which I hope to build someday. I am really enjoying the resurgence of interest in building models of classic cars.

This is one of many Mercedes 300SL being restored in Victoria BC Canada by Rudi & Company and Coachworks

Wayne - You made a great start. I think you should get back at it as it is a very cool concept.Maybe the future is now!!??

Thanks guys - Michael - The model will be black like the real car with tan interior and orange wheels and grill

Hello Wayne - This is the Revell kit. I attached the fenders to the frame before painting to make test fitting everything easier. After painting will just have to dull coat the running boards,

I completed the engine first so I could accurately locate the opening in the hood to clear the air-cleaner. During assembly I noticed in addition to showing the heads upside down, the instructions also show the exhaust manifold flanges upside down and the oil filter does not have a notch as shown.