Classic Metal Works 55 Fords

I got my first order of CMW's 55 Fords and they out did themselves on this one. I model the transition era and have been collecting vehicles from that era for 25 years, trying to find the most accurate models. I started with Alloy Form and never stopped. When CMW first started their line of HO scale vehicles, they were pretty good compared to some on the market but they have been improving with each new release. I probably have a couple of hundred vehicles alreaqdy and need more like a hole in the head, but I couldn't resist.

 

Those look absolutely gorgeous. The scene is fantastic. They look real.

 

You can never have to many could always make a large parking lot to fit them all in...

I have a total of 0 cars/vans for my layout, just wish it was easier to get them for a mid 70's layout.

 

I love the looks of 50s cars. They had character, and there was no way you could confuse one make and model with another. There was real metal in those things, and a satisfying clunk when you shut the door.

Now they all look like sneakers and are built like beer cans (with beer cans, too).hboy:

 

Sort of partial to the 55 Fords. I have a Customline in my shop. One of my favorites.

 

I have always been a big fan of early 70's muscle cars, although with the the cost in petrol (gas) over here (at the moment about $9 a gallon) the idea of running one gives me a heart attack!

 

I totally agree with Mike, the cars of the 50's were great. As some may know, one of my hobbies is restoring classic cars. Each had their own look and personality, not like the cars of today.
I still have my very first car that I owned, a '51 Hudson Hornet. I restored it back to new condition a few years back.

 

Those CMW Fords look great. Yes those 50's cars had style, but thank goodness they don't build them like they use to. I for one don't miss doing a full tune-up yearly, maybe getting two years out of an exhaust system here in the rust belt, replacing those old bias ply tires about every 20000 miles and brake shoes about the same etc. And then it was usually time for an engine rebuild at about 80000 miles if there was anything left of a rusted out vehicle.
I love my 50 and 51 Chevy's that are my other hobby, but I sure wouldn't want to rely on them for daily drivers anymore.

Bob


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

This is a picture of one of my daily driver classics. It does have a 350 4 bolt main with a s speed manual. The brakes have been upgraded to 4 wheel discs and the steering was changer to rack and pinion. This wasn't a frame off restoration like my '59 Impala, but it was in excellent condition when I found it. It sure gets lots of looks. We are not in the rust belt thankfully. I only drive this one in nice weather. The Impala is nice and comfortable in the heated shop hibernating for the winter.


Being a car fanatic is probably why I have so many HO scale vehicles. I guess I am fortunate that there are so many vehicles available for the transition era. People modeling more modern times can have a rough go of it to find vehicles.

 

That is a gorgeous machine!!

 

I can't say that they are totally safer as new cars do have built in crumple zones to protect the driver and occupants along with air bags, but they are so much easier to work on, and you can do it yourself. Gas Mileage can be improved. This Bel-Air has had the rear end changed to a .308, as does the Impala. This won't give you the acceleration that tears your head off, but I would rather get the gas mileage. I can usually average around 23 to 25 mpg on the Bel-Air, and on the Impala, which has a 6 speed manual overdrive transmission, I can regularly exceed 30 mpg cruising on the interstate. I didn't build these as race cars. When I was building the Impala I had numerous suggestions to put in a 572 ci crate motor. Sorry, I want to be able to afford to drive the thing. Even my 55 Ford Customline with the 272 Y block and a 3 speed with overdrive can give me mileage in the mid 20's. Love the cars from the 50's.

You do need to get more CMW vehicles.

 

Nice looking BelAir you got there. My Chevs are stockers, 216, 3 speeds, 4:10 rears, non power drums, 6:00-16 bias ply tires, etc. I love puttering down a rural road in them, but 50 -60 MPH suburban rush hour traffic is not my idea of an enjoyable ride.

Bob

 

I know exactly what you're taking about. I live in a rural area and do enjoy cruising areund and do attend a number of car shows each year. Some vehicles I try to keep as close as possible to stock whereas some that I choose to use as daily drivers (I have a few of them) I will try to upgrade the brakes and steering if possible. I can remember driving cars with no power anything, let alone steering and brakes. Not at all like todays cars. Others I will leave completely stock as sometimes upgrades can lower the value of a car. The Bel-Air and Impala you can drive down the road or interstate and feel as comfortable as in any new car. Radial tires make a big difference too.

 

That is one sweet Bel Air! I used to have a 72 Camaro RS 350 2bbl, auto, Placer Gold Metallic with a white vinyl top and white and black interior. Not fast but a great cruise car. Sad to say, I had to sell it after my divorce. Now, I've been into old Japanese cars from the late 60s to early 70s (Datsun 240Zs, 510s, and cars that weren't imported here). My biggest gripe against modern cars: lack of a manual transmission. That takes all of the fun out of driving!

 

I will totally agree with you on your gripe about no manual transmissions. Absolutely takes the fun out of driving. They are my preference also, that's why both of my '59 Chevys were re-built with manual transmissions. It also seems that any of my old cars that I keep for daily drivers are manual transmissions also. Go to Europe and ask for an car with an automatic and they'll ask automatic what ?

 

With those tanks, who needs crumple zones? The other one will crumple for both... :teeth:

I had a 1969 Chrysler Newport, 2 door hardtop, 383, about 20 years ago. That thing was a beast. A joy to work on, and got about 20 MPG on it. It got me hooked on big cars.

Now I drive a 2007 Crown Victoria - my third one (92 and 97 before that). And as many have said, big guzzlers are a myth. I get 35 MPG (US) highway with it. For the little extra mileage I would get, it's not worth swapping for a little snuff box. With my ham radio antenna, people aren't sure if I'm a cop...:cute:

 

Must be an American thing, almost all cars over here are manual, and all I have is a Honda Civic diesel, but I do prefer this over my V6 Ford, the Ford was averaging 19mpg, the Honda I get 68mpg and it still has 150hp.

But I would still like to get my hands on a 71' Olds 442 in lime green... Woud prob just have to look at it as the running costs over here would be astronomical!