Monogram ‘32 Ford Roadster - The Rebuild

[atomicholiday]

Hey guys, I began the process of bringing this old Ford back to life this weekend.  No idea why I chose now to do this.  Like I don’t have enough other projects (including two group builds that are sitting stalled).  Saturday I was bouncing around on about half a dozen different kits, just tinkering basically.  Somehow this one grabbed my attention.

This was a build I had completed years ago.  Molded in yellow plastic, I shot clear coat on it, did some detail painting, and called it done.  
Years later, it was falling apart and in a pretty sad state overall.  This would have been 10-15 years ago I think.  So I tore it apart and started doing a little body work to it.  Mild custom stuff.  Keep in mind, at that point, I didn’t know jack about paint.  
So I hit the body with one big heavy coat of primer, and bang!  All the louvers I had removed were back!  Now I understand why, but I had no clue back then.  So into the box it went.

Fast forward to last Saturday.  All the louvers (and a few other mods) have been fixed, and it’s in primer now.  And no, I didn’t bomb it on there this time around.😂

I have a pretty clear vision of what I’m going for, but I’m sure it’ll evolve as I go along.  Check it out!

 

The original box is long gone, but I think this was it.

Tires are from the most recent Revell Trans Am kit.  I’m completely hooked on printing my own wheels now.  This was a set I had done early on.  Opinions?

 

This is pretty close to the stance I want.

That’s it for now.  Having fun with the old ‘32.  At least until another squirrel comes along!

[Bullybeef]

I’m down for any 32 build! 

[LennyB]

18 minutes ago, Bullybeef said:

I’m down for any 32 build! 

Bil is also on a first name basis with the squirrels as well.🤪

 

I like the wheels, what color are you planning on painting them?

[atomicholiday]

29 minutes ago, LennyB said:

Bil is also on a first name basis with the squirrels as well.🤪

 

I like the wheels, what color are you planning on painting them?

Not sure yet.  Maybe matt aluminum with chrome trim rings?

[Zippi]

That's going to be a pretty kewl looking 32 Ford Street Rod.  Great looking wheels & tires and I'm liking the stance.

[atomicholiday]

I’ve been thinking about engine options.  I want a Ford engine, so I’m going to try to stuff this in.

Fresh off the printer, Windsor with multiple Weber carb options.  The file is from 3DVM on Cults 3D, and it looks outstanding.  He gives you a lot of options too.

[Bullybeef]

20 hours ago, atomicholiday said:

I’ve been thinking about engine options.  I want a Ford engine, so I’m going to try to stuff this in.

Fresh off the printer, Windsor with multiple Weber carb options.  The file is from 3DVM on Cults 3D, and it looks outstanding.  He gives you a lot of options too.

Nice print, I don’t think is so much going to be able to “stuff” the engine in, it’s more the gearbox and tail shaft length that will be the issue. 

[atomicholiday]

2 hours ago, Bullybeef said:

Nice print, I don’t think is so much going to be able to “stuff” the engine in, it’s more the gearbox and tail shaft length that will be the issue. 

Agreed.  I don’t think I’ll use that transmission though.  I’ll either see if I can find one to print, or cut the one off of the kit engine and use it.  Seems like a shame to go that route though.  This engine has soooo much detail, and the kit trans is pretty bland.

[Bullybeef]

1 hour ago, atomicholiday said:

Agreed.  I don’t think I’ll use that transmission though.  I’ll either see if I can find one to print, or cut the one off of the kit engine and use it.  Seems like a shame to go that route though.  This engine has soooo much detail, and the kit trans is pretty bland.

I can agree on the blandness of the kit transmission haha. But we can both attest to the fact that it will only be seen from the bottom, so weighing your options vs time and effort. I’m guilty of spending to much time on the guts for accuracy!  

[atomicholiday]

24 minutes ago, Bullybeef said:

I can agree on the blandness of the kit transmission haha. But we can both attest to the fact that it will only be seen from the bottom, so weighing your options vs time and effort. I’m guilty of spending to much time on the guts for accuracy!  

Yup.  Totally agree with you there too.  I also have to figure out how I’m going to attach either option to the back of the engine and make it look half way decent.  One way or another, it’ll be interesting.

 I keep jumping into these projects with ideas that are over my head. 😂

[Bullybeef]

56 minutes ago, atomicholiday said:

Yup.  Totally agree with you there too.  I also have to figure out how I’m going to attach either option to the back of the engine and make it look half way decent.  One way or another, it’ll be interesting.

 I keep jumping into these projects with ideas that are over my head. 😂

I’ve used the adaptor plate from the revell Anglia and Thames dragsters(usually on the Oldsmobile engines) to add the Lasalle gearboxes to my flathead builds, I really should look into resin casting some of these for my stash. They look the part! But I’m sure a ford on a ford would not require as much work. 

[atomicholiday]

I found a very nice period correct transmission on cults3d, and a bell housing from Scale Speed Garage.  After a little scaling down and massaging, they should work out fine.

To make everything fit, I shortened them by 2mm each.  Here is the modified print next to the original.

And here you can see some of the “massaging” that was required.  Without filing the upper corner of the trans, it interferes with the interior tub.  This isn’t visible after assembly.

Mockup with the body shell.  Problem solved!

As you can see here, I also sanded off all traces of the running boards.  About a week ago, I was twisting the floor pan to try to remove a slight twist.  The old plastic has become brittle with time, and cracked right across the drivers side running board.  So I’m going to try for the smooth look.  We’ll see how I feel about it after primer.  

 

[atomicholiday]

Got the base coat on the body shell. It’s Scale Finishes Shamrock Green (a mystery color).

[Ace-Garageguy]

Always like seeing this kit built. It's really the best proportioned of all the '32 roadsters out there.

Really like the color too, and I'm always enthusiastic about seeing previously-built kits resurrected into much better models.