Ace-Garageguy Posted October 24, 2012 Author Posted October 24, 2012 As this build is intended to show a little of what can be done with older AMT parts, I've decided to modify the dropped front axle found in AMT's '40 Fords. The stock blobular end is on the right. On the left are the mods in progress, with the axle beam thinned, the old backing plate removed, the steel axle-hole filled, and a new axle-end that will be drilled for a kingpin.
Jantrix Posted October 24, 2012 Posted October 24, 2012 Wow. I've got a couple of hose axles lying around. I never thought to do that to them. Good work Bill.
Randy D Posted October 27, 2012 Posted October 27, 2012 Hi Bill, I like to watch you work!!! Keep it up Randy
Ace-Garageguy Posted November 4, 2012 Author Posted November 4, 2012 (edited) .Thanks to everyone for the encouragement. ....Built a floor that keeps the rails out next to the body, where they would be in 1:1. Compare the width of the frame now to the earlier shot and you'll see what I'm getting at..... ...and built some clean new inner rear fenders.... ...then built some subrails to make sure the body goes back in the same position every time. Makes it easier to hit the stance dead on, etc. With the body sitting tight on the frame, and infinitely repeatable, I could go ahead and square up the hood and grille-shell fit permanantly..... .....mock up the front axle in the correct position to verify the stance..... ...and stand back and savor a little attitude. Edited November 4, 2012 by Ace-Garageguy
Bernard Kron Posted November 4, 2012 Posted November 4, 2012 Big thumbzupz!!! I'll have to remember to try my hand at wrestling one of those AMT dropped axles into shape sometime. I always liked the I beam detail and the amount of drop but resisted using them because they were so thick looking with that enormous spring molded into place. Both you and a fine builder named Barry Fadden (not a habitue of this board) stand out as among those who can see these venerable kits through modern eyes. Much appreciated!
Ace-Garageguy Posted November 4, 2012 Author Posted November 4, 2012 (edited) Thanks again for the kind comments. I'd kinda wanted to go with a Ford Y-block, 'cause you just never see them, but the required up-swept headers wouldn't easily clear the hood sides, and I'd kinda like to keep this relatively simple.... ...So I decided to go Caddy, the mis-labeled Revell parts-pack version (labelled 354...no such animal, and in reality a 331 or 365) which will clear everything and let me run the full Chevy-style hood sides. This is kinda appropriate, as the Chevy hood sides were influenced by the Cadillac of the day. Edited November 4, 2012 by Ace-Garageguy
Dr. Cranky Posted November 4, 2012 Posted November 4, 2012 Yes, indeed, I am looking forward to more eye candy.
Ace-Garageguy Posted December 16, 2012 Author Posted December 16, 2012 Slowly but slowly. Extended the front frame rails out to the 1:1 dimensions, built a stepped firewall (stepped around the body seam to let the hood fit nice and tight) with an engine setback, and a rear floor... Firewall setback for engine, on floor, fits up nice and tight to firewall....can be taken apart and put back together without losing the fit. Using the extra material at the bottoms of the rear inner-fenders for a jig to hold the axle at the right stance-height, and having the engine / gearbox in place, now I can build rear suspension to fit, as well as a trans / driveshaft tunnel.....
Ace-Garageguy Posted July 13, 2013 Author Posted July 13, 2013 (edited) So, this is about how much of the axle will show from the back. I'll probably do a rolled rear pan to hide it somewhat (like my black '32 roadster has now), because the old Chevy truck rear end isn't as pretty as a QC. With plastic stub axles, I've double-checked the rear ride height, before moving on to making the springs and setting up the front end. Subtle changes in ride height and stance can make or break a model, and have a LOT of influence on the first impression a car makes...real or in scale. I make fixtures as I go, to make the suspension parts in the correct, installed positions. That way, when everything goes together at final assembly, there are no surprises. I'm also doing a textured roof insert, from a mold pulled off of the AMT diecast '32 coupe. Edited July 13, 2013 by Ace-Garageguy
Ace-Garageguy Posted July 14, 2013 Author Posted July 14, 2013 Again, thanks for your interest and comments. Right now, I'm trying to finish up the front axle, so I can go ahead with the spring and modify the crossmember if necessary.
mod3l Lover Posted April 7, 2017 Posted April 7, 2017 I'm going to post on here just to see if you willdig it back out and build on it!?! That coupe looks great, we must see it done!!! Ummm . . . please? David S.
Ace-Garageguy Posted April 8, 2017 Author Posted April 8, 2017 I'm going to post on here just to see if you will dig it back out and build on it!?! That coupe looks great, we must see it done!!! Ummm . . . please? David S. Thanks. No real reason this one got sidetracked, no particular build problems, but looking at the dates of my last posts, it seems it was about the time my personal life went kinda off the rails. I really like this one, so she'll be moving as soon as I actually finish at least one of the builds on the bench at the moment.
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