Post by Mr409 on Mar 27, 2024 11:43:20 GMT -5
Finally got this thing finished. I originally started building this in 2008, but after several times being stalled and boxed away I didn't finish it until today. The plan was to build somewhat a low-buck race car for NHRA's Gas Coupes & Sedans class, using the 1963 rulebook as a reference. I chose to build this into G/G class, which was reserved for cars equipped with straight six or straight eight engines, or Pre 1960 Ford Flathead engines. The engines had to run stock cylinder heads and they had to be naturally aspirated.
So my starting point was an old Matchbox reboxing of AMT's '41 Plymouth. For the engine, I decided to go with a 221 Cid Ford Flathead from Revell's 1940 Ford kit. I scratchbuilt an intake manifold to use a Hilborn Fuel Injection setup. The injector stacks are somekind of electrical parts and fuel pump came from AMT Double Dragster kit. All fuel lines, throttle linkage etc were also added with several fuel line fittings made out of hex-shaped plastic rod. Headers were also scratchbuilt from round plastic rod, sheet styrene for flanges and pieces of mold sprue as collectors. Engine mounts, accessory belt and some small detail parts were also scratchbuilt and the engine was finished with a little black wash.
Front suspension was completely modified to a straight axle setup with all parts from various sources (parts box). Springs were modified to get a desired ride height and steering system was partly scratchbuilt, partly modified from parts from my parts box. Shocks are also from parts box and shock mounts were scratchbuilt. Rear suspension is pretty much stock, I only had to widen the track width a little. Tires are from my parts box and wheels are resin cast steelies by a friend of mine. From the chassis I removed the stock gas tank and added a brake master cylinder and brake lines. Inner fenders were trimmed a little to make the fenderwell headers fit and radiator was taken also from Revell's '40 Ford.
Interior is pretty much stock. Only additions are driver's seat belts, helmet, floor shifter and a tachometer + tach cable. Otherwise the interior is stock, just detailed with paint and a little BMF for the dashboard.
The only real body modifications were to enlarge the rear wheel openings to fit bigger slicks on the back and building a hood scoop from sheet styrene. Front end needed some prepping before paint as the nose comes as a separate part. After the seams were smoothed out, I had to add the seals between front fenders and the rest of the body to the front because they were pretty much gone. I made them out of stretched mold sprue. I wanted to have a primer finish so the body was painted with grey primer and after a couple of decals I shot it with flat clear. Class designations on the door are handpainted with a brush to replicate white shoe polish. Chrome trim is BMF.
So, here are the finished pictures. All kinds of comments are welcome so I can make the next one better. Thanks for looking everyone.
So my starting point was an old Matchbox reboxing of AMT's '41 Plymouth. For the engine, I decided to go with a 221 Cid Ford Flathead from Revell's 1940 Ford kit. I scratchbuilt an intake manifold to use a Hilborn Fuel Injection setup. The injector stacks are somekind of electrical parts and fuel pump came from AMT Double Dragster kit. All fuel lines, throttle linkage etc were also added with several fuel line fittings made out of hex-shaped plastic rod. Headers were also scratchbuilt from round plastic rod, sheet styrene for flanges and pieces of mold sprue as collectors. Engine mounts, accessory belt and some small detail parts were also scratchbuilt and the engine was finished with a little black wash.
Front suspension was completely modified to a straight axle setup with all parts from various sources (parts box). Springs were modified to get a desired ride height and steering system was partly scratchbuilt, partly modified from parts from my parts box. Shocks are also from parts box and shock mounts were scratchbuilt. Rear suspension is pretty much stock, I only had to widen the track width a little. Tires are from my parts box and wheels are resin cast steelies by a friend of mine. From the chassis I removed the stock gas tank and added a brake master cylinder and brake lines. Inner fenders were trimmed a little to make the fenderwell headers fit and radiator was taken also from Revell's '40 Ford.
Interior is pretty much stock. Only additions are driver's seat belts, helmet, floor shifter and a tachometer + tach cable. Otherwise the interior is stock, just detailed with paint and a little BMF for the dashboard.
The only real body modifications were to enlarge the rear wheel openings to fit bigger slicks on the back and building a hood scoop from sheet styrene. Front end needed some prepping before paint as the nose comes as a separate part. After the seams were smoothed out, I had to add the seals between front fenders and the rest of the body to the front because they were pretty much gone. I made them out of stretched mold sprue. I wanted to have a primer finish so the body was painted with grey primer and after a couple of decals I shot it with flat clear. Class designations on the door are handpainted with a brush to replicate white shoe polish. Chrome trim is BMF.
So, here are the finished pictures. All kinds of comments are welcome so I can make the next one better. Thanks for looking everyone.