1962 Thunderbird "Bubblebird" without the bubble-9/6/22

lo51merc
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Posts: 3,366

1962 Thunderbird "Bubblebird" without the bubble-9/6/22 Aug 22, 2022 15:08:03 GMT -5 SteveMilberry, HotRodTom, and 3 more like this

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Post by lo51merc on Aug 22, 2022 15:08:03 GMT -5

It seems longer ago but I only started this one in January of 2020. After a lot of starts and stops I decided a few weeks ago to get it finished. So along with 4 other almost complete models I've nearly cleaned off my bench in the last 2 weeks. This design might be a Ford, "what if we"? Could it be a slightly more modern Futura perhaps? If you look around at it, you can surely see a lot of influence (scrap and/or unused Futura parts). I even thought about painting the driver and his girlfriend and putting them inside. I have a cut down 60+ Y.O. windshield that I'm working on cleaning up and if I can get it all sanded and polished without breaking it, I'll have a Roadster version too. Gary

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Last Edit: Sept 6, 2022 14:50:10 GMT -5 by lo51merc

I've been building models in eight (!) decades. Does that make me experienced or just old? I'm old! Well, I do have SOME experience!
Gary Hatstat

Murphy
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Posts: 1,477

1962 Thunderbird "Bubblebird" without the bubble-9/6/22 Aug 22, 2022 16:19:10 GMT -5

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Post by Murphy on Aug 22, 2022 16:19:10 GMT -5

As always Gary, sweet! This absolutely looks like something that would have been in Rod and Custom circa '62 on a sketchpad drawing page...beautiful body work, the rear tail-light panel is perfect! I really like the interior, including the air inlet behind the canopy.

I feel sorry for people that don't create...they get up in the morning, and that's as good as it gets.
John Seffl

mack2856 Greaser Posts: 649	1962 Thunderbird "Bubblebird" without the bubble-9/6/22 Aug 22, 2022 19:52:39 GMT -5 via mobile Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by mack2856 on Aug 22, 2022 19:52:39 GMT -5 Holy bubble top Batman! That thing is nuts.i like everything about it, thanks for posting.
	Glen MacIntyre

mack2856 Greaser Posts: 649	1962 Thunderbird "Bubblebird" without the bubble-9/6/22 Aug 22, 2022 20:26:25 GMT -5 via mobile Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by mack2856 on Aug 22, 2022 20:26:25 GMT -5 Oh I forgot to mention those tail lights, killer🚀
	Glen MacIntyre

chepp
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Posts: 844

1962 Thunderbird "Bubblebird" without the bubble-9/6/22 Aug 23, 2022 9:09:58 GMT -5

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Post by chepp on Aug 23, 2022 9:09:58 GMT -5

That looks like it could have been a Ford concept in the late '50s. It wasn't unusual for a manufacturer to have something from a future production car (such as the the '61 bullet bird side profile here) included to gauge public reaction. You've done a fine job combining slick styling elements to be believable and having them look good together. This could have been part of the Custom Car Caravan.

Charley Hepperle

Do the best you can with what you've got.

constructionbob Greaser Life in scale. Posts: 1,486	1962 Thunderbird "Bubblebird" without the bubble-9/6/22 Aug 24, 2022 12:57:30 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by constructionbob on Aug 24, 2022 12:57:30 GMT -5 What a beauty!!
	Robert Thurgren

spex84
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Posts: 4,235

1962 Thunderbird "Bubblebird" without the bubble-9/6/22 Aug 28, 2022 22:55:02 GMT -5

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Post by spex84 on Aug 28, 2022 22:55:02 GMT -5

Yow. I love the proportions and detailing on this thing...the jewel-like chrome-reverse wheels, the little square flush-mount exhaust tips, the delectable Lucite-sandwich taillights!
Not to mention that deep Kandy glow and show-car interior.
Killer work!

Chris Drysdale
Maple Leaf Modelworks
www.shapeways.com/shops/maple-leaf-modelworks

Dave from Pleasanton
Thug

Posts: 363

1962 Thunderbird "Bubblebird" without the bubble-9/6/22 Aug 29, 2022 11:10:38 GMT -5

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Post by Dave from Pleasanton on Aug 29, 2022 11:10:38 GMT -5

So spot on 60's. Like it rolled out of a custom shop. Yours is much more refined than a custom of the day. They would have put some sort of over the top furry interior. You took it right to the edge and stopped just at the point of perfection. Kuddos Gary.

Dave Osterman

styromaniac Soc Posts: 47	1962 Thunderbird "Bubblebird" without the bubble-9/6/22 Sept 1, 2022 11:32:12 GMT -5 via mobile Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by styromaniac on Sept 1, 2022 11:32:12 GMT -5 Everything works...love the way the Lincoln Futura canopies were adapted to the body...and that interior is killer.
	Steve Strauss

ddarby Hoodlum Posts: 153	1962 Thunderbird "Bubblebird" without the bubble-9/6/22 Sept 1, 2022 20:32:03 GMT -5 via mobile Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by ddarby on Sept 1, 2022 20:32:03 GMT -5 One word. Gorgeous.
	My name is Dave Darby. I am a plastiholic.

lo51merc
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Posts: 3,366

1962 Thunderbird "Bubblebird" without the bubble-9/6/22 Sept 6, 2022 14:57:41 GMT -5

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Post by lo51merc on Sept 6, 2022 14:57:41 GMT -5

I was able to save the original early 60's windshield, and polish it nice and bright. Now I can use it if I want to have the roadster version. Looks good, probably because the "Bubble Bird" essence is still there in the profile. Gary

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I've been building models in eight (!) decades. Does that make me experienced or just old? I'm old! Well, I do have SOME experience!
Gary Hatstat

chepp Greaser Posts: 844	1962 Thunderbird "Bubblebird" without the bubble-9/6/22 Sept 6, 2022 18:29:35 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by chepp on Sept 6, 2022 18:29:35 GMT -5 I like it even better with just the front of the bubble like this -- brilliant!
	Charley Hepperle Do the best you can with what you've got.

Dave from Pleasanton Thug Posts: 363	1962 Thunderbird "Bubblebird" without the bubble-9/6/22 Sept 6, 2022 19:46:14 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Dave from Pleasanton on Sept 6, 2022 19:46:14 GMT -5 Like Charley, I like it better with the new windscreen Gary. Loved it with the bubble top and it's even better now.
	Dave Osterman

mack2856 Greaser Posts: 649	1962 Thunderbird "Bubblebird" without the bubble-9/6/22 Sept 16, 2022 21:07:11 GMT -5 via mobile Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by mack2856 on Sept 16, 2022 21:07:11 GMT -5 I know it's a model but it takes my breath away.
	Glen MacIntyre

RodBurNeR TRaKMaster Rev. Mr. Black-dilligaf? Building my stock back up and building models again! Posts: 25,446	1962 Thunderbird "Bubblebird" without the bubble-9/6/22 Nov 2, 2022 0:21:56 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by RodBurNeR on Nov 2, 2022 0:21:56 GMT -5 B-E-A-UTIFUL!
	Bob Black He's a pedantic, pontificating, pretentious bastard, a belligerent old fart, a worthless steaming pile of cow dung, figuratively speaking. MKIBA Archives here public.fotki.com/drasticplasticsmcc/mkiba-build-under-c/

This is a good spot to drop a quick note or ask for help. If you are in a bad mood, this isn't the right spot to drop feelings. Thanks for understanding!

rickcaps55: Thanks Ed i have had this one for a long time got it as a kit that was stared but never got to it i have to say it was on the shelf for the last 15 years i guess it's time to get it going.!!! Jan 22, 2024 14:53:00 GMT -5

41chevy: Yeah I'm leaning towards the Torino as a Winfield /Starbird style idea car like the Ford Custom Caravan would have commissioned. Jan 23, 2024 13:53:42 GMT -5