crowe-t Posted June 25, 2018 Posted June 25, 2018 I picked up this AMT Ford Ranger F-350 kit today on E-Bay. I'd like to make it into an F100/F250 with an 8 foot bed. I'm pretty sure this kit has a longer bed than 8 feet. How is the length of the bed determined? Is it measured from inside of the tailgate to the inside of the bed’s bulkhead?
mk11 Posted June 25, 2018 Posted June 25, 2018 This kit does have the regular 8 foot bed on it but because of the F350 super camper special package it is modeled after, the wheel base is longer (140") than the regular 133" wb that the regular long box trucks came with. It's only the box sides/inner panels that need modifying. More info in this thread...
crowe-t Posted June 25, 2018 Author Posted June 25, 2018 Thanks Mike for all this information. I don't have the kit yet so I didn't know what length the bed is. Other than the location of the inner wheel tubs, are the details inside the bed in this kit correct?
mk11 Posted June 25, 2018 Posted June 25, 2018 Yes, they are. AMT very accurately captured the '73-'79 F series in scale (aside from the upper windshield trim). Modelers aren't so fortunate with some current releases... mike
Fat Brian Posted June 27, 2018 Posted June 27, 2018 If you'd rather cut up a cheaper kit the same truck still currently available with a 78/79 style grille, cut up the new kit and swap the 75 style grille on it.
crowe-t Posted June 27, 2018 Author Posted June 27, 2018 I think the current kit is 4 wheel drive so it'll need some work. I only paid $40 for this older kit and then I'll have to buy the current kit. It's not worth the extra money.
SSNJim Posted June 28, 2018 Posted June 28, 2018 I'm pretty sure the two-wheel drive parts are included in the current kits, but not called out on the instructions. The only "problem" is that it uses the wire axle too, so it is visible.
crowe-t Posted June 28, 2018 Author Posted June 28, 2018 Maybe I'll try this conversion on one of the cheaper kits first so I don't ruin the old kit. I'm planning on building he old AMT Matchbox kit but the newer released kits will be good to practice on.
crowe-t Posted June 28, 2018 Author Posted June 28, 2018 Does anyone have pictures of a regular(133" wheelbase) 8 foot inner bed from a 1:1 Ford Pickup?
Fat Brian Posted June 28, 2018 Posted June 28, 2018 The other issue you're going to run into is that this kit has the bed toolbox on the passenger side so the inner bed side is different from the drivers side. To make a correct 133" bed the wheel arches need to come forward but also down. Here's the two beds from the same angle.
crowe-t Posted June 29, 2018 Author Posted June 29, 2018 Brian, Thanks for posting these 2 pictures. I know exactly what you are saying. I downloaded pictures that Repstock(Tom Ellifritt) has in his Photobucket showing what needs to be cut and moved to make a correct 133" bed. He shows a good way to lower the wheel arches. I'll remove the bed tool box too.
mk11 Posted June 29, 2018 Posted June 29, 2018 Here's another great thread on the box modification procedure... ...also, the compartment built into the box side on the camper special is actually a spare tire compartment; that's why the inner wall is shaped like it is. The regular toolbox is shown in the second pic. mike
Mercuryman54 Posted July 13, 2018 Posted July 13, 2018 Got these a couple years ago at a swap meet in Indy. I can't recall who modified and cast them. I haven't seen him at the swap meet since. Dennis
leafsprings Posted July 15, 2018 Posted July 15, 2018 I thought we would have a good quality regular '73-'79 8' F 100- F250 bed readily available in resin by now.
Repstock Posted July 17, 2018 Posted July 17, 2018 (edited) It's not a good pic, but here's the Morgan Automotive detail Ford bed, dechromed. Edited July 17, 2018 by Repstock
leafsprings Posted July 18, 2018 Posted July 18, 2018 13 hours ago, paul alflen said: DOESN'T MORGAN AUTOMOTIVE DETAIL DO ONE??? Not shown on their website, only shows the Chevy Longbed being available.
Repstock Posted July 18, 2018 Posted July 18, 2018 8 hours ago, leafsprings said: Not shown on their website, only shows the Chevy Longbed being available. That is true, but it is available, I have three of them. I bought mine at shows, but I suppose you could contact him directly.
paul alflen Posted July 18, 2018 Posted July 18, 2018 I'LL SEE HIM HOPEFULLY AT OUR MEETING THIS FRIDAY, JULY 20TH. I THINK THEY ARE STILL AVAILABLE, JUST NOT LISTED IN THE CATALOG/WEBSITE. LEAFSPRINGS , P.M. HIM OR CONTACT HIM ON HIS WEB PAGE.
leafsprings Posted July 18, 2018 Posted July 18, 2018 7 hours ago, Repstock said: That is true, but it is available, I have three of them. I bought mine at shows, but I suppose you could contact him directly. Thankyou for the update Repstock. Your Explorer looks great. Factory colors, paint stripe and molding deletes are right on target, can't wait to see the special plaid bench seat!
Repstock Posted July 18, 2018 Posted July 18, 2018 1 hour ago, leafsprings said: Thankyou for the update Repstock. Your Explorer looks great. Factory colors, paint stripe and molding deletes are right on target, can't wait to see the special plaid bench seat! Here you go...
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