Post by Mr. Metallic on Jun 4, 2020 7:01:17 GMT -5
Exhausted!
Surprisingly i was able to grab a couple solid hours bench time yesterday, so I got quite a bit done. I focused on ironing out the exhaust. The tight fit of the Nailhead between the frame rails sent me in the direction of going over the frame. The boxart exhaust is hidden behind the tire, leaving room for improvisation. So, the other day I trialed several methods of routing the exhaust. To go over required extending the tubes with Evergreen and was not coming out well. I even experimented with manifolds from other kits. At one point I even considered stealing a set from the new Revell A roadster. Then I smacked myself in the head and said "what am I doing???"
I decided to tackle going under the frame. That is probably what the intent of the artwork is suggesting anyway, and is a cleaner look for this sweet little build. But, it required some surgery because I needed every little bit of space I could get. I started by sanding away the headers where they meet the engine, and angling them slightly to make them hug the block. I added pins for consistent locationing and strength. Then I cut them off where they turn horizontal. Next i spent time thinning the inboard side of the frame rails to gain more space. Finally, I took the SBC headers from the kit and cut them in a way so they turn perpendicular to the frame and create the exit out from under the frame. It's not pretty under close scrutiny at this point, but I managed to maintain most of the chrome on both parts, so on a quick glance it works. The muffler will be added during final assembly, but I may try removing the mounting blocks and replacing them with straight pins.
I decided to redo my Z job on the front end, so I cut up another frame and was more careful in my measurements this time. Everything is pinned and solid, including pinning the axle location to the frame. I then spent some time on fenders. I took a little artistic license and mounted the custom rear fenders from the AMT Vicky kit. Then I grabbed cycle fenders from the AMT 25 T. They will need to be cut down a bit, but I think I'm getting close. I'm also thinking about notching the backside of the radiator to get the grille assembly sucked in closer to the engine without sacrificing fan space. Just tweaking the proportions a bit.
Now, the rear tires appear a bit small, so I'm going to ask for some advice. Is there a source for slightly larger rears that will match my skinny whitewall Firestone fronts? I suppose I could switch to a slick, but really like the look of the artwork with treaded tires on all 4 corners. If no source for bigger skinny ww treaded tires is out there I could attempt cutting treads into a slick, but I don't want to go that route unless absolutely necessary. This is the kind of stumbling block that could get it thrown back in the box. So, please help.
Surprisingly i was able to grab a couple solid hours bench time yesterday, so I got quite a bit done. I focused on ironing out the exhaust. The tight fit of the Nailhead between the frame rails sent me in the direction of going over the frame. The boxart exhaust is hidden behind the tire, leaving room for improvisation. So, the other day I trialed several methods of routing the exhaust. To go over required extending the tubes with Evergreen and was not coming out well. I even experimented with manifolds from other kits. At one point I even considered stealing a set from the new Revell A roadster. Then I smacked myself in the head and said "what am I doing???"
I decided to tackle going under the frame. That is probably what the intent of the artwork is suggesting anyway, and is a cleaner look for this sweet little build. But, it required some surgery because I needed every little bit of space I could get. I started by sanding away the headers where they meet the engine, and angling them slightly to make them hug the block. I added pins for consistent locationing and strength. Then I cut them off where they turn horizontal. Next i spent time thinning the inboard side of the frame rails to gain more space. Finally, I took the SBC headers from the kit and cut them in a way so they turn perpendicular to the frame and create the exit out from under the frame. It's not pretty under close scrutiny at this point, but I managed to maintain most of the chrome on both parts, so on a quick glance it works. The muffler will be added during final assembly, but I may try removing the mounting blocks and replacing them with straight pins.
I decided to redo my Z job on the front end, so I cut up another frame and was more careful in my measurements this time. Everything is pinned and solid, including pinning the axle location to the frame. I then spent some time on fenders. I took a little artistic license and mounted the custom rear fenders from the AMT Vicky kit. Then I grabbed cycle fenders from the AMT 25 T. They will need to be cut down a bit, but I think I'm getting close. I'm also thinking about notching the backside of the radiator to get the grille assembly sucked in closer to the engine without sacrificing fan space. Just tweaking the proportions a bit.
Now, the rear tires appear a bit small, so I'm going to ask for some advice. Is there a source for slightly larger rears that will match my skinny whitewall Firestone fronts? I suppose I could switch to a slick, but really like the look of the artwork with treaded tires on all 4 corners. If no source for bigger skinny ww treaded tires is out there I could attempt cutting treads into a slick, but I don't want to go that route unless absolutely necessary. This is the kind of stumbling block that could get it thrown back in the box. So, please help.