1/24 Franklin Mint 1934 Chrysler Airflow coupe

[jeffs396]

Has anyone reworked one of these into a street rod?

I just picked up a slightly damaged one CHEAP from eBay, and am planning on converting it into something like this:

[1930fordpickup]

There is a local guy here that has one done as a rat rod.

I do like your picture better and good luck with your picture.

I do like the Chrysler Atlantic style wheels on the front.Not a direct copy of the wheels but close enough .

[Foxer]

That definitely will be unique. That's a good looking custom. Will be looking forward to your build.

[cobraman]

If you could pull that off it will be beautiful.

[jeffs396]

Here's how it looked when I got it...some paint damage, and a broken RF axle end:

Someone must have used a spray electronics cleaner of some sort, leaving the plastic underhood items and the paint damaged...the perfect candidate for a restomod! And for just $21.25 shipped

A quick removal of some bumpers and stock wheels, and a mock-up showing the potential of this diecast

Next up...disassemble & strip the paint!

[traditional]

Hey Jeff,

That is really cool. As you know, I'm a big fan of using damaged diecasts.....they provide different subject matter and usually make unique and detailed models. That one's going to be particularly interesting.......looking forward to seeing the finished model.

[jeffs396]

I hear you Cliff!

Oddball cars that can't be had in styrene but are available in metal...they are all MODELS right? Plus they make great masters for resin casting

[Casey]

Plus they make great masters for resin casting

Is that a bit of foreshadowing, Jeff?

[jeffs396]

Is that a bit of foreshadowing, Jeff?

Maybe, if there is a demand for it

Don't know how many would want a resin body of an Airflow, doesn't seem like it's a popular subject...

[jbwelda]

thats way kool. a very similar car was parked on the street in los angeles near a friend of mines house. i often looked at it and wondered how it would look all lowered down and widened out a little. i didnt even know what it was, really, and still not positive, but that sure looks very similar at least.

[1930fordpickup]

It that thing gonna have a Hemi in it ? LOL

[jeffs396]

It that thing gonna have a Hemi in it ? LOL

Hmmm...the inspiration 1:1 has a Viper V10:

But a HEMI would be cool too...

Or even maybe a vintage, hopped-up HOT straight 8, as these originally were equipped with 'em:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_Airflow

[Jantrix]

I think the biggest styling improvement that could be done is with the headlights. I'm looking forward to this.

[paul alflen]

A STEAL OF A DEAL JEFF!!!! I'LL BE WATCHING IT TOO. A PRO STREET WOULD BE NEAT TOO!!!!!!!!!!

[johnbuzzed]

May I suggest a V-10 Hemi?

[Casey]

Or even maybe a vintage, hopped-up HOT straight 8, as these originally were equipped with 'em:

How 'bout a phantom Hemi-headed straight eight?

[Chuck Most]

I'd be up for a resin-body Airflow (cough, cough). I've never seen this Franklin model. I'll definitely be keeping an eye open for one now.

[Jantrix]

Maybe, if there is a demand for it

Don't know how many would want a resin body of an Airflow, doesn't seem like it's a popular subject...

Yeah, I'd be down for one.

[jeffs396]

May I suggest a V-10 Hemi?

How 'bout a phantom Hemi-headed straight eight?

Gents, I like BOTH of these ideas

[jeffs396]

I'd be up for a resin-body Airflow (cough, cough). I've never seen this Franklin model. I'll definitely be keeping an eye open for one now.

Yeah, I'd be down for one.

Here's my dilemma with casting this though...I'm more than willing to hand this off to someone for reproduction, but look at the parts breakdown:

As you can see, the roof requires an insert, it has opening doors & trunk, its got LOTS of grooves in the body for trim and side vents, etc. And supposedly these were unibody, yet Franklin mint tooled up a separate ladder type frame

Sooo, how would builders want it?

-Stock (as-is)

-Semi-custom (as in roof insert and side vents filled, doors molded shut)

-Full-on custom (this is where personal preference would come into play, as I'd like to alter some from stock, like, as Rob said, the headlights for one thing)

Thoughts?

[SFRC]

Nice car! How about a period racer?

[LDO]

Full-on custom, body only. Filled roof/doors shut, Jimmy Flintstone style. It would cost less for someone to buy another kit for chassis and interior than to buy a complete resin kit...or just use parts from

If anyone wants a stocker, they can get the metal original off eBay.

[jeffs396]

I agree Lee...

I plan on filling all of the trim grooves, roof insert, and gluing the doors closed. The trunk lid? Not sure yet.

BTW, by looking at the time you posted this, I guess you didn't go the the race today?

[LDO]

That sure would be a cool resin body.

BTW I just noticed that I did a terrible job of editing my earlier post on the phone. That unfinished sentence should read "...or just use parts from the stash."

I did not go to the race. The old friend with the extra ticket sent a text on Friday night asking if I still wanted to go, then I never heard back from him. He's back to "a guy I know" status.

[Chuck Most]

Full-on custom, body only. Filled roof/doors shut, Jimmy Flintstone style. It would cost less for someone to buy another kit for chassis and interior than to buy a complete resin kit...or just use parts from

If anyone wants a stocker, they can get the metal original off eBay.

Jimmy Flintstone already casts such an animal- it's a full on custom Airflow with a sealed hood and the windows cast shut called the Rareflow. It was also sold as a Testors/Model Master kit. It has a really goofy looking roof, but if you replaced it with a more conventional looking roof it would work great for a custom Airflow.