Dad's '40 - What should I do with THIS?

[Baugher Garage]

This is one of the few parts I have left from my dad's old collection of models he gave me when I was a kid. I'd like to build something with it, but can't envision what.

The catch is, I really don't want to alter the paint on the body because it's many layers of paint he added when he was a kid. I like the look of it. The challenge for me is the open back of the shell... I'm not as attached to the front clip, although the layers of paint is pretty cool. If I use it, I'll likely repaint flat black...

Any great ideas out there?

[cobraman]

If it were me I probably not do anything with it and leave it as is. May I suggest that you could perhaps build a junkyard diorama as use those pieces as is as part of the diorama. Just an idea.

[wrecker388]

I agree with Ray. It looks cool already.

[Baugher Garage]

That's exactly what's it's been up to this point and will continue to be, unless a great idea emerges!

[fun9c1]

What I would definitely do if it were me is I would build a rat-rod with them. Use the pieces but don't change them(especially the paint). I would definitely not screw with the paint on them no matter what you do with it.

Edited March 5, 2014 by fun9c1

[Wonderbread Kustomz]

Just an idea, but what if you were to cap the back from a 40 ford pickup, keep the paint on the cab, but mask off after molding thr back and throwing primer on it, and building a rat rod from it... Just an idea

[Baugher Garage]

I thought about that James. I'm not sure if this shell was a cab or a coupe or a sedan. I guess it wouldn't matter much and with a little effort, the cab back would work. I don't happen to have one at the moment ... but I'll be looking!

[Skypower]

^{The front clip would make a great couch in a diorama, inside a shop or some place like that, maybe in a modern man cave.}

[Joker]

Turn it into a roadster pickup.

The cut off roof is now the back of the cab.

Make a flatbed out of coffee stir sticks.

Slight radius on the top of windshield glass .

Just an "idear" that popped in mah haid.

[bobthehobbyguy]

Its either a coupe or sedan. Also its AMT from the cowl. The width of the door would determine whether is a coupe or sedan.

How about a little diorama with those parts and add some others in a garage or outside of a garage.

er

[SlotDaddy1963]

If you make the diorama one of your figures could be next them with an angle grinder in their hands... like they're preparing to use them in a build

just a thought

Chuck

[slusher]

Sand both smooth and dulcote it and combine the old parts with a new kit and make a father son parts truck. You could weather the new parts you use in the build up..

[Crazy Ed]

Just turn it into an Orchard Truck. Then there'd be no need for any paint or body work. Want to get fancy, make into a Flat bed. If you feel the need for Bumpers, just cut a strip if .020 or .040 styrene and glue it to the Frame!

[bpletcher55]

I also agree with RAY , it would save the paint and the work he did ,you are just adding more life to it ,

[Skip]

I wouldn't change a thing, use it as part of a diorama. If you want to make a pickup, roadster pickup or rat rod get another kit and build it without those parts. I would urge you to use restraint and thought before using these parts, they are only original once. It sounds as if there is some sentimental attachment as well. The other thing I see is it is the original black plastic, that series was a pain to paint, the black always showed through everything.

I have some of my Uncle's model stuff from when he was a kid, most are parts like this. I have restored a few of the complete or near complete models and given them to my Mom, aunt and Grandmother; just cleaned them up and put them back together as he did. My Uncle was killed by a drunk driver in 1970, so they are part of his legacy that I really feel I have no right to change. For that reason I haven't really even used but a few parts from the box for special projects. I would bet here are others who are trusted with parts and kits like these with similar feelings. Yeah it's only plastic, it's also a connection to the past where that person built something with their hands, a window into their mind at the time they built it.

[Baugher Garage]

Thanks Skip. I really respect your perspective. Very well said. I'm in no hurry and have no plans for these parts, so for now at least, they just sit in a "junk" yard.

[Daddyfink]

I don't know why, but the first thought I had was that of a restaurant diorama! Something like a steak house or BBQ joint.

Coming out the wall with an engine bay full of condiments!

Just my crazy thoughts!

[Baugher Garage]

You hungry Jesse?

[Daddyfink]

I think I am!

[modelmkr2]

I wouldn't change anything....if your dad is alive make a diorama that you like and give it back. If he has past away make something that will make you remember him through his model parts....

[blunc]

it looks to me like it may have started life as a sedan delivery kit.

[zaina]

You could make a rat rod box van.

Edited March 6, 2014 by zaina

[slusher]

it looks to me like it may have started life as a sedan delivery kit.

I was wondering where the back of the cab was. Very good insight..

[72 Charger]

I think you should leave the paint as it is and do a shop parts getter pick up

[tooltas]

built a box truck body for it and do a shop truck