Dave Darby recently showed some dynamite pics of his recent '57 Thunderbird build, and thought it would be a good idea to surface this list for the group, in the faint hope a few of you hit the "buy" button with Matt and Dawn to pick up the current new R2 issue of the ancient kit.
To be sure, it is a tired old tool showing its age. That does not detract from the ability to nab one as a slump buster, and do something fun with a pretty basic kit.
The origin of the list was the result of a few board convos, bolstered with availability of the vintage AMT Mustang/Falcon/Cyclone/Tempest AFX kits from Model King. Having solid reference to work with, the next task was to match up parts between the vintage HCDJ and the FX releases.
I dug the following list back out after seeing the online video part shots include the 427 engine block, and the headers, which beggar the idea of HCDJ seeing daylight some day.
Spoiler Alert: AMT took the path of least resistance, cribbing virtually all the Gasser/MP parts from existing kits. Today, with the wide availability of the FX Falcon and recent Cyclone and Mustang releases, it's a very straightforward job to put one together. While bashing a few $30 kits may give pause, recall also that drag oriented hardbody slot guys scoop up the bodies and trim as fast as they are offered, so recouping at least part of the cost is entirely possible.
The only semi-tough ticket would be tracking down the decal sheet from the MK GTO Judge F/C, now getting a bit dear. Wheels and tires were the only letdown in the original HCDJ release, R2 parts packs can solve that quickly, as can any of donor kits.
As ever, the hobby is modeling, and not assembling, so there may be slight mods or slight differences in your build that will need to be managed, but overall not a heavy lift if you have some of these on the shelf. As a bonus, the beautifully engraved T-Bird 312 parts can find a home under a number of other kit hoods, including the '56 and '57 Ford, as well as the upcoming '60 and '63 pickup kits, just to name two.
Here Come De Judge Replica List
Many parts for this rare and classic kit were sourced from existing AMT kit parts, but some were created specifically for HCDJ. You will need to fabricate these parts or substitute from parts box or scratch build. Falcon, Comet and Mustang Tempest and Nova all refer to the AMT Funny Car versions
Block/trans:Included latest R2 57 T-Bird release. For a non-R2 release, Comet/Falcon/Mustang is close Willys has a very accurate C-6
Heads/valve covers: Ohio George 33 Willys
Manifold/Injectors: Falcon/Mustang, ‘69 Galaxie most releases
Cam Cover: Falcon/Mustang
Magneto: Comet/Falcon/Mustang
Headers: Included current release. For a non-R2 issue, Comet headers are correct. Falcon/Mustang are more common, but 2-pc.
Front Springs: Comet semi elliptic
Front Axle: Nova / Tempest; Mustang/Falcon close if cross spring removed.
Traction bars: AMT ’55 Nomad, Mustang
Wheelie Bars: Comet, Falcon
Front Shocks: Mustang, Falcon (close, need slight mods)
Rear Wheels: Annual and RC2 (‘open the gates’) releases of the ‘69 Galaxie have deep rings to go with stock open wheel centers
Tires: AMT “Bluestreak” 1-pc. Vinyl, many kits ; 2-pc AMT piecrust type many kits.
Decals: MK 1969 “Judge” Funny Car
Not in kits: Breathers (circular in HCDJ, ’66 Galaxie may be close; Megaphones for headers, two-pulley fan belt – substituted with similar scrap box parts.)