1950's Ford "Emergency Unit"

[hooknladderno1]

As many of you may know, I am replicating many of my hometown fire department's apparatus of years past.  Our first "Emergency Unit", an early 1950's Ford stepvan carried ropes, hand tools, air packs, fuel , life jackets and other supplies for our marine units(boats).

 There are a few makers of diecast collectible vans and banks.  I chose this True Value bank, as it was cheaper AND I planned to cut it up anyway to lengthen the body/frame.  The bank came with horizontal side moldings that the 1:1 truck never had.  So, the question was - how do I remove the moldings without damaging the sides of the van?  Well, with less precision that a surgeon, My Proxxon rotary tool (think Dremel) made pretty quick work of it.

Next came time to cut the body.  Good old Dymo label tape was used to guide the hacksaw blade in cutting the roof and sides of the van.  After that was accomplished, the body was stripped with aircraft stripper.  It made quick work of the paint and was scrubbed with Dawn dish detergent after a thorough washing.  The halves were thoroghly dried, 

The gap was bridged with brass sheet and secured with JB Weld.  Seams were filled with Evergreen sheet and Perfect Plastic Putty.

Still lots to do on this project.  More photos to come!

 

 

David

[AzTom]

That what I'm talking about!  That's a great start. 

[cobraman]

Nice project. That should be very cool.

[slusher]

Very nice. Looking forward to more..