1953 Ford Flip nose Truck

At Sharks Realm we did a forum project build. It was a big deal. We spent 4 months letting the members vote on what the project would be. Finally it was decided the project would be "Everybody build the same kit". Then it was voted on and decided the kit would be the AMT 1953 Flip nose Ford Pickup. We put a 6 month time frame on it so people would have time to find a kit. It was fun to do. There was a lot of interaction between the staff and the members. It really helped us get to know one another some. I am sure that some of you here still remember it. I can remember digging up pictures of "Priscilla" for Al.and she ain't even a 53.



So anyway we started with this kit.



I didn't have a clue as to what I was going to build. I had been wanting to try out some flat red primer so I started there. I figured I would just start building and see what came to me.





I decided that the best thing I could do was paint it Orange. I made that decision when I was painting the Chevy Motor Chevy Orange. So I went down to Walmart and got some Krylon Orange and away we went.



I'll let you guys think about it for awhile. I'll be back with an update soon. All questions and comments are welcome. Thanks for looking in.

Hi everyone. Thought I would update this build. Thanks for the comments.

Clay those are 1 inch clothes pins. I got the at Michaels Crafts, in the doll house section. They work great for jack stands and clamps also. Super cheap was the nicest part.

Needed to do a mock up on the engine just to see how things would go.



Here is the chassis with the engine mocked up. I used a flat black Testor's paint pen on the wire wheels.







I know the ride height seems high. But the body kind of hangs off of this chassis so it will all work out in the end.

Got started on the interior tub also. here is a mock up to check the color combo.



Well that's about it for now. I'll be back in a couple days to update everyone. Thanks for looking in. All comments and questions are welcome.

Hello all. I am back for an update. Thanks to those that are following along.

Last time we left off at the interior tub. I know this was going to a simple build but I wanted to try some stuff. When you look at the dash, all the knobs are straight pins. I put the straight pin in a pin vise with the head up close to the vise so it doesn't bend. Then I roll it while pulling it along a 12 inch mill file. This makes the head a little smaller with each pass. I just kind of eyeball it so it looks about the same size as the knob it will replace. Then you drill a .025" hole in the dash knob, sand or file it off, paint and then you can push the pin Thur. cut it off on the back side and you have dash knobs.



Here is another shot. The gear shift is a hat pin with an orange ball on it. The window cranks are straight pins. Use the same technique to get the head of the pin the size you want it. then you can dip it in paint to get the color you want. Using small needle nose pliers put a 90 degree bend in it by the head. decide on the length bend a 90 degree the opposite way. Cut it off and stick it in the .025" hole you drilled in the door panel. The seat belts are white 3/32 ribbon with PE buckles. The paint is craft paint from with dull coat sprayed on it.



For the bed I used Ken's Real Wood. This is the Walnut.



I made a template of the inside on the bed.



Then used it to cut the piece of wood the final size.



I marked the back of it so I would know which end is up. Also kills the nasty rumor that I don't know which end is up.



Then I cut some runners from BMF and clear coated the whole thing.



I used a drop of Elmer's glue on the headlights. When it dries it looks more like a lenses than the chrome thing they give you to work with.



Then it was time to put it all together. I will say that the kit hinges didn't work out well for me. I ended up making a set of my own using craft wire and beading clasps. It was the only way I could get the front end to flip up and then line up when it was lowered. It also helped to get the front wheel in the middle on the wheel well. Enjoyed the build but not a great kit. Probably wouldn't build it again.

Thanks for following along. All comments and questions are welcome. See you at the NMA.

Looking real good

It's looking great Buck.
Your photo of Priscila, is what inspired me to do my Gasser!!

I remember that AL. I am not sure what happened to that old Truck. I haven't seen it around in a long time.

I was thinking the same thing :idea: Hey Clay, you want to have a 1950 Ford Build Off on the Top photo :?: Just an idea. :idea: I'd like to give it a try. :bounce:

Priscilla, normally runs at Woodburn, Oregon. I am still setting up my Photobucket Photo Gallerybut, here is a link to the Woodburn Album. I know it's a lot of pictures but if you look through them you wil find many pictures of the "Old Gal".

http://s1155.beta.photobucket.com/user/Zbuckster/library/#/user/Zbuckster/library/lDrag%20Races/Woodburn%20Oregon?&_suid=13629318357680040683274925028656

You can't see it in that picture but the scoop is a Paper delivery box, the air pleumn that run down to it is plywood. This is a real made at home Nostaliga Drag Truck. It runs 10's at 130MPH also. Hope this helps.

Let me know if you decider to surf that phoito site for research pic's. It's the first time I have given it out to anyone. The Library isn't really complete or open yet. I am working on the model cars now.

Okay after previewing this link I see how it will work. On the left side go down to "drag Races" then click on that, then Woodburn, Oregon. You should find pictures in either the Oldies but Goodies or Hot Rod Reunion albums. You could also try the Fotki deal but they have lost over 20,000 of my pictures and I am not sure what is there.