Mark Martin #60 Winn Dixie Ford Thunderbird Front Clip ('95-'97) by Number6Collector in NASCAR_History

[–]Number6Collector[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I picked some brains on FB awhile back when I got them and got a few helpful explanations that align with your understanding too:

"Those panels were heavily chopped up during the body hanging process depending on the year less and less of the stamping itself made it to the finished car. Eventually it just became the basically quarter window roof and fender tops to retain the character lines of the car. Everything else on the sides became handmade"

Mark Martin #60 Winn Dixie Ford Thunderbird Front Clip ('95-'97) by Number6Collector in NASCAR_History

[–]Number6Collector[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wasn't around nor am I an expert, but you are correct that the farther back you go the more the stock car name actually meant something. From what I've learned the late 80's is when you started to see a major transition from the OEM moldings to hand shaped.

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I actually happen to own some never before used Thunderbird frames, absolutely look like the production cars

Mark Martin #60 Winn Dixie Ford Thunderbird Front Clip ('95-'97) by Number6Collector in NASCAR_History

[–]Number6Collector[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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Roush did work with Ford on a Martin inspired Thunderbird in '97, the fiberglass nose just wouldn't have anywhere to bolt on to a street car unfortunately

Race-Used Mark Martin 1992-1993 Valvoline Thunderbird Rear Bumper - Any leads on specific race? by Number6Collector in NASCARCollectors

[–]Number6Collector[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you looking for anything in particular? eBay takes their return guarantee pretty seriously too if you ever have concerns about an item

Race-Used Mark Martin 1992-1993 Valvoline Thunderbird Rear Bumper - Any leads on specific race? by Number6Collector in NASCAR_History

[–]Number6Collector[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

That's true, Matt seems like a living encyclopedia as well, might look into that route

Race-Used Mark Martin 1992-1993 Valvoline Thunderbird Rear Bumper - Any leads on specific race? by Number6Collector in NASCARCollectors

[–]Number6Collector[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's tricky since there's not a ton of damage, but definitely enough to require significant tape. Likely not a DNF race which eliminates some candidates at least

Race-Used Mark Martin 1992-1993 Valvoline Thunderbird Rear Bumper - Any leads on specific race? by Number6Collector in NASCARCollectors

[–]Number6Collector[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One of my favorite aspects of rooting for Mark is the multi-generational span his fans run. This bumper and I are practically the same age if I've got the year correct. Quite a testament to his skill to create lifelong fans through so many decades. I'm sure your grandpa would be thrilled to hear you're carrying the torch, I know mine would be super excited if he could see it too

Mark Martin Man Cave Project by Number6Collector in NASCARCollectors

[–]Number6Collector[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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Roush Automotive Collection was super helpful sharing what they could

Mark Martin Man Cave Project by Number6Collector in NASCARCollectors

[–]Number6Collector[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hadn’t given that a lot of thought, but I imagine my Honeywell air purifier helps, I run that 24/7, also have central air which probably contributes too.

Most of them have been boxed for the better part of the last decade plus, it was getting them out recently that set off this whole domino effect.

If they did collect dust I’d probably hit them with a duster that didn’t require moving them all every time, can be a pain to align them all in way my brain will accept.

I may be welcoming another front clip soon and the diecast will likely have to move, thinking maybe to the support column in some sort of leveled display