Fox Body Coupe Conversion

[black2002ls]

So, I've been toying with this for a LONG time now. I am going to convert a Mustang Convertible to a coupe. It is the old fox body style. I plan to make resin copies, as this is one of the most sought after mustangs in scale form, in my eye. There are pans for 3 different versions. Not sure if they will be stand alone bodies, or if I will create an LX coupe, and then have the GT side skirts, valance, and bumper as conversion peices, there will also be a Cobra front bumper, and 4 eye front. All that I have accomplished right now is to begin to clean up the body and accumulate some reference. I still need to pick up an 87 thunderbird kit to bash the rear glass and surround out of. I will probably yank the roof crom the hatch model that I picked up recently..though do it VERY reluctantly. I'm having a bit of trouble determining the proportions around the trunk area. Anyway, not much to show just yet.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion001.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion002.jpg

[black2002ls]

This is what I've completed so far this morning with about a half an hour worth of work and a razor saw. Not much of the hatch left. I really hope they re-release this kit otherwise I'll be kicking myself :_paranoid . As for the 'vert body. I removed the window frame, as I like the molding on the hatch much better. There will now be lots of shaping to make sure that everything lines up correctly, and that I get the proportions correct. The top will not go on until I get the donor kit for the back glass, enjoy.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion001-1.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion002-1.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion003.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion004.jpg

[black2002ls]

here is a shot of the car from the side. It is seeming sort of like the cobra top is a little wider than the vert body. We will see just how it comes out. It needs some work around the lower window trim, But I think at this point it is looking pretty good. Once I have taken the top as far as I can, I will begin to work on removing the GT trim and making it look like an LX

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion006.jpg

[black2002ls]

here are some shots with the GT molding removed. I have yet to start on the front fascia. I got a little work done on the rocker panel area yesterday, I might have pics up later today

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion001-2.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion002-2.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion003-1.jpg

[Sales@Dutchboys]

Coming Along good. Put those together Great.

[black2002ls]

this could have been a no no adding the roof before I have the glass in hand, but here we go, the rough is now attached to the body and overall it is looking pretty good IMHO.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion001-4.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion002-4.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion003-2.jpg

[black2002ls]

a small update for this evening...hmm ok wednesday morning at quarter after midnight. All I did today was hit the body with a coat of primer so I could find where the work needs to be done, re scribed the panel lines, and started cleaning up the inside of the body. It looks REALLY spot on with the primer on and everything one color. I've also started working on the lx front bumper cover, really kind of shooting in the dark with this one, until my people come through with the reference I need. I think it is looking ok at this point, enjoy

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion001-5.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion002-5.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion003-3.jpg

[black2002ls]

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion004-2.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion005-1.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion006-2.jpg

[black2002ls]

here is the front bumper, it is beginning to look like the correct LX unit.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion007.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion008.jpg

[black2002ls]

a bit more to show on this guy. Please note that I have corrected the window molding around the back glass. It now sits much more flush with the trunk

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion010.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion012.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion013.jpg

[ProTouring442]

Wow, insanely cool!

Hey, how about a doing an ASC/McLaren convertible next? I'd buy a resin body if one were available!

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"
www.FQuick.com/ProTouring442

[black2002ls]

here is a little update on this. spent some time with it today, grafting in the mustang script on the rear bumper and adding the flare that is there on the 1:1 car.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion005-2.jpg

[black2002ls]

here is where I am at on the front end. The bar that holds the ford emblem needs to be narrowed some more. but it is getting there. I plan on contacting a friend in the next couple of days to see if he would be willing to make a mold and how much he would charge...

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion003-4.jpg

[black2002ls]

Well, got it all puttied up today. Love evercoat rage, best stuff to work with. Hopefully I can get it smoothed out and a coat of primer on it before the end of the week. Still a little unsatisfied with the rear window surround and the overall size of the rear quarter glass I think it should be almost the same size, if not the exact same as the hatch glass.....

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion002-7.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion003-5.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion004-3.jpg

[black2002ls]

Alright, a little update on this guy. Wet sanded with some 800 grit to make sure all the areas that received work to this point are nice and smooth. The front bumper is permanently attached and molded in. I need to rescribe the fender/bumper line, as this is not accurately represented by the kit pieces. All that is left on the front bumper is to finish up the cross bar that holds the ford emblem, the uprights in the lower grille, and correct the rub strips on the front bumper, as they have that break in the very center. Then give it a final once over to correct any erroneous proportions and the main part of the body will be done and then its on to the glass. Time for this guy will be getting scarse as I found out today that I have to add another advanced physics course on top of my current load of quantum mechanics, advanced electricity and magnetism, and advanced electronics. If it isn't complete by spring break, expect to see a final product soon there after. enjoy the pictures and as always comments and criticism please.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/DSCF4121.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/DSCF4122.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/DSCF4123.jpg

[black2002ls]

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/DSCF4124.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/DSCF4125.jpg

[ubervic]

That is some very, VERY nice work!

I'd love to run across a 85/86 coupe model.

[black2002ls]

spent a good deal of time on this guy today. Its probably 90-95% complete at this point. The runners in the lower grille are in. Almost all of the trash is cleaned up in the primer from when I stripped it. The interior is just about completely cleaned up. All that is really left is to scribe the panel line for the front bumper and add the runner with the Ford emblem to the top grille. I fit the Thunderbird rear glass. My plan is to vacuum form the rear glass and include it with the body. I may also form the quarter windows and mold the side windows. It looks like the 'vert interior tub is the better fit for the interior. It will require some work for the parcel shelf and final fit and finish, not sure if I will master and include those panels or leave that to you guys. If anyone can get me some good shots of the interior that would be great. Enjoy.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/DSCF5792.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/DSCF5793.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/DSCF5794.jpg

[Garage Dog 65]

Hi Russell,

This thread spooks me every time I open it - that thing looks sooo real in several of the pictures !!! (Either that or it is real and that's a 400 gallon Sonic cup in the background :lol: ) You are a very talented guy !

When I was thinking about doing my C5 Porsche 356, I bought a kit and got a C5 kit the same scale - split the Porsche down the middle and stuffed the vette parts in. It was very fun and I wish I could find a Fugimi 356 Coupe to do the same with so it would be closer to the finished version - with tube chassis and all. Anyway, Here's some pics of the deal and the link to the real thing.

http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=5109

Keep up the GREAT work !

Jim Halliburton

[black2002ls]

The hardest part of widening that body is going to be hiding the seams where you have to add in plastic, and scribing the panel lines. Good luck. If you need any help, let me know. That project is amazing.

All that is left on this is to spot sand some areas, I had to widen the fascia on the passenger side, toward the hood, to close a gap. One last coat of primer to check. Then it will get cleared with Omni 2 part urethane clear to smooth it all out and I'll be hunting for a caster to get a mold made

[Yard Dawg]

Ths coupe is turning out real nice!
I'd be interested in getting one of the resin ones when you get them done.

I have one in my stash from several years ago, made by a company called "All American Models". They offered an LX hatch and a coupe. Bought one of each but I don't think they are available anymore.

However, from what I remember your's looks a LOT better than these others!
Especially in the front end!

Keep us posted! It's looking great!

Steve
PS_There is a guy in my local club that does resin casting of aircraft. I'll send him this link and see if he is interested.

[black2002ls]

alright guys. This thing is complete. All that is left is to hit it with some urethane clear to make sure it is 100% smooth for the mold. I found out having the mold is going to be much more cost effective than I first thought. We are looking at a price of about $25 plus shipping. As of right now that is an estimate. I'll have to re-assess that once I have the mold done but I can guarantee it won't top $30 plus the shipping charges. As of right now this is body only. When I complete my first build up of one of these, There should be an interior tub available as well. I'll have a look at the GT/Cobra and vert interiors before I ship this out so I can give you guys an idea of what parts will be needed. If you are interested in one of these, seriously, then please e-mail me at [email protected] . The way this is going to work is the guy that is making the mold will be doing my casting. I'll tell him how many I need then he will cast them and send them out. So from the time of purchase you are looking at about a 2 week turn around.

[black2002ls]

Alright, the long awaited finish shot. this thing is complete. All that is left to do on my end is to sort out the glass issues. I will be sending this off Monday or Tuesday to have the mold made. Bodies should be available the first or second week of September. If you want to order, and are SERIOUS, please e-mail me at [email protected] You are looking at $25 plus shipping. Due to the upfront cost of casting, I will require pre-payment, with a 1 to 2 week processing time. I am going to order no less than 10 bodies at a time (hopefully) from my caster, this will cut down on shipping expenses for me to recieve the bodies. PayPal and MO are the only methods I'll accept unless you are local. It will include the body, hood (the hood will be molded with the body, I am planning on removing the hood from each body so you don't have to mess with it.), Side Mirrors, Rear Glass and quarter windows. I've not sorted out the tail lights yet so you may be on your own for that one.

Here is what will be required to make a kit of this. I am going to recommend using the Lowrider/Vert kit from Revell as the interior tub is closer to what you will need. It will take some modification though, in the form of a rear package shelf. It will require you to remove the inner fender/firewall area from the vert body and attach it to the resin coupe body, this can be done with CA or epoxy.

I hope to throw together some general instructions for working with the resin, the steps needed to finish the kit, and a list of parts needed and include it with each body.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/DSCF5834.jpg

[black2002ls]

I haven't updated this in quite some time. The body went out for the mold, but came back in about 5 pieces with no mold. The two halves fused together entoumbing my master. as it was removed it unfortunately broke apart.

I have since got it all put back together and sent back to my caster to have a new mold made. Hopefully things will go smoothly this time around and I will be able to sell re-pops of this body.