Thunder-Chero? Ranch-Bird?

[rickcaps55]

Ho yes that new roof line looks great it's coming along awesome.!

[Steve H]

Very cool project Brian! I love phantom Rancheros and Elky’s.  The T-bird roof is a big improvement, and captures the overall look much better. Personally, I’ve always liked the fatter “B” pillars on Rancheros and Elkys.  The “inset” rear glass is also a nice touch. I’ll be following…

[BDSchindler]

Well...it's been a bit since an update...

Body has finally been hashed out so I turned my sights onto the chassis.  The T-bird is an old school kit and the chassis left little to be desired as it was molded as one solid thick piece.  I originally had thoughts of using a Revell GT-350 chassis and running gear. 

 

After a little work trying to make that all work...I aborted those thoughts.

After copious amounts of work...I opted to just stick with the original chassis...but with some alterations...

I cut out all of the superfluous chassis and tried to give the illusion that the rear end is actually somewhat feasible.  I'm still debating if I want to take the time and effort to remove all of the plastic under the leaf springs or not.  I plan to make my own driveshaft for it and the "floating" trans cross-member needs to be attached to the chassis yet.

I also couldn't wait to see how the "Z-Wheelz" would look underneath so here is a mock-up minus the front lower valance....

wha-cha' think? All comments are welcome, as always!

Edited March 28 by BDSchindler

[customline]

I wonder if the '62 chassis would work under there, Brian. 🤔 it wouldn't be correct but so what? 🥴

[BDSchindler]

2 hours ago, customline said:

I wonder if the '62 chassis would work under there, Brian. 🤔 it wouldn't be correct but so what? 🥴

I agree…part of the reason I like doing customs, all you have to please is yourself! Your own imagination and creativity leads the way.
Who cares if it’s correct as long as it’s cool!

[Geno]

Oh man, that is going to be bada$$. I'm drollin'.🤤

[dino246gt]

I really enjoy trying to make the original pieces look better, like you're doing with that chassis.

[LennyB]

On 3/29/2025 at 1:40 AM, BDSchindler said:

I agree…part of the reason I like doing customs, all you have to please is yourself! Your own imagination and creativity leads the way.
Who cares if it’s correct as long as it’s cool!

Brian, you could try the Revell '64 Fairlane chassis. Wheelbase is almost spot on.

 

 

 

[Belugawrx]

Really like where your'e going with it Brian...diggin' the wheel choice.

Is it too late or can the body move back about an 1/8"...?

[Ragtop Man]

It's flowing, looking great. 

[BDSchindler]

On 3/30/2025 at 2:58 PM, Belugawrx said:

Really like where your'e going with it Brian...diggin' the wheel choice.

Is it too late or can the body move back about an 1/8"...?

That was tires sitting under the body.

finally got some color on it…Splash Paint “Soul Red Crystal”

 

and the interior is done…

[Chuckyg1]

Just stumbled upon this. This is looking really awesome looking. Clean and well thought out execution so far. Great paint choice and interior. Any thoughts on a power plant?

[Chuckyg1]

Oh......and how about Rancherbird?

[BDSchindler]

11 minutes ago, Chuckyg1 said:

Just stumbled upon this. This is looking really awesome looking. Clean and well thought out execution so far. Great paint choice and interior. Any thoughts on a power plant?

Thanks.

Still debating on the engine...I was thinking Texas3DCustom's Shelby GT350 5.2L but I think it will be too big and not really interested in hacking up the chassis any further than I have already so I am leaning towards the Roush engine used in the Foose Ford Pickup.

I dunno...kinda making this up as I go

[espo]

I like the way you have smoothly combined the different body parts. The paint color looks great, and the contrasting interior goes well with the exterior. Going to be a real luxuries' looking hauler.