1955 Ford PU Street Rod

I started a new project yesterday based on this kit.



The first thing I did was cut the styrene floor of the bed out.





I then made a new floor for the bed out of oak strips that I cut on my band saw.  I glued them into I-beam shaped styrene.  The oak was stained and finished and the styrene then covered with BMF.



I am toying with the idea of chopping the top about 3 scale inches and would be interested in what you guys think.



I thought going through my mind is that if I chop the top it might cause the front end to look out of proportion and I may have to section the body to make it look right.  As always, suggestions welcome.

I like that wood... looking forward to seeing more

Ron

From other trucks with mild chops I've seen, it will work well.  The Monogram line of models was always pretty basic with not great detail or optional parts.  Sometimes even bodies looked out of proportion.  Improving the kit and making it your own will be interesting.  Go for it!

Started the chop today.  It's at this point I always get really concerned because it is so, so, so ugly.  It usually works out though; hopefully it will this time!









Like I said, UGLY!!!!  Bear with me, I think I can make it look right

If all else fails you already have the plan B of chopping the top right off. The bed look good too btw.

I didn't get here in time, but, I will always vote for a top chop.
Gonna be great !!!

Ditto what Clay said.

Hi John,

I'm in Sir, love the wood bed...

Andy...

Got to spend some time on the top today.  I managed to get rid of most of the Ugly, but still have a way to go before I can call it done.











I hope to get to spend some time on it tomorrow which should finish up the chop.

looking much better John.

Getting there, Good Job, John.

The FUGLY is going John but the roof still looks a tad too wide!

Skid wrote:The FUGLY is going John but the roof still looks a tad too wide!

You have a sharp eye Al. You're right, it is a smige too wide. I'm hoping to take care of that with a sanding stick.

Hmmmmmmmmmm...... I don't think that will do it John. It's short on the inside. Good luck anyway.

I agree with Al, your filer strip is two wide

Here you go guys.  I spent some more time on the top today and I think the width problem is pretty much solved.





There is still sanding, shaping and filling to be done, but I think it is coming together.

It looks much better now John. Getting it smooth and shapely will be no problem for you.

Sweet, looks like it will be a cake walk from there.

The chop is complete and the cab has been painted.







There is still a bit of clean up to be done, but it will have to wait until the paint gasses out.  This is going on hold for a week or so while I complete a couple of small dioramas.  I should get back to it about the middle of the month.

Hi John,

WOW, that has come out beautiful Sir...

Andy...

Great looking in red, John.

John, that rocks, Super job on the body work and the paint.

ooooohhhh shiney !!!

Nice paint job John ... for a red thats pretty awesome in fact

That is super sweet John !!