How to build a professional Scale Model?
You never know how easy it is to restore a 1:1 Mustang until you listen to a Pro in scale model building. This is Gerry Chevaliers report on how he build a scale model of the famous Barney Clark Mustang Scale model


"I started the body modifications by cutting the upper portion of the trunk lid from the body but leaving the rear edge of the lid and the tulip panel attached to the roof.  I next used tape as a guide to cut the B pillar at the same angle as the rear quarter windows and then cutting across the top of the roof joining the two cuts.  I then cut the bottom of the B pillars from the body.   The B and C pillars were thinned to match  the prototype.

I acquired a junk body that had been badly warped in the kit box, to use to fill in the missing portion of the stretched roof. I cut a section of the spare roof and fitted it to the body.I also had to add a section of heavy sheet plastic to the top of the roof and blend and shape it to avoid a bowed or flat top illusion to the roof contour.

The drip rail had to be removed from the edge of the B pillar and a new drip rail made from small strip styrene was glued into place.

The frames for the rear side windows were also made from strip styrene along with inner framing for the windshield, side windows, and rear window.  The spare roof also gave up its vent windows that were used for the inner vent windows on the opposite sides.  The roof was finished off with resin cast sun-visors and 2 dome lights. 
Masking tape was used for the headliner. 

Additional body modifications included removing the gas cap from the rear taillight panel, the 2 engine size emblems, the Mustang badges from the front fenders and the side scoop trim.A new gas door was scribed into the left rear fender. A bed floor and side panels had to be found for the interior.;

 I used a resin copy of the bed from the American Muscle Car Posies 55 Ford Custom Wagon.The side panels and tail gate had to be cut down to fit the reduced height of the Mustang body but the width and length turned out to be just right.

I cut the Mustang interior bucket at the rear of the door panel leaving the rear seat intact. I removed the package shelf along with rear interior side panels as they have dog legs intended for a convertible. I made new rear side panels and filled in the rear seat back with a resin seat back from the 55 Wagon.  

I made some inside door handles from strip styrene and cast 4 resin window winders from a 68 Mustang door panel mold.I finished the interior by painting the interior semi gloss black and detailing with silver and wood toned paints. I don’t like the promo style chassis that comes with the kit so I substituted the chassis from the AMT 68 Shelby Mustang kit.This chassis also needs some work. 

The rounded (incorrect) inner front fenders needed to be removed. I lowered the front suspension and made a tie rod and spindle arms to allow the front wheels to be poseable. I used a set of MINI EXOTICS inner fender panels and radiator support panel mated to the kit radiator. I feel that the engine from the kit is too small and doesn’t fill up the engine bay properly, so I used the engine from the AMT 67 Mustang kit.  This was built box stock with only plug wires added. To finish off the engine compartment I added a resin Autolite battery and windshield washer bag.

After priming, the body was painted with Plasti Kote black gold metallic and then it was clear coated and polished. Bare Metal Foil was applied to the trim and photo etched Mustang letters were applied to the rear panel along with a photo etch lock cylinder for the tail gate and gas filler door. 

Photo etched disks were also used for the rear side window latches. A gold dual line pin stripe was applied along the upper body. A plated resin GT grill with fog lights was also used. Styled steel wheels from AMT 67 Mustang were used with the skinny kit tires. After final assembly a coat of the treatment was applied and polished off.

Gerry Chevalier


Editors note: Thanks for this insight, Gerry. I was never much into scale model building. Had my brother do it for me and I damaged them mostly, but I gain more and more respect for this high-end level of car building. There was a reason, why there was such a close partnership between AMT and Ford back in the 60ies. There is still reason enough to follow these group of car enthusiasts these days again.