Thunder-Chero done

[BDSchindler]

Well, it’s finally done…the hybrid of a 66 Thunderbird with the bed of a 60 Ranchero. Fun build but I wish I had taken a bit more time with it. I kinda pushed getting it done as we are packing the house and moving. There’s no telling when I’ll get back to the bench so I really wanted this outta the way.

Stock chassis that I removed a lot of material from then attempted detail painting. Engine came from a Foose Ford Pickup, wheels are “Z” wheels.

Enjoy…I’ll comment further later tonite

 

Edited Friday at 03:37 PM by BDSchindler

[Coyote_6]

Wow!  They so should have done that!!  Just awesome!  Beautiful color choices in and out.

Steve

[Falcon Ranchero]

Looks pretty cool 👍

[rickcaps55]

This build really came out awesome the color and wheels everything very nice.

[thatz4u]

nice conversion, looks almost real

[Ace-Garageguy]

Interesting idea, well integrated styling. I like heem.   

[BDSchindler]

Thanks guys...for the most part, the interior is stock just cut off so it's only a 2 seater.  Original design used the 60 Falcon Ranchero roof but I didn't like it.  So I used the Thunderbird roof, sanded off the "vinyl" texture, cut it to fit and integrated into the body.  For the chassis, I absolutely hated the OLD-School 60's model car tooling of a one piece chassis.  So I got out the Dremel and started removing a ton of material opening up the chassis quite a bit over the original.

Roush Engine came from the Chip Foose custom Ford pickup and custom made the exhaust from the headers that leads to the molded in chassis exhaust.  Radiator was a parts-box unknown origin.  Wheel/Tires are from Steve "Z" Zimmerman.  Wooden bed is a plastic sheet using a wood grain decal and plastic strips then glued into place.

Paint is Splash Paint but it kinda orange-peeled on me.  I tried wet sanding but was more afraid of burning through it like I have done too many times before.  So I just used Splashes 2K clear and called it a day.

Overall, I like it but once we made the decision to move, I wanted this and "Thriller" done before the move since I am not sure when I will be back at the bench again at the new house.  Well, I'll need to build the bench and hobby room out the way I want it first...lot's of planning, designing and organizing to expedite packing and unpacking are yet to come!

[BDSchindler]

7 hours ago, Coyote_6 said:

Wow!  They so should have done that!!  Just awesome!  Beautiful color choices in and out.

Steve

The inspiration came from Kaucher Kustoms. Specifically...this image but they used a more modern Ranchero...

[Coyote_6]

@BDSchindler  Excellent execution.  I like the rake of your B-pillars over the inspiration shot.  Very well done!

Steve

[Rattlecan Dan]

Cool build. Nice color. Great job.

[charger74]

Very well done 👍🏻👍🏻

[Bainford]

Yes, Yes, nicely done! Nice integration and style. Well done.

[ChrisR]

Cool!

[espo]

Remember following your body work on this and the finish and shape is something Ford could of and should have done. Beautiful paint finish and color accents the body lines. Like the wheels & tires along with the stance. 

[XYHARRY]

Nice custom there Brian, really well done. 

[slusher]

Outstanding build and craftsmanship!

[spencer1984]

Excellent build, that turned out great!

[NOBLNG]

REALLY nicely done Brian! Looks like it coulda, shoulda come from the factory.😎

[PappyD340]

Super nice build, well done!

[BDSchindler]

Thanks guys...super appreciated!

[John B.]

Your model looks better than the Kaucher illustration  - very nicely done!

[Mike 1017]

This a great build and concept. Maybe I can talk my brother into turning his 1:1 into this masterpiece

[Ulbo]

Great idea👍