Dr. Cranky Posted January 26, 2013 Posted January 26, 2013 (edited) Been doing some research on what Billy Gibbons names his guitars, and one of them, a Gibson Esquire, he calls BONES. Oh yeah, so this is giving me plenty of ideas. CROSSROADS BLUES RAT ROD ("The Gibson Bones Limited" for Billy Gibbons of ZZ TOP) I knew this would happen. I knew this kit would arrive and I would have to stop everything and build one. It arrived early and I did an of it and the more I looked at the kit, the more it called out to me to make it look worn. The kind of proper homage that perhaps Doctor Cranky could ever offer one of his musical muses (Mr. Billy Gibbons of ZZ TOP fame!) Anyway, I am building this kit, fast, pretty much box stock, and the intention here is to have a blast with hit and see what happens. So stay tuned in CRANKYHEADS for pictures and progress . . . Edited January 27, 2013 by Dr. Cranky
Bartster Posted January 26, 2013 Posted January 26, 2013 How fitting, l'm a BIG ZZ Top fan & will actually be in La Grange later today ! This is the 1st brand new kit l've been excited about in a long time ! You have my attention ! Bart
rmvw guy Posted January 26, 2013 Posted January 26, 2013 I'm tuned in, can't wait. Of course I'm always tuned in to anything you build Doc. Don't forget the guitar with exhaust pipes.
Dr. Cranky Posted January 26, 2013 Author Posted January 26, 2013 I'm tuned in, can't wait. Of course I'm always tuned in to anything you build Doc. Don't forget the guitar with exhaust pipes. YOU BETCHA, and I gotta look at Mr. Gibbon's guitar collection to see if I painted it like one of his. Loving this kit, LOVING IT.
Dr. Cranky Posted January 26, 2013 Author Posted January 26, 2013 We got the basic parts cleaned and dechromed, so the fun has started. I know, words are just words without pictures. Hold tight, they are coming. Cheers, DC
Dr. Cranky Posted January 26, 2013 Author Posted January 26, 2013 We might go with the raw wood look for the guitar:
Chuck Most Posted January 26, 2013 Posted January 26, 2013 Billy Gibbons! On that note... am I the only one a bit confused by the fact that Frank Beard is the only guy in ZZ Top who doesn't have a beard?
Dr. Cranky Posted January 26, 2013 Author Posted January 26, 2013 Definitely part of the inspiration for this build, but it's going to have some CRANKYHEADEDNESS to it too: I think he wanted to stand out and not save as much money on the shaving. LOL.
Dr. Cranky Posted January 26, 2013 Author Posted January 26, 2013 We've begun the process of visualizing where this might be headed:
Dr. Cranky Posted January 26, 2013 Author Posted January 26, 2013 Yes, they are coming, I am now done with all the cleaning. Now it is assembly time and then time for primer. Stay tuned in. If you are anxious to see some of the on-going work, the link to the video is above. Pictures ARE coming.
Builder Posted January 27, 2013 Posted January 27, 2013 I have watched the video and am Crankified for this one. This will be a good build I'm sure.
tooltas Posted January 27, 2013 Posted January 27, 2013 use the flat head out of the 37/38 ford truck 36 ford coupe headligth zztop is a killer band
Dr. Cranky Posted January 27, 2013 Author Posted January 27, 2013 With this kit, there's definitely a world of options.
Dogfish_7 Posted January 27, 2013 Posted January 27, 2013 Watching this one on Utube DC! Can't wait to see your build!
Dr. Cranky Posted January 27, 2013 Author Posted January 27, 2013 Thanks, Bruce. Here come the pictures.
Dr. Cranky Posted January 27, 2013 Author Posted January 27, 2013 I cut off the box top just to have around for visual inspiration, although this build is going to deviate from the original in a whole bunch of ways. I began by drilling out these port holes that in the original will have lots of decal work just to make them look like port holes. I like this look better, it's a bit of work, but it's all about the journey. This ride has been through hell and back and it's lived to tell the tale: A pretty crankshaft from the parts box makes a nice front frame bar. The moon tank is going to be relocated to the back.
Dr. Cranky Posted January 27, 2013 Author Posted January 27, 2013 Hope you've heard me by now say I love this kit. Just in case you haven't: I LOVE THIS KIT, and here's why: Just this look:
Dr. Cranky Posted January 27, 2013 Author Posted January 27, 2013 We sat out on the porch on a lovely pollen-infested afternoon and an hour later had cut open the trunk: Hinged it and finished the bed interior so that it looks clean and smooth in there!
Dr. Cranky Posted January 27, 2013 Author Posted January 27, 2013 I de-chromed all the parts because there's going to be very little shiny in this build (sorry Jim S.): By the way, the wheels are really really hard to squeeze into the tires, so I am hoping my paint will not get scuffed or wrinkled on the way in. More progress soon, stay tuned in:
James2 Posted January 27, 2013 Posted January 27, 2013 I don't much care for the term Rat Rod, but since it is you Doc, I'll follow along. Interesting take on a non-rat rod kit.
Dr. Cranky Posted January 27, 2013 Author Posted January 27, 2013 Thanks, James, well, I think the proper name for this one is going to be "The Gibson Bones Limited," and we'll see how it will turn out. Things are coming together quickly, including some of the main colors I am seeing: Black & Red with some cool graphics.
wisdonm Posted January 27, 2013 Posted January 27, 2013 Finally some good pixs of the front and rear wheels.
Builder Posted January 27, 2013 Posted January 27, 2013 Nice idea with the crankshaft up front. Drilling the holes in the interior looks good.
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