1961 Ranchero
OK, this will be my 1st "Car" project for this new web site. I happened to have a mostly complete 1961 Ford Falcon Ranchero pickup truck model kit. It is pretty poor as a kit with many mistakes and missing detail but good enough to start re-learning how to build model cars again. I need to learn to spray paint and work on integrating larger part assemblies. By the way, I got a new camera so I will be learning how to do close-ups and maybe some videos too.
The 1st thing I will do is paint the frame gray, like an undercoat on a real car. Then I will detail paint and begin to modify it for wheels and engine. The engine that comes with the kit is reported to be a 427 looks like a Chevy Big block. The oil filter, distributor, and oil pan sump is where a Chevy's is. The manifold, valve covers, 4 speed trans are all like Chevy parts. In fact, only the bell housing is not like a Chevy. So I wont be using the kit motor (for this project). I have a 289 Cobra like motor, a 427 Ford big block and a 427 Ford SOHC that look like they will fit.
OK, this will be my 1st "Car" project for this new web site. I happened to have a mostly complete 1961 Ford Falcon Ranchero pickup truck model kit. It is pretty poor as a kit with many mistakes and missing detail but good enough to start re-learning how to build model cars again. I need to learn to spray paint and work on integrating larger part assemblies. By the way, I got a new camera so I will be learning how to do close-ups and maybe some videos too.
The 1st thing I will do is paint the frame gray, like an undercoat on a real car. Then I will detail paint and begin to modify it for wheels and engine. The engine that comes with the kit is reported to be a 427 looks like a Chevy Big block. The oil filter, distributor, and oil pan sump is where a Chevy's is. The manifold, valve covers, 4 speed trans are all like Chevy parts. In fact, only the bell housing is not like a Chevy. So I wont be using the kit motor (for this project). I have a 289 Cobra like motor, a 427 Ford big block and a 427 Ford SOHC that look like they will fit.
Lets begin the frame work. You have to prep the frame, meaning trim off flash, smooth out rough spots, make any mods you can think of that you will need. For example, fit the new motors, select the tires and wheels, and possibly figure out exhaust pipes.
At this time give some thought to how everything is going to come together. Collect as many parts as you can and try fitting them as best you can to find problems that may be much harder to fix later on. It is very hard to make changes to finished parts that are fragile and nicely painted. I do a lot of mock ups with wheels and engines. |
Above are the 2 views of the basic body and frame. The frame has been started with some paint detail. Not shown are mods to the back wheel wells to make room for the drag slicks. It is a tight fit and the slicks will not be able to rotate. This will not be a problem for a static display.
Click here to see detailed frame work.
Below are 2 images of the 3 motors I could use. They are already started but not far along. They are Cobra 289 small block (left, partly finished), 427 Ford big block, and 427 Ford SOHC. In real life, the big blocks would have a tough time fitting, but models let you go wild. I think I will build all 3 and have 2 alternative engines in a kind of diorama. Note the home made white oil filter and fuel bowl on the 289. I may try to wire the 289. on the left. I have decided to do the 3 engins and I will try to make them interchangeable. To do that, I need to cut the axle so it does not go through the engine (see Frame Work, above). I will give detail on each engine separately, so click on the one you want to view. 289, 427, or SOHC.
Click here to see detailed frame work.
Below are 2 images of the 3 motors I could use. They are already started but not far along. They are Cobra 289 small block (left, partly finished), 427 Ford big block, and 427 Ford SOHC. In real life, the big blocks would have a tough time fitting, but models let you go wild. I think I will build all 3 and have 2 alternative engines in a kind of diorama. Note the home made white oil filter and fuel bowl on the 289. I may try to wire the 289. on the left. I have decided to do the 3 engins and I will try to make them interchangeable. To do that, I need to cut the axle so it does not go through the engine (see Frame Work, above). I will give detail on each engine separately, so click on the one you want to view. 289, 427, or SOHC.