DJ's 1989 Ford Thunderbird NASCAR

[malscar]

Thought I would share what originally was to be a quick OOB build with everyone. Turned out that I was wrong again.

A lot of these old Monogram Thunderbird bodies are warped/twisted and I was lucky enough to get one. In getting the twist out of it, it then would not allow the nose to line up. Lots of filler,sanding, more filler, more sanding etc, a bit more untwisting and this is what I have now got to after painting it. Yet to be properly polished.

The bonnet/hood needed to be built out on the side edges so that it has a nice tight fit. In the photo it is sitting a little proud due to the body and chassis not being supported properly and therefore the body being a bit lower than it should. The engine is touching the underside of the bonnet.


Have also done about 2/3rds of the chassis. I have added wiring to the engine as the engines supplied with these kits cry out for them. Seatbelts from paper painted black with the hardware from the spares box.

Sorry about the image quality on this as I had to reduce it too far so that imageshack would accept.

Next up is the decalling of the body. First time using ALPS decals from 'The 3 Amigos". Have heard good things about them. Hopefully another update shortly.

Mal

[quadzero]

hey that is looking great. I love nascar builds and I know what you mean about the twisted bodies for sure. you are right about the engines crying out for the extra details. cant wait to see this with the decals on it. will be following this. I'm going to have to try the painted paper for seatbelts out myself.

[Shunter]

Is this Dick Johnsons car you are doing? Very nice work so far...

[malscar]

Shunter, you are correct, it is the '89 Thunderbird of Dick Johnson sponsored by his friend and owner of Palmer Tube Mills, who wanted a bit of exposure in the USA for his at the time new aquisition Welded Tube Mills of America.

Here is another short progress report.

I have finished basic wiring to the engine and adding in the bottom radiator hose. I have not gone overboard due to lack of engine photos. Surprisingly with the amount of detail provided OOB, the bottom radiator hose is not included although the top one is. Maybe they don't realise the coolant needs to circulate.



Next shot shows the minor/contingency decals. As this car is not available as a kit, these sponsors change from car to car. Therefore I have added these individually. Must admit it was a pain.


All up I feel it is coming along quite well. ( and have just noticed direction arrow on the rear wheel is wrong doh!)

Mal

[Shunter]

Looking good. This will look great when finished. I am currently doing Brad Jones car as raced here in Australia in the 94-95 season.

[malscar]

Well this almost finally finished. The only thing I am missing is a Ford logo for the front. This is currently coming from the USA and should arrived in a week or two.





The kit was built almost straight from the box. I added wiring to both the engine and the cabin. I also modified the wheels by detaching the disk that was moulded into the rear of the wheel rim. This therefore stopped you seeing through the wheel like you would in real life. I have attached a photo of the complete wheel.



Onto more Nascars as this has created another modelling interest for me.
Mal

[Shunter]

That has come up really well Mal. How did you find the decals to work with? The are 3 Amigo's arent they?
You have done the legend proud...

[white97ex]

looks GREAT. What did you use for the markings on the tires?

[malscar]

Thanks Shayne. You are correct, the decals do come from 'The Three Amigos'.

Russell, the 'Goodyear', 'Eagle' are from the Slixx 'Nostalgic 2' sheet and the 'RF' etc from the '98 goodies sheet. The arrow and markings for the wheel weight positions are hand painted with a very fine brush. Slixx also have on their '98 and '99 goodies sheets a lot more wheel stuff such as logos,stripes,markings and new tyre stickers. They do still sell them even though they have stopped the Nascar schemes they previously did ( http://www.slixx.com/index.htm ) or you do see them on ebay. A bit late for your Wrangler car but see if you can get some.

Mal

[RallyRaider]

Excellent work Mal. You always build such intereting subjects. Nice to see a NASCAR with an Aussie twist.