Stevie's T Transformation

[EstebanLoco]

11.Roof held to body with rubber band while cement worked

12.Doors set-up for cementing (3 pieces each door)

13.Doors checked for fit

14.Completed chopped tall T

15.Before and After pictures showing dramatic change

[EstebanLoco]

I know I'm going to get yelled at for posting this in the Annoucements section, but this thread really did start out as an annoucement - then it evolved.

I wanted to mention the cool bucket seats which are included. These are a huge improvement over the Big T, Corvette, Exterminator, Jag, Trans Am or anything else I have seen in 1:8 plastic. they have also included what looks like a banjo steering wheel. It's done in black and isn't that cool but it shows they are trying.

I'll try and post a picture of the buckets tomorrow.

[EstebanLoco]

I just realized I should have chopped it 1-1/4" to be a scale 10" chop. Oh well, still and improvement.

It could probably stand an 11" chop...

[Thrillbilly Rich]

Thats lookin better! Is the turtle deck molded into the back of the body? And can it be sawed off? That part of it i'm just not feelin. Post some pics. of the seats and the wheel if you would. I might have to buy one of these infurnal things.

[Rick]

I agree with Rich Steve, the Big T turtle deck might be an improvement. I'm also wondering if a set of full fenders would be an improvement. Being a T, they would be easy to make. What the heck, I'm going to add one further thought to really confuse things......remove the turtle deck, add some length to the body and turn it into a sedan. The extra dimension might just make it look "right".

[BigN]

Doh! I think I'll lop off an inch and a half....maybe solder up a brass frame...how's that hemi coming Dan? Has anyone tried to make some ford wire wheels? Maybe some of those "dinner jacket wheels would look hot on it...done up in BLACK...oh oh....can't give away too many ideas......TOO MANY PROJECT, TOO LITTLE TIME -35 BELOW HERE TODAY...-75 WINDCHILL....THE SUN WILL COME ABOVE HORIZON SOON!!!!!!!

[EstebanLoco]

The turtle deck is ugly and is molded into the body. The Big T deck is a little larger and is molded so that it can be easily hinged to expose battery, gas tank, etc. It would be a major upgrade if you want to go with that look.

But that is just one option for this car. Like I said, I was very anxious to just chop the top and really didn't know what i would end up with. I have drawings of a sedan delivery that looks cool (basically using Don's method of stretching the T-bucket should work fine on this body). Also the pick-up is definitely a possibility. In that one you need basically remove a horizontal section from the body the width of the rear window. This procedure will also require you to cut the rear section in half front to back and remove about 1/8". At least that's what the cardboard cutouts say.

Oh yeah, there is a new fuel tank included in the kit, sort of a spun aluminum type, larger than the dragster tanks and smaller than the regular Lindy tanks (which are huge).

For now I think I'll re-skin the interior panels and doors with thin styrene sheet to add strength. I'll work on the exterior seams, sanding -filing-bondo. Then I'd like to build up the inteerior walls up so that I can add upholstered panels, like I do with the deuce. The turtle deck is going to be removed. I have been following Don's surf woodie build and so I have the back section of the Big T tub which looks like it has the same curves in the corners as the Tall T (oddly, the Lindy T's have larger curves and don't line up). What this means, if it works, is that you can remove the turtle deck and add the back half of the Big T tub and you'll have a complete enclosed body shell, ready to add a pick-up box, Big T turtle deck, stake bed or what have you. The top part of the Big T tub, the part that kicks up, will need to be removed but the rest looks like it will fit perfectly.

I also want to define the floor section so I can start doing mock-ups with the body channeled over the frame rails. Besides chopping, I feel channeling is a must on this model, no matter what you decide to build.

Thanks again for following my 'experiment'.

Steve

[Don Garrett]

Nice job on the chop Steve...you might try sticking a piece of cardboard in that rear quarter window (just for look-see), think it might cut down on some of the styling confusion and clean the basic design up a little.
I'd thought about using the Big T cut off rear section to create a rolled pan effect for the rear of the C-cab but I'm going to use that cut-off for another scratch built body tutorial.
As far as a sedan goes, it could be stretched and turned into a sedan but it would be much easier to rattle Rich's cage for a glass tub (just the shell), modify and add a top to it.
These Lindy kits are new and there's lots of room for improvment....as far as I know, you're the first kid on the block to tackle one here on SMC.

[hot ford coupe]

I did a little fiddling with the T on Photoshop. I didn't save it but I moved the rear wheels back to the turtle deck area and used the Big T turtle deck instead of the original one. I also chopped the top a liitle more. It looked pretty good to me. This kit really has a lot more potential than you'd think based on the original design. I think this build is going to be a success.

[EstebanLoco]

I was doing research on chopped T's and stumbled onto this...

[robjos32]

Imagine it with a Blown flathead, Gold paint like on Jorge Zaragoza's 36 Ford, White Interior.

[Rick]

Now you're getting me excited Steve. A chop and a slam and its starting to look like a a hot rod.

[hot ford coupe]

That's exactly what I was talking about. You hit the nail right on the head. The rear wheels are back by the turtle deck and the chop is deeper. Shoot on a great color and you've made a silk purse out of the sow's ear. For some reason, I see it in a candy apple red.

[Deuces-wild]

I'll be buying a Lindberg Tall T coupe off of ebay when I get home tonight. Can't wait to get it. I be following Stevie's tute on how to chop this puppy and do some kitbashing with parts from the other Lindberg kits. The dragster steelies and 12 spoke rims for the front and maybe the blower kit also with the headers. See ya'll later!