1978 Ford F-series

[iamsuperdan]

In a slump with my BRBO truck, and some of the other builds, so I grabbed this one and want to put together what is hopefully a quick build. Will not be built box stock. There's a definite theme to this one, will see if my scratchbuilding skills are good enough to keep me happy with the results.

 

The kit itself is kind of terrible. This is a prime example of why kits shouldn't be reissued unless they can be done right. The flash, sink marks, mold lines, etc are horrible. 

I've assembled the truck's box, and have done the basic assembly on the engine & trans, axles, etc. The truck box doesn't fit together very well, and I found that the passenger side inner box is a little longer than the other side. What this means is that the tailgate may not close flush. I think that's an easy fix though. 

[leafsprings]

I just about given up on that extra long wheelbase  F 350 super camper special bed. Most of mine end up as chassis cabs with dual wheels. Waiting for the much more common F 100 or F 250 bed for these kits. But, a shortbed stepside 4x4, seems doable now, thanks to the '53 Ford pickup kit.

[iamsuperdan]

I actually wanted the longbox for the idea I have! So I'm determined to make this work.Won't need the gate to open, so I might just shave it down and glue it shut.

[iamsuperdan]

Super slow progress, but here's where it's at now.

Have some painting done. Frame and suspension are complete. Engine has paint. I know it's not exactly Ford blue, but it's close enough for me.

 

Body is painted too. Everything coming along well. Slow, but well.

Typical. Truck's not even done, and the box is being used to store stuff.

[gatorincebu]

 

    I like that yellow !!

 

 

    Be Well

      Gator

[iamsuperdan]

Starting to wire the engine. And I got the seatbelts taken care of. May have to scratch build the exhaust. In a rough mockup, the exhaust sits well below the body. Not happy that that at all.

 

 

 

[Ron Hamilton]

Nice work on your model, but I just cannot deal with the funky "Camper Special" wheelbase and right side wheelhouse. I recently got a Mobeius F100 long bed, which I plan to use as a pattern to adjust the wheelbase to a standard 8 foot bed truck for my 1976 F350 Ranger XLT Project.

 I have cleaned it up, raised the windshield mouldings, and removed the glue smears.  I hope to get some further work done to it soon. While it is not as nice as the Mobieus, it is still a quite nice kit. I have a '78 like yours, which will stay as a :Camper Special, as I am going to put a 5th Wheel hitch on it for my Galaxie Trailer.

[iamsuperdan]

ALthough not exactly what I wanted, the Camper Special doesn't bother me too much. For a work truck, it'll be just fine.

 

 

[gatorincebu]

This one makes a great work truck !

 

 

 

   Be Well

   Gator

[iamsuperdan]

Interior is just about done. Steering wheel totally doesn't fit right, so I had to create a new steering column. Interior should be mostly complete next weekend.

 

[iamsuperdan]

So go easy on me. This is the first time I've ever used BMF. I think it turned out okay. A little more practice, and I'll be even happier.