Deuces in Scale Retrospective

[Phildaupho]

With the help of others I put on a model car show called Deuce Days in Scale every three years in conjunction with the biggest gathering of ’32 Fords in world called Northwest Deuce Days in Victoria BC Canada - this year on July 20, 2025.

Since getting back in the hobby in 1994 I figure I have built 42 Deuce models.

This will be an on-going Deuces in Scale Retrospective. I am going to start this off with three builds from the mid-1990's.

#1 - In the early 1990s after attending a car show I actually contemplated building a full-size Deuce Hi-Boy based on after market components. This model is sort of the scale version of that Hot Rod built after getting back in the hobby in the mid-1990’s. At the time the only 1/25 Deuce kits available were the unrealistic AMT and MPC offerings. The Monogram 1/24 Deuce Roadster has great proportions but it is full-fendered with frame attached. My solution was to cut those fenders off but I failed to fix the distinctive Deuce frame reveal. There were not many after market wheel and tire options available locally but I did find a set of slot mags with very nice tires. The paint is Tamiya Coral Blue.

[Phildaupho]

#2 - In 1996 Revell started releasing their series of well tooled Deuce Hot Rod kits which included Dan Fink's Speedwagon Custom Woodie. At the time Street Rodder magazine had a model car column which in one issue asked modellers to send in photos of their scale versions of Sedan Deliveries. The totally fabricated billet rods of Boyd Coddington were a big deal during this era. I decided to create a Sedan Delivery in that style to submit.

I filled the Woody areas and the back side windows and scribed a back door. The wheels and tires are from a Testors Boyd kit. The engine is a fully chromed Corvette C4 ZR1 LT5 from a forgotten source. The paint is Tamiya Chrome Yellow with flame decals from the Revell Deuce Roadster.

[Phildaupho]

#3 - In my opinion the Monogram 1/24 Deuce is an under appreciated kit. It can be built up as a great looking hot rod right out of the box like this full-fendered roadster. The only modifications I made were to lower the suspension and mildly chopping the windshield. I cannot recall the details but the paint was some sort of high gloss black that I airbrushed. The whitewalls are hand painted Tamiya acrylic. I later modified this model to resemble one of the cars on the backside of a Deuce Days t-shirt. That version had a stock hood and Halibrand wheels.

 

[Chuckyg1]

Three nice rides. They all look awesome. I agree with your assessment of the Monogram kit. With 42 deuces built, it's going to be interesting to see the different styles, kit bashing, etc. that you've  come up with. I look forward to future installments. This should be good.

[Rattlecan Dan]

They look nice. Good job!

[Steve H]

Hi Phil, everyone is in for a treat here. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing “most” of your deuces in person. I particularly like your replica, and tribute builds. Look forward to seeing more as you unveil them here.

[Bullybeef]

Well Phil you had me at Deuce Days, you know I do love a 32 Ford no matter what the body style! I’m in for the series maybe I’ll find some inspiration here. I’m currently at 20 built since 2020( my return to the hobby at a Dr’s suggestion to pick a low stress activity).

 

[Phildaupho]

#4 - I call this one Old Tech. This model was inspired by the Doan Spencer Roadster it differs in many ways but incorporates examples of some of the best components available in the early 1950’s. The roof, windshield, Halibrand wheels, Buick brakes and SCOT blower are from Replicas & Miniatures. The Revell 1950 Ford Pickup supplied the Ardun heads. The front beam axle and quick change rearend came from the AMT ’41 Ford Woody. The interior features an AMT ’40 Ford dash and steering wheel.

 

[Phildaupho]

#5 - I call this one New Tech. This Deuce Roadster is the evolution of the previous black Hi-Boy and features more recent components. It is basically the AMT Phantom Vickie with Roadster bodywork from the doors back. As such it has independent front suspension, disc brakes, low profile tires on larger diameter wheels and a Ford DOHC modular V-8 mounted to a 5-speed transmission.

[Belugawrx]

Great topic and builds Phil.

I have 3 variations of '30s hot rods in different states of progress.

Never having built one to completion, I really appreciate you showing all of your excellent mods and kit bashing.

It helps narrow the vision to what can be done.

Cheers

[espo]

All great looking builds and the verity of styles as well. 

[slusher]

Great looking builds!

[PappyD340]

Very nice builds!

[ChrisR]

Very nice.

[jdcar32]

I used to build a lot of traditional hot rods, mostly '32's, all Hi Boys. I even built a 1:1 '32 Hi Boy that I drove for 18K miles before the '09 crash made me sell it. Anyway, here you see two Revell based kits, the Big Duece, and the repop old Monogram kit ( with a visitor from the 'Lil Coffin ).

[Paul Payne]

Excellent Deuces!

[jdcar32]

On 2/26/2025 at 10:20 AM, Phildaupho said:

#4 - I call this one Old Tech. This model was inspired by the Doan Spencer Roadster it differs in many ways but incorporates examples of some of the best components available in the early 1950’s. The roof, windshield, Halibrand wheels, Buick brakes and SCOT blower are from Replicas & Miniatures. The Revell 1950 Ford Pickup supplied the Ardun heads. The front beam axle and quick change rearend came from the AMT ’41 Ford Woody. The interior features an AMT ’40 Ford dash and steering wheel.

 

I have the Franklin Mint Doane Spencer duece so this build hits the spot !

 

[Phildaupho]

#6 - I had a neighbour who had a Deuce Hot Rod and I decided to build a model of it to give to him. The extended cab was made from two AMT ’34 Ford Pickup kits while the frame and suspension came from an AMT Phantom Vickie. The pickup bed and hood sides were scratch-built.

[Phildaupho]

#7 - After the 3-Window, Roadster and Speedwagon, Revell released the Tudor kit but what I really wanted was a proper stock height 5-Window. Because I was unaware Revell had a 5-Window in the works, I decided to make one myself. Initially all I figured I had to do was graft an AMT roof onto a Revell Roadster body. It was not quite that easy. Door lines needed to be re-scribed and a lot of the body moldings required re-doing. I used the flathead from the Tudor kit and tried a bunch of different wheel and tire combos before settling on the Torque-Trusts.

[Zippi]

Great looking Deuces Phil.  The color on the 5-Window looks just right.  

[Phildaupho]

#8 - This model was built with only the parts that came in the MPC Switcher kit. The roof was already chopped but I did channel the body and made an opening in the hood for the blower.

[Phildaupho]

#9 - As a kid I was very taken with Don Tognotti’s Deuce Coupe that I saw in car mags. This tribute model was built only using parts from the MPC American Graffiti kit. The top was already chopped but I wedge channelled the body and mounted the front suspension suicide style. Some day I may build another 5-Window that more closely resembles the Tognotti hot rod. The paint is Modelmaster Manganese Brown Enamel.

[carrucha]

Nice collection of deuces!

[Dutzie]

Very cool lot of cars!

[Belugawrx]

Beauties !....Love your neighbours truck !