61 Ford Ranchero-"Gasser" Updated 12-02-09

[virgmeister]

I started a CBP on another site. I have been working on this since aug?? LOL. I forgot to post it here..... ;D. Well, here it is. A 61 Ford Ranchero, that is going to be a "Gasser". This is my "1st" started and finished scratchbuilt subframe and tubs. I have always used tubbed frames from other kits to get the effect i was looking for. I used styrene square for the frame/engine mounts. I added motor mount pads to the block. I am undecided on the body color, but i know it will be 2-toned. I am using a Thunderbolt Ford 427 with 2-4bbls. I am using the auto tranny. I cut the bench seat out, and built the floor back in. I will put in a simple rollcage, bucket racing seats, and i have a cool shifter with an old school look to it. I am thinking about cutting the dash gauges out, and building my own set-up. I will cut out the radio, who needs it? LOL. The front straight axle was from a revell kit, and i narrowed it 6 scale inches total. See what you think from the pics. I hope you like it so far. Thank you for looking!!!

The kit i started with.


After removing door handles, mold marks, and lip on top of roof.






The frame from the box, i did cut out the driveshaft tunnel.


The motor i am using.




Resin teardrop i got from Ed at Drag City Casting...Thanks Ed!!!


The front axle setting on the frame.


The frame after getting tubbed, and the front frame getting cut and rebuilt.




The bench seat is cut out, and the floor built back in.




Frame after puttying, and smoothing, then painting.






Thank you.
Virgil

[virgmeister]

I finally got the mock-up finished, so i primered the body in flat white, and painted the radiator & support, and firewall. I will start painting the body in the next couple of days....I HOPE!!! LOL.





Thank you.
Virgil

[deadman]

what is your plan for color Virgil? going solid or a two tone type?

[virgmeister]

I am going with a 2-tone, i hope to have the colors figured out today, and get the basecoat done!!

Thank you.
Virgil

[deadman]

you got me pumped now buddy!

[virgmeister]

I had some trouble with the paint.....that i screwed up, so it went back to the purple lake.... . The frame is almost complete, the interior is coming along nicely, and the engine is about to come to life....lol.

These are the seats i am thinking about using, but they may be too small?? Let me know what you think of them.


I didnt think that it should have a speedo since it is a gasser, so i cut the instrument cluster out, and shortened the housing. I will be putting on some nice gauge decals in its place.










Any and all comments welcome on how this is coming along, and any suggestions you may have.
Thank you.
Virgil

[scaleautobuilder]

I'd put a big tach on the dash, I do like the seats.

Bruce

[MoparMarc68]

Looking good Virgil. What did you use to cut the seat out of your interior and then what and how did you feel the tub back in? That is where I got stuck at with my Falcon and put it away.

[virgmeister]

Thank you very much.
Bruce, i am trying to keep this build as close to 60's era racing as possible, although the subframe may not be right, so a newer big tach wouldnt look right. I do have a tach from the kit i am going to use that attaches to the steering column. Thank you for the suggestion.

Marc, i used an exacto short saw blade to cut out the seat, and then used .040 styrene to fill it back in on the sides and back, and .020 for the floor. I sawed right at the back of the seat on top, then down both sides as close as i could get to the seat, all the way to the floor, Then the fun starts sawing at the floor level. I sawed from the underside of the interior bucket to the hump, and sawed on the outside of the hump. If you need anymore info, let me know, and i will help you out.

Thank you.
Virgil