My own Ectomobile: the Ecto-84!

[JediMichael]

I get so used to staying on certain areas here on the rpf, so when I think and remember to look elsewhere, Im always rewarded with really awesome threads like this. Looks like a really fun project.
Back in 2016, my (now) ex got me an ecto model, but it was from part II, although did thankfully have the decals for part I.
But, I ended up scratch building everything else to look close as possible to the first movie....and that was like 1:16 scale using styrene and little parts like that.
I can only imagine the work it takes to make these parts in full size, using metal and other strong type materials, and of course, secure to the car.
Awesome work.

 

[thundergod124]

I get so used to staying on certain areas here on the rpf, so when I think and remember to look elsewhere, Im always rewarded with really awesome threads like this. Looks like a really fun project.
Back in 2016, my (now) ex got me an ecto model, but it was from part II, although did thankfully have the decals for part I.
But, I ended up scratch building everything else to look close as possible to the first movie....and that was like 1:16 scale using styrene and little parts like that.
I can only imagine the work it takes to make these parts in full size, using metal and other strong type materials, and of course, secure to the car.
Awesome work.

I really appreciate the kind words. I've come to realize that so many of the things I wanted as a kid have popped back up now that I am an adult. When I was little, I had the old Kenner proton pack, trap, PKE, all that role-play stuff. I remembered recently that my family had a big white whale of a car when I was little and I had the (very nieve) idea of turning it into an Ecto-1. I wax probably five at this time, so clearly THAT wasn't in the cards, but now here I am. An adult with a career, people who support my nutty ideas, and a community that can be a tremendous resource and inspiration for such endeavors.

And you're right: this has been a lot of fun! Especially now that people recognize it more and more as an Ecto and you can see how it makes peoples days. I'll be adding more to this thread, so I hope you, and everyone else, keep checking in on the progress.

 

[JediMichael]

I really appreciate the kind words. I've come to realize that so many of the things I wanted as a kid have popped back up now that I am an adult. When I was little, I had the old Kenner proton pack, trap, PKE, all that role-play stuff. I remembered recently that my family had a big white whale of a car when I was little and I had the (very nieve) idea of turning it into an Ecto-1. I wax probably five at this time, so clearly THAT wasn't in the cards, but now here I am. An adult with a career, people who support my nutty ideas, and a community that can be a tremendous resource and inspiration for such endeavors.

And you're right: this has been a lot of fun! Especially now that people recognize it more and more as an Ecto and you can see how it makes peoples days. I'll be adding more to this thread, so I hope you, and everyone else, keep checking in on the progress.

For sure. I'll see if I can find my old thread on here soon and post the link, as I found all kinds of random stuff to make it work.

Actually, found it easier than I expected, so just adding it here.
Hope all the pictures are still working.

Ecto 1

So I got this for Christmas and have started a little on it. Its more supposed to be the Ecto 1a, but you can also build it as just the 1 from the first movie, which I'm doing. However, things had to be modified to do this. Like on the 1a, theres the electrical signs, and the car has these...

www.therpf.com

 

[Halliwax]

I had no idea you started a thread for this!

 

[thundergod124]

I had no idea you started a thread for this!

I mean... how could I not? I finally have something to show off.

 

[thundergod124]

Ok, here we go! This is easily the biggest update for my Ectomobile. Halliwax had some free time today so we made plans to bang out the roof box. Most of the big parts are done, now it's just to add detail to some parts, like the Texas Instruments unit. The roof box and most of what it holds are made of Azek, which is a building material used for decks. Other parts were made of PVC, aluminum, a lot of sweat, etc.



Also, here's a video of the car with the lights on. Enjoy!

And a Halliwax booty pic (lmao)

 

[Halliwax]

makes a nice dating profile pic

 

[thundergod124]

makes a nice dating profile pic

There's that handsome face!!!

 

[ZeroSum]

Don't forget about all that stuff when you go through the car wash

 

[thundergod124]

Don't forget about all that stuff when you go through the car wash

That's why I only use the self-service ones!

 

[OzJames]

This is amazing and so unique. I would never have thought of using a different car but it looks so good. I like the idea that if the ghostbusters had expanded and franchised etc that this is the sort of vehicle they would be driving now days. Keep up the great work, I look forward to watching as this grows

 

[thundergod124]

This is amazing and so unique. I would never have thought of using a different car but it looks so good. I like the idea that if the ghostbusters had expanded and franchised etc that this is the sort of vehicle they would be driving now days. Keep up the great work, I look forward to watching as this grows

Thanks so much and for the encouragement! That is exactly the angle I am coming from on this. I can't wait for the next update!

 

[thundergod124]

Ok, really massive update this weekend! I'm preparing for some Halloween festivities. This weekend, Halliwax installed the real siren. It's 100 watts and loud as heck. We also finished up some of the roof props including the Texas Instruments box and the air conditioning unit, we also got a strobe light up. Here's a quick video of the lights:

Here's some progress shots of the roof top props.

 

[BR12819]

Just popped in to see what you were up to and I gotta say you've done some really impressive work there sir!
If I could offer a small suggestion, and feel free to ignore me as it's totally up to personal taste but the rear emblems (Rav4, XLE, dealer sticker specifically) could be taken off with careful application of a heat gun and some dental floss. It would clean up the rear hatch and give you some more real estate for other items you might put on in the future. Just my .02. Otherwise, keep up the great work!

 

[thundergod124]

Just popped in to see what you were up to and I gotta say you've done some really impressive work there sir!
If I could offer a small suggestion, and feel free to ignore me as it's totally up to personal taste but the rear emblems (Rav4, XLE, dealer sticker specifically) could be taken off with careful application of a heat gun and some dental floss. It would clean up the rear hatch and give you some more real estate for other items you might put on in the future. Just my .02. Otherwise, keep up the great work!

Thanks for the feedback! I like the idea of removing the dealer sticker! The other ones don't really bother me but I could live without the dealer. Thanks for the good idea!

 

[knightdriver2001]

Do you plan on putting a blue light bar on the back behind the roof box.
Car is looking great too!

 

[thundergod124]

Do you plan on putting a blue light bar on the back behind the roof box.
Car is looking great too!

I'm going to do two strobe lights on the back. I just ordered those today.

I had wanted to get a second bar but there wasn't enough space for it between the roof rails.

 

[JediMichael]

So......with this being the Halloween weekend, wanted to see how things are going, and what plans are going down.
Like an outdoor costume party where you come all decked out and with the car.
I could only imagine to see people's faces when you pull up. That would really get everyones positive energy flowing.

 

[thundergod124]

I'll go into detail about the Ecto-84's Halloween in a bit, but for now, check out the aura on this sucker...

 

[thundergod124]

So......with this being the Halloween weekend, wanted to see how things are going, and what plans are going down.
Like an outdoor costume party where you come all decked out and with the car.
I could only imagine to see people's faces when you pull up. That would really get everyones positive energy flowing.

Ok, so, the Ecto-84 had a very busy weekend! On Saturday, my girlfriend and I did two local Trunk or Treat events. We got to meet a lot of awesome families and give out loads of candy. Before going to our first event, we also got to meet a young man who was so excited "the Ghostbusters are real!" and he wanted to know how old he'd have to be to become one. He was a few years away. Lol

On Sunday, we were in a local parade and had about 1500 people marching behind us to the sound of the Ecto-84's siren. Afterwards, was a Halloween costume contest with lots of terrific looking costumes.

Yesterday, I made a little display at my girlfriend's parents and we handed out more candy. From time to time, I drove around the neighborhood with the lights and siren going. I'm sure the HOA loved me last night.