What would I have to do to convert Tamiya's 1/48 Staff Car to a civilian vehicle? I want to do it in red with chrome trim, but I'm not sure if this would be correct. I haven't built a car in years (I usually build 1/35 and 1/48 armor and a/c).

Here is an example of what I want to do, just without all the interior.

http://autos.aol.com/used-list/year-1942/body-Sedan

Thanks,
Samuel

There are some photos in my gallery of the

42 Ford

Samuel,

I'd be inclined to believe all that would be needed (sans the interior) is to BMF some of the trim (bumpers, grill, hubcaps, et al) and paint 'er as a "shiney". Looking at the kit you linked and Dave's link...the similarities are sooooo close....that should be it.

Just my thoughts.

Mike

I like hard tops so that cop car would be an interesting build/paint.
http://gallery.kitmaker.net/data/22818/42FordorCop.jpg
Plus, the body and window designs look OOB.

This one is cool too. Hardtop.
http://gallery.kitmaker.net/data/22818/1942_Ford_Super_Deluxe_-_Copy.jpg

Dave: Thanks for the pictures. That is exactly what I needed.

Mike: I agree, however I don't know what BMF is. I assume you mean to paint the trim chrome?

KoSprueOne: I really like that second one. Now I don't know whether to do it burgundy or bright red.

Thanks for your quick replies.

BMF = Bare Metal Foil.

Here are a few 1/32 die casts I picked up to re-do as staff cars sometime in the future.

1941 Plymouth Cop Car.


Another 41 Plymouth.


A real 1941 Plymouth Staff Car.


1941 Buick...... may do this as a Navy one, Fancy enough for Halsey.

Then there is my favorite:
1936 Chrysler Airflow. Never caught on with the public, but the Army loved them, as being roomy and after months of testing found to be practically indestructible, especially in roll overs, and down cliffs. Passenger compartment wouldn't collapse.

another 1/32 diecast.

Dave, those look great! They make me long for the re-issue of AMT's old '41 Plymouth (even if it was a two door).

-YL