Lindberg '34 pickup questions

[JollySipper]

I've gotten the Lindberg '34 Ford truck on the bench.... Just had a few questions about it. First, I would like to build it without it's fenders. The way the model goes together, the cab floor rests on the fender piece, then that goes onto the frame. Would it be okay for the floor of the cab to rest directly on the frame? I'm wanting to do something like this....

Next question.... what is the optional V8 in this kit? It looks like a Ford FE engine? and is it really to scale? It just seems a tiny engine....

also, what's a good source for a drop front axle? doesn't have to be chrome....

Thanks

[Straightliner59]

A great source for the dropped front axle is the Revell '29 roadster pickup. It has a beautiful dropped axle, with a separate spring. You shouldn't have any problem with the floorboards mounted directly to the chassis. If I remember correctly, the engine is a Lincoln, but, I wouldn't go to the bank, with that!

Edited October 10, 2019 by Straightliner59

[Can-Con]

The engine is a 390 Thunderbird unit ,, says right there on the valve covers.

[espo]

I would mock up the cab and floor and set it on the frame and then you would know for sure how well it would work. Depending on the thickness of the fender parts this may lower the cab enough to change the alignment with the radiator and or the bed. Should this be a problem just insert a small shim of plastic under the floor to replicate the fender units space. 

[Straightliner59]

12 hours ago, Can-Con said:

The engine is a 390 Thunderbird unit ,, says right there on the valve covers.

That's right! I don't have one, and couldn't remember what it was. Thanks,  Steve.

[Dave Darby]

Hi Timothy,

There shouldn't be any issues with building your truck without fenders. In fact, the original issue AMT instruction sheet shows just such a variation on the back, using wheels and tires from the Double Dragster kit. 

The engine, as stated before is a 62 M code 340 HP Thunderbird 390, equipped with three Holley two barrel carbs. Because Ford FE series engines are so similar, you could also get away with calling it a 406 (also available with 3 carbs), or a 427. The Top end from the 32 Vicky/Phaeton should interchange if you want a different induction system.

There are quite a few great dropped axle options out there. besides the aforementioned Revell 32 Axle, the MPC switchers based kits (AMT Boyd Coddington 32 Ford Coupe, and the Sedan Delivery kits have nice chromed dropped front axles. For a dropped beam axle, the Monogram ZZ Top 33 Ford Coupe has a nice chromed one. If you want steerable wheels and don't mind delicate construction, the Revell 29 Model A Pickup and 30 Model A Woody and Sedan kits have a nice chrome dropped beam axle. And my personal favorite is the Monogram - later Revell 1/24th scale 32 Roadster front axle. While it isn't chromed, it features a nice drop, and the most realistic early Ford hydraulic brake backing plates you will find.  The only hitch with that one is you will need to make some clearance in the backsides of the wheels so they don't stick out. But that too is prototypically correct. I'm sure a missed a few, but it's a start. Hope this helps.

Here is my AMT 32 Ford Coupe wearing one on the front.

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/135813-amt-trophy-series-deuce-5-window-box-art-replica-updated-112019/

[jas1957]

I just recently made this very modification.  I cut away all the fenders and just left the area that supports the cab & the front of the bed.

[JollySipper]

Thanks a bunch, Guys, for the responses..... This started out as a "back to basics" build, but one change leads to another.

[Straightliner59]

21 minutes ago, JollySipper said:

Thanks a bunch, Guys, for the responses..... This started out as a "back to basics" build, but one change leads to another.

That's the story of my life, TJ. I am certain we are not alone, in that!