'32 Ford 3-window coupe — late '50s rod

[chepp]

Here's something that might have been built in the late '50s. It was the time when a hopped-up Olds or a Caddy was the hot choice before the SBC became dominant for those wanting more power than they could get out of a flathead Ford. This one is more modest than one might expect with a rod having a chopped and filled top, a Halibrand quick change rear axle and a worked-over Cadillac engine. There's no custom paint, not much chrome or polished metal (even the Halibrand is painted black to not attract attention) and it still has the stock gas tank. The tank is not functional -- it might be useful to carry water to add weight, if needed. The real gas tank and battery would be in the trunk but are not modeled.

 

The paint is a mix of red enamel colors thinned with a "cool" lacquer thinner. The underside is a bit grimy as one might expect for a street driven rod that is a couple of years old as shown with its 1961 license plate. Normally it is street legal but here it is ready for a day at the drags with slicks on standard wheels replacing treaded tires on reversed rims similar to the fronts.

 

The model started with the Revell '32 Ford 5-window coupe kit but many of the modern rod parts were backdated or replaced with other pieces from a variety of sources. Some include:

Body (mastered by Dennis Lacy), firewall, filled grille shell, radiator, grille and seats from Drag City Casting.

Engine is the old Revell Cadillac 354 parts pack using that kit's B&M Hydro-Stick trans and carbs from Iceman Collection.

The rear axle and various details are from the Revell 22 Jr. kit.

Dzus fasteners holding the hood top on are Model Car Garage MCG-2074.

See the build thread — trakinscale.proboards.com/thread/19196/ford-window-coupe-late-50s?page=1 — to see how it went together and learn more about the origin of parts not mentioned here.

 

The mid-century modern styled photo background was inspired by 3D-printed breeze blocks made by Maple Leaf Modelworks that matched ones on my 1961-built childhood home in southern California.

 

Thanks to all who commented on my build thread -- you guys posted some really good advice that made it better.

Edited September 19, 2022 by chepp

[70 Sting]

Awesome build and photography. Looks 1:1. ?

[espo]

This build really captures look of the era. The background in the picture also fits the time frame. The paint finishes look great, and the stance is perfect. Very realistic looking undercarriage. 

[mrm]

I was never a fan of that grille, with the bar in the middle, but I have to say that this is the first time I see a rod that actually pulls it off and looks really good with it. I am also pretty sure this is a 3 window coupe, but this is probably a typo. I love the over all look of this hot rod. It has the right attitude. 

[gman]

31 minutes ago, mrm said:

I was never a fan of that grille, with the bar in the middle, but I have to say that this is the first time I see a rod that actually pulls it off and looks really good with it. I am also pretty sure this is a 3 window coupe, but this is probably a typo. I love the over all look of this hot rod. It has the right attitude. 

The "winter grille." I too like the look of it here. Great looking '32.

[oldscool]

Love it, love it, love it! This is my kind of hot rod and you did some great work. Never thought of using the stock fuel tank for adjusting weight transfer and the breeze blocks bring back memories from my childhood neighborhood. More like this please.

[TransAmMike]

38 minutes ago, espo said:

This build really captures look of the era. The background in the picture also fits the time frame. The paint finishes look great, and the stance is perfect. Very realistic looking undercarriage. 

Well said and so true David.  Until I saw the underside I actually thought it was a 1:! car.

Great job Charley?

[Zippi]

Nice looking old school Hot Rod.

[Paul Payne]

This is a really great build- very realistic and period correct! Well done!

[bisc63]

Two important criteria for a model: Does it look believable (in concept) and does it look real (in execution). This hits both over the fence. Very well done!

[chepp]

6 hours ago, mrm said:

I was never a fan of that grille, with the bar in the middle, but I have to say that this is the first time I see a rod that actually pulls it off and looks really good with it. I am also pretty sure this is a 3 window coupe, but this is probably a typo. I love the over all look of this hot rod. It has the right attitude. 

Thanks. I felt the same way about the grille, too. To me it would have been "too much" in chrome. This is a 3-window coupe resin body — I started with the Revell 5-window kit but didn't use the body.

[rsmodels]

Charlie, I don't build too many hot rods but I'd gladly display this one on my shelf.  You did a fine job!

[Jim B]

Great looking rod.  Well done.

[chepp]

9 hours ago, oldscool said:

Love it, love it, love it! This is my kind of hot rod and you did some great work. Never thought of using the stock fuel tank for adjusting weight transfer and the breeze blocks bring back memories from my childhood neighborhood. More like this please.

Thanks! Here's a pic of the whole photo diorama with two more of my models displayed.

Edited August 15, 2022 by chepp

[Kah puts]

It never ceases to amaze me how we can create such wonderful things, thanks for posting. 

[slusher]

Nicely done 32!

[Ulbo]

Authentic look of this cool built Rod?

[Bronzekeg]

very nice!

[ChrisR]

Looks great!

[BeakDoc]

That is Grade A, Prime, center cut!

[unclescott58]

Hey! I thought we all agree. No real cars. Only models. A heck of a deal tipping that old ‘32 upside down and not damaging it! All kidding aside, a very nice ‘32. I like the other two models too. 

[Street Rod]

Very good build! Really looks right.

[oldnslow]

I like it ! just the right everything .  ?

[Bainford]

Now, that's the cat's pajamas! Everything about it is just right. Love the vision, love the vibe , and so nicely built. Excellent work.

[#1 model citizen]

Wow! Looks like solid, bulletproof, take no prisoners rod! Very realistic looking build. Nice job!