Revell '32 Ford interchangeability

[berr13]

The Revell '32 Fords I have are in a box somewhere, or I would research this question myself, so here goes.  Are the engines and wheels from the various versions of the '32 interchangeable?  Specifically, will they work in the Rat Roaster?  I have a different vision than Stacy David, and would like to rob stuff from other kits to change the Rat Roaster up--are they all enough alike to do that?  Thanks for any assistance...

 

Jim

[Mr. Metallic]

Even though the Rat Roaster was all new tooling, it was based on the same "architecture" as the 3window, Speedwagon, roadster, Tudor and 5window tooling. Some refinements were made, especially to the frame itself, but parts should swap around between all versions.

Looks like they're continuing this practice with the recent Model A series too. Here's to hoping they continue with more body styles in that line once they get the tooling for the 29 roadster and 30 coupe back online. And maybe even continue on with a 33-34 series!

[Ace-Garageguy]

Overall, dimensionally the frames and bodies of all the Revell '32 Fords are the same. Bodies will swap from kit to kit with no problem whatsoever.

The Rat Roaster kit was compromised somewhat from how the real car was built in order to use the existing tubular front axle tooling from the other kits too (the real Rat Roaster used an I-beam axle). The only difference in the RR kit front suspension from the earlier kits is the use of "hairpin" style radius rods instead of 4-links (both 4-link and hairpins came in the 5-window coupe kit). The rear suspension in the RR kit is also identical to earlier issues, making all the wheels from the various versions interchangeable as well.

As all of the kits used dimensionally identical frame tooling, with engine mounts molded in the same place, all the engines swap around with no problem too.

This mockup is based on the RR kit, with components from multiple other sources.

 

Edited November 2, 2017 by Ace-Garageguy

[berr13]

Thanks, guys!  That's what I needed to know.  Now I just have to dig out my stash of '32 Fords and mix and match!

[Ace-Garageguy]

Actually, both AMT (on their truly ancient '32 Ford kits) and Revell did their homework reasonably well.

When they measured things like length, wheel-well radius, and width, they got the same numbers. Remarkable. What this means is that the AMT bodies will also swap on to the Revell frames and vise-versa...with some work.

AMT kinda dropped the ball on the cowl height for some reason, but with the above-mentioned work, the Victoria and Phaeton bodies from AMT (neither of these are available from Revell) will be compatible with Revell underpinnings.

[Eshaver]

Revell's 1932 Ford body drop on AMT's Fenders  with a AMT chassis and engine ...