Front axle for Revell 32 Ford

[Spitfire]

I'm currently working on a Revell 32 Ford 3 Window Coupe that I'm building into a drag car with a flathead. I'd like to get the front axle raised a bit instead of using the one with drop spindles...I'd like to go at least factory height, or even more gasser style. I'm considering just cutting the spindles and trying to attach them coming straight out, but I'm wondering what other options there are. Is the front axle from another kit that can fit without too much modification or massaging? I'm a novice, but I'm not afraid of a bit of customization as long as it's not too intense. I also do not yet possess the ability to do everything overly realistic, so I'm okay with something that may be a bit off as long as it's not hugely obvious. 

[espo]

If you have other Revell kits that offer the option of a stock build just use that stock axle on this build. That should be an easy installation.  

[Ace-Garageguy]

Making a straight axle isn't hard, really. The axle shown below is a piece of styrene rod stock. The ends to the axle are cut from the same material, glued carefully with liquid cement, allowed to dry at least overnight.

The ends are then drilled with a .030" bit in a pin-vise. 

Spindles are made from channel stock, also drilled as appropriate. Then use .030" wire for kingpins.

Stub-axles are 1/16" plastic rod.

NOTE: It's even easier if you don't need to have it steerable. Omit the steerable spindles and attach the stub axles directly to the axle ends. Drilling 1/16" holes to receive them makes for a stronger joint. And these are plenty stout to support a model that's handled carefully and not played with like a toy.

Existing axles can also be modified to steer relatively easily. File away the spindles, proceed as above. The axle below is from this kit:   

And...these were drilled for .015" common straight-pin kingpins. Spindle on right is still rough. Spindle on left almost finished. Axle is from this: 

The shot below shows a simple jig to make sure the camber matches on both sides.

 

 

Edited July 3, 2018 by Ace-Garageguy

[Ace-Garageguy]

Something else to remember is that there are MANY different plastic axles out there, with a lot of different degrees of drop.