49 Ford 427 Rat

[Paul Payne]

While painting another project I got inspired to start another one- a chopped, pie sectioned sinister looking 49 Ford with Revell's 427 engine with 2 4bbl carbs. This one will be painted flat black. I got into this project and made more and more progress so didn't take pictures until this morning. After the rear rolled pan front pan and grille surround, and rear skirts were added and the super glued. The body was pie cut about 4 scale inches at the rear, to zero about 1/2 actual inch from the rear of the front wheel openings. I always felt the rear fender area was a bit heavy on the shoe boxes. The A pillars were cut about 5 scale inches, keeping the cuts as close to horizontal as possible. Expansion cuts were cut into the roof in order to spread the upper pillars to line up with the lower portions. The rear window was cut out for later installation in the new rear roof section. The roof was cut in half at the B pillars and then the B pillars and rear of the roof was removed. Short sections of the sail panels were retained along with the rear curve of the window moldings. What to do for he rear roof? I wanted a very smooth but not flat transition from the existing roof to the rear deck. I tried the hind end of an early Corvette but the curves ended up being all wrong. Solution- the chopped top section from the 53 Studebaker kit. This is where I am at- next step is cutting the opening for the rear window and installing it. All through this I used super glue quite heavily throughout to maintain as much strength as possible. I also wanted to use the stock spinner and horizontal grille bars.

[Zippi]

That's a good looking project Paul.  

[Paul Payne]

Thanks, Bob! Going to do some people to go with it! Haven't done figures in an age! Using Preiser 1/24th scale- Roxie and Raymond. Checked the fit of the interior and chassis and everything is looking good. Going to do a Mexican blanket interior. Just finished hacking out the passenger side sail panel and super glued it in place. Next will be the drivers side and then the usual super glue reinforcement. After that, cutting out the rear window opening and installing the surround. More darn fun! More pix soon!

[espo]

Major looking body work so far. 

[TopherMcGinnis]

Hackie Whackie!!!! This is AWESOME! 

[customline]

This looks pretty ambitious.....I'm following ?!

[Andrew McD]

Going Full Custom!  I’ll be watching this one and hoping to learn a thing or two regarding bodywork; an area of little experience and even less skill for me?.

[Paul Payne]

Andrew, one thing about body work is to not do too much cutting without super gluing things solid again. You need the structural solidity to prevent cracking, distortion, and add accuracy for the next cut! Try to use as much styrene as possible and as little putty as possible.

[Paul Payne]

Sail panels and rear window surrounds installed as well as successfully cutting out the rough rear window opening and installing the rear window- very satisfying to get these mini projects accomplished! Soon time for sanding, putty, sand again, etc. etc.

[Paul Payne]

Progress! Putty thrown (waiting to sand because of drying paint on another project), interior completed, chassis in progress, engine wired and awaiting completion. The Mexican/Navajo blankets were found on the internet, printed, cut to size, fitted, then soaked in water until soft (printed on bond paper)and molded to the seats until dry. They were then lifted off and white glue was used to permanently attach them.

[customline]

This lead sled is shaping up nicely, well...maybe "Bondo Buggy" is more accurate ?. That's a good use of the Stude roof, gotta keep that in mind!  Great seat covers!

[mrm]

Wow, that's a lot of body work. 

[TNT]

Looks cool. Kind of looks like a tail dragger. Nice work.

[Kenmojr]

Very interesting build...Will be following for sure...

[FoMoCo66]

Great build. When I first saw 427 rat I immediately thought a big block chevy because they are usually called rats. I do like the use of the ford and all the body work is very impressive.

[milo1303s]

Back window needs to come back a little looks like a sunroof my worthless 2 cents !!! model on !!!

 

[bobss396]

I like the seat cover idea, I'll have to try it.

[David G.]

The interior looks great so far, love the blankets!

Nice going on the body mods too. The new profile you're giving it really cries out for a matching tiny teardrop to tow behind it.

David G.

[Paul Payne]

Almost there- a little more putty in a couple of areas and more flat black, and the body work and paint will be done! Next on the list- fitting glass!

[dino246gt]

Tons of great mods on this project but I suggest moving the rear window lower if it's not too late?

 

[David G.]

It's coming along quite nicely!

David G.

[NOBLNG]

I agree that the rear window should be lower…just about a full window width lower. JMO.

[Paul Payne]

Finished! Here's a sneak peek- more in under glass.

[TNT]

Cool looking.

[David G.]

That's a cool custom!

David G.