Tremendous amount of work on this build. Hard to think this is the same kit that it is based on. Looks like a car I saw in Street Rodder Magazine a couple of months ago.
Art. I agree and mine is such a unit. I admit to some AR issues and tend to error on the side of caution. I know many are still using different types of blower motors that really shouldn't be used in this manor.
While I'm not a Ford buyer, you have to appreciate the products that they have brought to market in the last few years. I think Ford would do well to bring both of these models back. They both have a good reputation and if the photos shown here are even close to what they will look like they should sell very well. I'm glad to here that they will be built in the USA were they belong. Chris mentioned the Jeep Wrangler pick up. This June we were at the Jeep Jamboree in southern Missouri, there were two prototype Wrangler pick ups on the trail drives. They looked to be based on the Unlimited (four door) chassis with just the front half of a Wrangler cab and then the rest was a pickup bed. They were both lifted and had full off road suspension modifications so trying to lift something over the side to put in the bed may require a step ladder but other than that they looked very serviceable. In standard unmodified condition I'm sure they would be much like any other truck in the market.
Not sure if it would even make a difference but my concern would be that a small amount of particles would pass thru an inexpensive basic filter and contaminate the blower motor. I have used some budget filters and found residue in the dryer hose. Not a lot but enough that I changed to a more dense cut to size material that seems to have solved that problem.
From the color I'd say it's time. Usually you will notice an area that starts to look like it is getting plugged up. Sometimes if it's not to bad you could rotate the filter 180 degrees and it will be good for just a little while longer. I watch to see if the over spray is not going into the filter and then just replace it.
I also prefer foil, and it does take a little practice just like anything else but you will be happier once you get the hang of it. On the chrome paint issue, are you cutting in the edges with your Exacto knife ? If you are not already making an edge between the body and the molding you might try that. This works on just about any type of detail painting. Usually you can flow the paint from your brush to the edge and the line you have drawn will make a very straight and even line.
You might check all of the model shops in your area, some parts of town these don't sell and in others they are hot sellers. The local Hobby Lobby's are bringing in some new models and several of these were left over and were discounted.
Moved several years ago from California to Kansas. Put the built models in their original boxes with paper towels and Kleenex for padding. Loaded everything into large U-Haul boxes along with the unbuilt kits. They fit tight in the U-Haul boxes and the movers stacked them along with all of our other belongings and the only problems were some side view mirrors and a hub cap or two.
The Model Truckin' decals look great. Some others to check out. ka-models.com, Chimneyville Hobbies, Ken's Real-Wood veneer, Ultracal from innovativehobbysupply.com, and Gofer Racing Decals offer some good looking wood decals.
The paint job looks fantastic. Since your going with a modern suspension and all, the engine question and hood clearance may dictate a later model drive train. I just pick up a 2013 Mustang Boss 302 on closeout at Hobby Lobby. I'm using the engine for another project that also has hood clearance issues. Just a thought.