RancheroSteve Posted September 17, 2019 Posted September 17, 2019 Here's one I've had percolating on the bench for a little while; I'm finally close to getting some paint on it. The idea came from a friend's 1/1 vehicle, but I'm doing it my own way. I started with the AMT '62 T-Bird; the roof is taken from the Monogram '58 T-Bird (narrowed, shortened, and sectioned) and grafted on to the '62 windshield frame. Lots of scratchbuilding to resolve the bed and roof fit issues; the rest of the body is essentially stock. Thanks for looking - comments & questions welcome. Hope to have more to show soon.
Claude Thibodeau Posted September 17, 2019 Posted September 17, 2019 Hi! Good concept, the roof (in particular) is in tune with the general design of the 'bird. Some who attempted that conversion used 61 Galaxie roof, which, from the get go, is similar to what you achieved trough your hard work. I'll follow that! CT
Ace-Garageguy Posted September 17, 2019 Posted September 17, 2019 That's another one that somebody really otter do in full scale.
Scale-Master Posted September 17, 2019 Posted September 17, 2019 (edited) That's cool Steve! Did you consider extending the wheelbase between the back of the door and in front of the rear wheel well? It might add some balance. But I get the concept of keeping it on the same platform as the T-Bird. Edited September 17, 2019 by Scale-Master
Bucky Posted September 17, 2019 Posted September 17, 2019 Very cool project! Looking forward to seeing this one thru! I used a Monogram '58 T-bird roof to convert a '62 Impala into a 'Palamino'. It worked surprisingly well with the Impala body and windshield frame.
RancheroSteve Posted September 17, 2019 Author Posted September 17, 2019 39 minutes ago, Scale-Master said: That's cool Steve! Did you consider extending the wheelbase between the back of the door and in front of the rear wheel well? It might add some balance. But I get the concept of keeping it on the same platform as the T-Bird. Not a bad idea, but I'm trying to get it finished sometime this century!
TarheelRick Posted September 17, 2019 Posted September 17, 2019 I like what you are doing with this. Scale-Master mentioned the balance, to me the C-Pillar seems to be too wide. It would require a bit of work but in my thought a 4-6 scale inch reduction in vertical width of the C-pillar would make it less top heavy. That being said, it is your model, build it the way it suits you and I am sure it will come out fine. Looking forward to updates.
espo Posted September 17, 2019 Posted September 17, 2019 I like it a lot. I didn't even notice the wheel base issue until I read the suggestion, and they a right about the proportions. TarheelRick suggested narrowing the C pillar. Doing that would not be that involved compared to the work you have already done. Looking at the top this may even solve the appearance of the wheel base. You could reduce the length of the deck between the open bed and the rear window. Just need to leave enough room in the cab area for a 1/25th driver not to hit the back of their head on the rear window. Maybe a look at how Ford did the Ranchero and Chevrolet did the El Camino to give you a good idea of the proportions. Please stick with this as it looks very much like something Ford could have done. The only thing I see as an issue might be the bed floor. Not a lot you can do about the differential kick up in the floor since it has to do with the thinness of the body and you do have to clear the differential. Maybe a stepped bed, lower behind the differential an then level going forward from there. Very cool looking conversion.
Eric Macleod Posted September 19, 2019 Posted September 19, 2019 Very interesting project you have here. I will look forward to seeing the next couple steps.
RancheroSteve Posted October 7, 2019 Author Posted October 7, 2019 A little update - paint is on: The roof isn't attached at this stage (for ease of painting and assembly). It should cinch down a little better when it's permanently attached.
RancheroSteve Posted October 7, 2019 Author Posted October 7, 2019 2 hours ago, espo said: I think I like your new color even better. Thanks - that earlier color was just a light guide/undercoat. On to BMF next.
dino246gt Posted November 9, 2019 Posted November 9, 2019 I like it, a lot! Cool idea, wheelbase, roof, it's all a matter of personal taste, so some would do it a bit differently, but I think ALL customs are that way, some love em, some don't, I love this!
Sixties Sam Posted November 10, 2019 Posted November 10, 2019 Great concept and good work on this! Sam
RancheroSteve Posted December 27, 2019 Author Posted December 27, 2019 The interior is done. I put some stuff behind the seats so it wouldn't look so bare back there. The "shelf" behind the seats is just the extension of the bed floor and won't show once the body is on. Thanks for lookin'.
Bucky Posted December 27, 2019 Posted December 27, 2019 Great looking insides! I like the Panama hat!!
Vince66 Posted January 9, 2020 Posted January 9, 2020 (edited) Any further updates on this one Edited January 9, 2020 by NothingAsFineAsaW9
RancheroSteve Posted January 9, 2020 Author Posted January 9, 2020 Thanks for asking - I've been making good progress on the engine and running gear. Should have something to show soon.
RancheroSteve Posted January 23, 2020 Author Posted January 23, 2020 Engine is built and ready to drop in. It's the Roush unit from the Foose FD-100, with a few changes. Headers came from the Monogram Shelby 350 (modified to fit), as did the air cleaner. Oil filter and mount was scratchbuilt (the Roush motor has what looks like a remote filter connection).
RancheroSteve Posted January 28, 2020 Author Posted January 28, 2020 Engine installed in the chassis:
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