JEEP J10 HONCHO 1981

I start this work with an old diecast model by “Hot Wheels” from early 80’s, found in a model exhibition event  ,the model is poor in detail and poor in plastic quality, not styrene or similar but a plastic like PE or PP, hard to work in the intention to modifying it. 

The door are without window frame, the mirrors are big and bad moulded, the wheels are preposterous, tail light wrong for this stepside model, total absent the undercarriage details, the  axles only few outline; the interior poor and made also here with soft plastic hard to work especially  for the dash.

I’ve modified all the parts mentioned for give at this diecast an honorable aspect, and change it from “ vintage toys” replacing it as vintage and rare model at least… I hope.

First step was disassembling the model and rebuild the undercarriage…I’ve added the frame, the transmission tree, the front and rear axle, the reduction gear and his axle then I’ve add the engine and gear bottom . I’ve put the double exhaust system and put also suspension , on the rear axle “King” and at the front two “Monroe" springs . I’ve added also the protection for the engine ad the gasoline trunk .

More is over I thought, so I’ve passed to prepare the door glass frame…thought be easy, I’ve discoverer  that wasn't … I’ve had to eliminate the false frame in the Honcho’s body and try to set the new frame (attached at the door) in the right position…hard done but done..

At the rear I’ve “chromed” the bumper and I’ve modified it with rebuilding the step (not present before ) where is applied the license plate.

The front grille it has been “chromed” and modified with  get insertion new direction lenses on the bottom, also added extra  lights mount on the bull bar. Rebuilded the tail lights ‘cause the mould on the body was incorrect; other change it had been add new wheels and tires the  now are good on the lifted axles.

After this I’ve prepared the interior where I’ve put the carpet I’ve put new upholstery (two tone)at the seats ad put the central arm rest/seat; new steering wheel, radio,  new glass for the windshield  and the back glass, added the sun visor and the interior mirror plus the dome light. For the cluster I’ve holed the dash then putty and fix with new panel instrument, on the rear pillar now the safety belts. A lot of work is taken for prepare the interior doors panel rebuild totally ( the original was only mould on the door and not so good) now is present the glass crank, the  door opener, the arm rest and the air grille.

Doors now have new door handles (before only shape) and new truck mirrors. The body (sanded) is paint with a new burgundy color, aerial and licenses plate complete this Honcho…now pictured in his natural landscape.

Honcho 1981 by Hot Wheels 1/25 totally redone by Frank

FORD F-1 1949

Frank has restored a new means, a 1949 F1 pickup, found in a discreet condition at a workshop, took him home with intentions to hold him tight.

To say to him a common but very reliable means from here the desire to keep it in order to enrich his collection. The medium was polished to make the color shine under the dust and opaque of the years: "arabian green", a beautiful dark green.

Frank had to revisit the mudguards that had some dents and some rusty holes in preparing them, thinking of coloring them in black to have a nice contrast with the dark green of the body and having a two-tone pickup.

The interior was cleaned just because the bench was covered with new brown vinyl, like the cabin sky. An alternative alternative to this medium is the long handbrake lever that is at the center of the booth (not standand option).

The load floor has been restored with new walnut planks and polished aluminum reinforcements; the rims were repainted with the color of the bodywork and new white wall tires were fitted, making this vehicle very elegant. The engine itself, with only 40,000 mls run, 226 c.i. 6 small cylinders but with 95 honest horses. The "restoration" also included a chromed "bundle" for bumper and post bumper and mirrors. Only "license" but in the end is the usual "touch of Frank" is the Tan frontal color (typical of 1948) instead of the silver one, but by Frank's greatest contrast made!

Ford F-1 1949 Diecast 1/24 MotorMax- totally reconditioned by Frank

LINCOLN PREMIERE m.y 1956

 Frank presents us a luxury survivor: the Lincoln Convertible Premiere of 1956. It came in splendidly bold conditions of the fifties. 

 It is chrome-plated and specially made by that futuristic special design, typical of those who designed cars in those years without fear of experiencing and dare by putting on a car road today Frank says that they are real art forms.

 Roses are roses and wisteria is a particular color of pink just that Lincoln wanted to elegantly match a car with a romance tone. 

The top is white and the interiors resemble the outside color. Elegant white-style wheels seem to want to continue the tone on tone and the unmistakable style of this full-size.

Under the hood the Y Block, runs idle with the borbottio of 275 horses ready a step longer than being due to American iron.

 There is no doubt Frank says: "Gold is all that glitters"

Lincoln Premiere 1956 1/24 diecast Danbury Mint 

CALIFORNIA

Some shots from the past, the end of 60's in California
Summer, old pictures taken in a street with some cars parked around, someone is ready to surfing, take a look to the rear seats in the black Impala. and someone is ready to relax take a look in the garden Spend time with nostalgic memories

FORD F100 1954

Frank presents us a Ford F100 model year 1954 with a fascinating location behind, an old Shell gas station in Arizona along the highway that  Frank run often.

Frank has worked hard, the vehicle was completely disassembled, many parties needed to be replaced and rebuilt many, especially in sheet metal.

 The grille was reconstructed almost in its entirety without being replaced to maintain the originality of the piece. The body was first sandblasted painted in "Cadet blue" and the roof was painted in white, the color chosen is not the most common products, but according to Frank exquisitely elegant

The rims are the original paintings in blue with chrome rim and boss on which sparkle tires "white wall". Frank left on the rear platform of the wooden banks to remind what use this wonderful F100 was intended

 Under the hood beats back the original unit, the Y-Block 279 c.i cleverly cooled by an all parts control

 The interior has been completely redone by Frank bringing them to the new, even for the inner blue it is the predominant color, the steering wheel has been replaced due to the wear and Frank reassures us on taking in the guide.

Now the exaust pipes are double, for good american sound

All the details have been carefully tended, Frank is pleased to have reported on the road once again a piece of the american history

 

Ford F100 1954 diecast 1/24 Motor Max totally rebuilded by Frank