Using a model to help build a 1:1

[Sam I Am]

Have any of you that have, or have had, a full size project ever built a model to help you see if the vision in your head actually looks good as the finished product ?   

A number of years ago I had a 46 Chevy pu that was a blank canvas (Nice way of saying basket case).  I wanted to keep the project as cost effective as possible so I thought of how to utilize parts that I already had.  Somewhere along the way someone had roughly grafted a 53-4 Chevy passenger car instrument cluster to the dashboard.  I figured the easiest thing to do was clean up the installation and keep the instrument panel.  At the time, I had a 1959 Chevy 235 six cylinder with a three spd  manual, and, a 1958 348 4bbl with powerglide. 

So I came up with two different ideas. First, going with tried and true red body, black fenders,  and steelies.  Dropping in the 235, dressing the engine up with finned aluminum valve cover, dual carbs and split exhaust.  A friend had a 10 bolt out of a camaro, and I found out you can convert the stock six bolt front drums to five bolt by using 57 Chevy passenger car parts. So by mounting the rear end on top of the springs and "c-ing" the frame, adding a drop axle up front you would achieve a nice ride height. Drop a first gen mustang fuel tank between the frame rails behind the rear end, a frame mount dual master cylinder, and keep the interior stock, it should be a pretty straightforward and relatively inexpensive truck. 

Option two was pretty much the same chassis setup except drop the 348 powerglide in, paint it dark metallic blue and add old school mag wheels. 

So I built a model of each idea to see which one I liked the best. The red and black six banger won hands down for me. Unfortunately,  due to life, the real truck never reached fruition. 

But, I still have the models. ?

[Ace-Garageguy]

I built this one in 1/8 scale specifically to see if I could come up with a "traditional" '32 Ford that had a different look than anything I'd seen previously. I've collected all the parts, and construction of the real one will start later this year.

This custom Porsche 914 rebody I designed for a client and partially completed began as a 1/25 scale model back in the 1990s.

                                             

This is a later concept sketch I provided for the client:

                                     

Another Porsche, this 1/24 scale model was the basis for a stillborn project I designed for a client. When he ran out of money, I bought the whole mess (including the '74 911S Targa it's based on), and will be building it next to the '32. I'll probably back-date it to the earlier "long hood" bumper and rocker style for a lighter look.

Last but by no means least, this original design full-scale mockup began as a 1/10 scale model (with the blue canopy, below)...another one of the three projects I'll be finishing first when I'm settled out West.

https://contest.techbriefs.com/2010/entries/transportation/871

Oops...almost forgot this one,  another one slated to be built full-scale:

With a truly masterful concept development done for me by Chris Drysdale (Spex84):

Edited March 28, 2021 by Ace-Garageguy

[Dave Van]

I am in the middle of this exact process right now!!

After finishing my 66 Mustang resto I wanted to build a T Bucket. But at over 6 feet tall and prosthetic legs, a regular T Bucket would be hard for me to drive. A C-Cab was suggested by my buddy. WE started working up ideas and I did drawings in scale of a few different designs. We found a design that I liked, big enough to be comfortable for me. So I made a paper model from the drawings to check how it LOOKED> Proportions looked good and it was buildable by me at home. 

 

Now I am in the process of building a more detailed plastic version that includes the hardwood frame I have designed. I'll skin the frame just as I will if I keep going forward. I have the chassis specs so I can build it too. If everything continues to work out as planned.....I'd like to start the real car early Summer. The model build is real benefit to me. Thx

[keyser]

Great 46’s. 
Bill, I like the 904-14 and Hiboy  And that’s kind of a show rod Cord. 
Pics Dave. Sounds fun. 

[Sam I Am]

I am really glad to see that others use models to help build their full size projects.  I have a 1953 F100 in the garage, and an unbuilt kit in the stash. All I need is the vision...

[alan barton]

Yep, I have carved up a 1/24th Spec Cast diecast 35 Ford Sedan Delivery so that I can get my head together on the 35 Phaeton that I am building as a late 40, early 50s style custom.  Will get some photos on here when ! have more to show!

Cheers

Alan

[TarheelRick]

This is why I build models, because I cannot afford the real thing. You all have some really good looking 1:1 projects coming along.

[iamsuperdan]

Hmm..

Not an idea I would have thought about. But it works for the manufacturers, so why not?

 

Anyone have an extra AMT Chev Tahoe or two they want to part with?

 

 

[Tom Geiger]

I actually built the green roadster pickup as an illustration of the one I’d like to own. Maybe my retire ride.

The yellow woody roadster pickup is my “When I win the lottery” car. It actually wouldn’t be hard to build. They do make woody wood kits, just order what you need!