David G. Posted May 25, 2024 Author Posted May 25, 2024 Hello Everybody! Work on the Ford Galaxie 500 continues! After assembling and installing the front suspension and wheels, it seems there are some alignment issues. The wheels seem to be too far rearward in the fender wells. Definitely some alignment issues here! I was able to disassemble the front suspension without any significant damage. I discovered that the problem came from the springs being misaligned. I was able to correct the problem with the use of a little creative destruction. When assembling the front suspension, make sure the springs are aligned and even. The molds for this kit are old and worn creating some unevenness in the castings. Some filing and cleanup may be required to get them to fit nicely. Here's a good place to double check the alignment of the suspension against the chassis frame. It's like I say: "Model builders, we're problem solvers who create our own problems to solve!" As always, thanks for taking the time to look and please feel free to post any comments, questions or suggestions. David G. 4
customline Posted May 26, 2024 Posted May 26, 2024 On 5/23/2024 at 9:00 AM, David G. said: Thank you Carl! I do pride myself on my problem solving abilities. David G. Umm....yeah..but you created the problems, Dave, so you must be proud of the problems you created too ? 1
slusher Posted May 26, 2024 Posted May 26, 2024 Sometimes it’s easy to make a mistake or problem with old parts..
LennyB Posted May 26, 2024 Posted May 26, 2024 Wait a minute, isn’t this the point where we’re supposed to blame AMT for this?
FoMoCo66 Posted May 26, 2024 Posted May 26, 2024 6 minutes ago, LennyB said: Wait a minute, isn’t this the point where we’re supposed to blame AMT for this? Oh yeah! ? It's AMT'S fault.?
David G. Posted May 26, 2024 Author Posted May 26, 2024 10 hours ago, customline said: Umm....yeah..but you created the problems, Dave, so you must be proud of the problems you created too ? It's like I've said for a long time: "Model builders, we're problem solvers who create our own problems to solve!" I even put that quote in my signature line. Besides, I really saw it as a part of the ongoing assembly process. 4 hours ago, slusher said: Sometimes it’s easy to make a mistake or problem with old parts.. Indeed that's true. Taking the time to address the issue is where the difference lies. 7 minutes ago, LennyB said: Wait a minute, isn’t this the point where we’re supposed to blame AMT for this? There's no blame to be had, it's an old kit. I'm sure everything fit much better fifty years ago when the molds were clean and sharp. It's like I used to tell my son when he was young: "To blame is to B-Lame. You don't want to be lame do you?" Just now, FoMoCo66 said: Oh yeah! ? It's AMT'S fault.? Awww, poor AMT. They try so hard. Thanks guys, you brought a smile to my Sunday morning. David G. 1
LennyB Posted May 26, 2024 Posted May 26, 2024 1 minute ago, FoMoCo66 said: Oh yeah! ? It's AMT'S fault.? I think I mentioned this before, either here or another thread, about what AMT did with these Galaxie chassis being wierd. I have a Galaxie project on my to do list that I’ve been trying to figure out a chassis to use for it and it’s hard to follow their logic. Just like the convertible interiors in the hardtops, but that’s another story.
FoMoCo66 Posted May 26, 2024 Posted May 26, 2024 54 minutes ago, David G. said: Awww, poor AMT. They try so hard. Thanks guys, you brought a smile to my Sunday morning. David G. Yeah, we probably blame AMT a little to much for the stuff they did. Besides they gave us something to make problems with, then solve them our self, we should be thanking them.? 1
David G. Posted May 26, 2024 Author Posted May 26, 2024 54 minutes ago, LennyB said: I think I mentioned this before, either here or another thread, about what AMT did with these Galaxie chassis being wierd. I have a Galaxie project on my to do list that I’ve been trying to figure out a chassis to use for it and it’s hard to follow their logic. Just like the convertible interiors in the hardtops, but that’s another story. I do remember the comment you mentioned Len. AMT really did a good job with their tooling on the '57 Ford kit I just built... such a difference between the two kits. Maybe it's time for a new tooling of this kit. David G.
customline Posted May 26, 2024 Posted May 26, 2024 Ok, my first reaction to all this is "my head hurts", but then, like the clouds parting and the sun shining through, I realized "yes! AMT did produce some really good kits and they all have ERTL below the AMT logo. I think we should all be greatful for that merger. There are exceptions, of course, but most of the well detailed AMT kits I have encountered have that ERTL tag; the '60 Starliner is a good example. I hated to do what I am doing to it but maybe I can snag another one, the blue car this time. Anyway, good morning! Get busy! Build something ! 2
LennyB Posted May 26, 2024 Posted May 26, 2024 1 hour ago, David G. said: I do remember the comment you mentioned Len. AMT really did a good job with their tooling on the '57 Ford kit I just built... such a difference between the two kits. Maybe it's time for a new tooling of this kit. David G. David, I think what we have to keep in mind here is that the Galaxies were originally designed as promos and then offered as kits. So the fact that this chassis is as good as it is is surprising. Most of the AMT annual kits from the era were this way. My first introduction to AMT was through promos from the dealerships. Some of the early kits, such as the 62 Fairlane, came right out of the promo molds. Complete with written vehicle highlights on the chassis. I think the first release of the 63 Galaxie that Jim is working on came that way. The 57 on the other hand was designed at the start to be a kit. So yes, a new tooling of these cars would be welcome. The 65-70 AMT galaxies all had variations of the same chassis( I will get into that with my next project) but I don’t know if that’s true for the real car. If it is that would mean a new release from any of these years would benefit all of them. Did that make sense? I know I’m rambling. Sorry for the headache Jim?
David G. Posted May 27, 2024 Author Posted May 27, 2024 20 hours ago, customline said: Ok, my first reaction to all this is "my head hurts", but then, like the clouds parting and the sun shining through, I realized "yes! AMT did produce some really good kits and they all have ERTL below the AMT logo. I think we should all be greatful for that merger. There are exceptions, of course, but most of the well detailed AMT kits I have encountered have that ERTL tag; the '60 Starliner is a good example. I hated to do what I am doing to it but maybe I can snag another one, the blue car this time. Anyway, good morning! Get busy! Build something ! Roger that! 20 hours ago, LennyB said: David, I think what we have to keep in mind here is that the Galaxies were originally designed as promos and then offered as kits. So the fact that this chassis is as good as it is is surprising. Most of the AMT annual kits from the era were this way. My first introduction to AMT was through promos from the dealerships. Some of the early kits, such as the 62 Fairlane, came right out of the promo molds. Complete with written vehicle highlights on the chassis. I think the first release of the 63 Galaxie that Jim is working on came that way. The 57 on the other hand was designed at the start to be a kit. So yes, a new tooling of these cars would be welcome. The 65-70 AMT galaxies all had variations of the same chassis( I will get into that with my next project) but I don’t know if that’s true for the real car. If it is that would mean a new release from any of these years would benefit all of them. Did that make sense? I know I’m rambling. Sorry for the headache Jim? That does make sense Len. Still, a new tooling of these classic Fords would be nice. David G.
customline Posted May 27, 2024 Posted May 27, 2024 21 hours ago, LennyB said: David, I think what we have to keep in mind here is that the Galaxies were originally designed as promos and then offered as kits. So the fact that this chassis is as good as it is is surprising. Most of the AMT annual kits from the era were this way. My first introduction to AMT was through promos from the dealerships. Some of the early kits, such as the 62 Fairlane, came right out of the promo molds. Complete with written vehicle highlights on the chassis. I think the first release of the 63 Galaxie that Jim is working on came that way. The 57 on the other hand was designed at the start to be a kit. So yes, a new tooling of these cars would be welcome. The 65-70 AMT galaxies all had variations of the same chassis( I will get into that with my next project) but I don’t know if that’s true for the real car. If it is that would mean a new release from any of these years would benefit all of them. Did that make sense? I know I’m rambling. Sorry for the headache Jim? Oh I can't really blame anyone here for that, Len, there's someone in the house that is more likely the culprit ?.
LennyB Posted May 27, 2024 Posted May 27, 2024 4 hours ago, customline said: Oh I can't really blame anyone here for that, Len, there's someone in the house that is more likely the culprit ?. Whew, can’t be me then as I’ve been outside all day??
customline Posted May 27, 2024 Posted May 27, 2024 32 minutes ago, LennyB said: Whew, can’t be me then as I’ve been outside all day?? No, Lenny....my house ?
David G. Posted May 28, 2024 Author Posted May 28, 2024 Hell Everybody! It's time for the next update on the 1965 Ford Galaxie 500 XL. In reassembling the front suspension, I found during one of the test fits that the front wheel track was a bit too wide for my liking. Not an uncommon thing to happen in model kits with poseable front steering. So using the part AMT identifies as "Front Wheel Hub" as a guide, I sawed off about 2mm from each of the wheel hub stubs. This will allow the wheels to tuck in a little closer to the steering knuckles when assembled. Moving the wheels inboard allows for a more realistic ride height and allows the wheels to swing more naturally through their entire steering arc. As always, thanks for taking the time to look and please feel free to post a comment if the muse moves you. David G. 3
NOBLNG Posted May 28, 2024 Posted May 28, 2024 Nice methodical approach to correcting the issues you’re encountering David.? I see from your sig line that we kinda think alike.?
David G. Posted May 29, 2024 Author Posted May 29, 2024 On 5/28/2024 at 6:29 AM, NOBLNG said: Nice methodical approach to correcting the issues you’re encountering David.? I see from your sig line that we kinda think alike.? Thank you Greg. "Great Minds" and all that, eh? 12 minutes ago, slusher said: David, you solve problems! I do try my best, thank you Carl. David G.
David G. Posted June 2, 2024 Author Posted June 2, 2024 Hello Everybody! The front suspension on the Ford Galaxie has been using a lot of my bench time. Even the best poseable steering setups can be tricky to get right. The wear on the molds for one means a little more time and effort is needed to get it together properly. In disassembling and reassembling the front suspension multiple times I managed to break off one of the nubs that the tie rod snaps onto the steering knuckle. They're only meant to be assembled once and I assembled it one time too many. So to repair it I drilled out the steering linkage to accept a small piece of styrene rod, welded the whole mess up with some Tamiya Extra Thin Liquid Cement and let it cure overnight. After everything was cured, I used an old wood burning tool to carefully heat and flatten the top of the rod and essentially create a rivet head to hold the tie rod to the steering knuckle and maintain the steering functionality. With the application of a little touch up paint, everything is almost as good as new! With the front suspension knocked together, it's on to the next activity! As always, thanks for taking the time to look and please feel free to comment if you wish. David G. 2
David G. Posted June 8, 2024 Author Posted June 8, 2024 Hello Everybody! It's time for the next update on the Galaxie 500. With the rear suspension assembled as directed, the wheels seem to be a little too far forward in the wheel well. But with the body in place, everything seems to be line up as it should. With a 3mm lift in the back and a stock ride height in the front, it's the perfect stance for a weekend warrior! As always, thanks for taking the time to look and please feel free to post any comments toy may have. David G. 5
Edward Gore Posted June 8, 2024 Posted June 8, 2024 On 6/2/2024 at 6:30 AM, David G. said: Hello Everybody! The front suspension on the Ford Galaxie has been using a lot of my bench time. Even the best poseable steering setups can be tricky to get right. The wear on the molds for one means a little more time and effort is needed to get it together properly. In disassembling and reassembling the front suspension multiple times I managed to break off one of the nubs that the tie rod snaps onto the steering knuckle. They're only meant to be assembled once and I assembled it one time too many. So to repair it I drilled out the steering linkage to accept a small piece of styrene rod, welded the whole mess up with some Tamiya Extra Thin Liquid Cement and let it cure overnight. After everything was cured, I used an old wood burning tool to carefully heat and flatten the top of the rod and essentially create a rivet head to hold the tie rod to the steering knuckle and maintain the steering functionality. With the application of a little touch up paint, everything is almost as good as new! With the front suspension knocked together, it's on to the next activity! As always, thanks for taking the time to look and please feel free to comment if you wish. David G. Nice recovery!
Steve H Posted June 8, 2024 Posted June 8, 2024 David, you are definitely one of the most methodical, and patient modellers on this board. Always a planned approach, and always able to fix the problems either you, or the kit manufacturer created! Nice work as always sir. Stance looks ? 2
FoMoCo66 Posted June 9, 2024 Posted June 9, 2024 20 minutes ago, Steve H said: David, you are definitely one of the most methodical, and patient modellers on this board. Always a planned approach, and always able to fix the problems either you, or the kit manufacturer created! Nice work as always sir. Stance looks ? Agreed, love your work David!
David G. Posted June 9, 2024 Author Posted June 9, 2024 20 hours ago, Edward Gore said: Nice recovery! Thank you Bobby. 12 hours ago, Steve H said: David, you are definitely one of the most methodical, and patient modellers on this board. Always a planned approach, and always able to fix the problems either you, or the kit manufacturer created! Nice work as always sir. Stance looks ? Thank you Steve. I do take pride in my problem solving abilities and it's nice having that recognized. 12 hours ago, FoMoCo66 said: Agreed, love your work David! Thank you most kindly Elliot. David G.
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