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1959 Impala Fuelly--Updated Nov 21, 2014...FINALLY finished!


DR JAY

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I started this one a few years ago and for some reason, boxed it up until last week. It still has a long way to go, but I figured that If I posted some pictures I would be shamed into finishing something this year, despite a hectic shift-work schedule. The Revell kit was the inspiration, along with a Pro Modeler 58 Vette supplying the engine and trans. The tires are from an AMT Thunderbird (LOVE the tread detail and wide whites!). I almost went blind plumbing it, but I think it turned out pretty well. More to come. Comment if you wish--I'm not allergic to criticism or helpful tips! post-9878-0-94319500-1414646714_thumb.jppost-9878-0-63090900-1414646749_thumb.jppost-9878-0-97003400-1414646769_thumb.jp

Edited by DR JAY
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I agree with everything said above! VERY nice job on everything so far. What's your plan for the fender badging? This was a rare option for the full size Chev's in '57, much less '58 or '59. Most people don't even know that they existed! Can't wait to see the finished product!

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This is interesting! There can never be too many X-Frame Chevrolets and this one is turning out spectacular. I've always liked this engine combination fitted in these X-Frame Chevys, even though my favorite engine would be... Well I think you all know that it would be a W-Block. :D

Anyway great looking Impala you have there. The color combination looks very good and paint job is really smooth too. I like the tires and that engine detailing is super nice. I can't wait to see this one done.

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For the fender badging--and you're correct; one year only--I found that I can KINDA come close by altering a 1.24 set of crossed fender flags by cutting the checkers into a triangle and laying them over a triangular piece of solid red decal. The 1957 Fuel Injection fender scripts from the Revell Black Widow are the same font as what was used on the 59 fenders. They won't be 100%, but as small as the emblems are, it will be hard to see any difference unless you get nose prints on the hood. The colours are as close as I could get to Tasco Turquoise and Ermine White, followed by a coat of Tamiya pearl clear for a bit of inaccurate Pop. I used a custom paint scheme for the interior using the same colours along with some inaccurate BMF for the piping in order to separate the colours. I should have a lot more completed by this weekend. Thanks for the compliments...believe it or not, I hauled this one out to try and break a building slump. I hope it works! <More later...

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I was really busy over the weekend winterizing the 1:1 family vessels, so all I've had time for was some exhaust scratchbuilding. I tried out a set of scratchbuilt (Solder) pipes and OEM style mufflers--and they looked pretty good--but, there will be a tiny element of mild custom in this build, so I built another set of pipes along with some scratchbuilt mufflers in the style of early Smithys or rolled seam thrush mufflers. I can almost hear the deep burbling that something like this would make at idle. I still need to finish bending one pre-pipe and fabrication of the exhaust clamps and hangers, but you get the idea so far. I'll put up more chassis shots once the exhaust is completed...Thanks for all the kind words, I'm kinda glad that it appears the slump is over!

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Very tedious, but since I made some for a project a long time ago, I feel I have to install them at every non-welded or bolted exhaust joint...exhaust clamps. The nuts are just pieces of hex rod with holes drilled through the centres (Not pictured)...

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I recently had some time to get a little more finished. The scratchbuilt exhaust is finished and installed and the wheels are mounted on modified versions of the custom steelies with centre spiders that came from the AMT 62 Pontiac kit. I drilled the centre cones and made front hubs and rear axle flanges to fill the holes. The chassis is now a roller and the next areas to get some attention are the firewall and core support so I can finally complete the engine bay. More pictures when that and the engine bay wiring and plumbing is finished...possibly next weekend...

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