30s Ford rod coupe

[Eric Macleod]

I was at a swap meet and saw this in a pile of cast off parts.  For some reason I just couldn't walk away without it. The seller gave it to me for free with the only stipulation that I show him the model if I ever get something done with it.  What do you all think? 

[GTJUNIOR]

There's an awesome hot rod hiding under all that filler and muck. I think you can bring out the diamond inside that lump of coal.

[ProStreetOnTheStrip]

If I had it I would put some nice red Steelies, a cream color paint job, cut out a small rear window, and drop a flathead or a first gen hemi in it

[wayne swayze]

This has a ton of possibilities and I'm wishing you the best .  You'll get your vision, then turn this into a gem!

[Ace-Garageguy]

Having brought a lot of worthless trash back from the dead myself, i would respectfully suggest you remove all of that horrible filler or bubblegum or whatever it is.

You have no idea as to how well adhered it is to the substrate, or where air-bubbles might be.

Nothing is more heartbreaking than to do a show-quality paint job over unknown filler work, and have it crack, split and blister because the person who did it didn't do it right.

You might also want to check it for symmetry before you put a lot of effort in it, as a lot of inexperienced builders seem to be unable to get both sides to match.

You need a square and symmetrical foundation to build on.

Edited December 26, 2015 by Ace-Garageguy

[Foxer]

I does need cleanup and checking as Ace says, but I really like the basic shape and curves is has. Worth further work for sure.

[Eric Macleod]

I have never really built a rod from my imagination.  Your sage advice helps a lot.  I like the flathead idea but somehow see it on large diameter rims with low profile tires.  We'll see.  I'm going to sort of let it "talk to me" and see what it says.  I actually have very little of it so I may scratch build a lot of it and see how it comes out.  I very much agree with the advice to check it for squareness and to get all the old putty out of it. As for a rear window I am sort of playing with the idea of a split window treatment.  I'm open to other ideas. 

[DrKerry]

Overall I like the look it has, got some great possibilities in it. I think ya done good on not wanting to leave without it!!!!

[crazyrichard]

yes a shame to not take it and adopt it

maybe .. just maybe it would be much wiser to make it more patina ... low ..nice big fat wheels and tyres .. great stance .. nice frame .. and make a back window .. sand it ... and go patina ... so much has hppened to the body .. to make this a showcar paint ride ..or at lest very shiny .. i would just go nuts and give it a awsome patina ... fun to do ....also

[MeatMan]

Having brought a lot of worthless trash back from the dead myself, i would respectfully suggest you remove all of that horrible filler or bubblegum or whatever it is.

You have no idea as to how well adhered it is to the substrate, or where air-bubbles might be.

Nothing is more heartbreaking than to do a show-quality paint job over unknown filler work, and have it crack, split and blister because the person who did it didn't do it right.

You might also want to check it for symmetry before you put a lot of effort in it, as a lot of inexperienced builders seem to be unable to get both sides to match.

You need a square and symmetrical foundation to build on.

Just like with a 1:1 eh!  First take it to media blast to see what you actually have to work with.  I love the potential!

[Ace-Garageguy]

Just like with a 1:1 eh!  First take it to media blast to see what you actually have to work with.  I love the potential!

Absolutely. Looking forward to seeing what you do with this one. 

[Eric Macleod]

So I have a couple newbie to street rodding questions.  First,  I an thinking about either Flathead Ford power or OHV  Cadillac power.  I know that I have seen resin 49 Cadillac engines bud don't know where to buy one. The same applies to '37 Ford photoetch grill pieces.  I am sure that I have seen one somewhere but have no idea where. Finally, does any know of a source for the teardrop headlamps that would go on the front of this? Thanks. 

[Ace-Garageguy]

An excellent source for the first generation OHV Cadillac (essentially the same engine as in the Revell '49 Merc, but entirely different tooling...from over 50 years ago!) is this vintage Revell parts-pack kit, usually available on Ebay for $5-$10. It includes a multi-carb induction setup, and a period-correct Hydramatic trans.

I was able to get a pair of those headlights in trade here on the site. Somebody can probably help you out.

MGC makes the grille...   

Looks like it's available at Model Roundup.   http://www.modelroundup.com/product-p/mcg-2207.htm

Edited December 27, 2015 by Ace-Garageguy

[Eric Macleod]

Thanks for the info.  That should help.  Anybody want to unload a couple teardrop headlamps? 

[DrKerry]

Would you want AMT or Revell 40 Ford headlights for it?? I have both.... pm me if interested

[mod3l Lover]

   I too think that could be something very cool, given

some time to look over all that body work.

  By the way, that is mostly '40 Ford parts you have

there. With a little '37 mixed in for flavor!

 

    David S.

[Eric Macleod]

I agree that the majority is 40 but it is the 37 front end that makes it flow...that and the really cool chop to the top.

 

[hack-n-whack]

Very nice find there. I agree it's 40 Ford, with some 37 front headlight pods added. Also a nice top chop. That isn't an easy thing to do. If it were mine. I would turn it into a 38 Ford. Nobody makes one!

[Eric Macleod]

There's an intriguing idea.  I have always liked the looks of the '38, particularly the Standard.  This does have sort of a squatty front end so that might work.  I assume that I would be into a lot of scratch building with that idea eh? Or are there photoetch grill kits for a '38 out there too?

[Eric Macleod]

Just so everyone knows I am not just doing a public pen pals posting here. I had a day off work and started with some rough sanding with 320 wet or dry.  Wow does this thing sand hard! I'm starting to wonder if the original builder used melted down sprue for filler. It is certainly well assembled so far. I also find that the original builder was no slouch wit regard to fitting a wide assortment of parts together. Have a look at how the halves of this front fender meet.  I'm not sure what I am going to end up with but feel encouraged so far.

[Eric Macleod]

Way down the rabbit hole! 

[DrKerry]

I wonder if you want to do this that is. Cut a 40 Ford body and insert the trunk and back light back into it. That way it has a rear window back in it as well as a positive curvature to the rear of the body.... In the photo the downward slope of the trunk looks flat from here...

[DrKerry]

Give ya a little inspiration. I am one for liking the 39 40 Fords......

http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drkerry/library/39 Ford Tobins Dream?sort=2&page=1

[Eric Macleod]

Tell me what you think of this. The idea is the backlight will sort of mirror the profile of the side windows.  I agree- it is pretty flat in back

 I want something more like the 41 Zephyr coupe next to this one.

[Eric Macleod]

Here's the Zephyr.