Chuck Most Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 I’ve had an idea I’ve been kicking around for a while now. I’ve always liked the ‘atomic bug’ front end on the ’61 Plymouth, and I’ve always wondered how it would look paired up with the tall bat fins off the ’60 model. I always thought such a vehicle painted flat black and de-chromed would have made a fantastic Batmobile! And I’ve been toying with the idea of building a late ‘50’s/early 60’s Ranchero-style car/pickup based on a Mopar, since Chrysler themselves didn’t get with that little program in this country until the early ‘80’s. A while back I built a Promolite 2000 ’61 Fury, and I was working on a second one when I copped an epic bone-up and ruined the body. I felt like a total clod messing up such a nice kit, but decided I was going to make something good out of the mistake. Now I had the ’61 stuff I needed, and I figured- why not try all three ideas on one model- ’61 front end on ’60 body, and make it a pickup? A couple of days ago I got a glue-bombed Jo-Han ’60 wagon. NOW the fun could start! The kit was immediately disassembled and dunked in the Barney Bath. The ’61 turned out to be a bit wider than the ’60 body, although it matched up perfectly at the base of the windshield. Well, as close to perfectly as one could hope, anyway. To make the fenders meet flush with the doors, I slit them under the side trim and pushed them in, then glued them flush against the doors. Now I have a use for the ’61 nose, and the swap meant no repair was necessary to the broken ’60 cowl. I’m not sure if I will leave the hood sealed or not on this one. So far I have not removed the b-posts, but I have rescribed the door lines from a 4 door to a 2 door. Not sure exactly how this will turn out, but it should be fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romell R Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 This is gonna be SAWEET! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CorvairJim Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 I will definitely be watching this one, Chuck! Phantom Utes have fascinated me for some time now, and I have a couple in the works myself at the moment... Corvairs, of course! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Most Posted August 11, 2011 Author Share Posted August 11, 2011 Oh, I've got a Corvair-based truck or two in the works as well. Stay tuned... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Hamilton Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 Chuck, I think it would be cool as a 2-door hardtop wagon with those lovely fins. Just an opinion. Ron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Most Posted August 11, 2011 Author Share Posted August 11, 2011 Chuck, I think it would be cool as a 2-door hardtop wagon with those lovely fins. Just an opinion. Ron Don't worry- I've got just such a creation in mind. Just want to get the more complicated build out of the way first! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffs396 Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 This is gonna be good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RodneyBad Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 I like the front end on it. A pick up or 2dr wagon sounds perty cool. I'm sure what ever ya do, it's gonna look Kool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Most Posted August 15, 2011 Author Share Posted August 15, 2011 Did a bit more in the Frankenplymouth- cut down the wagon roof, and grafted in the pickup box floor and sides from a Chevy C1500 longbed. Still needs some fine tuning and body work, but it's taking shape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RodneyBad Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 That sure does look like a whole lot of everything soo far. The bed makes the fins look a bit short Chevy roof looks good on it.. I think it needs a little something on the rear quarters to match the front fenders Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lunajammer Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 I'll bet the short '65 El Camino Camper might look funky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Most Posted August 15, 2011 Author Share Posted August 15, 2011 You know- I might have one of those campers laying around... might have to see how it fits! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Cranky Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 Another cool build in progress, Chuck. I like it. Keep it going. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Most Posted August 16, 2011 Author Share Posted August 16, 2011 Actually tried out the El Camino camper on it earlier today- might work if I cut about 1/2" from where it fits against the tailgate. But I don't think I'll go that route this time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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