RMS Ford Galaxie

The latest body to come from the Reinecke Skunkworks is the 1965 Ford Galaxie. This car is certainly famous from its time in NASCAR and eventually at least one or two would join my stable. Although it can be transformed into a excellent replica of NASCAR past, I decided to assemble this one in my own "Saturday Night Stocker" trim. After all, I have built a few models already in this format and adding this classic just adds one more lane for even, close racing.

The chassis for this model is the Artin Stocker chassis. The wheels of course are not correct for period NASCAR racing, but since the wheels I wanted to use were not on hand, I decided to stay stock Artin and I am now glad I did. Since this fictional racer is going to match up with our current RMS/Artin models, keeping it stock was the right thing to do.

I stretched the Artin chassis using styrene tubing along with some sheet styrene to make a solid and even chassis. It may not look particularly pretty, it is effective and that is what is most important for me.

I used 5/32" size Evergreen Strip Styrene tubing Part #225 for the initial brace to stretch the chassis. This actually accomplishes 3 important things.

As you can see from the above photos, I cut 2 tubes to the length I want the chassis to be. Then I cut the chassis right in front of the chassis mount hole. I slip them under the front axle and let them brace against the horizontal chassis brace right behind the mount hole. With the tubes cut exactly equal lengths it helps to make sure the front axle is mounted as straight as possible. I still used a ruler to double check, but it was pretty much exact.

Secondly, it braces up the front axle to rid it of the excess slop these front axles have. No real issue really, but I like to reduce body roll when I can. Finally, it adds durability to the front as since the tubes are braced firmly against the chassis, it can withstand a good amount of punishment. After this I use Evergreen sheet styrene Part# 9060 to make shims for the top and bottom for added strength. Once they are cut, the entire assembly is hot glued together and it makes a very strong chassis to work with.

Body Prep

One of the features of this body that I like is the front and rear body mount bulkheads. Instead of trying to match up body mount post holes, here you have the freedom to move the chassis around to your liking. You can either drill it out, or just use hot glue to mount the chassis. To set the proper ride height I wanted I applied a series of simple shims using Evergreen Styrene sheets. One strip of 060" for the front bulkhead and 2 for the rear as shown in the photos.

For the chassis I sanded down the 2 rear screw mount holes to make them flush and then added one more strip of styrene as shown. With the wheel wells ground out this made the chassis sit right where I wanted it.

The photo above should show you how much I sanded away on the wheel wells to get the lowered stocker effect. However, you will simply have to use some trial and error to make yours fit the way you want.

The rest of the model was easy. I painted it with Krylon Fusion blue then masked off the area for the hood and painted it white. I used leftover decals to finish it off. I cut a small hole on each side and angle cut some brass tubing to make some exhausts that add a little detail and perhaps a grin or two from some of you. The interior tray is again thin styrene sheet cut to fit with an Artin driver figure painted to match. I used only the front glass with automotive pin stripe to simulate a brace and then the right side and rear windows got my window screen effect. I used a small brush and hand painted the chrome trim and the model was finished with Future and then buffed with some car wax.

The End Result

A new driver has arrived for this season on the Show-Me Speedway. Max Limmit grew up here and has always been regarded as a good kid, although he has had his share of trouble here and there with the local Sheriff. He lives out on his Dad's property next to the junkyard his father opened years ago. His Dad, Noe, bought this car practically brand new from old Doc Reinecke in '65 and has had it ever since. He gave it to Max to restore a couple years back, but old Max ended up doing more harm than good to the old classic. Finally, it was decided to get it race ready and will join the Sportsman class this year here at Show-Me Speedway.

- Harry