Maindrian Pace

The parts box special, AKA junk model, is finished. The build thread goes over most of the specifics: http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/92819-1977-ford-4x4-pickup/ This model was to serve a purpose, do something with a box of glue/paint bombed junk early issue Ford F-350 parts that has been staring at me forlornly for the last 20 years, and occasionally getting looked over as I wondered what to do with it. I also wanted to use up some way-cool aftermarket parts that I've had for at least as long, like the tires and billet aluminum stuff under the hood, use services like Chrome Tech for the rechroming of the bumpers and wheels, methods that I didn't know about in the past, like vacuforming the windshield and printing the decals and plates, use newer building techniques that I picked up after getting back into building after a near-20 year break, and applying a few tricks I learned here from other builders, like the expiration tags on the license plate from Joe Shaw or Bill Geary's trick of adding styrene strips around the inside of the windshield opening so the vacuformed glass practically snaps into place, spreading out to the edges for a nice flush fit all around. I started this project just before the Firestone kit was re-issued, which was a good thing because I was able to buy the 4x4 suspension and a decal sheet, for the gauges, from an ebay seller who parts new kits. Parts were sourced from too many kits to list, (or for me to remember). The last details added were the rear license plate lights. The sun hid behind the clouds today, so I took a few pics.

They should do a wagon version. Then it would be the Avista Cruiser!

Wow, I'm glad I saw this old thread. I love it, especially the custom/correction to the 4dr door length with the slanted B pillars. I add strength to narrow cut or sectioned pillars by adding a strip of aluminum to the backside, like roof flashing material or KS brass from the LHS. As for paint, I'm seeing a Gene Winfield fade, like on the Jade Idol. This will be way cool to watch.

White with center caps looks great, a classic look on these. On the hoods, fill the scoop cut lines from the back with a mixture of super glue and micro-baloons - if you can't find that at the LHS, use a bit of baby powder, the kind with no fragrance. The mixture sands and shapes easily, and then you can work the top side of the hood as usual without the lines showing back up.

It's been a fun project, rebuilt junker has always been my favorite build type. More of these to come, as I have several boxes of junk that need a second chance. I'm waiting for a nice, slightly overcast day to get some outdoor pictures for the under glass forum. Forecast says maybe Saturday.

Taillights and taillight panel as well.

Holy moly!

Beautiful, I like everything about it!

Mid-40s at the bare minimum based on other cars with that chassis and powerful engines - plus the Buick premium. It would probably be China-only if they produced it.

I want to shrink myself, climb in to that, and go muddin'.

Thanks guys. Travis, the winch is molded in, the push bar was from a Bronco kit, and wasn't chromed originally. It may go onto a Moebius '72 long bed 3/4 ton 4x4 in the planning stages.

Decided: No push bar. But I really think that the roll bar adds something. I may make it removable.

Very nice job, the cops had some cool cars back in those days.

Basically done, except for the roll bar and push bar. The roll bar is mostly decided, but I'm torn on the push bar and I need some input. I like it, but I think it hides/competes with the grille. Better with or without? After those last item(s) are on, I'll take some outdoor shots and put it Under Glass.

Looks terrific, the '60 Edsel pulls off the pro touring look effortlessly.

I liked it. Cool car overload, and some pretty decent acting as well. 8/10

Thanks again guys. The cab and bed are mounted, working out some engine bay details now.

Wow, that's one expensive collision. Might even be more than Rowan Atkinson's McLaren F1.

Very nice!

Thanks guys. 4x4 decals for the bed sides were a requirement, so I found an image online that I liked, reduced it, and printed it. It looked too black on this truck, so I switched the numbers to a blue color, and left the drop shadow black. This turned out much better. They never print as vividly as they look on the screen, so choose a more vibrant color than you want before hitting print.

Ok then, ladder bars.

Nice salvage work so far. I'm seeing a straight axle '70s street freak in there as well.

Mint!

I'm digging the Keystones. But to use them properly, it'll need a set of yellow Lakewood slapper bars.

Thanks, Bruce. The BMF is done. That was annoying. The home stretch draws closer...