Chuck Most Posted July 13, 2015 Posted July 13, 2015 (edited) I've wanted to do a couple of heavier-duty classic Effies for a while. Finally the planets seemed to have aligned just right so an F-250 variant is a go. If this one turns out well enough, I'll proceed on to the F-350 version I have planned. The first thing about the F-250 compared to the F-100 the AMT kit represents is that it rode an 8" longer wheelbase. The 8' Express bed was standard... at this time, Ford did not offer a long bed half ton. The 8' Express bed differed quite a bit from the 6.5' Pickup bed. Not only was it longer (duh), it was also five inches wider, a couple of inches deeper, and had small wheel tubs inside. After stretching the chassis a scale 16" (8 ahead of the rear axle's forward spring mounts and 8 behind the rear spring mounts), I mocked up the cab and began fiddling with the bed. Rather than mess around with stretching and widening the kit bed, I opted to start from scratch with .030" plastic stock, and a few 2mm square strip. Here is the inner wheel well on the driver's side. I doubt the shape is 100% correct, but I got it about as close as I possibly could without getting myself too frustrated... that would be defeating the purpose of doing something as a hobby (which should relieve frustration) after all. Two tailgates were Frankenstein'd into one, along with more plastic strip thrown into the mix, so I'd have a taller, wider gate for the taller, wider bed. Plastruct C-sections and some scrap basswood make up the floor. I've also added the fender bolts, and at the time this picture was taken, was a few minutes away from adding the four horizontal stamped ribs to the front bulkhead. The wood planks aren't a precise fit- I wasn't too worried about that, as I plan to grunge up the inside of the bed. I added a floor shifter and parking brake lever, both taken from a Lindberg '34 Ford pickup. I still have to add the distributor and wires, but the heater hoses are already in place. In this pic you can almost make out the grille guard. The grille guard is patterned after the optional factory unit, though again, I doubt it's a 100% unflinchingly accurate scale portrayal of the real deal. Well, I know it isn't... the horizontal bars are about four times thicker than they should be. But it'll do for what I want. I also added a wire screen... not part of the factory guard, but I wanted to do add it so... I did. So... maybe it's an aftermarket or hand-made guard that just sort of looks like the factory one. I should have the Scenes Unlimited 8-bolt wheels in shortly, and I've got a decent looking set of old tires to use on them- painting those and installing them to the truck will likely be tomorrow's task. That, or adding a few dings and rust holes. I guess we'll see where the day takes me. Edited July 13, 2015 by Chuck Most
Aaronw Posted July 13, 2015 Posted July 13, 2015 (edited) Very cool, I think scratch building the bed sides is a good choice after trying to do the same with the kit sides.I do have one bit of possibly bad news for you though, I don't think the bed sides are actually taller, at least they don't appear to be on the 1948-52 trucks.I was under the same impression but found the bed height appears to be the same as the 1/2 ton. The whole bed sits about 2" higher due to the trucks ride height which makes it appear in many drawings to be taller if because they measure from the ground to bed rail. Looking closer I found the bed floor was also higher by the same amount. Edited July 13, 2015 by Aaronw
mikemodeler Posted July 13, 2015 Posted July 13, 2015 You will soon have a whole fleet of effies to showcase your talent Chuck! I am sure you will do this one justice, much like the others you have posted here.
Ace-Garageguy Posted July 13, 2015 Posted July 13, 2015 This vintage of Ford truck is about my favorite of all time, and I really like the heavier-rated versions that you're doing. I've seen a fair bit of your previous work and have no doubt you'll nail this one too. I've been wanting to do a 350 race-car hauler myself, so i'll be watching your work with much interest.
Eshaver Posted July 13, 2015 Posted July 13, 2015 Chuck, Ford dealers at least the ones I knew in the Houston area all did a lot of "In house " conversion work on trucks . This included rear bumpers with their dealership name engraved on them . I guess what I'm saying is , you have leeway here ..................
gatorincebu Posted July 13, 2015 Posted July 13, 2015 Chuck, This looks interesting! And I like your bed modifications. Be Well Gator
Chuck Most Posted July 14, 2015 Author Posted July 14, 2015 The Scenes Unlimited 8-bolt wheels are now painted and in place. Yep, that looks significantly more 3/4-tonnie than it did a few hours ago.
Chuck Most Posted July 15, 2015 Author Posted July 15, 2015 And here's where the F-250 stands as of 10:24 PM EST this fine Tuesday evening. It has been grunged up a bit and hosed off with Tamiya Light Blue.
Superpeterbilt Posted July 15, 2015 Posted July 15, 2015 Excellent work Chuck. I too am curious about your rust technique. Was it hairspray?
Chuck Most Posted July 15, 2015 Author Posted July 15, 2015 Salt for the majority- there's still some brushing and sanding to do to further the "distressed" look.
Custom Mike Posted July 15, 2015 Posted July 15, 2015 Great work on the bed conversion, and the crusty paint is looking beat, just like it should!
Chuck Most Posted July 18, 2015 Author Posted July 18, 2015 The business ends of the truck are pretty much done- now I just need to figure out what kind of bumper I want to use. This one's pretty close to finished!
Chuck Most Posted July 19, 2015 Author Posted July 19, 2015 This one should be in "Under Glass" sometime today...
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