Notifications
Clear all
Forum 18
16
Posts
8
Users
30
Reactions
4,656
Views
Topic starter
01/09/2021 10:14 am
As most of you know, I've done several custom diecast modifications. I love 'em all, however, this 3D-printed plastic model is one of my favorites. That's because it represents a fantasy project that I've dreamed about for many years, which was to fit a big block engine into an Econoline chassis for street driving. How cool would it be to show up on Woodward Ave. with a 1:1 version of a big block powered Econoline? One can only dream for a 1:1 but a model would prove to be more "doable!" Still, the Econoline stands out as one of the most difficult and frustrating model car projects I've ever tackled. It was a real PITA!
The Econoline was 3D printed in Italy. It only came with the body, doors, and tailgate. All of the other components would either have to be scavenged from other 1:18 models or fabricated from scratch. The real challenge that caused most of the consternation was creating and fitting the fabricated windshield. In fact, I shelved the project for about a year because that single element proved to be overwhelmingly difficult. However, after many trial and error attempts, I finally managed to form a windshield that fits relatively okay. There were other issues too, but I won't bore you with the details other than to say the car suffered a paint reaction, the roof sagged, and I learned that the 3D-printing manufacturing process leaves ridges in the body, which required hours of sanding to smooth out for painting.
The chassis was a leftover from my Gas Ronda AWB Mustang project. I modified it to serve as the chassis for the Econoline. I dropped the Ford 427 SOHC "Cammer" engine for power. Now, the model resides in a prominent position in my display case. I'm glad I finished it, and it is the sou
rce of great pride. Thanks for looking!
01/09/2021 6:37 pm
Amazing work! What did you use for the chassis? I'll bet that was some work too!
Marty Johnson and Marty Johnson reacted
01/09/2021 6:55 pm
Beautiful work Marty. Can you imagine the indignity of being in your muscle car and being blown off by an Econoline?
01/09/2021 7:26 pm
Marty, I forgot to mention that I got to drive my friend's 2021 Corvette last Saturday. Wow, what a hoot. Being old and not so flexible, the getting in and out weren't the easiest but once I was in the car is very comfortable. Being an old car guy, my friend had to give me a run down on all of the operating features. Boy what a car. Now if I can just talk my wife into selling the house which might take some doing. If you haven't yet received yours, you're in for a real treat.
Marty Johnson and Marty Johnson reacted
Topic starter
01/09/2021 10:01 pm
@shambles - I used a 1965 Mustang chassis which I heavily modified to fit the Econoline body.
Topic starter
01/09/2021 10:04 pm
@bob-jackman - Cool and lucky you! I have not driven one yet. And like you, as I'm getting older and I too am finding egress and ingress is harder to do. However, once in, they are comfortable cars. And no, the car that I have on order has not arrived. The dealer is telling me not to expect it until 8 to 10 months.
02/09/2021 10:56 am
Amazingly cool project and a pretty unique model !
Marty Johnson and Marty Johnson reacted
03/09/2021 7:16 pm
Back at the shop Marlowe, we're working on that 1:1 for ya!
Marty Johnson and Marty Johnson reacted
04/09/2021 12:51 am
Hi Chris,
Wow, what you building there for Marty..lol
Marty Johnson and Marty Johnson reacted
04/09/2021 7:59 am
@100ford2003 Crazy right? As Marty was building his terrific 1/18, "SOMEBODY" (not me) was building a virtually identical 1:1 version. What are the odds?
Marty Johnson and Marty Johnson reacted
Page 1 / 2
Next