TOPIC:

 

As per the title, I need some help / advice.
I’ve got all the SRB models, all I’m missing is a body for the Ford Ranger.
Now I have an original Blackfoot body, with all the Ford logos and correct grill.
I even have the original Ranger clear windows to put in it.
So with a bit of fettling I could make a pretty original looking body.
But the Blackfoot body comes off an original Blackfoot which I’ve completely restored.
I do have a complete body set for the current Blackfoot ( the re-re one with no Ford logos on ).
I do have some 3D printed Ford logos.

Now my big dilemma is which body shell do I use to complete a Ford Ranger ??
Original Blackfoot shell or re-re Blackfoot shell with 3D printed logos added.

Plus I’d love to used the correct Ranger grill !!!!

For transparency, if the Ranger ever got sold I would NOT try and pass it off as 100% original. Not that I plan on selling it.
But just to add I probably will sell the Blackfoot.

Well done and thanks to anyone whose got this far and thanks in advance.
What do you think I should do ????

Cheers Al.

To be honnest, I'll keep the original bf body for the ranger (I did it for mine).  And you can find 3d printed ford front grill in specialised websites . I did 2 tribute ranger bodies from bf bodies with mci decals.  I don't want to sell my ranger but if I  needto sell it, I'll explain that the body is not an original and it's easy to see by the underside without the 2 body posts for the rear metal post part. See the jonny's ranger body creation. 

I have almost the same dilemma.I have a Ranger that the body is not painted but has original decals, wondering if I should paint it and use MCI decals.Or should I leave the body as it is? 

Scanox wrote:

I have almost the same dilemma.I have a Ranger that the body is not painted but has original decals, wondering if I should paint it and use MCI decals.Or should I leave the body as it is? 

I wonder if you could clear coat over the top. Then paint in any details. If those are the original decals it would be a shame to remove them.
 

Body and decals are original, so I agree with you.
Maybe best to leave it as is. Chassis has been stripped down and cleaned, just had to replace rubber parts.

Scanox leave it as it is !  It's perfect 

I can see where I'd spent many hours not sleeping, thinking about this. After enough of those episodes, I think I'd come to the conclusion to keep the BF body for the original BF. I'd use the Re-re body, clear window, and the printed parts for the Ranger tribute, and I'd get a printed grille as well. If you sell the BF, it goes to the next caretaker legit. Someday you may stumble upon a Ranger shell, and boom you move some parts over and it's legit as well.

Cheers Todd, I’m really struggling as you can tell.
My weird issue is if I keep the BF completely original someone’s just going to buy it and sell things like the grill for “ silly Tamiya “ money. If I knew the BF would stay  100% original if I sold it then I’d totally agree with you.
Although I tend to agree with you.

@Al, not sure I have an answer for you other than that my "fake" Ranger (tamiyabase.com/...er?start=0) has most of the same re-re & 3d printed bits (plus my own DIY grill insert, rear body props + tailgate letters). It's been so long I can't remember if it was meant as a placeholder, but I've never felt any need to improve or replace it :)


@Scanox, much easier. I've never had anything so clean, undamaged & original enough to have to ask myself that question. If I did, I think I'd keep it as is

Thanks guys, I appreciate everyone’s input on this.
I’m strongly considering using the re-re BF shell as my starting point and take it from there.
I’d be a lot happier cutting the unnecessary bits off this rather than the original.
I’ll also see how it goes adding the 3D printed logos.
I’m still tempted to nick the original grill of the OG Blackfoot. That’s my biggest dilemma I think.
Thanks again.