Why didn't they make this a Fury?

[customline]

This one has been hanging around my stash for....well, I can't remember.  But I pulled it out the other night and looked it over and I started getting 💡 ideas. This is one of the light gray RC /ERTL /AMT kits with a 2002 date. I'm going to start it soon and there are some good things and some bad things but I really love these mid 50s Mopars and I owned a few 1:1 s way back when. For now I'm just putting some pix of the kit down here and as I finish up some other projects (or stall out on them again) I will bore you with all the worthless details as I progress 🥱.

There is one thing I should point out that was brought to my attention by another builder on this forum and that is the side trim isn't correct. The 1:1 is arrow straight and the 1:25 is slightly curved.  This will certainly bother some people. It bothers me but if I didn't know....well, ignorance is bliss.

See?

[customline]

We have a pretty decent interior.  Check the headliner.  The dash has 5, count 'em, 5 chrome inserts; Juke-box drive, instruments,  2 switch panels and a radio! (AM only, sorry) You can do some pretty nice detailing on the door panels.  Now check the glass on that headliner shot - you don't need to sweat the install of the windshield either (I hope). I recall having had a big problem with the '57 300C. Gotta watch for that.

[customline]

Separate frame and firewall.  Steerable front wheels.  Generator bracket. No hole in the oil pan. This one compares well with the Moebius Chryslers. Lots of small detail parts. Pretty groovy. Spindles and tie rod look a bit out of scale but they work. Maybe somebody will make it work from the steering wheel 🤔......

 

[customline]

Got whitewall inserts for the Silvertowns. Haven't assessed the instructions yet so I'll reserve comment. BTW, there's a full complement of side glass.

Not sure where to start with this one but I may try to do something with the trim. I have some ideas.

Thanks for stopping by!  

 

[JollySipper]

This is just for inspiration! Watson-painted, of course.....

 

[customline]

Yeah, TJ, check the side trim!  Lots of ideas on this. It's not unlikely that I would shave off all the trim and just start fresh. 🤓 make it a Savoy! 💩

[slusher]

Christine was called a Fury so you have the association without buying any movie licenses. Savoy and Belvedere was the lower line and many was taxi cabs or utility cars. I wouldn’t want  a Savoy kit to build. The movie started the Fury angle…

[StevenGuthmiller]

If I ever build another one of these, I'm going to do this Savoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steve

[customline]

23 minutes ago, slusher said:

Christine was called a Fury so you have the association without buying any movie licenses. Savoy and Belvedere was the lower line and many was taxi cabs or utility cars. I wouldn’t want  a Savoy kit to build. The movie started the Fury angle…

The Fury of '57 was still sorta...special.  Like a letter series Plymouth. It came in one color (and it wasn't red.) It always bothered me. I expected better from Mr. King. 

Now can't you see a fleet special Savoy, black with a white roof, no radio antenna (let's add a door post) with a straight tube axle and a pair of stacks peeking above the hood, and a pair of Hoosiers out back in radius-ville.? Or a sleeper with a Hemi ? I dunno, Carl, a Savoy looks P.D.G. to me. 🥴.

[customline]

59 minutes ago, StevenGuthmiller said:

If I ever build another one of these, I'm going to do this Savoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I recall we had a neighbor couple who bought a new Plymouth every 2 years. No kids.

Yeah, Steve, I like the "old lady" look, totally. For a gasser. Or a hemi powered street racer. That DeSoto-ish side trim brings me back ☺️

Edited July 18, 2023 by customline
Added bs

[customline]

Today's thoughts on what to do with this blank canvas. The 2 door sedan idea might work well for a street predator due to the pedestrian exterior. It almost looks like a 4 door . Notice the small vent wing and the 4 door-like rear window (first photo.) The 2 door hardtop is far better looking even in the lower trim levels. You get a full length rear window and the vent wing is way more stylish. The Belvedere trim is iconic but for something a little different I would love to try the straight spear like the black one below.  With zero side trim the post 2 door might be a gasser, another "High and Mighty".  Lowered, with Savoy trim and a set of Keystones it's a cool street custom. I can't help thinking that the roof is a bit lower on a hardtop than on the sedan. Someone here probably knows. 

Your ideas, as usual, are welcome. 🥴

 

[customline]

More ideas....

 

I dunno, the right wheels, a clean trim scheme, and the right paint....gotta get that trim shaved off for now and find some proper rolling stock. 

[Calb56]

Altered Wheelbase?

[espo]

Great kit and since it sounds like you're not opposed to removing the side trim that takes care of that problem. A friend from high school drove a base '58 2 door post car for a few years. Built one some time ago and did it in the red & white colors. I used the 2-4's from one of the Chrysler Hemi cars with the offset air cleaners because it fit, and I thought it looked good. You already have a lot of pictures of 1:1 builds for ideas. Build it like you owned a real one and have fun with it.  

[SSNJim]

I thought the 58 Fury and Belvedere were pretty much the same cars. the difference being the paint and trim level. Furys only came in one color with the side spear painted gold with bright chrome trim. I could be wrong though, since I'm no Mopar expert.

On the Street Fury slammer I built, I took only the top part of the side trim off, so there's one continuous molding (the stock lower) from the headlights to the rear bumper. 

 

[customline]

4 hours ago, Calb56 said:

Altered Wheelbase?

 

51 minutes ago, espo said:

Great kit and since it sounds like you're not opposed to removing the side trim that takes care of that problem. A friend from high school drove a base '58 2 door post car for a few years. Built one some time ago and did it in the red & white colors. I used the 2-4's from one of the Chrysler Hemi cars with the offset air cleaners because it fit, and I thought it looked good. You already have a lot of pictures of 1:1 builds for ideas. Build it like you owned a real one and have fun with it.  

Thanks, Charlie, for weighing in on this..  I'd say "mmmmmm naaah" on the "first funny car" idea but that's just me.  I'm moving toward the street machine idea, actually. Cool wheels and a decent paint job, the down graded side trim and some minor cosmetic mods. 

David, I think I may drop a hemi in it. Gotta do some inventory and find some wheels/tires and an engine. I could stick with the Golden Commando though. It's pretty well detailed and maybe I can find a better intake.

14 minutes ago, SSNJim said:

I thought the 58 Fury and Belvedere were pretty much the same cars. the difference being the paint and trim level. Furys only came in one color with the side spear painted gold with bright chrome trim. I could be wrong though, since I'm no Mopar expert.

On the Street Fury slammer I built, I took only the top part of the side trim off, so there's one continuous molding (the stock lower) from the headlights to the rear bumper. 

 

Jim, thanks for your input. I'm not familiar with the "Slammer" although I am aware of it. Removing the side trim on this body was a 4 hour ordeal. The textured area between the chrome moldings is about. 020" thick and it had to go. No fun. My hands are quite sore.

[JollySipper]

21 minutes ago, customline said:

Gotta do some inventory and find some wheels/tires

If you've got a couple of the '56 Ford Fairlane kits ( like most here do ), they could donate their very nice chrome reverse wheels meant for the gasser version.........

The pic with the reverse wheels and dark cherry paint is really appealing!

I have a pair of the chrome reverse from the '56........

[NOBLNG]

I’ve never been a fan of ‘50s or early ‘60s mopars, but I gotta say this one is a beauty…in an almost sinister sorta way. Can’t wait to see what you do with it Jim!😎

Edited July 19, 2023 by NOBLNG

[customline]

Spent some quality time with my hyper-finned friend today. Every picture tells a story. From the top:

Using a variety of blades I chiseled,  cut, and scraped. I sanded with emery boards, blue sticks, and wood blocks with 220 and 320 grit. I started on the right side but I should have started on the left because of the gas filler door. It has a bearing on the positioning of the  spear.  I added a little filler to the spot where the top molding turned up. I was careful to stay off the top of the fins. There are moldings that will be foiled (I may decide to remove them.)  The spear is .060" half round evergreen. Sanded a point on it and glued it down, cut it at the door jambs, and drilled out the handles.  Filled fender ornament slots with CA and shaped.  Got the primer on.

Thanks for looking!🤤

[customline]

1 hour ago, JollySipper said:

If you've got a couple of the '56 Ford Fairlane kits ( like most here do ), they could donate their very nice chrome reverse wheels meant for the gasser version.........

The pic with the reverse wheels and dark cherry paint is really appealing!

I have a pair of the chrome reverse from the '56........

 

1 hour ago, NOBLNG said:

I’ve never been a fan of ‘50s or early ‘60s mopars, but I gotta say this one is a beauty…in an also sinister sorta way. Can’t wait to see what you do with it Jim!😎

Thanks for your comments, TJ and Greg.

I'm thinking five spokes w/ gray centers, blackwalls, an obvious street racer with a black cherry paint job.  Steelies? With baby moons.  And no, Belvederes aren't evil. Just Furys 👹

[SSNJim]

2 hours ago, customline said:

Jim, thanks for your input. I'm not familiar with the "Slammer" although I am aware of it. Removing the side trim on this body was a 4 hour ordeal. The textured area between the chrome moldings is about. 020" thick and it had to go. No fun. My hands are quite sore.

I can relate. The Slammer wasn't that bad (no texture). The 57 Chevy and Chezoom that I gave the same treatment were quite the projects. I didn't do both at the same time; I waited until I forgot the effort it took to do the first before starting the second.

Actually, I just looked at your last build post since it was after the one I replied to. Your body and the Slammer are quite different. The Slammer body disposes with such frivolities as fuel doors, the fins are a bit higher, and it has custom bumpers and nothing between the spears. You did a fine job removing the trim.

Looking forward to this build. I always enjoy your builds.

 

[Smitty]

Despite the problems with the body, I’m a big fan of this kit. I’ll be watching your progress on this one. It’s looking great so far!

[slusher]

23 hours ago, customline said:

The Fury of '57 was still sorta...special.  Like a letter series Plymouth. It came in one color (and it wasn't red.) It always bothered me. I expected better from Mr. King. 

Now can't you see a fleet special Savoy, black with a white roof, no radio antenna (let's add a door post) with a straight tube axle and a pair of stacks peeking above the hood, and a pair of Hoosiers out back in radius-ville.? Or a sleeper with a Hemi ? I dunno, Carl, a Savoy looks P.D.G. to me. 🥴.

The ones you and Steve posted look pretty good. Many was utility cars but I am glad you help me learn something..

[customline]

11 hours ago, SSNJim said:

I can relate. The Slammer wasn't that bad (no texture). The 57 Chevy and Chezoom that I gave the same treatment were quite the projects. I didn't do both at the same time; I waited until I forgot the effort it took to do the first before starting the second.

Actually, I just looked at your last build post since it was after the one I replied to. Your body and the Slammer are quite different. The Slammer body disposes with such frivolities as fuel doors, the fins are a bit higher, and it has custom bumpers and nothing between the spears. You did a fine job removing the trim.

Looking forward to this build. I always enjoy your builds.

 

Thanks, Jim, I appreciate your interest. I knew the textured area was a potential nightmare but I hoped it was flush with the "sheet metal".  It wasn't. I just wonder if AMT or whoever designed the kit had it in mind to eventually have an actual Fury version. It wouldn't take much.  The trim is there and with some additional engine parts and a rear quarter script change, bingo!  I'm no expert but they could breathe new life into this kit with a little effort. The market just might be there for a "special interest" car now and the Fury certainly qualifies.

Edited July 19, 2023 by customline
Correction

[espo]

14 hours ago, customline said:

 

Thanks, Charlie, for weighing in on this..  I'd say "mmmmmm naaah" on the "first funny car" idea but that's just me.  I'm moving toward the street machine idea, actually. Cool wheels and a decent paint job, the down graded side trim and some minor cosmetic mods. 

David, I think I may drop a hemi in it. Gotta do some inventory and find some wheels/tires and an engine. I could stick with the Golden Commando though. It's pretty well detailed and maybe I can find a better intake.

Jim, thanks for your input. I'm not familiar with the "Slammer" although I am aware of it. Removing the side trim on this body was a 4 hour ordeal. The textured area between the chrome moldings is about. 020" thick and it had to go. No fun. My hands are quite sore.

Consider looking at some of the Moebius kits for parts. Older AMT Chrysler 300 kits would give you a good Hemi to work with and an upgraded interior as well.