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Posted (edited)

Okay, after my accident in 2022 I had thought about giving up my building because of my injuries, with much encouragement from family, friends and many members of this page I didn't. I finished an MPC Willys panel van (snap) and a Linbergh Crown Victoria police car (snap) with good results. I decided ok, lets break out the glue.

I went to my stash and chose this kit, I guess you can call it a step above a snap. LOL

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      The Plan:

    Cut off inner fender wells and front suspension, fill and clean up front frame, cut out rear wheel wells, add proper Ford engine, straight axle and slicks........ Gasser done

     The Plan Implodes:   

     Well, front frame as planned looked like s#^t so I cut it off and made new frame rails similar to what is original from evergreen. Kit firewall looked just as bad so off to the parts boxes and a slightly modified Nascar firewall fit the bill. Added some bars and assembled the basics so the frame rails had support.

    I finished assembling the front suspension with '37 Chevy parts and now the rear suspension was unacceptable. The solution was  cut the rear of the chassis plate off and construct frame rails as the Ranchero was actually assembled, connected to the bed floor. I removed the exhaust and driveshaft tunnel from the remaining chassis plate. A new driveshaft tunnel was installed and I also added frame ties and a loop. The remainder of the chassis is all parts box stuff. Edit, I did not have a set of traction bars that fit correctly and Mike 1017 provided a great set.

     I considered cutting the interior apart but drew the line. I added a roll bar, shifter and gauges, done!

     Engine had to be an SOHC Ford, instead of a supercharger or injection I went with dual carburators. Thank you to Classicgas for the air cleaner assembly, it was my missing piece of the puzzle.

    The body is stock other than cutting the rear wheel wells. I did not like the molded headlights so I very carefully drilled and trimmed them out. I took several sets of chrome headlights from the AMT 66 Mustang kits and casted them with clear epoxy resin. (BTW, this was my very first experience with making a mold and casting something) The wheels and hood are from Drag City Casting, color is Fiery Orange which came out very dark. Slixx and misc decals added. Needs a few minor touch ups but it is done.

    Hope you survived my rambling and enjoy my first return to glue kit.        

     

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Edited by Sledsel
  • Like 13
Posted (edited)

Here are a few pics of how sub-assemblies were done and a comparison to how it started for those unfamiliar with this old kit.

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Edited by Sledsel
  • Like 5
Posted
30 minutes ago, Keef said:

LOVE this!! I had the same idea but never got past the mock-up stage. 

IMG_1222.jpeg

if you get into it, it will be a cool project. The mock up looks good, not sure I ever did a mock up til it was about 75% done. I had fun with mine.

Posted

Best Ranchero Drag Racer that I have ever seen. The paint job is perfect not to shiny. It looks like it has been well taken care of since 1961 Luv those Traction Bars.

Mike. 

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
Posted

Nice work Andy…Falcons/Rancheros make such cool Gassers!  Great job on modifying the floorboards and building the frame.  You definitely captured the 60s Gasser vibe?

  • Like 1
Posted
8 hours ago, bobss396 said:

Quite nicely done. The AMT '65 Ford kit has that air cleaner and hoses in it.

So does the revell t bolt

  • 1 month later...
  • 5 months later...
Posted

Let me join the others in praise! VERY nice wok.

As someone else said, not too shiny. Few cars were "clear coated" then, race cars were cars a few years old, not restored show pieces with mirror finishes!

Too many cars have huge blown motors, few "gassers" had these engines in reality. Most were carbureted. 

Really has the look!

  • Like 1

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