1936 Toyoda AA - street rod

[Phildaupho]

I just got back from a trip to Japan where I of course had to seek out a hobby shop. I found a very small shop in Osaka that was crammed full of model kits. I was also very impressed with the model department of a large department store. Prices were about half of what we see in Canada. I ended up buying a Tamiya 1936 Toyoda AA kit. This car was the first production car from what became Toyota Motor Corporation. It had an 3.4 liter OHV inline 6-cylinder engine, parallel leaf springs and a near 50-50 weight distribution. Three colors were offered for the exterior - black, an usual pink-tinged grey [which I accidentally painted a '36 Ford Sedan of similar shape] and dark blue offered by Tamiya as TS-55.

I really like the shape of this car reminding me in a way of Chrysler Airflows. I decided to experiment with how it would look as a street rod. If I was to go this route I might use the wheels are from the mislabelled AMT Rides Magazine 1940 Ford Woody which is actually an unusually customized Sedan Delivery. The ribbed DeSoto syle bumpers and lakes pipes come from the Revell '50 Merc. If I was to go all out I might install a Supra turbo DOHC inline 6.

 

[Phildaupho]

For those of you unfamiliar with this kit

 

[Ace-Garageguy]

Edited September 28, 2018 by Ace-Garageguy

[Italianhorses]

Curious to see this one built. Wanted to get the kit too.

[alan barton]

I got the chance to look at one of these at a club meeting recently.  Beautiful kit of a not so beautiful car.  If I was to rod it, I would seriously consider separating the front fenders from the body and sliding them forward to be at least level with the grille.  It would help get rid of the anteater look.

Cheers

Ala

[avidinha]

That's cool. I'm surprised how well those big wheels suit that car. And a 2JZ sounds awesome.

Edited September 29, 2018 by avidinha

[Koellefornia Kid]

That seems to be a cool project! Your mock up looks very nice. Looking forward to see it finished.

[Anglia105E]

I shall be interested to see how you get on with this build Phil, and you may be surprised to know that the Toyoda AA was copied directly from the Chrysler Airflow.

At the moment I am well advanced into converting a 1936 Tamiya Toyoda AA into a 1948 Austin FX3 London Taxi Cab...... which is not an easy task!

The Tamiya kit is very nicely produced, and you even get a good driver figure, who is now driving my Austin FX4 diecast taxi cab. The front fenders and rear end of the Toyoda are the two areas that need attention and modification.

David

[Rider]

Those wheels look great.  With the body being so tall the wheels help balance it out. I'll be following along with this build. 

[Phildaupho]

5 hours ago, Anglia105E said:

I shall be interested to see how you get on with this build Phil, and you may be surprised to know that the Toyoda AA was copied directly from the Chrysler Airflow.

At the moment I am well advanced into converting a 1936 Tamiya Toyoda AA into a 1948 Austin FX3 London Taxi Cab...... which is not an easy task!

The Tamiya kit is very nicely produced, and you even get a good driver figure, who is now driving my Austin FX4 diecast taxi cab. The front fenders and rear end of the Toyoda are the two areas that need attention and modification.

David

 

 

David - Your Austin project is very interesting and ambitious. Have you made any progress posts regarding it.

[Anglia105E]

Phil..... So far I haven't posted any work in progress photos yet, but maybe I should?

David

[bobthehobbyguy]

Looks like a cool project. Know that you will do an outstanding job.  I vote for a street rod version.

[Spex84]

The Toyoda looks surprisingly good on those donk-style '40 "woody" wheels!  With the ribbed bumpers and side pipes, it will have a custom/lowrider hybrid look, which seems about right for Japan  Very cool idea.  I was surprised to hear that kits were cheaper in Japan than Canada. Too bad I can't just warp over there and grab some!