1949 Ford coupe

[mchook]

This thing looks really cool! I keep looking at it and thinking that it would make a killer looking Ranchero.

[rsmodels]

 Paul, it's coming along nicely. It's going to look great when you are done!

[Paul Payne]

Again, thanks everyone, the encouragement means a lot because sanding putty is about my least favorite modeling activity, but you do see your vision taking shape! I'm thinking metallic black for the exterior, maroon and ivory for the interior.

[slusher]

Looking really nice!

[bisc63]

I like the sound of your color choices for both interior and exterior, should look sharp.

[Paul Payne]

More progress, of a sort- the primer I used seems to not like drying and hardening- still sort of rubbery, and really clogs the sanding stick. First time for re-scribing panel lines. Decided to divide the rear window opening reminiscent of 49 Mercury, using 0.10" half round stock. Got a lot of chassis work done including installing the fishtail exhaust tips. Still need to fiddle with the rear suspension- not sitting low enough- already reversed the arch of the springs (shades of torching springs back in the 40's and 50's)- and need to add shocks. Started laying in the tuck "n" roll upholstery- we shall see if this stays, I'm not yet thrilled with the outcome- definitely will need more paint to pull it together. The 53 Studebaker wheel covers now have chrome trim rings and brake backs. Mocked up the Avanti headlight buckets and DeSoto bumper from Revel 49 Mercury to be used as the front grille. More pix when I get more done!

[David G.]

The whole car together seems to have a Ghia-designed feel to it.

David G.

[TarheelRick]

Really enjoying watching this build take shape. Full on customs are one of my favorites - right now I have three in the works.  Just a suggestion is to narrow that bumper and cut it into the fenders or make it fit within the grille opening. When this was in putty the rear 3/4 view reminded me of the '59 Chevy aircraft carrier look, but once you put it in primer that went away, and the design became much cleaner.  Build on and keep us updated.

[Paul Payne]

Well, things have not gone to plan, so alternatives are being tried. The tuck "n" roll upholstery did not work at all- I did not anticipate as much curvature to the seat- and the half round did not want to bend to conform. Also the "blazing black". which I thought would be a metallic loaded black, seems to dry rather flat, with no metallic visible, but becomes a reasonable gloss black after gloss coat is applied. Definitely disappointing. The attempt to scribe panel lines was also a dismal failure- so that will wait for a project with less putty. Well, onward through the fog!

Edited August 13, 2022 by Paul Payne

[espo]

On your T&R upholstery issue. Just a thought, Plastruct has a part #91519 that is an O gauge shed siding. I have used it on a few upholstery jobs and in 1/25th it looks more like the tight 2" rolls. Comes in a 7" by 11" sheet, so you would get a lot of use out of it. The sheet is thin enough that it would easily make the bend in your rear seat.  You mentioned dearching the rear springs but still not low enough for you. You could cut the differential from the leaf springs and remount it with small spacers, much like the lowering blocks that were popular then and, in some cases, now. I like the added rear window trim as it tones down the large rear window opening. 

[John M.]

It's getting off to a great start.

[Paul Payne]

Thanks for the encouragement! A clear coat job went really wrong, so now the body and hood are soaking in oven cleaner, which is my go to paint remover. We shall see how badly the putty is eaten, but it will be restored and will continue on. David, thanks for the tip on the siding- just not sure yet which direction I will go. As always, more pix when I actually make forward progress!

[lucky 130]

Ok, you had me at sectioning a "49", no one seems to do it anymore. Back in the olden days, you could see some at most car shows, and at model car shows also. This is truly unique and very interesting. Keep on building.

[David G.]

It's a shame about the paint issues, I wish you luck in getting them sorted.

David G.

[Paul Payne]

I think different primer, color, and clear coat should eliminate the problems. I am applying your quotes.............

[Scott Colmer]

Oh Man! That is super swoopy, Paul. The roof and laid back headlights really pull the motion into it. I'm looking forward to seeing more.

Scott

[Paul Payne]

Thanks, Scott-needs to soak a bit more before being scrubbed.

[Paul Payne]

Well, did some scrubbing and thumb nail scraping, and removed much of what was on the upper surfaces. Re-applied oven cleaner to the front, rear, and sides for another soak. Funny how a model can need as much restoration as a real car! Will definitely need to redo the filler- we will see how much. Then I need to go back to cheap flat black primer- my old reliable! Made the mistake of using flat black paint and primer combined- never again!- and the flat black primer only was about the same- more like sanding rubber than paint- and it never dried to a hard, tight surface.

[Paul Payne]

Cleaned up the rest of the external surfaces and some of the internal ones. Did some sanding, then began puttying- again! Very pleased that my construction held up well- a fender skirt corner and one rear window divider were all that came loose.

[Paul Payne]

Resurrection! Stripped, re-puttied, paint, a bit more putty, and we are starting to see a custom! I decided to be brave and bold- tried some gloss black auto paint on a spoon, nothing bad happened, so began spraying using it as primer- so far, so good- good coverage, hard, tight and sandable.

[David G.]

Nice recovery!

It'll look great once the putty is all blended in.

David G.

[Paul Payne]

Thanks, David!

[Paul Payne]

Interior is done at last, still working on the body- made some small changes, also keep finding little areas I'm just not satisfied with-so- more sanding, more putty, and eventually more paint. But- it's getting close! More pix when I get more done!

[bobthehobbyguy]

Love it. Great concept. Nice recovery from the paint issue.

[Paul Payne]

Thanks, Bob!