Austin Fx4 taxi - Rat Rod or Hot Rod?

[McColm]

Hi Guys,
The London taxi cab Austin FX4 is available through Revell or Aoshima. Its the same kit but the artwork on the box is different. There are faults as they both depict the latest version but the spruces are of the 1953 -1954 update version. The tiny rear indicators are the giveaway. Yes you could modernize it and go for the last production model of 1997. To save costs the drivers seat is one thick piece of moulded plastic, too big. Internal details sparse. There is a detailed engine bay of the LandRover 2.5L diesel manual four speed box, stickshift.
I tried building a Doormobile using parts from another Revell kit T3 VW Camper . Cutting the rear right door to simulate a sliding door and scribe the rear to make it look like a hatchback. Unti my nephew stepped on it. I could only salvage the roof.
But I found a copy of Scale Auto February 2013 and they have some cool pics of the 1932 Ford Sports Coupe Hot Rod.
I've watching Quest the series Sun Sin City and they build Rat Rods . I've always wanted to try out the new wash pigments and the rust effect and the London Black cab is crying out for this. Drop the roof way low. Remove the back seat and glue it in place of the drivers seat creating a bench seat. The rear windows could be blanked over to a van or cut the roof and turn it into a Ute/pick up truck. Change the wheels or body trim wheel arches. You've got to change that engine but keep the radiator grill.  I've got an Aoshima VW Beetle convertible and will be using body parts from that.
A short wheel version by removing the rear doors. I'll change the head lights or housing.
White wall tyres do look cool.
So that's one model, for the other a 1931 Bugatti Royal Cabriolet from Entex. Not a lot to do but a few changes and a great paint job.

[jcf]

SPRUCE


SPRUE

Capisce?

[ChernayaAkula]

SPRUCE Goose SPRUES   

[McColm]

Thanks for clearing that up,
So what do you Guys think about the idea?
Seen the Revell prices take a tumble, down to £10 postage free in the UK.
Also there have been a couple of Real World Taxi Rat Rods and Hot Rods, so I might not need to lower the roof.

[PR19_Kit]

SPRUCE Goose SPRUES   

Hehehe, nice one! 

[Devilfish]

My mate did one years ago which basically binned everything except the bodyshell.  Pro-street chassis and interior, panelled in rear doors and windows, rear door fitted, grill filled in and one piece flip front made.  Won best in show at Donny.

So theres plenty you can do with it, just depends on how much effort you are willing or able to put in....

[zenrat]

How about a rusty barn find Gasser?
Big John's football Austin has a vaguely similar shape.

[McColm]

Thanks,
If the body was shortened, so no rear doors. C/D pillar taken out and moved forward. The back would look something like that picture, no not the tree! Just need some fat/wide tyres.

[zenrat]

AMT do a gasser wheels & tyres pack which would be perfect.

[McColm]

Thanks

[Captain Canada]

teehee....you guys are funny

[Mossie]

Like this?
http://www.rodsnsods.co.uk/forum/garage/taxi-based-pick-up-38943


Shorten it too by cutting out the rear doors?

[jcf]

Cross-kit with a Revell Austin, Anglia or Thames Panel gasser kit, the latter is in current re-release,
the first two have been released numerous times in various boxings.
That way you use the drag chassis and engine under the FX4 body, and put the Austin,
Anglia or Panel body on the FX4 chassis/floorpan.

[PR19_Kit]

Like this?
http://www.rodsnsods.co.uk/forum/garage/taxi-based-pick-up-38943

Shorten it too by cutting out the rear doors?

I saw that thing some years ago, heading down the A13 inbound to London and it nust have had some meaty V8 aboard the way the exhaust rumbled! It look a seriously impressive piece of work but the owner must get teed off with people hailing him as he rumbles past. 

[McColm]

Wow,
Great idea.
I was thinking of removing the rear doors and just keep the driver & passenger door. Bench seat in the front.