early 60's custom 1957 Ranchero

[randx0]

here is what I am working on currently its kept my interest long enough that I think it has potential to make it to completion.I have probably the worst case of startitbutdontfinishititis which is why it is being posted in public so maybe I can keep it going to the bitter end.

This is a revell 1957 Ranchero stock roof that I got in a parts lot which I had bought for something completely different I didn't even know this was included but it was .then after awhile I figured out it was the stock roof and it was mostly complete .actually all it was missing was the chrome that goes around the bed and rear window.I didn't really have any plans for it until I made another score an original issue '57 ford 3 n 1 kit with the sweet custom parts .I wanted to build the custom on the box ever since I saw the box art.well after pawing through the box something went off in my head to check out the ranchero, well everthing lined up pretty good so I just thought I haven't seen the stock ranchero built in awhile and I haven't seen the box art custom built ever so hey bash 'em which brings us to this point.

I modified the custom front grille/headlight by taking out some height and length from the bottom .I added some length to the hood so it would reach the grille surround and removed the old engine compartment so the hood would have a down ward slope towards the front .I fabricated the rear window opening for that custom shop feel (took more than one try)filled in the rear bed area with sheet plastic and added the rear custom clip which is where most of my continuity problems are occuring,however I think the next round of putty should get me closer. this has been in the purple pond at least three times but I just can't put it down. next on the agenda chassis modification ,body priming ,deciding on the grille ,deciding on engine (any suggestions I'm trying to keep it '62 or older)also I am trying to keep the parts mostly vintage stuff but I figure the recent starliner kit will be filling up alot of the chassis shortcomings.

critcism is welcome suggestions appreciated .

Edited November 4, 2009 by randx0

[Terror]

This build does have potential.Will you be doing the paint design thats in the book?Lookin good so far,man.

[Jairus]

Randy,

Very cool to see someone working on such an old kit. Really that was one of the earliest Revell kits ever! I am sure Art Anderson will chime in here with more details... but I have to suggest one little thing. Since that body came out of the same molds as the Country Squire wagon - the roof and door are too short. Compare the side window glass shape on the model to the side view in the book and you will see what I mean. The actual Rancharo was based on the 2-door wagon not the 4-door and a 4-door drivers door is dimensionally shorter than the longer door found on a 2-door car. Revell got a thumbs down from me when I learned this.. but, it's done. At least they didn't trash the molds!

Now... what does this have to do with your project? Nothing really since you are building a custom. So... it will blend in just fine unless you want to be Korrect and move the back window back a couple inchs.

Neat project, carry on!

[randx0]

This build does have potential.Will you be doing the paint design thats in the book?Lookin good so far,man.

thanks,the paint will be custom hopefully Larry Watsonesque but probably end up relatively simple.

[randx0]

Randy,

Very cool to see someone working on such an old kit. Really that was one of the earliest Revell kits ever! I am sure Art Anderson will chime in here with more details... but I have to suggest one little thing. Since that body came out of the same molds as the Country Squire wagon - the roof and door are too short. Compare the side window glass shape on the model to the side view in the book and you will see what I mean. The actual Rancharo was based on the 2-door wagon not the 4-door and a 4-door drivers door is dimensionally shorter than the longer door found on a 2-door car. Revell got a thumbs down from me when I learned this.. but, it's done. At least they didn't trash the molds!

Now... what does this have to do with your project? Nothing really since you are building a custom. So... it will blend in just fine unless you want to be Korrect and move the back window back a couple inchs.

Neat project, carry on!

Thanks J man,I like your suggestion lengthening the door will probably help proportions since the front and rear have all that extra overhang. it looks like I will only be able to add 2-3 scale inches I hope it will make enough difference.as far as the rear window I did bump that out and rounded out the edgeswhen I get it in primer it should show up a little better.

[Eshaver]

The custom work sort of reminds me of some of the early Alexander Bros work . I'm impressed with what you have presented thus far ! Ed Shaver

[randx0]

today I scribed new panel lines to make the doors look longer and did some work to the bed .

thanks for looking!

[randx0]

The custom work sort of reminds me of some of the early Alexander Bros work . I'm impressed with what you have presented thus far ! Ed Shaver

thanks Ed

[Lownslow]

very cool

[travis321]

thats arealy cool project looking good so far

travis l

[travis321]

thats arealy cool project looking good so far

travis l

[randx0]

here's the latest ,I did some bodywork, that aspect is getting pretty close I just need to do some fine tuning.

I also am working out the interior. door panels and bench seat from starliner,dash is from unknown year Buick Invicta.

The chassis is carved from original ranchero with a front clip from the '57 ford slightly z'd I figure it sits low enough as is .

thanks for the previous comments, suggestions ,and encouragement.I really think lengthening the doors and canting the B pillar really helped the proportions,I probably wouldn't have thought of it until it was too late so by all means if you notice something out of place please fel free to mention it !

[Mike Kucaba]

Neat Stuff Randy!! I will be copying that as soon as I get a place to build again,LOL.

Seriously,I really dig the use of all those old Kustom parts in the original issues.

And I see you really took the bull by the horns in cutting out all the floor pan on the orignals chassis.

I think I'll look into using that '60 Starliner for that.

Mike

[randx0]

Neat Stuff Randy!! I will be copying that as soon as I get a place to build again,LOL.

Seriously,I really dig the use of all those old Kustom parts in the original issues.

And I see you really took the bull by the horns in cutting out all the floor pan on the orignals chassis.

I think I'll look into using that '60 Starliner for that.

Mike

Thanks Mike ,the starliner chassis is close but alittle too long and a little too wide I couldn't figure out where to cut it and still use the floor pan . however alot of the details for the engine compartment and chassis details will be used wherever possible.

[Modellpularn]

Looks like you're on the right track. A friend of mine built a real one in the midsixties. It disappeared..... so he's recreating it. Work goes slow, but here's a pic of the roof/door area. I've helped him order some chassis parts. Chassis is finished now. Not telling any more....

Edited October 17, 2009 by Modellpularn

[Bernard Kron]

Definitely in the "how did I miss this one" category. But I'll be following along from here on out.

Gorgeous stance and proportions (your right about the "B" pillar) and the custom parts work spot on with your modifications. The sloping hood is a marvelous touch and cutting down the front grill opening is fine, too. You certainly have the eye. The tri-carb engine from the Starliner would be period appropriate and look real sharp in the engine bay. This will make a beautiful full custom when your done! Don't stop now...

P.S. A little bigger pictures would be great (800 x760 for example) so we can see all the fine work you're doing!

Edited October 17, 2009 by gbk1

[Dave Darby]

Thanks Mike ,the starliner chassis is close but alittle too long and a little too wide I couldn't figure out where to cut it and still use the floor pan . however alot of the details for the engine compartment and chassis details will be used wherever possible.

Another alternative would be the 58 Edsel chassis and floor pan. I have a feeling that one would be a better fit.

[randx0]

Another alternative would be the 58 Edsel chassis and floor pan. I have a feeling that one would be a better fit.

Good call, I will check that out tonight.

[randx0]

Thanks for the comments, suggestions and photo . I will try to get some more done tonight and post bigger pics(I am very George53 like when it comes to posting pics). anybody know of a source for a 58 super maruader aircleaner/engine ?

[randx0]

added some headlights final placement later but this is what I have for now .still working on a grille.

I added the firewall,chassis pan from the edsel .I cut out the edsel gas tank and spare tire hump and replaced with starliner unit.

the frame in my edsel was pretty warped so I just decided to use the original it is good enough for this project as the goals for this one is to do a 60's custom and to finish it.it appears as if the next hurdle is to get the interior fitted and rear wheel wells.after that it should be gravy adding details and pulling it all together, until I need to decide on paint design.comments and criticism accepted and again suggestions are really appreciated and utilized.

[Harold]

Thanks for the comments, suggestions and photo . I will try to get some more done tonight and post bigger pics(I am very George53 like when it comes to posting pics). anybody know of a source for a 58 super maruader aircleaner/engine ?

The Super Marauder was in the MEL (Mercury- Edsel- Lincoln) engine family. A good source for the basic MEL block is in the '65 Continental kit (although you need to fill the hole in the block). When I did my '65, I used the water pump, front cover and several other bits from a '65 Ford (although the Edsel pieces would do fine since you're using the chassis). As for the air cleaner, do an image search to find what you need, but you'll probably have to scratchbuild it.

[torinobradley]

The bed extension is looking pretty good. I wasn't too hot on it at first but finished and primered, it looks great. A maybe-too-late suggestion would be to extend the rear of the roof a bit and maybe shape it to somewhat mimic the rear of the car. That would move it more away from a stock appearing roof into the full body custom.

Either way you go, it's inspirational and looking great!

[Harold]

Another alternative would be the 58 Edsel chassis and floor pan. I have a feeling that one would be a better fit.

The Ford wagons, Customs and Custom 300's of '57- '58 rode a 116" wheelbase, while the Fairlane and Fairlane 500's used a longer chassis with a wheelbase of 118". Since the Ranchero was based on the two- door Ranch Wagon, it rode the shorter chassis. The Edsel's a good source for the chassis- just shorten it 2 scale inches aft of the doors. Good luck.

[RodBurNeR]

the rearend really looks great so does the front!

[randx0]

The bed extension is looking pretty good. I wasn't too hot on it at first but finished and primered, it looks great. A maybe-too-late suggestion would be to extend the rear of the roof a bit and maybe shape it to somewhat mimic the rear of the car. That would move it more away from a stock appearing roof into the full body custom.

Either way you go, it's inspirational and looking great!

thanks,I was afraid it was going to look awkward too but the rescribed doorlines really went a long way to solve that problem.If I were to start this over again I probably would do more work to the roof as it stands however I think it is still in keeping with the early sixties customs a lot of them went over the top in some areas while leaving other areas completely stock.