Ford Pop Hot Rod
On the British 1970's / 1980's hot rod scene, the Ford Popular 103E or similar Ford Anglia was a 'popular' (sorry!) choice for modification - and still is. They typically had a small-block V8 fitted - the Rover one - and a Jaguar E-type rear diff, plus metallic paint, widened arches, slot mag wheels, custom interior etc. I love 'em !
So I started with one of my resin shells.
To see the mastering of the resin shell, press
I've recycled a VW New Beetle sidewinder chassis, to allow at least a partial interior to be built; the motor should sit under the rear seat, allowing full front seats etc. Wheels - I've found some slot mags that come with the Airfix Bugle Buggy kit - the ones on the right - so I'll be taking moulds from these, plus some fat tyres from a Scalextric Camaro. Also note the E-type rear diff, this from the Airfix kit, and I should be able to get at least some of it on display under the rear of the Pop. Oh, and not in the pic - it'll be getting an MRRC Ackermann steering front axle.
Underside of chassis - chromed up the Jag diff at the back, and added sidewinder exhaust pipes ( from a Monogram Cobra kit ).
Here's the basic custom chassis, finished. Wired up using Revell braids that fit in to the MRRC blade unit, and also have a tag that can be bent up to fit in to the spade sockets on the existing Scalextric wiring. Wheels made up from assorted Scalextric & Airfix bits. In front is a Siligum mould ( blue), and a sample P38 casting ( pink )of the slot alloy wheels; I made four casts, and cleaned them up & cut them down to integrate in to the wheels.
Removable interior unit made up from plastic card, seats from a cheap diecast, driver from assorted 1/35 - 1/32 figure bits, plus Milliput. Big hair, zapata moustache and denim suit - very '70s ! Steering column from rod, wheel and gear lever from the spares box. All painted off in assorted matt enamels.
Finished off -
Primed with with Humbrol grey primer, then laid over with two coats of Ford metallic purple velvet spray, and glossed with Klear.
Bare-metal foil for the chrome, slot car spare and odds'n'sods from the spares box for the lights, wiper etc.
Pale cream soft roof done with Vallejo off-white acrylic, and a thinned wash of Klear to just shine it a little bit.
I swapped out the rear lights for those from a cheap diecast VW Beetle - Beetle lights very commonly used on Ford Pop hot rods in the UK.
Other details like wiper, headlights, number plates, indicators, sidelights added.
Glazed with clear sheet, carefully fitted with canopy glue. And a tax disc in the windscreen !
And last two pics show the metalflake paint shining under lights !