Converting a '66 Fairlane to a "67??

[impcon]

With the prices that an original styrene kit brings, it makes purchasing one just a little bit painful. I know that there is at least one resin kit out there but what about buying the tail lights, grille and bumpers from Modelhaus and converting a '66 into a '67? I know that the dash board still wont be right and the interior side panels will be the wrong year but to most uneducated eyes, it will at least appear to be a '67. I have nothing against muscle cars but it sure would be sweet if this kit had been offered as a Fairlane 500 with the side trim rather than the bland ho hum GT or GTA version which although I love '67 Fairlanes, I am not the biggest fan of. I much prefer the Fairlane 500 with it's decorative side trim and ornamentation. So, does anyone have any ideas or experience in this subject?? And while we are at it, wouldn't it be nice of a resin convertible was available?

Edited December 27, 2010 by impcon

[samdiego]

I've wondered about that myself. I guess the only thing worse would be converting to one of these.

I drove this one for 10 years. I have a plastic sandbox type '68, but I'm pretty sure no one has ever done the '67 Ranchero. I don't think it was even promo'd or ever resincast. I agree about the trim The upscale level was much nicer.

[impcon]

I've wondered about that myself. I guess the only thing worse would be converting to one of these.

I drove this one for 10 years. I have a plastic sandbox type '68, but I'm pretty sure no one has ever done the '67 Ranchero. I don't think it was even promo'd or ever resincast. I agree about the trim The upscale level was much nicer.

I may be wrong here but I have a feeling that the resin casters are really missing the boat on the Ranchero all right! The '67 is without a doubt, the prettiest Ranchero ever produced with the '57 running a close second. I know that it's all about someone making a good master from which to make the mold but there are people out there who have the talent. I know that I sure don't but adding the side trim and a non GT hood to a hardtop body shouldn't be too difficult - there again, for someone with the talent - which I don't have. *sighs* Or how about a '67 wagon - especially a Squire with the wood grain? Jeepers... makes me salivate just thinking about it...

Edited December 27, 2010 by impcon

[impcon]

Aw c'mon guys.. someone must have considered doing this conversion before.. I highly doubt that it is a totally original idea... any help will be appreciated...

[rick6343]

Gary,

Some years ago I saw a resin conversion kit to build a '67 Fairlane out of AMT's '66. Unfortunately, I don't know who did it, when, where, or if they're in business. Based on what I know, I'm guessing it would take the grille, hood, and tailights. I think the grille and taillights can be had from Modelhaus, who also have a flat hood. Making the '67 GT's power bulges might take some fabricating with styrene strip. I'm not sure about the upholstery and door panel patterns, but I'd look at AMT's GT, 427, and '67 Comet kits and see which one was closest.

Good luck with your project. I built the '67 Comet kit recently and it went together really well. I'd like to build a '67 Fairlane NASCAR racer using the Polar Lights Torino chassis and Modelhaus grille and headlights.

The one-year-bodystyle '67 Ranchero would be a cool conversion. There was a nice one running around my town last summer with a "For Sale" sign on it, and I went as far as looking at another one about ten years ago. I'm not sure if the wheelbase would have been any different. Someone on the board made one not too long ago, you might want to do some searching.

Hope this helps,

[samdiego]

The wheelbase does differ. The Ranchero shared the station wagon's 114in platform. The doors were SW and Ranchero specific too. I started paying attention to this model in '91 and can only recall seeing about 6 others on the street since and maybe two in the magazines. I think the production run was about 3,400 units. I want another one. Mine was really a 50 footer, I couldn't get a fridge magnet to stick anywhere but that truck was dead reliable.

Edited December 20, 2010 by samdiego

[impcon]

Thanks for the responses guys - I went ahead and ordered the '67 Fairlane tail light assemblies and grille and front bumper to see how they fit against the AMT '66 Fairlane model. I would have ordered the hood as well but the Modelhaus online catalog is pretty sparse when it comes to details and I do not know if it is a flat Fairlane hood or is it for the GT/GTA? I should have the parts in a few weeks and I am eager to see if they will fit and be workable or not - especially the taillights. I canmodify a dash boards I think.. so then there's just the issue of the side trim.. or maybe I'll just have to settle for a 67 GT..

[george 53]

Gary, The Modelhaus hood for the AMT kit IS a GT/GTA hood. If you need it stock, just file off the scoops. :)

[bigphoto]

I've wondered about that myself. I guess the only thing worse would be converting to one of these.

I drove this one for 10 years. I have a plastic sandbox type '68, but I'm pretty sure no one has ever done the '67 Ranchero. I don't think it was even promo'd or ever resincast. I agree about the trim The upscale level was much nicer.

There was a resin 67 Ranchero out at one time a buddy of mine has one it is missing the tailgate.

[paul alflen]

There was a resin 67 Ranchero out at one time a buddy of mine has one it is missing the tailgate.

GIVE THAT ONE TO JEFF B AT MOTOR CITY RESIN TO CAST SO WE CAN ALL HAVE ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bigphoto]

GIVE THAT ONE TO JEFF B AT MOTOR CITY RESIN TO CAST SO WE CAN ALL HAVE ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!

R&D unique picked up the Mini Exotics line they should have the master!