As a FYI, I ordered one of these brand new from Ford. It was called The Chateau. It's a 351 not a 302. That's suspension you were right on there called the twin I-beam. I watched you do the build and I am thrilled as an old man to be building this. The dealership even gave me Cragar's front and rear and I'm going to be doing the same thing. Mine was a total dark root beer brown metallic.I think I still have the sales brochure that I used with the dealer to buy the van. Got dual batteries in it so that I could run my refrigerator and extra power! Thank you for an excellent memory. If you remember Pinto had a color like that resembles something like that too. That's the only reason I didn't want that exact van
I had a Chevy van model and a box full of parts and I turned it into a 4x4 van with a nice lift . This was back in 75 when I never heard of such a thing and I made the front axle pivot up and down ,it was badass.
Wow. Never would have thought just by coating the molded plastic colour (the metalic silver) that it could come up that good without a layer of silver paint. Awesome build, and I learned something.
Nice build , A friend of my father had one of these back in 1977 the year I graduated High School. I always thought it was super custom.. it was the era of the van builds it even spilled over into Hot Rod Magazine
Hey Chris, new follower and I love your reviews and builds. I'm not sure if it's in your library, but your painting techniques would be great to see. I know there are many out there, but everyone has their way. You seem to motor right through your builds and they all turn out so great. Not new to model building but recently got back in to it after a few decades of absence. Many new chemicals to learn about and use. Thanks for all your great videos.
My dad had a metallic blue 1977 Ford Van just like this that was a work van. I remember when he bought it in 1982. It had old shag carpet in it! LOL I may buy this kit and build it like my dad's old van. He kept it until the early 2000's and got a newer van. I was mad that he didn't offer that van to me! :)
I just started this one, it is my first model kit. Gotta say, mine does not look this good so far, but hopefully I'll get better as I learn. Thanks for posting!
Great review, Chris! I remember the days when cruisin' vans were the coolest set of wheels available. Someone around here had one of the Coca Cola Denim Machines.
Love it...iv been goin after a lot of obscure 70's stuff lately...seems like an era that didnt get enough attention in the modeling industry or car hobby period...short of course of 1970....
This is going to be my first built ever. I ended up with this cool Ford because it really stood out. I’ll be watching this video a few times lol. Side note: seeing you “toss” the parts around had me 😬
@@hpiguy It’s good to know I don’t have to be entirely gentle with the parts. I have the frame and body painted. Quick question. The black that I’m using is too flat for my liking. How can I “shine” it up? Using paint brushes.
I'm really glad they include both the prototype and production decals. For those mentioning the Jeff Dunham Cruising van it uses the prototype decal pattern.
Just found your channel over the weekend!!😁😁great reviews and content!!alot of helpful hints and tips!!great channel!! been out of model for 4-5 years!! have built about 300 over the last 30 years or so!!,still have 90% of them today,although a few parts have fallen off!!😂😂😂😂Thanks for the great videos!!
I am not sure how I found your channel, but I am glad I did, and I have subscribed. I am not a modeler, but really enjoy watching your videos, they are very interesting and satisfying. Your format and and presentation is excellent and I appreciate your enthusiasm and talent. Well done !
Nice build, I thought you were supposed to put the back tinted port windows in, they sure look like a decal to me.was waiting for you to say something about it. But overall, I loved. Good work bro.
Those round side windows and all the other different shapes that were around for custom vans came about because of a rule on the Garden State Parkway in New Jersey. In an effort to limit commercial Traffic on that highway, any vehicle that did not have side windows was banned from using it. Custom vanners did not want big old windows interrupting their murals so the small and stylish windows got around the rule and enhanced the vans even more. About two years ago I was walking past a contractor's van and noticed he had the round side windows put in, or so I thought. When I looked closer, those "windows" turned out to be to black circles of some kind of adhesive tape! That Bastard! So your use of the decals on the model is not unacceptable.
I built this long, long ago and I seem to recall that the decals were supposed to go underneath the kit's plastic dome windows to give it a bit of depth without needing to cut into the body.
This is an old kit. I bought this 20+ years ago. I do HVAC and started building this as a work van. Started it many years ago but stopped and NOW, Im getting back to it. I'm scratch building the shelving, freon tanks, old compressor, tools, as well as a ladder roof rack made from K&S brass square stock 1- A-Frame 1- 32'extenstion ladders. I also scanned an old business card that Im gonna make my own decals with my laserjet printer. Lotz of time involved on this one. Lol
New subscriber! Awesome work and attention to detail! You have inspired me to get back into the model hobby. Just picked up the AMT 1968 Shelby GT-500. Debating if I want to make it factory, barn find, or as Steve McQueens "Eleanor"! Looking forward to your next build!
Ford trucks - Twin I-Beam suspension. It was simple and it worked well for it’s time. I fad a 77 F-150 4x4 in almost the same color scheme. Nice build.
Pretty sharp van! I dunno if it was the light, or if it was something you forgot, but one of the panel line of the side door didn't seems to go over the decal.
Yep, a Windsor. Had a '79 Vista Van, was a camper/conversion van. 4 Captain's chairs a sink and counter,the n a booth type seat that made into pretty dang comfortable bed. Got it from my grandparents,who had for 15 years and I drove it til the 3rd $250 ignition switch went out.
That's definitely a sharp looking van and as i commented im not a big fan of vans and minvans probably because i have done motor and transmission and cylinder head work on some of both..
Do you have any videos that show your technique for painting the rims and the detail-work of the body, such as the door spaces and the chrome and black grill? Also, how do you tint glass? I am dying to figure out how you managed to apply those skills so flawlessly! It makes a huge difference in the finished product to do the detail work. Any advice or links to those “ how to” videos would be greatly appreciated. You do fantastic work man!! Thanks 🙏
I just started doing the same exact kit, can you please tell me what type of model paint pen or marker you used on the grill and wheels? I noticed the inners on the wheels are painted black. Thank you for your help
Would it be possible to get a wheelbase measurement? I have an RC project that I'd like to put this body on... With that said, nice work on the build, especially with the details. I was surprised you used the molded color for the body; most of the time I've found "metallic" colored bodies to have "swirls", etc, was this one pretty clean?
The suburban Chicago fire department i served at had an 85 ford van for hazardous materials response when i started my career in 1986 same thing almost but with different lights and grill the van served till 2000 when it was retired due to age
Is there a trick to getting that embossed Ford logo painted? Picked this one up as my first shot at painting and it's kicking my butt. Keep getting white on the rest of the hood and it's a bit too small to just mask off effectively.
@@hpiguy I was thinking about that! Also was thinking a "reverse stamp" sort of approach might work - spread some paint out thin on a surface then press the logo up against it.
Nice! That is likely a 351m or 400 motor I would think...color is correct either way. I had that kit in my hand yesterday...put it down. Now I have to go get it again!
Not really into vans or minivans but that is pretty cool, and I cannot remember if it was a snap tite model or not but my uncle when I was younger had a metallic silver i think monogram i think it was the Chevy blazer but it may have been the suburban anyway anyone remember this kit or have you seen it 75-79 i think but I know i was a round eye gm square body truck and not 4x4
No, once fully dry it's made to be walked on. Remember, it's floor polish. If it showed fingers it would show big foot prints too and housewives would hate it.
See you decided not to go with the small round tinted windows, instead opting for the decals in their place. Great job. Really like the 2 tone work. That's always been hard for me when the one tone is left in it's natural plastic color. For some reason the paint doesn't creep over one another if using all paint compared to paint then plastic for tones. Have you completed a 1/16 th Kenworth or Mack truck?
Can you build one of those for me with all the detail? What I am doing, since I remember this van from my childhood days is, buying a new 2021 Ford van and I will have it painted to look like the 1977 van. I just want the vintage model to travel with me wherever I go, in case people ask me why I chose the vintage look that I did.
Nice groove model kit like your car stand for painting the models I always use a 1 half of a block of wood with a metal stand thinking this would killer as a 4x4
I can’t believe how you can make these older kits look great. Beautiful work.
Thank you! We're lucky to have Round2 reissuing these golden oldies in good shape.
As a FYI, I ordered one of these brand new from Ford. It was called The Chateau. It's a 351 not a 302. That's suspension you were right on there called the twin I-beam. I watched you do the build and I am thrilled as an old man to be building this. The dealership even gave me Cragar's front and rear and I'm going to be doing the same thing. Mine was a total dark root beer brown metallic.I think I still have the sales brochure that I used with the dealer to buy the van. Got dual batteries in it so that I could run my refrigerator and extra power! Thank you for an excellent memory. If you remember Pinto had a color like that resembles something like that too. That's the only reason I didn't want that exact van
I built this same van back in the late 70s! Cool to see it still being produced. Ford actually made this van with the stripes back in the 70s!
Jeff Dunham the ventriloquist has a drivable version of this as well as a Ford Pinto wagon version that has all of the same colors!
I had a Chevy van model and a box full of parts and I turned it into a 4x4 van with a nice lift . This was back in 75 when I never heard of such a thing and I made the front axle pivot up and down ,it was badass.
Wow. Never would have thought just by coating the molded plastic colour (the metalic silver) that it could come up that good without a layer of silver paint. Awesome build, and I learned something.
Thanks for watching! If the plastic is in good shape a nice clear works well!
Nice build , A friend of my father had one of these back in 1977 the year I graduated High School. I always thought it was super custom.. it was the era of the van builds it even spilled over into Hot Rod Magazine
Thanks Peter!
Hey Chris, new follower and I love your reviews and builds. I'm not sure if it's in your library, but your painting techniques would be great to see. I know there are many out there, but everyone has their way. You seem to motor right through your builds and they all turn out so great.
Not new to model building but recently got back in to it after a few decades of absence. Many new chemicals to learn about and use.
Thanks for all your great videos.
Thanks, and I appreciate the suggestions and ideas!
Awesome build, keep up the great work , this is the best model channel on TH-cam, thank you
Thanks a lot Jeff!
I like how you make these videos look so easy....
Thanks!
I picked up this kit a few months ago. I built it as the prototype version. It came out very well.
Cool!
Wow Chris this came out amazing! The shine on this beauty is unreal. Nice job again!
Thanks Brian!
Found your page about a week ago. Love your reviews and your builds.
Thank you for watching Dave, much appreciated!
That thing turned out great!! Just needs a bed a disco ball in the back. Bow chicka wow wow!
Awwww yeaahhhhh. Thanks!
My dad had a metallic blue 1977 Ford Van just like this that was a work van. I remember when he bought it in 1982. It had old shag carpet in it! LOL
I may buy this kit and build it like my dad's old van. He kept it until the early 2000's and got a newer van. I was mad that he didn't offer that van to me! :)
Enjoy Erik!
I’ve been waiting for this one to come out great looking build Chris thanks for sharing
Thanks Jeff, enjoy it.
I just started this one, it is my first model kit. Gotta say, mine does not look this good so far, but hopefully I'll get better as I learn. Thanks for posting!
You can do it! Just keep having FUN and the rest will come!
Great review, Chris! I remember the days when cruisin' vans were the coolest set of wheels available. Someone around here had one of the Coca Cola Denim Machines.
Thanks!
Love it...iv been goin after a lot of obscure 70's stuff lately...seems like an era that didnt get enough attention in the modeling industry or car hobby period...short of course of 1970....
Thanks Adam!
Twin I-beam front suspension. ;) Very cool kit.
Thanks for the info!
This is going to be my first built ever. I ended up with this cool Ford because it really stood out. I’ll be watching this video a few times lol.
Side note: seeing you “toss” the parts around had me 😬
HAHA, they aren't glass, they can take a beating. You should see what they endure in the factory, packing and shipping.
@@hpiguy It’s good to know I don’t have to be entirely gentle with the parts. I have the frame and body painted. Quick question. The black that I’m using is too flat for my liking. How can I “shine” it up? Using paint brushes.
I built this Van when I was younger , but I went one step further and customised the inside , it was nice..
Cool!
Wow man! That's far out! Looks great Chris.
Thanks Shannon!
Nice clean lines on this model, I'll keep it in mind. Thank you for showing it.
Thanks!
I'm really glad they include both the prototype and production decals. For those mentioning the Jeff Dunham Cruising van it uses the prototype decal pattern.
Yup, it's a nice kit.
Great build. Wouldn't mind having a full scale one for myself.
Thank you!
That's a VERY kool build. Thanks for sharing it with us. Take care, Don
Thanks Don!
@@hpiguy you're welcome. I've really enjoyed all your review/build videos. Take care, Don
Just found your channel over the weekend!!😁😁great reviews and content!!alot of helpful hints and tips!!great channel!! been out of model for 4-5 years!! have built about 300 over the last 30 years or so!!,still have 90% of them today,although a few parts have fallen off!!😂😂😂😂Thanks for the great videos!!
Enjoy! Thanks Chris!
1977 the engine was blue. 👍 Excellent work!!! I'm close to picking up this hobby again. I miss it. Thank You !!
Awesome, thanks for the info Kevin!
It needs a bumper sticker that reads: "If this vans a rockin', don't bother knockin'"!
Talking about bumper stickers, hubcaps are equally useless so throw away that setup and use "MOEBIUS F-100 wheels "
I am not sure how I found your channel, but I am glad I did, and I have subscribed. I am not a modeler, but really enjoy watching your videos, they are very interesting and satisfying. Your format and and presentation is excellent and I appreciate your enthusiasm and talent. Well done !
Thanks Todd!
Very nice !! That future stuff makes it shine a lot.
Thanks Gera, yeah, might have laid it down a bit too shiny but that's ok.
Nice build, I thought you were supposed to put the back tinted port windows in, they sure look like a decal to me.was waiting for you to say something about it. But overall, I loved. Good work bro.
Changed my mind, the decals looked good and I can save the plastic for another project, like a Pinto. Just forgot to bring it up.
Those round side windows and all the other different shapes that were around for custom vans came about because of a rule on the Garden State Parkway in New Jersey. In an effort to limit commercial Traffic on that highway, any vehicle that did not have side windows was banned from using it. Custom vanners did not want big old windows interrupting their murals so the small and stylish windows got around the rule and enhanced the vans even more.
About two years ago I was walking past a contractor's van and noticed he had the round side windows put in, or so I thought. When I looked closer, those "windows" turned out to be to black circles of some kind of adhesive tape! That Bastard! So your use of the decals on the model is not unacceptable.
I built this long, long ago and I seem to recall that the decals were supposed to go underneath the kit's plastic dome windows to give it a bit of depth without needing to cut into the body.
My dad had this van, he regrets ever selling it. I'm getting him this model so he can re live the good ol days.
Fantastic as usual Chris! Thanks for sharing...Well done!
Thanks a billion Mike!
This is an old kit. I bought this 20+ years ago. I do HVAC and started building this as a work van. Started it many years ago but stopped and NOW, Im getting back to it. I'm scratch building the shelving, freon tanks, old compressor, tools, as well as a ladder roof rack made from K&S brass square stock 1- A-Frame 1- 32'extenstion ladders. I also scanned an old business card that Im gonna make my own decals with my laserjet printer. Lotz of time involved on this one. Lol
Makes me want to say “groovy man” been a while since that was appropriate.... looks good
Right on Dwayne! Thanks!
Awesome brother love the old skool vans from the 70s beautiful keep up the awesome work brother gonna have to add this to my stash lol
Thanks Thomas! Fun kit to work on!
that van looks awesome 70s style baby !
Yeah baby!
@@hpiguy digging that van
Amazing. Looks great. Well done.
Thank you! Cheers!
i really like watching your build and reviews. shaggin wagon HAA!
Thank you George!
Really great kit....will have to get this one too....thank you very much for this great video.
Thanks, enjoy!
Super cool kit, review and build bud, Thanks Chris................... Whitey.
Thanks for watching Whitey!
New subscriber! Awesome work and attention to detail! You have inspired me to get back into the model hobby. Just picked up the AMT 1968 Shelby GT-500. Debating if I want to make it factory, barn find, or as Steve McQueens "Eleanor"! Looking forward to your next build!
Thanks Mitch, sounds like a fun project!
Super Fly!! You should've had Barry White playing in the background while you did this!! LOL
Looks Awesome ! Chris real nice kit
Thanks Charles!
Slow ride take it easy......awesome mate !!
By the way Ford called that front suspension Twin I Beam
There ya go! I knew it a day ago and the brain refused to call it up. Thanks Gary!
Twin I beam suspension came out in the mid 60s on the trucks one of fords signature marks
Thanks for watching!
Love the van. I want to pick up one to do a full ‘70s custom van
Thank you!
facebook.com/hpiguysworkshop
Another great looking kit Chris, nice work. Too bad the inside isn't visible, lots of potential to detail in there.
Thanks! Yeah, you could always hinge the rear doors!
Ford trucks - Twin I-Beam suspension. It was simple and it worked well for it’s time. I fad a 77 F-150 4x4 in almost the same color scheme. Nice build.
Thanks and thanks for the info too!
Ford still uses twin I beam suspension.
Awesome build, enjoyed the buildup :D
Thanks!
Awesome job ! Nice wagon ! Congratulations ! 👍😊
Thank you Henrique!
i have this kit, im wanting to do a levi denimachine, still amassing the sponsor decals from various places
Pretty sharp van! I dunno if it was the light, or if it was something you forgot, but one of the panel line of the side door didn't seems to go over the decal.
Thanks Chasse!
My first glue kit ! Will not do paint since it is my first advanced kit and def will be doing decals.
Groovy! I wonder if they make deep shag flocking. Great job on it! Wow, twin I beam suspension. This kit is is cool!
You could always dye some static grass! Or use as is in green!
Been waitin' for this one!
Get two!
Wow, that is amazing. I really enjoy your video's they help with inspiration to build. Keep up the great work and have a grand day.
Thanks Chopper, much appreciated!
Beautiful Work Brother, till next time, God Bless All
Thanks Gary!
Ford called that front end ,the wishbone .Makes sense after you see it all together.👍
As wide as that intake manifold is, I'm going to say the engine is a 351. As always, great work!
Thanks Earl!
Yep, a Windsor. Had a '79 Vista Van, was a camper/conversion van. 4 Captain's chairs a sink and counter,the n a booth type seat that made into pretty dang comfortable bed. Got it from my grandparents,who had for 15 years and I drove it til the 3rd $250 ignition switch went out.
Love the videos, keep them coming
Thanks!
Beautiful build my friend!
Thank Kevin!
Twin I beam suspension is what I always called it.
I love the smell of styrene first thing in the morning!
Smells like......FUN!
That's definitely a sharp looking van and as i commented im not a big fan of vans and minvans probably because i have done motor and transmission and cylinder head work on some of both..
Do you have any videos that show your technique for painting the rims and the detail-work of the body, such as the door spaces and the chrome and black grill? Also, how do you tint glass? I am dying to figure out how you managed to apply those skills so flawlessly! It makes a huge difference in the finished product to do the detail work. Any advice or links to those “ how to” videos would be greatly appreciated. You do fantastic work man!! Thanks 🙏
I do model kit reviews, not so much 'how to' videos but my more recent videos go much more in depth on 'how to' stuff than these older videos.
Thanks!
I just started doing the same exact kit, can you please tell me what type of model paint pen or marker you used on the grill and wheels? I noticed the inners on the wheels are painted black. Thank you for your help
That's a awesome kit man good job!!!
Thanks Brando!
Would it be possible to get a wheelbase measurement? I have an RC project that I'd like to put this body on...
With that said, nice work on the build, especially with the details. I was surprised you used the molded color for the body; most of the time I've found "metallic" colored bodies to have "swirls", etc, was this one pretty clean?
Very nicely done.
How did you tint the windows?
You can tint windows using Tamiya Smoke brushed or airbrushed on. My mistake for not saying so.
@@hpiguy
You've made what I thought was a big problem, tinting windows without distortion, look very easy...
Thanks for that!!!
15:04 your display turntable makes american car chase movie sounds :D
The suburban Chicago fire department i served at had an 85 ford van for hazardous materials response when i started my career in 1986 same thing almost but with different lights and grill the van served till 2000 when it was retired due to age
Cool!
along with the options I mentioned before I also ordered a limited slip rear axle a beige yellow and orange decal stripe package.
Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment!
facebook.com/hpiguysworkshop
Great build does the cb antinna come with it
Yes it does
We probably have at least one of these Vans in our collection
Cool!
Nice clean video what size is is the van
Stabbin wagon. Nice man.
Thanks Danny!
Is there a trick to getting that embossed Ford logo painted? Picked this one up as my first shot at painting and it's kicking my butt. Keep getting white on the rest of the hood and it's a bit too small to just mask off effectively.
I use a silver gel pen, exactly as I speak about and show in numerous videos. Thanks man!
@@hpiguy I was thinking about that! Also was thinking a "reverse stamp" sort of approach might work - spread some paint out thin on a surface then press the logo up against it.
When applying the floor polish, do you spray it with your airbrush? Full concentration?
Brush, as is.
Cracking van mate! 👍🏻👌🏻👏🏻😎
Thank you!
This would be cool to convert this model kit to look like the a-team van just needs the wheels, spoiler, front bumper and the fender flairs
And it needs to be a GMC, but other than that, perfect! ;)
Nice! That is likely a 351m or 400 motor I would think...color is correct either way. I had that kit in my hand yesterday...put it down. Now I have to go get it again!
How do you tint the widows
is this van (Ford cruise Van) longer than the Ford Surfer Van You built in another video? Thanks looks great
Looks like a cool kit
It's very cool!
Love your Videos BTW its Twin I Beam front suspension
Thanks!
Kool model and build. When are you going to do more "Let's go picking" vids?
I think you may have me confused with someone else. Picking video?
Not really into vans or minivans but that is pretty cool, and I cannot remember if it was a snap tite model or not but my uncle when I was younger had a metallic silver i think monogram i think it was the Chevy blazer but it may have been the suburban anyway anyone remember this kit or have you seen it 75-79 i think but I know i was a round eye gm square body truck and not 4x4
Awesome, thats a beauty !!!!!
Thanks Rik!
Nothing like a good time van
Quick question, once the floor polish is dry, is it soft enough to leave fingerprints, or is it pretty firm?
No, once fully dry it's made to be walked on. Remember, it's floor polish. If it showed fingers it would show big foot prints too and housewives would hate it.
@@hpiguy Ok, I figured as much. Just wasn't sure , since this isn't exactly what it's intended for. Thanks for the reply!
Where are the cb antennas at ?
Nice build and review.
Thank you!
See you decided not to go with the small round tinted windows, instead opting for the decals in their place. Great job. Really like the 2 tone work. That's always been hard for me when the one tone is left in it's natural plastic color. For some reason the paint doesn't creep over one another if using all paint compared to paint then plastic for tones. Have you completed a 1/16 th Kenworth or Mack truck?
Cool - how did you tint the windows - I couldn't see the answer below from a couple of other guys that asked. Thanks
Tamiya Smoke or Testors Transparent Black work well for that.
Can you build one of those for me with all the detail? What I am doing, since I remember this van from my childhood days is, buying a new 2021 Ford van and I will have it painted to look like the 1977 van. I just want the vintage model to travel with me wherever I go, in case people ask me why I chose the vintage look that I did.
I don't do commissions, sorry!
That's really nice. Love it.
Thank you Charles!
@@hpiguy you're welcome
Nice groove model kit like your car stand for painting the models I always use a 1 half of a block of wood with a metal stand thinking this would killer as a 4x4
Thanks, it's a set available from Tamiya called Spray Work Stand.
@@hpiguy ; Oh ok may check that out