'69 buildoff Thunderbird full custom

[SteveMilberry]

Got a start on the Thunderbird. Also posting this in the actual '69 buildoff thread.

Don't know if I want to fight with that chassis, already done that once when I built my black one a couple years ago. I could use one from a '66 or '65 Galaxie with some mods, I suppose.



I'll be using some of the custom parts from the '68 kit. Gonna mold in the custom back bumper, already separated it from the tail light piece and cut the tail light panel from the '69 body so it would fit in.


The '68 and '69 kits use the same custom front pan but different grilles. The grille with the huge Thunderbird emblem is from the '68 kit.


The '69 grille has a fine eggcrate design and separate lights and smaller grille you can add but I like the look of the custom insert that came as an option in the '68. I think it would look good painted body color.


I really like the look of the custom parts in these kits, I can't think of a design that would look better on the car. Can't decide between the two front ones though. Might just make it so I can interchange them.

I do have another big modification in mind that's going to take some work but that's for next time.

[mack2856]

Love these 67-71 Tbirds, I have no doubt that you’ll get it right 🎯

[SteveMilberry]

Another little update. This should make it clear what direction this is going in.

[mack2856]

Ah the old switch a roo! Brilliant don’t think I’ve ever seen one, I like it 👍

[SteveMilberry]

Getting the rear deck sorted. Needs a bit more work but it's pretty smooth now and I've put some panel lines in that mimic the ones on a '64-'66 convertible's deck.

[SteveMilberry]

Body's almost ready for paint,,



, , ,and this is what I have to work with for a chassis,,

[RodBurNeR]

I didn't mention but I think that rear deck work is excellent!

[SteveMilberry]

Feb 18, 2024 10:09:49 GMT -5 mack2856 said:

Ah the old switch a roo! Brilliant don’t think I’ve ever seen one, I like it 👍

Thanks Glen.
I had originally planned to do the fastback roof swap but it's been done and I wanted to do something I had never seen before so the convertible seemed to be the obvious choice.

[SteveMilberry]

Cleaned up the ends of the breaks where the previous owned tried to glue it back together with a 1/2 tube of glue. Cut a couple lengths of "C" channel down the center and used them to reinforce the outer side of the frame.

Now it's strait and strong enough to work with.

[falconwagon]

Nice save

[sharp]

Looking good so far. Nice work!

[SteveMilberry]

I think my bodywork is good enough to start the candy paint now. I'll wet sand this coat of silver with 4000 grit and spray another coat before the candy though.

[falconwagon]

Nice

[rickcaps55]

WOW !! that's really looking awesome.

[sharp]

That silver base looks great.